Geology 2022 Paper I 50 marks 150 words Compulsory Explain

Q1

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Explain 'convergent plate boundary' with suitable examples. Add a note about the characteristics of earthquakes at the convergent boundary. (10 marks) (b) What is the difference between Raster and Vector data? Describe their characteristics as well as their advantages and disadvantages. (10 marks) (c) Illustrate and describe any five types of drainage pattern and give an account of the factors that influence drainage pattern development. (10 marks) (d) Explain through neat sketches what drag folds are, and how they can be used to determine major fold structure. (10 marks) (e) Describe the structures showing gap in stratigraphic sequence caused by erosion and non-depositions. (10 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए : (a) 'अभिसरण प्लेट सीमा' को उपयुक्त उदाहरण सहित समझाइए। अभिसारी सीमा पर भूकंपों की विशेषताओं के बारे में टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक) (b) रेखापुंज (रैस्टर) तथा वेक्टर डेटा में क्या अंतर है? इनकी विशेषताओं के साथ-साथ अनुकूलताओं एवं प्रतिकूलताओं पर प्रकाश डालिए। (10 अंक) (c) अपवाह प्रतिरूप के किन्हीं पाँच प्रकारों का सचित्र वर्णन कीजिए तथा अपवाह प्रतिरूप विकास को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों का उल्लेख कीजिए। (10 अंक) (d) सुस्पष्ट चित्रण से कर्षण वलन को समझाइए। यह किस प्रकार से मुख्य वलन संरचना के निर्धारण में सहायक होता है? (10 अंक) (e) अपरदन एवं अनिशेषण के कारण स्तरीय विन्यासक्रम में अंतराल को प्रदर्शित करने वाली संरचनाओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक)

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Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. 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

This multi-part question requires explaining five distinct geological concepts in approximately 150 words each. Allocate roughly equal time (~6 minutes) and word count per sub-part since all carry equal marks. For (a), define convergent boundaries with Himalayan/Andean examples and note deep-focus earthquakes; for (b), contrast raster-vector data with GIS applications; for (c), illustrate five drainage patterns with Indian examples; for (d), sketch drag fold geometry and its kinematic significance; for (e), describe unconformity types with field criteria. No conclusion needed—treat as five mini-answers with clear sub-headings.

Key points expected

  • (a) Convergent boundary: oceanic-continental (Andes), oceanic-oceanic (Japan), continental-continental (Himalaya); Wadati-Benioff zone; deep-focus earthquakes; tsunami generation
  • (b) Raster: grid cells, continuous data, remote sensing imagery; Vector: points/lines/polygons, discrete features, topology; advantages/disadvantages for scale, storage, precision
  • (c) Five patterns: dendritic, trellis, radial, rectangular, parallel; geological/structural/lithological controls; Indian examples—Ganga dendritic, Chambal trellis, Narmada radial
  • (d) Drag fold definition: minor folds in incompetent layers adjacent to major fold limbs; asymmetry indicates major fold vergence; sketches showing Z/S asymmetry and hinge relationship
  • (e) Unconformities: angular, disconformity, nonconformity, paraconformity; recognition criteria—erosional surface, basal conglomerate, fossil gap, paleosol; economic significance

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness25%12.5Precise definitions across all five parts: accurately distinguishes convergent boundary types with correct earthquake depth patterns; clearly differentiates raster-vector data structures; correctly identifies five drainage patterns with genetic explanations; accurately describes drag fold mechanics and kinematic indicators; properly classifies all four unconformity types with diagnostic featuresGenerally correct definitions with minor errors—may confuse convergent with transform boundaries, oversimplify raster-vector distinction, miss one drainage pattern, describe drag folds without kinematic logic, or conflate unconformity typesFundamental conceptual errors—describes divergent boundaries as convergent, confuses raster with vector entirely, lists drainage patterns without genetic basis, fails to explain drag fold asymmetry significance, or describes bedding planes as unconformities
Diagram / cross-section20%10Neat, labeled sketches for (c) drainage patterns and (d) drag folds; for (a) includes subduction zone cross-section with Benioff zone; diagrams enhance understanding and show professional drafting quality with proper annotationBasic sketches present for required parts but poorly labeled or lacking scale; may omit one mandatory diagram or provide schematic rather than accurate representationsMissing diagrams where explicitly demanded (parts c, d); or crude, unlabeled sketches that confuse rather than clarify; no attempt at visual representation
Field evidence20%10Cites specific field criteria: for (a) earthquake focal mechanism solutions; for (c) actual river systems with map references; for (d) outcrop-scale observations of parasitic fold asymmetry; for (e) field recognition features like erosional relief, paleosols, and fossil gapsMentions general field indicators without specificity—'can be seen in rocks' or 'field studies show' without elaborating what exactly is observed in outcropNo field evidence cited; purely theoretical descriptions without connection to observable geological phenomena or rock exposure characteristics
Quantitative reasoning15%7.5Includes quantitative elements: earthquake depth ranges for convergent boundaries (0-700 km), raster resolution concepts (30m DEM vs vector scale), drainage density calculations, fold wavelength-amplitude relationships, or unconformity time-gap estimates in millions of yearsVague quantitative references—'deep earthquakes' or 'high resolution' without numerical values; or correct numbers mentioned in passing without integrationCompletely qualitative treatment where quantitative parameters are standard knowledge; no awareness that GIS data has resolution, earthquakes have measurable depths, or unconformities represent measurable time gaps
Indian / economic relevance20%10Rich Indian context: Himalayan convergent zone with 2015 Nepal earthquake; Indian Remote Sensing satellites (Resourcesat, Cartosat) for raster data; Ganga, Chambal, Narmada, Kaveri drainage systems; Indian fold belts (Aravalli, Himalaya) for drag folds; Gondwana unconformities and their coal/uranium economic significanceMentions India in 2-3 parts only—e.g., Himalaya for (a) but uses foreign examples elsewhere; or superficial 'India has rivers' without specific namingEntirely foreign examples throughout (Andes, Mississippi, Appalachians); misses opportunity to demonstrate awareness of Indian geology despite explicit relevance of all five topics to Indian subcontinent

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