UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 29 May 2026

Solution: D

• Apogee: The point in the Moon’s elliptical orbit where it is farthest from the Earth. At this distance, the Moon appears smaller in the sky than the Sun.
• Mechanism: If an eclipse occurs at apogee, the Moon’s shadow (umbra) is not long enough to reach the Earth’s surface. Instead, the antumbra reaches Earth. Observers see the Sun as a bright ring (annulus) surrounding the dark Moon. This is an Annular Solar Eclipse.
• A Total Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon is at Perigee (closest approach), appearing large enough to block the Sun completely.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. On June 21, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the Summer Solstice, when the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun. As a result, the duration of daylight progressively increases from the Equator towards higher northern latitudes. Near the Equator, the variation in day length is minimal, but as one moves poleward, the Sun remains above the horizon for longer periods, culminating in continuous daylight near the polar regions.
• Statement 2 is correct. At the Arctic Circle (approximately 66½° North latitude), the Summer Solstice marks the phenomenon of the “Midnight Sun.” On this day, the Sun remains visible for a full 24 hours without setting. Beyond the Arctic Circle, this continuous daylight can last for several days to months, depending on latitude, due to the axial tilt of the Earth.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. During the Winter Solstice on December 22, it is the Northern Hemisphere that is tilted away from the Sun, resulting in winter conditions there. Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun at this time, experiencing the Summer Solstice with longer days and more direct solar radiation.

Solution: A

• Statement I is Correct: Divergent boundaries occur where plates move apart. Magma from the asthenosphere rises to fill the gap, cooling to form new oceanic lithosphere. Hence, they are Constructive Margins (e.g., Sea Floor Spreading).
• Statement II is Incorrect: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a Divergent Boundary, not convergent. The American plates are moving away from the Eurasian/African plates, creating the ridge.
• Statement III is Correct: Transform boundaries (Conservative Margins), like the San Andreas Fault, involve lateral sliding. No magma rises (no construction), and no subduction occurs (no destruction).
• Both I and III are factually true. Statement I directly relates to the concept of Sea Floor Spreading.

Solution: A

• Chinook: Blows down the eastern slopes of the Rockies (2). As it descends, it warms adiabatically. It is called the “Snow Eater” (iii) because it melts snow rapidly in winter.
• Foehn: A warm, dry wind (ii) similar to the Chinook, but it occurs on the leeward side of the Alps (1) in Europe.
• Mistral: A strong, cold, northwesterly wind (i) that blows from southern France down the Rhone Valley (3) into the Gulf of Lion.

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is Correct: Hydrolysis involves the H+ and OH- ions in water reacting with crystal lattices. It turns Orthoclase Feldspar (common in granite) into Kaolinite (clay). It is the primary way granite weathers.
• Statement 2 is Correct: Carbonation involves rainwater dissolving CO2 to form weak carbonic acid. This acid reacts with Calcium Carbonate (Limestone) to form soluble Calcium Bicarbonate, which is washed away. This dissolution creates caves and sinkholes (Karst).

Statement 3 is Correct: Oxidation is the reaction with oxygen (often in the presence of water). Iron turns into Iron Oxide (rust), increasing in volume and weakening the rock structure. This gives many soils and rocks a reddish color.