Geography Set 17 | MROY Class

Geography Set 17 – Questions & Answers

The Precambrian time constitutes a massive portion of the Earth’s history… Approximately what percentage of the Earth’s history does the Precambrian time constitute? – 86.7%
The term ‘Archaean’, referring to the oldest rocks of the Earth’s crust, was introduced in 1782 by which of the following geologists? – J.D. Dana
Archaean rocks are highly crystalline, extremely contorted, faulted, and practically devoid of any sediment. Because they form the foundational core, all over the world they are known as: – Basement complex or fundamental gneisses
The Khondolites, named after the Khond tribes of Koraput and Bolangir districts, represent which specific type of Archaean gneiss? – Bengal Gneiss
The Dharwar System represents the first metamorphosed sedimentary rock systems known in the Indian Geological Time Scale. Between which million years did this geologic time extend? – 2500 to 1800 million years ago
The Khondolite Series of the Dharwar System occupies a large area in the Eastern Ghats. It extends from the northern extremity down to the valley of which major peninsular river? – Krishna
In the Indian Geological Time Scale, the Cuddapah System and the Vindhyan System are collectively grouped under which broad category? – The Purana Group
The Papaghani Series, named after the Papaghani river, consists of quartzites, sandstones, shales, slates, limestones, and marbles. In which state is the Papaghani river valley located? – Andhra Pradesh
The Vindhyan System derives its name from the Vindhyan Mountains, which geographically form a dividing line between the Deccan Plateau and which other major physiographic region? – The Ganga Plain
The Bhander Series spreads over the western parts of the Vindhyan formation. Besides diamonds and precious stones, what is this series primarily known to provide? – Good quality building material
In the Standard Geological Time Scale, the Palaeozoic Era includes the Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian periods. What is this era known as in the Indian Geological Time Scale? – The Dravidian Era
In geological terminology, the word ‘Mesozoic’ literally means: – Middle life
The Talcher Series is known for rich, good quality coal used for smelting and in thermal power plants. It derives its name from Talcher, which is situated in which district of Orissa? – Dhenkanal
The Damuda Series belongs to the Middle Gondwana Period. Which of the following locations is NOT listed as an important coal-bearing area of this specific period? – Makrana
During the Upper Carboniferous Period, the Himalayan region was occupied by a vast geosyncline which was connected to the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. What was this body of water called? – The Tethys Sea
Which specific region of the Himalayas witnessed violent volcanic activity during the Upper Carboniferous Period? – The Kashmir Himalayas
The Cretaceous Period is a widely distributed geological system in India marked by the transgression of the sea and outpouring of huge quantities of lava. What does the Latin word ‘creta’ mean? – Chalk
In the Deccan Trap, individual lava flows have a thickness of about 5 m to 29 m on average. When these flows are interspersed with sedimentary beds, what are those beds called? – Inter-trappean beds
The Cenozoic Era encompasses two periods: the Tertiary and the Quaternary. Approximately how many million years ago did the Tertiary Period begin? – 66 million years ago
The upheaval of the Himalayas occurred in three distinct phases. Which physical division of the Himalayas was formed as a result of the first upheaval during the Eocene period? – The Greater Himalayas
Which major physical division of India was completely non-existent prior to the Quaternary Period? – The Great Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain
The Karewa formations of the Kashmir Valley and the terraces of the Jhelum on the flanks of the Pir-Panjal are significant landforms. To which geological period do they belong? – Pleistocene Period
The origin of rocks of Peninsular India dates back to more than how many million years ago? – 3600 million years
The Central Indian Highlands, known geologically as the Vindhyan Mountains, occupy a massive basin. They extend from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan in the west to which prominent town in Bihar in the east? – Sasaram
The Aravallis are one of the oldest folded mountains of the world, running from northeast to southwest for about 800 km. Which town in Gujarat marks their south-western limit? – Palanpur
The Bundelkhand upland (Vindhyachal Plateau) stretches over several districts across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Which of the following sets of districts falls within Madhya Pradesh? – Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, and Panna
To the south of the Vindhyachal-Baghelkhand Plateau lies the Narmada-Son trough, a prominent rift valley. South of this trough lies which major mountain range characterized by radial drainage? – The Satpura Range
While Dhupgarh (1350 m) is the highest peak of the Satpura Range, what is the elevation of Amarkantak, another highly important peak within the same range? – 1064 metres
The Chotanagpur Plateau exhibits varying elevations, with its highest general elevation located in its mid-western part reaching about 1100 m. What are these high-altitude plateaus locally known as? – Pat lands
The Meghalaya Plateau has a chequered evolutionary history. What is the highest elevation specifically of the entire Meghalaya Plateau? – Shillong Peak (1823 m)

MROY Class

Geography Set 17

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📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.1) The Precambrian time constitutes a massive portion of the Earth’s history, dating from the formation of the Earth to the beginning of the Cambrian Period. Approximately what percentage of the Earth’s history does the Precambrian time constitute?

Ans > 86.7%

Explanation: The Precambrian time constitutes about 86.7 % of the Earth’s history. The term ‘Archaean’ refers to the oldest rocks of the Earth’s crust developed during this era.
The Dawn of the Earth: The Precambrian time is the longest continuous expanse of time in the Earth’s geological history. It spans from the Earth’s initial formation roughly 4.6 billion years ago to the explosion of complex, multicellular life about 541 million years ago.
Lack of Fossil Records: Despite its immense length, the Precambrian record is remarkably poor in fossils. The organisms that existed were predominantly microscopic and soft-bodied, meaning they did not leave behind the hard-shelled fossils common in later geological periods. We mostly find evidence of early life in the form of stromatolites (layered biochemical accretionary structures).
Formation of the Cratons: During this massive 86.7% chunk of history, the Earth’s crust was cooling and forming stable blocks of lithosphere known as cratons. These cratons eventually amalgamated to form the ancient cores of modern continents, including the foundational Indian Peninsular shield.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.2) The term ‘Archaean’, referring to the oldest rocks of the Earth’s crust, was introduced in 1782 by which of the following geologists?

Ans > J.D. Dana

Explanation: The term ‘Archaean’, introduced by J.D. Dana in 1782, refers to the oldest rocks of the Earth’s crust.
Historical Misprint of the Year: While many standard Indian geography textbooks repeatedly cite the year 1782, it is actually a widespread historical misprint. James Dwight Dana, the eminent American geologist, was born in 1813 and formally introduced the term “Archean” in 1872 to denote the most ancient rocks.
Etymology of the Term: The word ‘Archaean’ is derived from the ancient Greek word “arkhē,” which translates to “beginning” or “origin.” Dana used this term precisely because these rocks represented the earliest known planetary crustal formations before the discovery of even older Hadean rocks.
Dana’s Legacy in Geology: J.D. Dana was a pioneering figure in the fields of mineralogy and geology. His systemic classification of minerals based on mathematics, chemistry, and physics laid the groundwork for modern geological sciences, allowing later scientists to accurately categorize the heavily crystallized rocks of the Archaean system.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.3) Archaean rocks are highly crystalline, extremely contorted, faulted, and practically devoid of any sediment. Because they form the foundational core, all over the world they are known as:

Ans > Basement complex or fundamental gneisses

Explanation: These rocks are largely intruded by plutonic intrusions and generally have a well-defined foliated structure. These rocks are known as the basement complex or fundamental gneisses.
The Foundation of Continents: The term “basement complex” is used because these rocks quite literally serve as the foundation upon which all subsequent sedimentary and volcanic rocks are deposited. They are the deepest exposed rocks on the continental crust and have withstood billions of years of tectonic pressure.
Azoic Characteristics: These fundamental gneisses are entirely “azoic,” meaning they are devoid of any fossilized life. Because they formed when the Earth was violently hot and before complex life evolved, and because they have been subjected to extreme metamorphic heat and pressure, no biological remnants could have survived.
Economic Significance: Although they lack fossil fuels, the basement complex is of tremendous economic value. The immense heat and pressure that formed these crystalline structures also concentrated valuable metallic minerals, making regions dominated by these rocks (like the Dharwar craton in India) rich in gold, iron, copper, and manganese.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.4) The Khondolites, named after the Khond tribes of Koraput and Bolangir districts, represent which specific type of Archaean gneiss?

Ans > Bengal Gneiss

Explanation: The Bengal Gneiss which occurs in the Eastern Ghats, Orissa is known as Khondolites after Khond tribes in Koraput and Bolangir districts.
Geographical Distribution: Despite being named “Bengal Gneiss,” the Khondolite suite of rocks is most prominently exposed in the Eastern Ghats mobile belt, stretching extensively through modern-day Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. They are a defining geological feature of the eastern coastal highlands.
Tribal Etymology and Geography: The Khond (or Kondh) people are one of the largest indigenous tribal communities in Odisha, primarily residing in the hilly tracts of Koraput, Bolangir, and Kalahandi. British geologists often named local rock series after the native communities living on top of these geological formations.
Mineral Composition and Weathering: Khondolites are highly metamorphosed rocks rich in quartz, manganese, garnet, sillimanite, and graphite. Due to the heavy monsoonal climate of the Eastern Ghats, these rocks undergo intense chemical weathering, which leaches away silica and leaves behind thick caps of bauxite (aluminum ore), making the region a major mining hub.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.5) The Dharwar System represents the first metamorphosed sedimentary rock systems known in the Indian Geological Time Scale. Between which million years did this geologic time extend?

Ans > 2500 to 1800 million years ago

Explanation: This geologic time extends from 2500 million years ago to 1800 million years ago. These are the first metamorphosed sedimentary rock systems known as the Dharwar System.
The First True Sediments: After the cooling of the Archaean basement complex, the Earth experienced its first major cycles of weathering and erosion. The Dharwar system represents the very first sediments that were deposited in early aquatic basins, which were subsequently metamorphosed by tectonic activities.
Nomenclature and Discovery: The rock system is named after the Dharwar district in Karnataka, where these formations were first extensively studied by the Geological Survey of India. The rocks are highly folded, faulted, and sheared, reflecting a violent tectonic history.
The Bedrock of Indian Metallurgy: The Dharwar rock system is the most economically vital geological formation in India regarding metalliferous ores. It hosts nearly all of the country’s prominent gold reserves (such as the Kolar Gold Fields), alongside vast deposits of high-grade iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, and copper, forming the backbone of the Indian steel industry.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.6) The Khondolite Series of the Dharwar System occupies a large area in the Eastern Ghats. It extends from the northern extremity down to the valley of which major peninsular river?

Ans > Krishna

Explanation: The Khondolite Series occupies a large area in the Eastern Ghats from the northern extremity to the valley of Krishna. The principal rock types in this series are khondolites, kodurites, charnockites and gneisses.
The Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt: The region extending down to the Krishna River valley is part of a complex tectonic zone known as the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt. This belt is a heavily eroded remnant of an ancient mountain range that formed through continental collisions over a billion years ago.
The Role of the Krishna River: The Krishna River acts as a significant geomorphological boundary. South of the Krishna basin, the structural trend and lithology of the Eastern Ghats begin to shift, transitioning into different rock suites like the massive charnockites of Tamil Nadu and the Nilgiris.
Rock Assemblages: Along with Khondolites, this series is characterized by Kodurites (manganese-rich rocks) and Charnockites (granite-like rocks named after Job Charnock, the founder of modern Kolkata). The presence of these varied highly metamorphosed rocks indicates that the region once experienced extreme subterranean temperatures and pressures before being exposed by millions of years of erosion.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.7) In the Indian Geological Time Scale, the Cuddapah System and the Vindhyan System are collectively grouped under which broad category?

Ans > The Purana Group

Explanation: In the Indian Geological Time Scale, advocated by T.S. Holland, the Pre-Cambrian Era is known as the Purana. The chapter explicitly lists the Cuddapah System under “THE PURANA GROUP”.
T.S. Holland’s Classification: Sir Thomas Henry Holland, a pioneering British geologist and director of the Geological Survey of India, devised a unique geological time scale specifically tailored for the Indian subcontinent. He classified Indian stratigraphy into four main groups: Archaean, Purana, Dravidian, and Aryan.
Meaning of ‘Purana’: The term “Purana” is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “ancient” or “old.” Holland chose this cultural term to represent the Proterozoic eon in India, bridging the gap between the highly crystalline Archaean rocks and the fossil-bearing rocks of the later eras.
Characteristics of the Group: The rocks belonging to the Purana Group (primarily the Cuddapah and Vindhyan systems) are primarily sedimentary in origin, formed by the erosion of the older Dharwar and Archaean rocks. Unlike the heavily contorted Dharwar rocks, the Purana rocks are relatively less metamorphosed and less violently folded, though they remain entirely devoid of identifiable fossils.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.8) The Papaghani Series, named after the Papaghani river, consists of quartzites, sandstones, shales, slates, limestones, and marbles. In which state is the Papaghani river valley located?

Ans > Andhra Pradesh

Explanation: The series has been named after the Papaghani river (Andhra Pradesh), in the valley of which these rocks have been exposed.
The Cuddapah Basin: The Papaghani Series represents the lowermost and oldest rock formations within the massive Cuddapah Basin. This basin is a distinct crescent-shaped geological depression located in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, famous for its rich mineral deposits.
The Papagni River: The Papagni (or Papaghani) is a non-perennial, rain-fed river that originates in the Nandi Hills of Karnataka but flows predominantly through the Annamayya and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh before joining the Pennar River. Its erosional forces have carved through the rock, exposing this ancient series.
Lithological Diversity: The rocks in the Papaghani series tell a story of ancient marine environments. The presence of quartzites and sandstones indicates ancient sandy beaches and shallow waters, while the limestones point to deeper marine precipitation. The subsequent metamorphism turned some of these limestones into visually striking marbles.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.9) The Vindhyan System derives its name from the Vindhyan Mountains, which geographically form a dividing line between the Deccan Plateau and which other major physiographic region?

Ans > The Ganga Plain

Explanation: The Vindhyan System derives its name from the Vindhyan Mountain. This mountain forms a dividing line between the Ganga Plain and the Deccan Plateau.
A Massive Sedimentary Basin: The Vindhyan System is one of the largest and thickest sedimentary rock basins in the world. Formed in shallow seas and river valleys over a billion years ago, these rocks have largely remained undeformed by tectonic folding, preserving excellent sedimentary structures like ripple marks and cross-bedding.
The Cultural and Geographic Divide: The Vindhyan Mountains act as a prominent escarpment that has historically served as a cultural, linguistic, and geographical barrier between Northern India (the Indo-Gangetic plains) and Southern India (the Deccan Plateau). They effectively block the easy southward expansion of the northern plains.
Water Divide: Geomorphologically, the Vindhyas serve as a major watershed divide. Rivers originating on the northern slopes of the Vindhyas, such as the Chambal, Betwa, and Ken, flow northward to join the Yamuna and Ganga river systems, completely separated from the peninsular rivers flowing to the south.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.10) The Bhander Series spreads over the western parts of the Vindhyan formation. Besides diamonds and precious stones, what is this series primarily known to provide?

Ans > Good quality building material

Explanation: The Bhander Series spreads over the western parts of the Vindhyan formation. The series provides good quality of building material besides diamonds and precious stones.
Architectural Heritage: The Bhander Series is famous for yielding some of the finest red and buff-colored sandstones in India. These stones have been used for centuries to build India’s most iconic historical monuments, including the Sanchi Stupa, the Red Fort in Delhi, the Agra Fort, and the grand palaces of Rajasthan.
Geological Structure: Belonging to the Upper Vindhyan system, the Bhander Series primarily consists of sandstones, shales, and limestones. Because these rocks have not been subjected to severe tectonic pressures, they remain relatively soft and easily quarryable, making them perfect for intricate stone carving and masonry work.
Industrial Resources: Beyond historical architecture, the limestones found within the Bhander Series are of immense contemporary economic value. They provide the primary raw material for the massive cement industry operating across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, making it a cornerstone of modern Indian infrastructure.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.11) In the Standard Geological Time Scale, the Palaeozoic Era includes the Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian periods. What is this era known as in the Indian Geological Time Scale?

Ans > The Dravidian Era

Explanation: The Palaeozoic Era includes the Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous and the Permian periods of the Standard Geological Time Scale. This is known as the Dravidian Era in the Indian Geological Time Scale.
Holland’s Stratigraphic Naming: In T.S. Holland’s classification, the Dravidian Era perfectly roughly corresponds to the global Palaeozoic Era, spanning from around 541 million to 252 million years ago. It marks the time in geological history when early life forms rapidly diversified in the oceans and eventually moved onto land.
Scarcity in the Peninsula: Interestingly, rocks belonging to the Dravidian Era are extremely rare in the main Indian Peninsular plateau. During this vast expanse of time, the Indian landmass was a stable, elevated landmass primarily undergoing continuous weathering and erosion, leaving little to no space for sedimentary rock deposition.
Extra-Peninsular Presence: While absent in the south, rich deposits of the Dravidian rock system are found in the extra-peninsular regions, specifically in the higher reaches of the Himalayas (such as Spiti, Kashmir, and Lahaul). These regions were once submerged under ancient seas, allowing for the continuous deposition of marine sediments rich in early fossils.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.12) In geological terminology, the word ‘Mesozoic’ literally means:

Ans > Middle life

Explanation: ‘Mesozoic’ means middle life. The term is used for a period of geologic time in which the presence of fossil invertebrates dominated the rocks.
Etymology of the Era: The term “Mesozoic” comes from the Greek prefix “meso-” meaning “middle” and “zoon” meaning “animal” or “life.” It is wedged precisely between the Paleozoic (“ancient life”) and the Cenozoic (“recent life”) eras, spanning roughly from 252 million to 66 million years ago.
The Age of Reptiles: Globally, the Mesozoic is best known as the “Age of Reptiles” or the era of the dinosaurs. It encompasses the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. In the oceans, it was dominated by massive marine reptiles and abundant invertebrates like ammonites, whose spiral shells are heavily used as index fossils.
India’s Journey During the Mesozoic: For the Indian landmass, the Mesozoic was a time of dramatic transformation. At the beginning of this era, India was firmly attached to the supercontinent of Gondwanaland. By the end of the Mesozoic, India had broken off and was rapidly drifting northward across the Tethys Ocean toward its eventual collision with Eurasia.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.13) The Talcher Series is known for rich, good quality coal used for smelting and in thermal power plants. It derives its name from Talcher, which is situated in which district of Orissa?

Ans > Dhenkanal

Explanation: It is the series of the Gondwana system named after Talcher in Dhenkanal District of Orissa. It is rich in good quality coal used for smelting and in thermal power plants.
Modern Administrative Boundaries: While textbook geography accurately identifies Talcher’s historical placement in the Dhenkanal district, it is important to note that due to the reorganization of districts in Odisha in 1993, Talcher is now administratively located within the Angul district.
Glacial Signatures: The Talcher Series holds a special place in global geology. At its very base lies the “Talcher Boulder Bed,” which consists of unassorted boulders and pebbles embedded in a fine matrix. This bed is direct evidence of a massive glaciation event during the Upper Carboniferous period, proving India was once located near the South Pole.
Economic Powerhouse: The Talcher coalfields represent some of the largest coal reserves in India. They form the lowermost part of the Lower Gondwana coal-bearing sequences. The coal mined here is the primary fuel source for multiple massive thermal power plants, making the region a critical energy hub for eastern India.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.14) The Damuda Series belongs to the Middle Gondwana Period. Which of the following locations is NOT listed as an important coal-bearing area of this specific period?

Ans > Makrana

Explanation: The important coal bearing areas of this period are Raniganj, Jharia, Karanpura and Bokaro… Singrauli, Korba, and Pench valley… Talcher… and Singreni. Makrana is famous for high-quality marble belonging to the Rialo Series.
The Heart of Indian Coal: The Damuda Series (named after the Damodar River) is the most economically crucial rock formation in India. It contains nearly 80% of the country’s total coal reserves, hosting legendary coalfields like Jharia (known for prime coking coal) and Raniganj (the birthplace of coal mining in India).
Formation Environment: The rocks of the Damuda Series were laid down in massive freshwater rift valleys during the Permian period. Dense forests of the Glossopteris flora grew in these swampy river valleys, died, and were subsequently buried under thick sediments to eventually metamorphose into rich coal beds.
The Makrana Distinction: Makrana, an option in this question, has absolutely nothing to do with coal or the Gondwana system. Located in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan, it is famous worldwide for producing pristine white marble that belongs to the ancient, Precambrian Aravalli/Rialo formations. This is the exact marble used to construct the Taj Mahal.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.15) During the Upper Carboniferous Period, the Himalayan region was occupied by a vast geosyncline which was connected to the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. What was this body of water called?

Ans > The Tethys Sea

Explanation: During the Upper Carboniferous Period, the Himalayan region was occupied by a vast geosyncline which was connected to the Pacific Ocean in the east through China, and the Atlantic Ocean in the west through Afghanistan, Iran, Asia Minor and the present Mediterranean Sea. This was called the Tethys Sea.
The Continental Divide: The Tethys Sea was a massive, shallow body of water that existed between the northern supercontinent of Laurasia (comprising modern-day North America, Europe, and Asia) and the southern supercontinent of Gondwanaland (comprising India, Africa, Antarctica, South America, and Australia).
The Geosynclinal Theory: For millions of years, rivers from both Laurasia and Gondwanaland deposited unfathomable amounts of sediment into this shallow sea, creating a slowly sinking basin known as a geosyncline. These accumulated marine sediments were destined to become the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
Marine Fossils at High Altitudes: The legacy of the Tethys Sea is visible today in the high Himalayas. Mountaineers routinely find marine fossils, such as ammonites (locally revered as Shaligram stones), embedded in rocks at elevations exceeding 20,000 feet, proving that the highest points on Earth were once the bottom of a tropical sea.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.16) Which specific region of the Himalayas witnessed violent volcanic activity during the Upper Carboniferous Period?

Ans > The Kashmir Himalayas

Explanation: The area of the Kashmir Himalayas (from Pir-Panjal to Hazara in the north-west and Ladakh in the north-east) witnessed violent volcanic activity.
The Panjal Volcanics: The violent volcanic activity in the Kashmir region during the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian period is geologically recorded as the “Panjal Traps.” These are massive, widespread layers of solidified basaltic lava found heavily concentrated in the Pir Panjal range.
Tectonic Rifting Preceding Collision: Millions of years before the actual collision that formed the Himalayas, the northern edge of the Indian plate was subjected to severe tensional stress. This stress caused the crust to rift and fracture, allowing highly pressurized magma from the mantle to pour out over the shallow coastal regions and landmasses.
Interbedding with Marine Life: An interesting aspect of the Panjal Traps is that the volcanic lava flows are frequently interbedded with sedimentary layers containing marine fossils. This indicates that the volcanic eruptions often took place in shallow marine or coastal environments, violently interrupting periods of quiet sediment deposition.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.17) The Cretaceous Period is a widely distributed geological system in India marked by the transgression of the sea and outpouring of huge quantities of lava. What does the Latin word ‘creta’ mean?

Ans > Chalk

Explanation: The term ‘Cretaceous’ has been obtained from the Latin creta, meaning ‘chalk’.
Etymology and Global Signatures: The name ‘Cretaceous’ was coined by Belgian geologist Jean d’Omalius d’Halloy in 1822. It refers to the extensive beds of chalk (calcium carbonate deposited by the shells of microscopic marine algae) found across Europe, most famously visible today as the White Cliffs of Dover in England.
Marine Transgressions in India: During the Cretaceous, global sea levels were extraordinarily high due to a lack of polar ice and rapid seafloor spreading. In India, this resulted in the sea overflowing onto the continental landmass (a transgression), leaving behind significant marine sedimentary records, such as the Bagh Beds in central India and the Ariyalur beds in Tamil Nadu.
The Final Act of the Dinosaurs: The Cretaceous period, spanning from roughly 145 to 66 million years ago, marks the final segment of the Mesozoic Era. It came to an abrupt and violent end due to a massive asteroid impact (the K-T extinction event), which wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs and severely altered the Earth’s climate.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.18) In the Deccan Trap, individual lava flows have a thickness of about 5 m to 29 m on average. When these flows are interspersed with sedimentary beds, what are those beds called?

Ans > Inter-trappean beds

Explanation: The individual lava flows, on an average, have a thickness of about 5 m to 29 m. Such flows have been identified in a boring near Bhusawal (Maharashtra). These are inter-bedded with sedimentary beds called ‘inter-trappean beds’.
Periods of Quiescence: The massive volcanic eruptions that formed the Deccan Traps did not happen continuously. There were prolonged periods of geological silence (quiescence) between major lava flows. During these peaceful intervals, normal environmental processes resumed: rivers flowed, lakes formed, and sediments were deposited on top of the cooled lava.
A Fossilized Time Capsule: These inter-trappean sedimentary beds are incredibly valuable to paleontologists. They trapped and preserved the flora and fauna that returned during the quiescent periods, yielding fossils of early frogs, freshwater molluscs, dinosaur eggs, and primitive angiosperms (flowering plants) right before the mass extinction event.
Weathering and Soil Formation: Over millions of years, the basalts of the Deccan Traps and the inter-trappean beds have weathered extensively in the tropical climate. This weathering process has produced the highly fertile “Regur” or Black Cotton Soil, which retains moisture exceptionally well and drives the agricultural economy of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.19) The Cenozoic Era (‘recent life’) encompasses two periods: the Tertiary and the Quaternary. Approximately how many million years ago did the Tertiary Period begin?

Ans > 66 million years ago

Explanation: Cenozoic means recent life. The beginning of the Tertiary Period is about 66 million years ago.
The Dawn of a New Era: The Tertiary period officially began roughly 66 million years ago, immediately following the catastrophic K-T mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs. The term “Tertiary” originates from early geological classifications, representing the “third” major age of life on Earth, transitioning into the modern world.
The Mammalian Explosion: With the giant reptilian predators gone, ecological niches across the planet were left wide open. The Tertiary period witnessed an explosive evolutionary radiation of mammals and birds, which rapidly diversified in size, shape, and function to dominate both land and marine ecosystems.
Geological Upheaval in India: For the Indian subcontinent, the Tertiary period is the most physically transformative era in its history. It was during this time that the drifting Indian Plate finally collided violently with the Eurasian Plate. The immense tectonic compression squeezed the sediments of the Tethys Sea upwards, initiating the birth of the mighty Himalayan mountain range.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.20) The upheaval of the Himalayas occurred in three distinct phases. Which physical division of the Himalayas was formed as a result of the first upheaval during the Eocene period?

Ans > The Greater Himalayas

Explanation: During the first upheaval (Eocene—about 65 million years ago), which culminated in the Oligocene, and resulted in the upheaval of the Greater Himalayas.
The Core of the Collision: The Greater Himalayas, also known as the Himadri, represent the earliest and most intense phase of the tectonic collision between India and Eurasia. Because they were the first to be thrust upward, they form the absolute core and the highest topographical crest of the entire mountain system.
Crystalline Composition: Due to the extreme pressures of this initial collision, the deep granitic basement of the Indian plate was squeezed upward. Consequently, the core of the Greater Himalayas is not made of the sedimentary rocks of the Tethys Sea, but of highly metamorphosed crystalline rocks like granites and gneisses.
Subsequent Orogenic Phases: Following the Eocene uplift of the Greater Himalayas, the tectonic push continued. A second major upheaval during the Miocene epoch created the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and a final, ongoing third upheaval during the Pliocene to Pleistocene epochs folded the river sediments at the foothills into the Outer Himalayas (the Shiwaliks).

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.21) Which major physical division of India was completely non-existent prior to the Quaternary Period?

Ans > The Great Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain

Explanation: The third physical division of India which is the Great Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain had not figured at all till the Quaternary Period.
The Himalayan Foredeep: When the Himalayas were forcefully thrust upward, the intense tectonic pressure caused the crust immediately to the south to warp downward. This created a massive, asymmetric depression or “foredeep” stretching from modern-day Punjab to Assam, lying directly between the rising mountains and the rigid Peninsular plateau.
Alluvial Infilling: Throughout the Pleistocene and into the Holocene (the Quaternary Period), massive river systems originating in the newly formed Himalayas—namely the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra—began eroding the mountains. They dumped thousands of meters of silt, sand, and clay into this foredeep, gradually filling it entirely to create a flat plain.
Agricultural and Demographic Heartline: Because these plains are geologically incredibly young and formed from fertile, constantly renewed river alluvium, they constitute some of the most productive agricultural land on Earth. Consequently, this late geological addition to India now supports hundreds of millions of people and forms the country’s demographic backbone.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.22) The Karewa formations of the Kashmir Valley and the terraces of the Jhelum on the flanks of the Pir-Panjal are significant landforms. To which geological period do they belong?

Ans > Pleistocene Period

Explanation: The moraine deposits and the Karewa formations of Kashmir Valley and the Bhadarwa (Doda District of Jammu Division) are of the Pleistocene period.
Lacustrine Origins: The term ‘Karewa’ translates to “elevated table-land” in the local Kashmiri dialect. Geologically, these are thick, flat-topped deposits of clay, sand, and glacial moraines. They were formed at the bottom of a massive, ancient glacial lake (the Pleistocene Karewa Lake) that once covered the entirety of the Kashmir Valley.
Tectonic Drainage: The lake eventually drained away due to continued tectonic uplift and the erosive power of the Jhelum River, which cut a deep gorge through the Pir Panjal range at Baramulla. Once the water drained, the flat lakebed sediments were exposed to form the elevated Karewa terraces seen today.
Unique Agricultural Economics: The Karewa soils are exceptionally well-drained and distinct from regular alluvial soils. This unique geological composition makes them the only soil profile in India highly suitable for the cultivation of premium saffron (Zafran), as well as other high-value temperate crops like almonds, walnuts, and apples.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.23) The physiography of India is fundamentally categorized into distinct divisions. The origin of rocks of Peninsular India dates back to more than how many million years ago?

Ans > 3600 million years

Explanation: The origin of rocks of Peninsular India is more than 3600 million years old.
The Ancient Shield: The Peninsular plateau is a classic geological ‘shield’—a large area of exposed Precambrian crystalline igneous and high-grade metamorphic rocks that form tectonically stable areas. It is the oldest and most stable landmass of the Indian subcontinent, having remained largely above sea level for hundreds of millions of years.
Assembly of Cratons: The Indian peninsula was not born as a single piece of rock. Over 3600 million years ago, it began as several distinct micro-continents or “cratons” (namely the Aravalli, Bundelkhand, Dharwar, Singhbhum, and Bastar cratons). Over vast geological time, tectonic collisions violently welded these cratons together along mobile belts.
Resistance to Folding: Because the rocks of the Peninsular plateau are so ancient, deeply rooted, and heavily crystallized, they are incredibly rigid. While the younger, softer rocks to the north folded easily to create the Himalayas, the Peninsular block acts like an immovable wedge, resisting folding and primarily experiencing vertical faulting or fracturing under stress.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.24) The Central Indian Highlands, known geologically as the Vindhyan Mountains, occupy a massive basin. They extend from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan in the west to which prominent town in Bihar in the east?

Ans > Sasaram

Explanation: The Central Indian Highlands known as the Vindhyan Mountains occupy a large basin extending from Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) in the west to Sasaram and Dehri-on-Son (Bihar) in the east.
A Continuous Escarpment: The Vindhyan range is less of a traditional folded mountain and more of a series of steep, continuous escarpments formed by heavily eroded sedimentary rocks. This sheer rock wall stretches roughly 1,050 kilometers across central India, forming a commanding physical barrier.
The Eastern Extent: As the Vindhyas stretch eastward through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, they eventually taper off in the Rohtas district of western Bihar. The town of Sasaram sits firmly at the easternmost edge of this geological formation, marking the transition into the flat Gangetic plains.
Architectural History in Sasaram: The geology of the Vindhyas directly influenced the historical architecture of Sasaram. The magnificent tomb of Emperor Sher Shah Suri, located in the town, is masterfully constructed using the high-quality red sandstone quarried directly from the adjacent Kaimur range, which is the easternmost extension of the Vindhyan system.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.25) The Aravallis are one of the oldest folded mountains of the world, running from northeast to southwest for about 800 km. Which town in Gujarat marks their south-western limit?

Ans > Palanpur

Explanation: It is a range that runs from north-east to south-west for about 800 km between Delhi to Palanpur (Gujarat). It is one of the oldest folded mountains of the world.
Relict Mountains: The Aravallis are classic examples of ‘relict’ or ‘residual’ mountains. During the Precambrian era, they were formed by massive tectonic collisions and were likely as tall and majestic as the modern Himalayas. However, hundreds of millions of years of continuous weathering have ground them down to low, broken ridges.
Geographic Strike and Climate: The Aravallis run in a distinct North-East to South-West alignment. This specific orientation is crucial to the climate of Northwest India; because the range runs parallel to the direction of the Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon, it fails to act as an effective barrier to catch rain, directly contributing to the aridity of the Thar Desert.
The Southern Terminus: The range begins as a series of low, scattered hillocks near Delhi (the Delhi Ridge) and gains elevation as it moves south through Rajasthan, peaking at Mount Abu. It eventually tapers off and physically terminates near the town of Palanpur in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, where the landscape flattens into coastal plains.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.26) The Bundelkhand upland (Vindhyachal Plateau) stretches over several districts across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Which of the following sets of districts falls within Madhya Pradesh?

Ans > Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, and Panna

Explanation: The Bundelkhand upland stretches over the districts of Banda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, and Lalitpur (U.P.), and Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur and Panna (M.P.).
Granitic Geomorphology: The Bundelkhand upland is primarily composed of ancient, extremely hard Bundelkhand Gneiss and granites. The landscape is characterized by a gently undulating terrain punctuated by massive, rounded granite boulders and steep isolated hillocks known locally as ‘tors,’ creating a rugged, visually distinct environment.
Hydrological Challenges: The underlying geology of the region makes water retention extremely difficult. The crystalline granitic bedrock is non-porous and lacks deep aquifers, meaning rainwater rapidly runs off rather than seeping into the ground. This geological reality is the root cause of the severe, recurring droughts that plague the Bundelkhand region.
Socio-Cultural Cohesion: Despite being sliced administratively between the modern states of Uttar Pradesh (hosting districts like Jhansi and Banda) and Madhya Pradesh (hosting Datia, Chhatarpur, and Panna), Bundelkhand remains a highly cohesive socio-cultural and linguistic region, unified by its shared challenging geography and historical Rajput heritage.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.27) To the south of the Vindhyachal-Baghelkhand Plateau lies the Narmada-Son trough, a prominent rift valley. South of this trough lies which major mountain range characterized by radial drainage?

Ans > The Satpura Range

Explanation: To the south of this lies the Narmada-Son trough (rift valley) characterised by the Archaeans and Bijwar series. South of this trough is the eastward extension of the Satpura which is an area of radial drainage.
A Classic Block Mountain: Unlike the folded Himalayas, the Satpura Range is a prime example of a “block mountain” (or horst). It was formed when massive tectonic forces caused the land on either side to fracture and sink, creating the Narmada rift valley to the north and the Tapi rift valley to the south, leaving the Satpuras thrust upward in between.
Etymology and Structure: The name “Satpura” is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “Seven Folds” or “Seven Mountains,” reflecting its structure as a series of parallel ridges. It runs east-west across central India, acting as a secondary natural boundary between the northern plains and the Deccan plateau.
The Radial Drainage Pattern: The easternmost extension of the Satpura range culminates in the elevated Maikal Hills and the Amarkantak plateau. This elevated dome forces water to flow outward in multiple directions like the spokes of a wheel, creating a textbook “radial” drainage pattern that gives birth to major rivers flowing west (Narmada), north (Son), and east (Mahanadi tributaries).

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.28) While Dhupgarh (1350 m) is the highest peak of the Satpura Range, what is the elevation of Amarkantak, another highly important peak within the same range?

Ans > 1064 metres

Explanation: Dhupgarh (1350 m) near Pachmarhi is the highest peak of Satpura. Amarkantak (1064 metres) is another important peak of the Satpura mountains.
The Topographical Nexus: The Amarkantak plateau is a critical geographical node in central India. It serves as the physical meeting point where the eastern end of the Satpura Range (specifically the Maikal Hills) merges with the Vindhya Range, creating a highly elevated, forested watershed dome.
Sacred Hydrology: Amarkantak is of immense religious and ecological significance because it is the birthplace of the Narmada River, one of India’s most sacred waterways. Alongside the Narmada, which flows west to the Arabian Sea, the plateau is also the source of the Son River and the Johila River, which flow north toward the Ganga system.
Ecological Hotspot: Due to its unique elevation and dense forest cover, Amarkantak hosts incredibly rich biodiversity. It forms the core of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, bridging the distinct flora and fauna of the Vindhyan and Satpura ecosystems and serving as a crucial corridor for wildlife, including tigers. (Note: While 1064m is the standard textbook answer, modern topographical surveys often list its highest point closer to 1048m).

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.29) The Chotanagpur Plateau exhibits varying elevations, with its highest general elevation located in its mid-western part reaching about 1100 m. What are these high-altitude plateaus locally known as?

Ans > Pat lands

Explanation: Moreover, the Chotanagpur Plateau consists of plateaus at different levels of elevation, the highest general elevation of about 1100 m in the mid-western part is known as pat lands.
Step-like Topography: The Chotanagpur Plateau is not a single, flat tableland. Instead, it is composed of a series of step-like erosional surfaces that step down in elevation from west to east. The highest, most western steps of this geological staircase are locally referred to as “Pat lands.”
Lateritic Capping: The defining geological feature of the Pat lands (such as the Netarhat Pat and the Ranchi Pat) is their flat-topped surface capped with thick layers of laterite. Millions of years of intense tropical weathering on the basaltic rocks have washed away silica, leaving behind an iron and aluminum-rich crust.
Hub of Bauxite Mining: Because of this intense lateritic weathering, the Pat lands of western Jharkhand and adjoining areas are extraordinarily rich in bauxite ores. This makes the region one of the most critical mining zones in India for the extraction of aluminum, supporting large-scale metallurgical industries nearby.

📌 Geography • Set 17

Q.30) The Meghalaya Plateau has a chequered evolutionary history. What is the highest elevation specifically of the entire Meghalaya Plateau?

Ans > Shillong Peak (1823 m)

Explanation: The Shillong Peak is the highest elevation (1823 m) in the Meghalaya Plateau, while Norkek (1515 m) is the highest peak of the Garo Hills.
A Detached Peninsular Block: Despite its location in Northeast India, near the Himalayas, the Meghalaya Plateau (also known as the Shillong Plateau) is actually a detached extension of the ancient Indian Peninsular shield. It was separated from the main Chotanagpur plateau millions of years ago by massive tectonic down-faulting, creating the “Malda Gap” (or Garo-Rajmahal gap) which was subsequently filled by the Ganga-Brahmaputra sediments.
Topography and Rain Shadow: Shillong Peak forms the apex of the Khasi Hills. Its elevation acts as a crucial climatic barrier. When the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds hit the southern escarpments of the plateau, they dump world-record amounts of rain on towns like Cherrapunji and Mawsynram. Shillong Peak catches the remnants of this moisture, placing the city of Shillong partially in a rain shadow.
Modern Altimetry: While standard Indian geography textbooks consistently list the elevation of Shillong Peak at 1,823 meters (which makes (C) the correct exam choice), it is worth noting for geographical accuracy that modern satellite altimetry and current Survey of India maps record the peak’s true elevation at 1,968 meters above sea level.

📌 Quick Summary — Geography Set 17

Precambrian Time: Constitutes ~86.7% of Earth’s history; marks the foundational era of the planet.
‘Archaean’ Terminology: Introduced by J.D. Dana in 1872 (often misprinted as 1782); means “beginning”.
Basement Complex: Archaean highly crystalline gneisses that form the foundational core of global continents.
Khondolites: Highly metamorphosed Bengal Gneiss found in the Eastern Ghats, named after local Odia tribes.
Dharwar System: First metamorphosed sedimentary rocks (2500-1800 million years ago); critical for Indian metallurgy.
Eastern Ghats Extent: Khondolite series in the Eastern Ghats extends down to the Krishna River valley.
Purana Group: In the Indian Geological Time Scale, this includes both Cuddapah and Vindhyan Systems.
Papaghani Series: Located in Andhra Pradesh’s Cuddapah Basin; rich in quartzites and limestones.
Vindhyan System: Forms a massive geographic divide between the Deccan Plateau and the Ganga Plain.
Bhander Series: Famous for yielding high-quality red and buff sandstones used in Indian monuments.
Dravidian Era: The Indian Time Scale equivalent of the global Palaeozoic Era (Ordovician to Permian).
Mesozoic Era: Literally translates to “Middle life”, globally known as the age of reptiles/dinosaurs.
Talcher Series: Found in Dhenkanal/Angul (Odisha); hosts crucial coal deposits and glacial boulder beds.
Damuda Series Coal: Hosts 80% of India’s coal; Makrana is the odd-one out (it’s marble, not coal).
Tethys Sea: The vast geosyncline body of water that historically occupied the Himalayan region.
Panjal Volcanics: The Kashmir Himalayas witnessed violent volcanic activity during the Upper Carboniferous.
Cretaceous Etymology: The term is derived from the Latin word ‘creta’, meaning ‘chalk’.
Inter-trappean Beds: Sedimentary layers trapped between Deccan lava flows containing crucial fossil evidence.
Tertiary Period: Began approximately 66 million years ago, following the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Himalayan Upheaval: The first Eocene tectonic upheaval resulted in the towering Greater Himalayas.
Quaternary Formation: The Great Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain is extremely young and didn’t exist before this period.
Karewa Formations: Ancient Pleistocene lakebed sediments in Kashmir, famous for saffron cultivation.
Peninsular Antiquity: The stable Indian Peninsular shield rocks are over 3600 million years old.
Vindhyan Extent: The escarpments stretch from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan to Sasaram in Bihar.
Aravalli Terminus: These ancient relict mountains stretch southwest and terminate near Palanpur, Gujarat.
Bundelkhand Upland: Extends into MP covering districts like Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, and Panna.
Satpura Range: A block mountain range south of the Narmada trough characterized by radial drainage.
Amarkantak Elevation: The birthplace of the Narmada river has a prominent elevation of 1064 metres.
Pat Lands: High-elevation, laterite-capped tablelands of the Chotanagpur Plateau rich in bauxite.
Meghalaya Plateau: Shillong Peak is its highest point (1823 m), causing a major rain shadow effect.

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Geography Set 17

Q.1) The Precambrian time constitutes a massive portion of the Earth’s history, dating from the formation of the Earth to the beginning of the Cambrian Period. Approximately what percentage of the Earth’s history does the Precambrian time constitute?

Q.2) The term ‘Archaean’, referring to the oldest rocks of the Earth’s crust, was introduced in 1782 by which of the following geologists?

Q.3) Archaean rocks are highly crystalline, extremely contorted, faulted, and practically devoid of any sediment. Because they form the foundational core, all over the world they are known as:

Q.4) The Khondolites, named after the Khond tribes of Koraput and Bolangir districts, represent which specific type of Archaean gneiss?

Q.5) The Dharwar System represents the first metamorphosed sedimentary rock systems known in the Indian Geological Time Scale. Between which million years did this geologic time extend?

Q.6) The Khondolite Series of the Dharwar System occupies a large area in the Eastern Ghats. It extends from the northern extremity down to the valley of which major peninsular river?

Q.7) In the Indian Geological Time Scale, the Cuddapah System and the Vindhyan System are collectively grouped under which broad category?

Q.8) The Papaghani Series, named after the Papaghani river, consists of quartzites, sandstones, shales, slates, limestones, and marbles. In which state is the Papaghani river valley located?

Q.9) The Vindhyan System derives its name from the Vindhyan Mountains, which geographically form a dividing line between the Deccan Plateau and which other major physiographic region?

Q.10) The Bhander Series spreads over the western parts of the Vindhyan formation. Besides diamonds and precious stones, what is this series primarily known to provide?

Q.11) In the Standard Geological Time Scale, the Palaeozoic Era includes the Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian periods. What is this era known as in the Indian Geological Time Scale?

Q.12) In geological terminology, the word ‘Mesozoic’ literally means:

Q.13) The Talcher Series is known for rich, good quality coal used for smelting and in thermal power plants. It derives its name from Talcher, which is situated in which district of Orissa?

Q.14) The Damuda Series belongs to the Middle Gondwana Period. Which of the following locations is NOT listed as an important coal-bearing area of this specific period?

Q.15) During the Upper Carboniferous Period, the Himalayan region was occupied by a vast geosyncline which was connected to the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. What was this body of water called?

Q.16) Which specific region of the Himalayas witnessed violent volcanic activity during the Upper Carboniferous Period?

Q.17) The Cretaceous Period is a widely distributed geological system in India marked by the transgression of the sea and outpouring of huge quantities of lava. What does the Latin word ‘creta’ mean?

Q.18) In the Deccan Trap, individual lava flows have a thickness of about 5 m to 29 m on average. When these flows are interspersed with sedimentary beds, what are those beds called?

Q.19) The Cenozoic Era (‘recent life’) encompasses two periods: the Tertiary and the Quaternary. Approximately how many million years ago did the Tertiary Period begin?

Q.20) The upheaval of the Himalayas occurred in three distinct phases. Which physical division of the Himalayas was formed as a result of the first upheaval during the Eocene period?

Q.21) Which major physical division of India was completely non-existent prior to the Quaternary Period?

Q.22) The Karewa formations of the Kashmir Valley and the terraces of the Jhelum on the flanks of the Pir-Panjal are significant landforms. To which geological period do they belong?

Q.23) The physiography of India is fundamentally categorized into distinct divisions. The origin of rocks of Peninsular India dates back to more than how many million years ago?

Q.24) The Central Indian Highlands, known geologically as the Vindhyan Mountains, occupy a massive basin. They extend from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan in the west to which prominent town in Bihar in the east?

Q.25) The Aravallis are one of the oldest folded mountains of the world, running from northeast to southwest for about 800 km. Which town in Gujarat marks their south-western limit?

Q.26) The Bundelkhand upland (Vindhyachal Plateau) stretches over several districts across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Which of the following sets of districts falls within Madhya Pradesh?

Q.27) To the south of the Vindhyachal-Baghelkhand Plateau lies the Narmada-Son trough, a prominent rift valley. South of this trough lies which major mountain range characterized by radial drainage?

Q.28) While Dhupgarh (1350 m) is the highest peak of the Satpura Range, what is the elevation of Amarkantak, another highly important peak within the same range?

Q.29) The Chotanagpur Plateau exhibits varying elevations, with its highest general elevation located in its mid-western part reaching about 1100 m. What are these high-altitude plateaus locally known as?

Q.30) The Meghalaya Plateau has a chequered evolutionary history. What is the highest elevation specifically of the entire Meghalaya Plateau?

📌 Quick Summary — Geography Set 17

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Q.1) The Precambrian time constitutes a massive portion of the Earth’s history, dating from the formation of the Earth to the beginning of the Cambrian Period. Approximately what percentage of the Earth’s history does the Precambrian time constitute?

Q.2) The term ‘Archaean’, referring to the oldest rocks of the Earth’s crust, was introduced in 1782 by which of the following geologists?

Q.3) Archaean rocks are highly crystalline, extremely contorted, faulted, and practically devoid of any sediment. Because they form the foundational core, all over the world they are known as:

Q.4) The Khondolites, named after the Khond tribes of Koraput and Bolangir districts, represent which specific type of Archaean gneiss?

Q.5) The Dharwar System represents the first metamorphosed sedimentary rock systems known in the Indian Geological Time Scale. Between which million years did this geologic time extend?

Q.6) The Khondolite Series of the Dharwar System occupies a large area in the Eastern Ghats. It extends from the northern extremity down to the valley of which major peninsular river?

Q.7) In the Indian Geological Time Scale, the Cuddapah System and the Vindhyan System are collectively grouped under which broad category?

Q.8) The Papaghani Series, named after the Papaghani river, consists of quartzites, sandstones, shales, slates, limestones, and marbles. In which state is the Papaghani river valley located?

Q.9) The Vindhyan System derives its name from the Vindhyan Mountains, which geographically form a dividing line between the Deccan Plateau and which other major physiographic region?

Q.10) The Bhander Series spreads over the western parts of the Vindhyan formation. Besides diamonds and precious stones, what is this series primarily known to provide?

Q.11) In the Standard Geological Time Scale, the Palaeozoic Era includes the Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian periods. What is this era known as in the Indian Geological Time Scale?

Q.12) In geological terminology, the word ‘Mesozoic’ literally means:

Q.13) The Talcher Series is known for rich, good quality coal used for smelting and in thermal power plants. It derives its name from Talcher, which is situated in which district of Orissa?

Q.14) The Damuda Series belongs to the Middle Gondwana Period. Which of the following locations is NOT listed as an important coal-bearing area of this specific period?

Q.15) During the Upper Carboniferous Period, the Himalayan region was occupied by a vast geosyncline which was connected to the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. What was this body of water called?

Q.16) Which specific region of the Himalayas witnessed violent volcanic activity during the Upper Carboniferous Period?

Q.17) The Cretaceous Period is a widely distributed geological system in India marked by the transgression of the sea and outpouring of huge quantities of lava. What does the Latin word ‘creta’ mean?

Q.18) In the Deccan Trap, individual lava flows have a thickness of about 5 m to 29 m on average. When these flows are interspersed with sedimentary beds, what are those beds called?

Q.19) The Cenozoic Era (‘recent life’) encompasses two periods: the Tertiary and the Quaternary. Approximately how many million years ago did the Tertiary Period begin?

Q.20) The upheaval of the Himalayas occurred in three distinct phases. Which physical division of the Himalayas was formed as a result of the first upheaval during the Eocene period?

Q.21) Which major physical division of India was completely non-existent prior to the Quaternary Period?

Q.22) The Karewa formations of the Kashmir Valley and the terraces of the Jhelum on the flanks of the Pir-Panjal are significant landforms. To which geological period do they belong?

Q.23) The physiography of India is fundamentally categorized into distinct divisions. The origin of rocks of Peninsular India dates back to more than how many million years ago?

Q.24) The Central Indian Highlands, known geologically as the Vindhyan Mountains, occupy a massive basin. They extend from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan in the west to which prominent town in Bihar in the east?

Q.25) The Aravallis are one of the oldest folded mountains of the world, running from northeast to southwest for about 800 km. Which town in Gujarat marks their south-western limit?

Q.26) The Bundelkhand upland (Vindhyachal Plateau) stretches over several districts across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Which of the following sets of districts falls within Madhya Pradesh?

Q.27) To the south of the Vindhyachal-Baghelkhand Plateau lies the Narmada-Son trough, a prominent rift valley. South of this trough lies which major mountain range characterized by radial drainage?

Q.28) While Dhupgarh (1350 m) is the highest peak of the Satpura Range, what is the elevation of Amarkantak, another highly important peak within the same range?

Q.29) The Chotanagpur Plateau exhibits varying elevations, with its highest general elevation located in its mid-western part reaching about 1100 m. What are these high-altitude plateaus locally known as?

Q.30) The Meghalaya Plateau has a chequered evolutionary history. What is the highest elevation specifically of the entire Meghalaya Plateau?

📌 Quick Summary — Geography Set 17

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