Part of the General Studies-I question bank for OPSC (OAS) Mains.
A comprehensive, topic-wise practice set of 22 questions on Geomorphology for OPSC (OAS) Mains General Studies-I. 5 of them have been set in an actual paper — the years and exams are printed against each (2025, 2024, 2023, 2018, 2015, 2006). The rest are practice questions on the same syllabus points.
Previous year questions
| No. | Question | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2025 15 marks |
| 2 | What are the geomorphic hazards? Discuss various measures to mitigate such hazards. | OPSC OAS Mains 2024 20 marks |
| 3 | Explain how climatic factors play important role for the development of various landforms. | OPSC OAS Mains 2024 20 marks |
| 4 | How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? | UPSC Mains GS-I 2024 10 marks |
| 5 | What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? | UPSC Mains GS-I 2024 15 marks |
| 6 | Differentiate between 'Strait' and 'Isthmus'. Describe the significances of 'Strait' and 'Isthmus' in international trade. | OPSC OAS Mains 2023 15 marks |
| 7 | How is volcanic eruptions in India explained by tectonic theory? | OPSC OAS Mains 2018 GS Paper-I Q.5(d) · 10 marks |
| 8 | Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 10 marks |
| 9 | Write a brief note on: Barren Island. | OPSC OAS Mains 2006 GS Paper-I Q.14(f) · 4 marks |
Practice questions
| No. | Question | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Geomorphic processes bring changes to the surface of the earth. In this context, discuss the types of endogenic geomorphic processes. | — |
| 11 | Explore the profound impact of endogenic processes on the Earth's crust, as the very fabric of our planet is shaped by these hidden forces from within. Unravel the distinct characteristics that set endogenic processes apart from their exogenic counterparts. | — |
| 12 | Compare and contrast the different aspects of plains and plateaus, and explain how their formations are shaped by the interplay of diverse factors. | — |
| 13 | Compare the erosional and depositional landforms formed by wind and waves. | — |
| 14 | Discuss the supporting evidence as well as the counter arguments against Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift. | — |
| 15 | Analyse the Gaseous Hypothesis of Kant in the creation of the universe and earth. | — |
| 16 | Describe the evolutionary journey of Earth and its atmosphere. | — |
| 17 | What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. | — |
| 18 | Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. | — |
| 19 | Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. | — |
| 20 | How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples. | — |
| 21 | Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves? | — |
| 22 | Explain how climatic factors play important role for the development of various landforms. | — |