Geography · General Awareness

Geology and Earth Structure

1,345 Questions

Geology and Earth Structure explores the physical composition of the planet, including its layers, tectonic plates, and seismic activity. This topic is a core component of geography and general science sections in various competitive exams. Reviewing these concepts builds a solid foundation for answering questions related to natural phenomena.

Layers of the EarthTectonic PlatesEarthquakes and VolcanoesGeomagnetism ApplicationsGeophysical MethodsLandform Formation

Geology and Earth Structure Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following factors supports the hypothesis of the permanency of ocean basins and continents? The cross section of the ocean basin, comprising the broad abyssal trough flanked by rim-like continental shelves Occurrence of shallow-water sands and muds limited to the continental shell and slope, while that of pelagic oozes being limited to the abyssal plain

  1. Absence of normal sedimentary rocks on the oceanic islands.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

  1. 2 and 3

  2. 1 and 3

  3. 1 and 2

  4. 1, 2 and 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The permanency hypothesis is supported by the cross-sectional structure of ocean basins with abyssal troughs and continental shelves (1), and the absence of normal sedimentary rocks on oceanic islands (3), which suggests ocean basins are permanent features rather than temporary. Option 2 is also correct but the question asks to select the correct combination, which is (b) 1 and 3.

Multiple choice

Which one of the following sets of lakes is to tectonic origin?

  1. Baikal, Tanganyika and Rudolf

  2. China, Pulicat, and Dal

  3. Ladoga, Onega, and Superior

  4. Chand, Biwa and Sambar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Lake Baikal (Russia), Lake Tanganyika (Africa), and Lake Rudolf (Lake Turkana, Africa) are all tectonic lakes formed by tectonic plate movements, faulting, or volcanic activity. These are some of the world's oldest and deepest lakes. The other options include non-tectonic lakes - Chilka (lagoon), Pulicat (lagoon), Dal (lake in Kashmir), and others not formed primarily by tectonic processes.

Multiple choice

Earthquake is caused by _____.

  1. disturbance of earth surface

  2. adjustment of layers of earth crust

  3. breakage of rock system

  4. upliftment of rocks
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Earthquake is caused by disturbance of earth surface

Multiple choice

Consider the following:

  1. Electromagnetic radiation
  2. Geothermal energy
  3. Gravitational force
  4. Plate movements
  5. Rotation of Earth
  6. Revolution of Earth

Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of Earth?

  1. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

  2. 1, 3, 5 and 6 only

  3. 2 and 6 only

  4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Everything about our planet is related either directly or indirectly to tectonic plates. Rotation causes day and night. Revolution causes seasons, change in the length of day and night.

Multiple choice

Lithosphere refers to

  1. Liquid part of the earth

  2. Heat of the earth

  3. Solid crust of the earth

  4. Inner structure of the earth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Lithosphere refers to the solid outer crust of the Earth, including the crust and uppermost mantle. It is not the liquid part (A - that's hydrosphere), the heat (B - that's geothermal), or the inner structure (D - that's core/mantle). The lithosphere is broken into tectonic plates.

Multiple choice

What does the passage talk about?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

India being a large landmass is particularly prone to earthquakes. The Indian subcontinent is divided into five seismic zones with respect to the severity of the earthquakes. The severe hazard zones are roughly confined to plate boundary regions, i.e. the Himalayan frontal arc in the North, the chaman fault region in the North-West and the Indo-Burma region in the North-East. The lower hazard zone is confined to Indian shield in the south and then moderate hazard zone is confined to the transitional zone in between the two. The bureau of Indian standards is the official agency for publishing the seismic hazard maps and codes. It has brought out versions of seismic zoning map: a six zone map in 1962, a seven zone map in 1966 and a five zone map in 1970/1984. The last of these maps is currently valid; this map was created based on the values of maximum MM intensities recorded in various parts of the country in historic times.

  1. Different versions of seismic zoning maps

  2. Distribution of earthquake zones in India

  3. The country’s most powerful earthquakes

  4. All of the above

  5. .
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Which of the following areas is not included in the severe hazard zone?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

India being a large landmass is particularly prone to earthquakes. The Indian subcontinent is divided into five seismic zones with respect to the severity of the earthquakes. The severe hazard zones are roughly confined to plate boundary regions, i.e. the Himalayan frontal arc in the North, the chaman fault region in the North-West and the Indo-Burma region in the North-East. The lower hazard zone is confined to Indian shield in the south and then moderate hazard zone is confined to the transitional zone in between the two. The bureau of Indian standards is the official agency for publishing the seismic hazard maps and codes. It has brought out versions of seismic zoning map: a six zone map in 1962, a seven zone map in 1966 and a five zone map in 1970/1984. The last of these maps is currently valid; this map was created based on the values of maximum MM intensities recorded in various parts of the country in historic times.

  1. Indian shield in the south

  2. The Himalayan front arc in the north

  3. The Indo-Burma region in the North-East

  4. The chaman fault region in the North-West

  5. .
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct answer as this region is in the lower hazard zone.

Multiple choice

What is the function of the Bureau of Indian standards?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

India being a large landmass is particularly prone to earthquakes. The Indian subcontinent is divided into five seismic zones with respect to the severity of the earthquakes. The severe hazard zones are roughly confined to plate boundary regions, i.e. the Himalayan frontal arc in the North, the chaman fault region in the North-West and the Indo-Burma region in the North-East. The lower hazard zone is confined to Indian shield in the south and then moderate hazard zone is confined to the transitional zone in between the two. The bureau of Indian standards is the official agency for publishing the seismic hazard maps and codes. It has brought out versions of seismic zoning map: a six zone map in 1962, a seven zone map in 1966 and a five zone map in 1970/1984. The last of these maps is currently valid; this map was created based on the values of maximum MM intensities recorded in various parts of the country in historic times.

  1. Calculating values of maximum MM intensities recorded in various parts of the country

  2. Publishing the seismic hazard maps and codes

  3. Deciding the validity of seismic zone maps

  4. Keeping track of seismic activity since historic times

  5. .
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

How many seismic zones have been classified in the currently valid map for seismic zones on the Indian subcontinent?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

India being a large landmass is particularly prone to earthquakes. The Indian subcontinent is divided into five seismic zones with respect to the severity of the earthquakes. The severe hazard zones are roughly confined to plate boundary regions, i.e. the Himalayan frontal arc in the North, the chaman fault region in the North-West and the Indo-Burma region in the North-East. The lower hazard zone is confined to Indian shield in the south and then moderate hazard zone is confined to the transitional zone in between the two. The bureau of Indian standards is the official agency for publishing the seismic hazard maps and codes. It has brought out versions of seismic zoning map: a six zone map in 1962, a seven zone map in 1966 and a five zone map in 1970/1984. The last of these maps is currently valid; this map was created based on the values of maximum MM intensities recorded in various parts of the country in historic times.

  1. Six zones

  2. Four zones

  3. Five zones

  4. Seven

  5. .
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Indian subcontinent is divided into five seismic zones with respect to the severity of the earthquakes. The five zone map currently valid was made in 1970/1984.

Multiple choice

The description of the earth surface on the basis of Regions is called:

  1. Regional geography

  2. Systematic geography

  3. Reine geography

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Regional geography focuses on the description and analysis of specific regions of the Earth, studying the unique combination of human and physical characteristics in each area. In contrast, systematic geography examines specific natural or human phenomena globally.

Multiple choice

Which of the following induces diastrophism and volcanism in the lithosphere?

  1. The energy due to geothermal gradients and heat flow from within the earth's crust.

  2. The processes that move, elevate or build up portions of the earth’s crust.

  3. The force applied on earth's materials affecting the same.

  4. The differences in the internal forces operating from within the earth, which built up the crust.

  5. The endogenic and exogenic forces causing physical stresses and chemical actions on earth's crust.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The energy due to geothermal gradients and heat flow from within, induces diastrophism and volcanism in the lithosphere. This is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Which of the following processes does not come under diastrophism?

  1. Weathering processes

  2. Orogenic processes

  3. Epeirogenic processes

  4. Earthquakes involving local relatively minor movements

  5. Plate tectonics involving horizontal movements of crustal plates
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Weathering is the mechanical disintegration and chemical decomposition of rocks through actions of various elements of weather and climate. This does not come under diastrophism.

Multiple choice

__ is the outer most solid part of the earth?

  1. Mantle

  2. Crust

  3. Core

  4. None of the above

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Earth's structure has three main layers: crust (solid outer layer), mantle (semisolid middle), and core (innermost). The crust is the thinnest layer we live on.

Multiple choice

The central molten state of earth is called

  1. lithosphere

  2. hydrosphere

  3. barysphere

  4. pyrosphere
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The barysphere is the central, molten core of the Earth. The lithosphere is the solid crust, hydrosphere refers to Earth's water, and pyrosphere is the region of molten rock just beneath the crust.