UPSC Prelims 2015 Analysis

Explanation

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, due to their unique island ecosystem, provide the ideal conditions for all three forest types to coexist

Mangrove forests Thrive in the coastal areas with brackish water.

Evergreen forests Found in the wetter interior regions with high rainfall.

Deciduous forests Exist in areas with a seasonal climate, experiencing periods of both rain and dryness.

Explanation

The unique "Living Root Bridges" are found in Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India.

These bridges are a testament to the ingenuity and sustainable practices of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes who inhabit the region. They train the aerial roots of specific tree species, like the Ficus elastica (Indian rubber tree), to grow and intertwine over time, forming strong and resilient bridges across rivers and streams.

Explanation

India has sufficient reserves of iron ore, a key raw material for steel production. However, it lacks coking coal, a specific type of coal essential for the steel-making process.

Saltpetre (option A) and rock phosphate (option B) are not directly used in steel production.

Explanation

The westerlies, anti-trades, or prevailing westerlies, are prevailing winds from the west toward the east in the middle latitudes between 30 North and 60 North latitude. They originate from the high-pressure areas in the horse latitudes and trend towards the poles and steer extratropical cyclones in this general manner. Tropical cyclones which cross the subtropical ridge axis into the westerlies recurve due to the increased westerly flow.

Westerly disturbances originate in the Mediterranean Sea, this sea is surrounded by high mountains and a plateau, as a result, high pressure developed there in September- October, while low pressure still developed over the Mediterranean water body. This disturbance is dragged to India or brought to India by Jet stream (westerly winds (flowing west to east)). This is why J&K and the NW part of India receive the highest rainfall from westerly disturbances.

Explanation

In India, teak is a dominant tree species in Tropical Deciduous Forests.

These forests are also known as "Monsoon Forests" and are characterized by

• Rainfall They receive moderate rainfall, typically ranging from 70 to 200 cm annually.
• Seasonality They experience a distinct dry season, leading to trees shedding their leaves during this period.
• Vegetation Tropical Deciduous forests are home to a variety of trees, including teak, sal, shisham, and sandalwood.

Explanation

Gravitational Force of the Sun The Sun's gravity, though weaker than the Moon's, still exerts a pull on the Earth's oceans. This pull, along with the Moon's pull, contributes to the tidal bulge.

Gravitational Force of the Moon The Moon's gravity is the primary force influencing tides. The Moon's pull creates a bulge on the side of the Earth directly facing it and another bulge on the opposite side due to centrifugal force (explained below).

The centrifugal force of the Earth As the Earth rotates, different parts experience varying degrees of centrifugal force (outward force). The parts of the Earth facing away from the Moon experience a stronger centrifugal force than those directly facing the Moon. This creates a bulge on the side away from the Moon, which combines with the Moon's gravitational pull to create high tides.

The combined effect of these three forces creates the rhythmic rise and fall of ocean waters that we observe as tides.

Explanation

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are found in regions that have high temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year.

Arunachal Pradesh This state is located in the eastern part of India and it receives high rainfall. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests.

Himachal Pradesh This state is located in the northern part of India, in the Himalayan region. The climate here is more temperate and alpine due to its high altitude, and it does not support Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests.

Mizoram This state is located in the northeastern part of India and it also receives high rainfall. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests.

Therefore, Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests occur in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Explanation

Inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is a region where the northeast and southeast trade winds converge. This convergence results in the uplift of moist air and leads to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, thunderstorms, and cyclones.

In the South Atlantic and southeastern Pacific regions, the ITCZ seldom occurs. This is because these regions are located in the subtropical high-pressure belt, where the air is descending and dry. As a result, there is very little uplift of moist air, which is necessary for the formation of cyclones.

Sea surface temperatures in these regions are warm enough to support the formation of cyclones. The Coriolis force is also strong enough to initiate the rotation of the cyclones. However, without the uplift of moist air in the ITCZ, the formation of cyclones is unlikely.

Explanation

The region described in the passage is most likely experiencing an equatorial climate.

Clear and bright mornings with sea breeze This suggests a warm and humid environment near the ocean.

Heat building up during the day Equatorial regions receive strong, direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to high daytime temperatures.

Afternoon thunderstorms The rising heat in the afternoon creates convection currents, leading to the formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds that bring brief, intense rain showers with thunder and lightning.

Short-lived rain Equatorial regions experience frequent, short bursts of rain, followed by clear skies again.

Explanation

Indravati and Pranhita These are major left-bank tributaries of the Godavari River.

Vamsadhara This river flows independently into the Bay of Bengal and is not a tributary of Godavari.

Pennar This river flows entirely within Andhra Pradesh and drains into the Bay of Bengal south of Chennai. It's not a tributary of Godavari.

Explanation

The eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current is explained by the convergence of the two equatorial currents

The North Equatorial Current flows westward north of the equator. The South Equatorial Current flows westward south of the equator.

The convergence of these two westward-flowing currents in the equatorial region causes an upwelling of the subsurface water, resulting in the formation of the eastward-flowing equatorial counter-current.

Explanation

1. Srisailam - Nallamala Hills (Correct) Srisailam, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati, is situated in the Nallamala Hills range on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

2. Omkareshwar - Satmala Hills (Incorrect) Omkareshwar, a holy island town on the Narmada River known for its 12 Shiva Jyotirlinga temples, is located in the Mandhata plateau region, not the Satmala Hills.

3. Pushkar - Mahadeo Hills (Incorrect) Pushkar, a sacred town famous for the only Brahma temple in India, is situated on the shores of Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan, not the Mahadeo Hills.

The Mahadeo Hills are located in Madhya Pradesh, a central Indian state.

Explanation

Out of the listed countries, only Jordan does not have a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea.

Syria, Lebanon, and Israel all border the Mediterranean Sea. Jordan is bordered by Israel and the West Bank to the west, effectively separating it from the Mediterranean Sea.

Explanation

The Easternmost and Westernmost states of India are

• Easternmost Arunachal Pradesh
• Westernmost Gujarat