Geography 2025 Paper I 50 marks Examine

Q3

(a) Examine the formation of atmospheric tricellular circulation system. Describe with example its importance in making the Earth a living planet. (20 marks) (b) What is the 'UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'? How does it balance ecological goals with emerging socio-economic needs like food security and development? (15 marks) (c) "The Himalaya is still rising." Expand this statement and describe the processes involved in it with suitable sketches and examples. (15 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) वायुमण्डल की त्रिकोशिकीय परिसंचरण प्रणाली के निर्माण का परीक्षण कीजिए। पृथ्वी को एक जीवित ग्रह बनाने में इसके महत्व का सौदाहरण वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) 'पारिस्थितिक तंत्र पुनर्स्थापनी संयुक्त राष्ट्र दशक' क्या है? यह कैसे पारिस्थितिकीय लक्ष्यों को खाद्य सुरक्षा और विकास जैसी उभरती सामाजिक-आर्थिक जरूरतों के साथ संतुलित करता है? (15 अंक) (c) "हिमालय अभी भी ऊँचा हो रहा है।" उपयुक्त चित्रों एवं उदाहरणों के माध्यम से इस कथन का विस्तार कीजिए तथा इसमें प्रयुक्त प्रक्रियाओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)

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Directive word: Examine

This question asks you to examine. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'examine' in part (a) demands critical analysis of causes and effects, while parts (b) and (c) use 'what/how' and 'expand' requiring explanation and elaboration. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, with ~30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief integrated introduction → systematic treatment of each sub-part with clear sub-headings → conclusion synthesizing how atmospheric dynamics, ecosystem restoration, and tectonic processes collectively sustain planetary habitability.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Explanation of differential solar heating, Coriolis force, and pressure belt formation leading to Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells; role in heat redistribution, precipitation patterns, and biodiversity maintenance (e.g., monsoon systems supporting Indian agriculture)
  • Part (a): Specific examples of how tricellular circulation enables life—ITCZ migration enabling tropical rainforests, westerlies carrying moisture to temperate zones, polar easterlies influencing Antarctic ecosystems
  • Part (b): Definition of UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), its targets under UNCCD and CBD; mechanisms like Bonn Challenge, national commitments, and landscape restoration approaches
  • Part (b): Balancing strategies—agroforestry (Moringa-Sesbania systems), payment for ecosystem services, community-based forest management (JFM in India), and nature-based solutions that enhance food security while restoring degraded lands
  • Part (c): Evidence of ongoing Himalayan uplift—GPS measurements, river incision rates, seismic activity; neo-tectonic processes including Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) activity, duplex formation, and crustal shortening
  • Part (c): Geomorphic signatures—terraced river valleys, knickpoints, anomalous drainage patterns; examples from Nanga Parbat-Haramosh massif, Arun-Kosi river captures, and active fault systems like Main Boundary Thrust

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness22%11Demonstrates precise understanding of tricellular circulation mechanics (thermal vs. dynamic causes), accurately distinguishes UN Decade frameworks from earlier initiatives, and correctly explains Himalayan uplift mechanisms including critical taper theory and duplex structures with appropriate terminologyCovers basic circulation cells with minor errors in Coriolis explanation; describes UN Decade generally without specific targets; mentions tectonic uplift but confuses thrust systems or omits geodetic evidenceFundamental misconceptions about circulation drivers (e.g., confuses pressure belts with wind systems), vague or incorrect description of UN initiatives, and erroneous geological processes (e.g., describes volcanic rather than tectonic uplift)
Map / diagram18%9Includes three distinct quality diagrams: labeled cross-section of tricellular circulation with pressure belts and wind directions; schematic of restoration intervention types; and annotated sketch of Himalayan tectonic framework (MHT, MBT, MCT) showing duplex geometry and uplift vectorsProvides two adequate diagrams with basic labels; sketches may lack directional arrows, pressure values, or tectonic symbols; diagrams support text but lack precision in representationSingle generic diagram or poorly executed sketches; missing essential elements like cell boundaries, wind directions, or thrust fault symbols; diagrams contradict textual explanation
Indian regional examples20%10Integrates specific Indian examples throughout: for (a)—SW monsoon as Ferrel-Hadley interaction, Western Ghats orographic rainfall; for (b)—Bonn Challenge commitments (26 million hectares), Telangana's Haritha Haram, MGNREGA watershed restoration; for (c)—Himalayan GPS stations (Ladakh, Garhwal), Siwalik piggyback basins, Bhakra-Nangal reservoir siltation evidenceMentions India in 1-2 sub-parts with general references (e.g., 'monsoons in India,' 'Himalayan rivers') but lacks specific schemes, locations, or quantitative data; examples are illustrative rather than analyticalMinimal or no Indian context; treats question as generic physical geography without connecting to subcontinental relevance; examples are factually wrong or irrelevant
Spatial analysis20%10Analyzes spatial patterns explicitly: latitudinal zonation of circulation cells and biomes; spatial prioritization in restoration (degraded forest maps, hotspot identification); differential uplift rates across Himalayan syntaxes and their landscape expressions; uses directional and relational spatial languageAcknowledges spatial distribution without systematic analysis; describes where restoration occurs or where Himalaya rises without explaining spatial variation causes or interconnections between scalesAbsent spatial reasoning; treats phenomena as placeless processes; no recognition of geographic patterns, gradients, or regional differentiation within India or globally
Application / policy20%10Critically evaluates policy integration: for (a)—climate modeling and agricultural planning applications; for (b)—assesses trade-offs in restoration targets vs. food security, critiques top-down vs. participatory governance, references India's NDCs and State Action Plans; for (c)—hazard assessment (GLOF, landslide zoning), infrastructure planning (tunnel alignment, dam safety)Lists relevant policies without critical evaluation; describes UN Decade or national missions superficially; mentions hazard implications without connecting to planning or management applicationsNo policy or applied dimension; purely academic treatment ignoring real-world implementation challenges, governance mechanisms, or practical consequences for communities and development

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