UPSC CSE Mains optional geology previous year Question papers

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IAS Mains Geology 1986
Paper I
Section A
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each
a. Earths planetary dynamics in relation to Ice Age
b. Radiocarbon dating
c. Atolls
d. Kinematic axis
2. Explain foliations and lineations observed in the geological bodies and
interpret their different orientations.
3. What is a geosyneline? Explain the basis on which geosynelines are
classified. Write Keys classification of geosynelines.
4. Comment on the major relief features of Indian Ocean and briefly discuss
their origin.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each
a. Evolution of Man
b. Morphology and adoptations of bivalves
c. Age of Deccan Traps
d. Permian Triassic Boundary
2. What are the criteria which can be used for correlation of the Archean rocks
of Peninsular India?
3. Discuss the classification. And age of the Gondwana Super Group of India
and correlate them with similar formations of South Africa, Australiaand South
America.
4. Discuss briefly the morphology of trilobites with suitable sketches. How are
the trilobites useful for stratigraphic correlation? Name six
Important trilobites of India.
Paper II
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Optical indicatrices
b. Barrovian Zones of metamorphism
c. Magmatic differentiation
d. Heavy minerals and their significance
2. Explain the derivation of 32 classes of crystal symmetry.
3. Give an account of the physical, chemical and optical properties of the
Feldspar group of minerals with special emphasis on their variations with
chemical compositions.
4. Discuss critically the statement that there are chamockites and chamockites.
Section B
1. Write explanatory notes on any three of the following in about 200 words
each
a. Placer deposits
b. Metallogenetic spochs
c. Mineral benefication
d. Soil types of India
2. Explain in detail the various controls that localise mineral deposits giving
examples.
3. Explain how photogeological studies are useful in exploration work.
4. Describe the important Manganese deposits of India with reference to their
mineralogy and geological setting. Explain their origin.
CSE-Mains 1987: Geology
Paper-I
Section A
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Narmada-Son Lineament
b. Plate tectonics and Continental drift
c. Topography related to structure and nature of rocks.

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d. Criteria for recognizing faults in field.
2. Discuss the mechanism of folding in detail.
3. In the light of modem concept discuss the origin of continents and oceans.
4. Explain how radioactivity as helped in sorting out some of the geological
problems.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Pre-Cambrian life
b. Lower Palagozoic Vertebrates
c. Base of Cambrian
d. Code of stratigraphic classification and nomenclature
2. Describe the geology of the pre-Cambrian rock of Singhbhum region in the
light of recent morphotectonic work.
3. Describe the morphology and evolutionary trends in Trilobites.
4. Discuss the applied and academic important of micros fossils in bore-hole
correlation geology.
Paper-II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Symmetry in crystals
b. Optical accessories
c. Isomorphism
d. Deccan basalts
2. Explain how stereographic projections are used to represent crystal symmetry.
3. Give an account of the, structural classification of silicates.
4. What are interference colours? How are they produced in minerals? Explain.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. AFC diagram
b. Hydrothermal ore deposits
c. Watertable
d. Mineral processing
2. Write an essay on the National Mineral Policy.
3. Give an account of the classification of igneous rocks.
4. What is Prospecting? Give a brief description of the various techniques of
prospecting.
IAS UPSC (CSE) Mains 1988: Geology
Paper-I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words:
a. Criteria for identifying unconfirmities in the field
b. Landforms in relation to the nature of rocks
c. Isotopic dating of rocks
d. Mid oceanic ridges and deep sea trenches
2. What are Geosynclines? Give their significance and explain them vis-a-vis
concept of plate tectonics.
3. Write short essay on Earthquakes giving Indian examples.
4. Give the genetic classification of folds with suitable diagram.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following, each in about 200 words:
a. Neogene-Quatemary boundary
b. Classification of Gondwanas
c. Dentition in Bivalves
d. Evolution and migration of Elephants
2. Describe the evolutionary changes effecting the Trilobite Cephalic shield.
3. Give the Pri-Cambrian Geology of Singhbhum area.
4. Discuss the role of microfossils in exploration for mineral fuels.
Paper-II

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Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words:
a. Twinning in crystals
b. Dispersion
c. Types of bondings
d. Optic orientation
2. Give the physical properties, chemical composition and use of ‘Feldspars’
3. Explain how X-ray studies are used in mineralogical investigation.
4. Describe important sedimentary structures and textures and their depositional
significance.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words:
a. Bowens Reaction principle
b. Placer deposits
c. Diagenesis
d. Gossan
2. Write an essay on ‘Granites’
3. Given a brief account of the coal resources of India.
4. What is groundwater? What role geology plays in its study? Discuss the
importance of groundwaterin the Indian context.
IAS Mains Geology 1989
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Concept of ocean floor spreading
b. Vertical walls of incised meanders
c. Karst topography
d. The structural features under which the beds X, Y and Z (X being the oldest
and Z the youngest) repeat as follows:
i. X-Y-Z-Z-Y-X
ii. Z-Y-X-X-Y-Z
iii. X-Y-Z-X-Y-Z
2. Draw neat diagrams only (no description) to illustrate:
a. Development of medial moraines and direction of movement of glacier
b. Effects of normal faults on folded strata
c. Doubly plunging anticline
d. Internal constitution of the earth
3. What is meant by the term drainage pattern? How is it different from drainage
types? Discuss. Illustrate four different patterns of drainage and their
significance with respect to geologic structure (s) and/or basal lithology.
4. Discuss:
a. The significance of linear structures in polydeformed terraines.
b. Tectonic framework of India.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words:
a. Methods of stratigraphic correlation.
b. Evolutionary history of Horse.
c. ‘Fossil plants are good indicators of palaeoecology’ Elaborate with examples.
d. Delhi system of rocks are characterized by high grade of metamorphism than
the older Aravallis. Discuss
2. Tabulate the chronological subdivisions of standard stratigraphical scale.
Compare it with the important subdivisions of the Indian Geological records.
3. With the help of neat sketches describe the morphology of brachiopoda. Give
four examples of fossil brachophoda from India, mentioning the stratigraphic
horizon to which they belong.
4. Discuss:
a. Cretaceous-Eocene boundary
b. Use of fossils in:
i. reconstruction of past environments and climate

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ii. Geologic correlation
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Polymorphism
b. Isomorphism
c. Feudomorphism
d. Twinning and Twin Laws
2. What are interference figures? How they are useful in determining the optic
sing of a biaxial mineral?
3. Describe the symmetry elements classes and forms of orthorhombic system
and give four examples of mineral belonging to this system.
4. Give an account of the physical, chemical and optical properties of the
amphibole group of minerals with special emphasis on their mode, ofoccurrence.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Heavy minerals and their significance
b. Tenor of ores
c. Soil types and their relation to groundwater Geology
d. National Mineral Policy
2. What are igneous rocks? Give the classification of igneous rocks which are in
common use.
3. Write an essay on the various methods of geological prospecting, bringing out
their salient characteristics.
4. Write detailed notes on the following:
a. Conservation and utilisation of metallic minerals of India
b. Application of geology in engineering works
IAS Mains Geology 1990
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Petro fabric analysis as a tool in structural studies
b. Drainage patterns
c. Origin of continents and oceans
d. Products of volcanic eruptions
2. Write a short essay on ‘Geomorphic features of the Indian sub-continent’
3. Answer the following questions
a. What are joints? How do they differ from faults? Give a genetic and
geometrical classification of joints.
b. How does the repetition of beds differ due to folding and faulting?
4. Distinguish between the members of the following pairs:
a. Bedding Plane and Cleavage
b. Esker and Kame
c. Horst and Graben
d. P-waves and S-waves
e. Solution valley and Glacial valley
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words:
a. Extinction of Dinosaurs
b. Evidences of first marine transgression in South India during mesozoic and
related stratigraphic unit/units.
c. Permian-Triassic Boundary
d. Microfossils and their significance
2. Give in a tabular form the stratigraphic succession, lithology and
characteristic fossils of the Siwalik System. Discuss the conditions of deposition
and climatic factors during that period.
3. Draw a neat, full-page-size labelled diagram in illustrate the external
morphology of:
a. Gastropod

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b. Trilobita
Name two genera, from each of the above groups from Indian stratigraphy
mentioning their stratigraphic horizon.
4. Discuss the following:
a. Gondwana flora climatic vicissitudes and stratigraphic classification of the
supergroup
b. Recent developments in Dharwarian stratigraphy
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. International system of crystallographic solution
b. Use of stereographic projections to represent symmetry
c. Biaxial indicatrix
d. Ionic radii coordination number
2. Discuss in detail application of X-rays for crystal studies.
3. What is the difference between pleochroic and interference colours? Explain
how these colours are produced in minerals.
4. Give an account of the physical, chemical and optical properties of pyroxene
group of minerals.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Facies and grades of metamorphism
b. Metallogenetic epochs
c. Bowen's Reaction in Principle
d. Ore dressing and benefication
2. Give a brief account of the oil and gas fields of India with particular reference
to post-independence discoveries.
3. Give an account of textures present in sedimentary rocks and discuss their
significance.
4. Discuss in detail the use of aerial photographs in geological investigations.
IAS Mains Geology 1991
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Interior of the earth
b. Sea-floor spreading
c. Petrofabric analysis
d. Principle of isostasy
2. Discuss the role of running water as an agent of erosion and deposition.
Describe some important geomorphic features produced by these processes.
3. What kind of mountain are the Himalayas: Discuss how the Himalayas might
have originated.
4. Describe the common planar and linear structures found nature. Discuss their
genetic significance.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each
a. Pleistocene Glaciation
b. Life during the Vindhyan times
c. Modes of preservation of fossils
d. Age of the Deccan traps
2. Describe the morphological features of the brachiopods. Name five important
brachiopod fossils from Indian formation.
3. Give an account of animal life during the Siwalik times.
4. Briefly discuss the stratigraphy of the Caddapah Group of South India.
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Difference between crystalline and non-crystalline substances
b. Phyllo-silicates

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c. Digenesis
d. Magmatic differentiation
2. What are optical accessories? How are they useful? Describe the construction
of any one you know.
3. Describe the plagioclase feldspar group of minerals.
4. Discuss the problem of charnokites and charnockites.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Caving methods
b. Ore forming fluids
c. Remote sensing method Hydrogeology
d. Tertiary coal fields of India
2. Give an account of the stratigraphic controls of mineral localisation.
3. Write an essay on the National Mineral Policy.
4. Give an outline of the methods of ore benefication.
IAS Mains Geology 1992
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Mid-oceanic ridges
b. Geosynclines
c. Thrust faults
d. Erosion surfaces
2. Describe the disposition of linear structures in an area of polyphase folding.
3. Describe the lanforms of coastal areas.
4. Give an account of the interior of the earth as inferred from seismic data.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Iron ore Series
b. Sargur supracrustals
c. Climatic changer during Gondwana period
d. Forams in oil exploration
2. Draw a neat sketch of a trilobite and describe its morphology.
3. Describe the Cuddapah Super-Group covering its stratigraphy, sedimentation,
igneous activity and economic importance.
4. Write notes on the following:
a. Bagh beds
b. Bundelkhand granite
c. Sausar Series
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Stereographic Projection
b. Dispersion in minerals
c. Bowens reaction principle
d. Depositional environment of sediments
2. Describe the optic principle of anisotropism and give an account of the optical
expression of this process in natural minerals.
3. Give an account of Physical Chemical and Optical properties of the mica
group of minerals. Add a note on their uses and products of alteration.
4. Describe any three of the following rock types:
a. Diorite
b. Gabbro
c. Granulite
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Tenor of ore
b. Geology in relation to dam construction

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c. Flotation method of ore dressing
d. Coal Field of Andhra Pradesh
2. Describe the electrical methods of prospecting and critically review their
limitations.
3. Describe sedimentary processes as ore forming processes with example.
4. Critically review the methods of conserving minerals and the laws to enforce
such conservation.
IAS Mains Geology 1993
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Crust, its composition and relationship with the mantle
b. Drainage patterns
c. Cleavage-bedding relationships in folds and its application
d. Tectonic linear structures
2. How do you distinguish the following structures in each pair? Draw sketches
to illustrate your answers:
i. A dome from a doubly plunging fold
ii. A bedding plane from a joint plane
iii. A recumbent fold from a reclined fold. Draw stereograms
iv. A fault surface from an unconformable surface
v. A Strike fault form a strike slip fault
3. Discuss briefly the theory of Plate tectonics and show how it differs from the
hypothesis of Continental drift.
4. Describe the important land forms developed as a result of varying Lithology.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Peninsular gneiss and its relationship with the schist belts
b. Lower Gondwana flora
c. Copper belt thrust
d. Himalayan uplift
2. Draw a neat labelled diagram of a pelecypod shell and briefly describe it.
Show its main differences with the BrachioPod shell.
3. Describe the Cretaceous rocks of South India.
4. Write brief notes on:
a. Delhi Super Group
b. Barail Series
c. Umaria marine bed and its importance
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Twin laws and twinning in feldspars
b. Polymorphism
c. Isotropism
d. Binary systems
2. Describe the construction and uses of a Nicol Prism.
3. Give the structure and classification of Silicates.
4. What are heavy minerals? Discuss the significance of their study.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Tunnelling
b. Flotation
c. Mineral conservation
d. Structures of ore deposits
2. Describe infiltration, storage and circulation of ground water in hard rock
terrains.
3. What are controls of ore deposition? Describe them.
4. Give an account of the mineral wealth of India.

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IAS Mains Geology 1994
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Superimposed drainage
b. Oceanic trenches
c. Tectonic divisions of India
d. Radioactivity and its applications to geological problems
2. Describe the various types of mountains and emphasise the origin of fold
mountains. Give example.
3. Describe the following landforms:
a. Sand bars
b. Incised meanders
c. Barrier reaf
d. River terraces
e. Crag and tail structure
4. Describe the geometric features of folds caused by different mechanisms.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Older Metamorphic Group of Bihar
b. Structure of Gondwana basins and its bearing on sedimentation
c. Utility of fossils
d. Extinction of Dinosaurs
2. Describe the stratigraphy and sedimentation characters of the Vindhyan Super
Group of rocks. Briefly state its economic importancce.
3. Draw a large labelled diagram of a Brachiopod shell and describe the
important morphological characters.
4. Discuss the following briefly:
a. Stromatolites and their importance in Precambrian stratigraphy
b. Role of microfossils in oil exploration
c. Divisions of stratigraphy and their significance
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Crystal irregularities
b. Pleochroism
c. Isomorphism
d. Sphericity and Roundness in sediments
2. Explain the use of X-ray studies in crystallographic investigations.
3. Describe pyroxene group of minerals and their alteration products.
4. Give a petrological account of Deccan Basalts and add a note on their origin.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Ore and gangue
b. Stability of hill side
c. Sampling
d. Lignite deposits
2. Critically review the usefulness of aerial photographs in geological studies.
3. Describe the classification of ore deposits.
4. Explain the term exploration. Describe various methods and stages of mineral
exploration.
IAS Mains Geology 1995
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Sea-floor spreading-a preamble to the plate tectonic theory
b. Delineate the volcanic belts of the earth in the world outline
c. Karst geomorphic features
d. Repetition and omission of strata due to structures and other processes.

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2. Describe any six common linear formed by deformation. Describe briefly
their geometry and mode of formation.
3. Describe the landforms of the arid regions.
4. Write brief notes on the following:
a. Distinguishing characters of a bedding plane from a joint plane
b. Mohorovicic discontinuity
c. Ox-bow lakes
d. Drainage patterns in metamorphic terrains
e. Coves and bays
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Banded Gneissic Complex and its basement character
b. Siwalik Fauna
c. Bagh Beds
d. Age of Deccan Traps
2. Draw a large neat labelled diagram of a gastropod shell and describe its
morphology. Also give its classification and distribution in time.
3. Write notes on the following:
a. Dharwar Super Group of rocks
b. Stratigraphy of the Iron-Ore, Series of Bihar and Orissa
4. Write explanatory notes on:
a. Methods of preservation of fossils
b. Criteria by which palaeo-environmental conditions of deposition of sediments
can be recognised
c. Pleistocene glaciation
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Indicatrix
b. Monoclinic Crystal Symmetry
c. Hardness of minerals
d. Metamorphic grades
2. What is stereographic projection? Describe with example, its use to represent
crystal symmetry.
3. Describe Plagioclase felspars and their alteration products.
4. Discuss the problem of ‘granites and granites’
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Gossans
b. Mucking
c. Gravity methods of ore dressing
d. Water table
2. Give an account of Metallogenetic Epochs.
3. Describe geological considerations in Tunnelling.
4. Give a brief account of coal deposits of India.
IAS Mains Geology 1996
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Island Arcs
b. Atolls and Reefs
c. Isostasy
d. Unconformities
2. Comment on the classification of folds, Illustrate your answer with neat
sketches.
3. Write brief notes:
a. Stalactites and Stalagmites
b. Antecedent drainage

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c. Piedmont glacier
d. Yardangs
e. Tombolo
4. Trace the evolution of the Plate Tectonic theory and describe its main
features.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Classification of the Gondwanas
b. Cretaceous-Eocene boundary
c. Sausar Group
d. Siwalik sedimentation
2. Draw neat labelled diagrams to illustrate the morphology of Echinoids.
Tabulate the distinction between Regular and Irregular Echinoids. Add notes on
their distribution in time.
3. Write detailed notes on:
a. Inter-trappeans and their importance in Stratigraphy
b. Himalayan uplift
c. Marine transgression in Permocarboniferous
4. What is Stratigraphy? Discuss the principles of stratigraphic correlation. Also
briefly explain the basis of reconstruction of standard stratigraphicscale.
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Isomorphism
b. Space-lattices
c. Crystallographic notation
d. AEM diagram
2. Describe Garnet group of minerals.
3. Summarize the behaviour of light in biaxial crystals.
4. Give an account of the classification of igneous rocks.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Magnetic methods of ore dressing
b. Atomic minerals
c. Guides to ore deposits
d. Open stopes
2. Give an account of the chromite deposits of India.
3. Describe geophysical methods of exploration.
4. Briefly discuss application of geological knowledge in various engineering
works.
IAS Mains Geology 1997
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Causes and products of volcanism
b. Causes and effect of sea level changes
c. Linear and Plannar structures, their genetic significance
d. Mid Oceanic ridges and deep sea trenches
2. Describe different fault geometrics and their relationship with the principal
stresses.
3. Write brief notes on the following:
a. Stress and strain ellipsoid, and rock deformation
b. Superimposed drainage
c. Geomorphic processes and cycles
d. Causes of earthquakes and their seismic response
4. Describe the landforms of the glacial region.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:

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a. Dharwar Super Group
b. K-T boundary
c. Deccan traps
d. Krol-Tal Sequence
2. Draw a neat full page labelled sketch of a Trilobite and describe its
morphology. Give their geological distribution.
3. Write detailed notes on:
a. Evolution of life on the Earth
b. Evolution of the crust of the Earth
c. Palaeogeography of India during Palaeogene period
4. Describe the mesozoic formation of Kachchha (Kutch) with special reference
to its sedimentation and fauna.
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Stereographic projection
b. Rlymorphism
c. Angle of extinction
d. Quartz Wedge and its applications
2. Describe Amphiboles. Add a note on their occurrence and alteration.
3. Give a comprehensive account of structural classification of Silicates.
4. Discuss the processes of Magmatic differentiation. Cite suitable examples.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Assimilation
b. Structures of Sedimentary rocks
c. ACF diagrams
d. Ore dressing
2. Give a brief account of Copper deposits of India.
3. Discuss classifications of Sedimentary rocks. Which one, in your opinion, is
most suitable?
4. Give a brief critical account of geological knowledge as applied in the
construction of Dams Tunnels.
IAS Mains Geology 1998
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Geomagnetic reversals
b. American and European views on geosynclines
c. Boudinage and its significance
d. Lagoons as coral gardens-Justify.
2. What are folds? Explain the mechanism of folding and distinguish between
Recumbent and Reclined folds.
3. Write brief notes on the following:
a. Moraines
b. Axial plane cleavages
c. Canyons and Gorges
d. Pacific volcanic belt
e. Slump
4. Are volcanoes and earthquakes related to each other? Explain the various
causes and effects of earthquakes.
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Products Limestone Series of Salt Range
b. Stratigraphic importance of Umia Series of Kutch
c. A brief review of rise of Himalayas
d. Semri Series of Lower Vindhyans

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2. What is marine transgression? Discuss the Cretaceous rocks of Trichinapalli
with special reference to their fossil contents.
3. Describe the morphology of Echinoids. Mention their classification and add a
note on their distribution.
4. Write explanatory notes on the following:
a. Palaeogeographic reconstructions
b. Banded Gneissic Complex
c. Modes of fossil preservation
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Laue diffraction pattern
b. Charnockite
c. Optic-orientation in crystals
d. Co-ordination number
2. Taking plagioclase feldspars as an example, illustrate the phenomenon of
solid solution.
3. What are Interference Figures? Describe them.
4. Briefly describe textures found in Igneous Rocks.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Placer deposits
b. Gangue minerals
c. Strategic minerals
d. Groundwater recharge
2. Give an account of the mica deposits of India.
3. Explain the use of aerial photos in geological investigations.
4. Give an account of the oil-fields of India.
IAS Mains Geology 1999
Paper I
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Caldera and Stratovolcanoes
b. Internal Constitution of the earth
c. Lineaments with reference to India
d. Major Geomorphic features of Indian subcontinent
2. Describe and discuss how folds and faults can be identified in the field. What
is the relevance of these for the society?
3. Describe:
i. deep sea trenches
ii. mid-ocean ridges
iii. sea-floor spreading and discuss their significance.
4. Write brief notes on the following giving Indian examples wherever possible:
a. Guyot
b. Landforms of Glaciated mountains
c. Significance of Linear and Planar structures
d. River-piracy
e. Barchans and Loess
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Present day horses are different from their geological ancestors. Comment.
b. Evolutionary trends in Trilobites
c. Boundary problems in Indian stratigraphy
d. Correlation of Gondwanas of India with their world equivalents
2. Describe the morphology and classification of Ammonoids and give their
distribution in space and time.
3. Briefly give the classification. Conditions of deposition and fossil fauna of
Siwalik system of India.

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4. Write stratigraphic notes on any three of the following:
a. Precambrian rocks of Karnataka (Modem views)
b. Stratigraphic of oil-bearing formations of North-Eastern India
c. Principles of stratigraphic classification
d. Geological succession and fauna of the Cretaceous formations of Narmada
Valley
Paper II
Section A
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Twin Laws
b. Sterographic projection
c. Peudomorphism
d. Structure of Amphibole group of minerals
2. Describe optical indicatrix. How would you optically differentiate between
uniaxial and biaxial minerals?
3. What are the main characteristics of primary basaltic magma? How is it
generated in the mantle?
4. Describe the methodology applied to determine composition and location of
provenance in the study of a sedimentary basin.
Section B
1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Pneumatolytic metamorphism
b. Textures of magmatic ores
c. Opencast mining
d. Guides for mineral search
2. Discuss the strategic, critical and essential minerals of India, and the policy
adopted for their conservation in the country.
3. Give an account of the coalfields of India, with special reference to coking
and non-coking coals, their reserves and production in the country.
4. Explain the resistivity method as applied to groundwater exploration.
IAS Mains Geology 2000
Paper I
Section A
1. Write short answers (within 200 words) for any three of the following:
a. What is the principle of dating very old rocks on the Earth?
b. Define Peninsula and Extra-peninsula with reference to India.
c. What do you understand by Geomorphic cycles?
d. Draw a stress and strain ellipsoid for a deformed rock.
2. Differentiate between:
a. Hawaiian and Strombolian type volcanic eruptions
b. Mobile belts and shields
c. Lower mantle and Upper mantle
d. Primary and Secondary seismic waves
3. Describe the steps through which present configuration of the Earth Have
evolved. Discuss the most recent view, in this regard.
4. Briefly describe the following:
a. Mid-Atlantic Ridge
b. Origin of oceans and continents
c. Fluvial landforms
d. Monocline and Homocline
Section B
1. Write brief answers (within 200 words) for any three of the following:
a. Make a list of functional differences between vertebrates and invertebrates.
b. Write the standard stratigraphic time-scale beginning from the oldest (Give
most recent classification).
c. What are the benthic and plapktonic organisms?
d. What is the origin of the following geological names:
i. Siwalik
ii. Gondwana

14. 14
iii. Gondite
iv. Khondalite
v. Jurassic
2. How are the fossils formed? Describe the mechanism by which organic
content of the once living matter gets preserved in rock records.
3. Discuss the reasons for absence of marine Pa1aeozoic rocks in Peninsular
India, except for a narrow strip in central India.
4. Write short answers to the following:
a. How are unfossiliferous rocks of two or more sections correlated?
b. What are the major differences between Lower and Upper Gondwana flora?
c. Which are the most controversial stratigraphic boundaries?
d. What are the characteristic morphological differences between the gastropods
and brachiopods?
Paper II
Section A
1. In about 200 words each, write notes on any three of the following:
a. Space lattices
b. Uniaxial and Biaxial Indicatrix
c. Types of magmas and their composition
d. Digenesis and Lithification
2. Give the chemical composition and optical properties of Felspathoid group of
minerals. Name the rocks containing the minerals of this group.
3. Enumerate the generation and evolution of different magmas.
4. Describe the different environments of sediments deposition. Give examples
of rocks formed in each of them.
Section B
1. In about 200 words each, write notes on any three of the following:
a. ACE diagrams and their utility
b. Skarns and related mineral deposits
c. Conservation of minerals
d. Shrinkage and sublevel stoping
2. Give an account of the petroleum deposits of western India with reference to
their geological setting, mode of occurrence, nature of crude oil and their
potentiality.
3. What are chamockites and how do they originate? Give salient features of
Indian charnockites.
4. Write explanatory notes on the following in brief:
a. Application of aerial photographs in geological studies
b. Exploration techniques applied to mineral deposits
c. Types of aquifers
IAS Mains Geology 2001
Paper I
Section A
1. Answer any three of the following each within 200 words: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Why are modern island arcs restricted to specific parts of the globe? How
would you identify island arc products in ancient rocks records?
b. Which earth processes control the drainage geomorphology?
c. Explain the basic principles of Global Positioning System.
d. Explain the mechanism of rock failure leading to faulting.
2. It is said: While new ocean floor is born, old ocean floor dies. Explain.
3. Describe:
a. Development of coastal landforms.
b. Remote sensing techniques for identification of rock types.
4. Write brief notes on: (15 × 4 = 60)
a. Reversal of dips
b. Nappe
c. Inlier and Outlier
d. Paraconformity
Section B

15. 15
1. Answer any three of the following, each within 200 words: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Differentiate between body fossil and trace fossil.
b. Fossil fauna and flora can indicate paleoclimate. Justify in the Indian context.
c. Where do the, names ‘Umarja and’ Umia arise in the context of Indian
stratigraphy?
d. Describe the role played by the hydrogeological studies in the welfare of
human civilization
2. Write brief notes on: (15 × 4 = 60)
a. Benthic Foraminifera
b. Brachial skeleton of fossil brachiopods
c. Exoskeleton of trilobites
d. Neanderthal man
3. Answer the following: (15 × 4 = 60)
a. On which age level (in million years) is the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary
placed? What are Cambrian fauna? Are they found in the
Indian subcontinent and if so, where?
b. Enumerate characteristic features of Jurassic ammonoids of Kutch basin.
c. Trace the evolutionary history of Eastern Chats Mobile Belt.
d. What was the paleogeographic disposition of continents during the Permo-
Carboniferous era?
4. Comment on: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Problem of salt-water intrusion in coastal areas and remedial measures.
b. Geological considerations in dam construction
Paper II
Section A
1. In about 200 words each, explain any three of the following:
a. Pleochroism in minerals of pyroxene and amphibole groups (20)
b. Metamorphic zones in medium grade metamorphism of pelitic rocks (20)
c. Albite-Anorthite silicate system (20)
d. Primary sedimentary structures (20)
2. Give the general chemical composition, physical properties and occurrence of
sulphide group of minerals (60).
3. Write explanatory notes on the following in brief:
a. Bowen's Reaction Principle and magmatic differentiation process (30)
b. Anatexis and the genesis of granitic rocks (30)
4. Give the classification of impure carbonate rocks. How are they deposited
(60).
Section B
1. In about 200 words each, write notes on any three of the following:
a. Metallogenic epochs (20)
b. Marine mineral resources (20)
c. Sampling techniques in the assessment of ore reserves (20)
d. Pollution of ground and surface water (20)
2. Write notes on the following, in brief:
a. Structural controls in the formation of mineral deposits (30)
b. National Mineral Policy of India in relation to globalization and present
world order (30)
3. Describe the methods of geochemical prospecting (60).
4. Write notes on the following, in brief
a. Major elements and trace elements in the Earths crust (30)
b. Mitigation of natural hazards in Himalayan terrain (30)
IAS Mains Geology 2002
Paper I
Section A
1. Answer any three of the following, each within 200 words: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. What is geochronology? How is it used for the benefit of the earth-science
studies?
b. Show how structure and lithology are o architects of morphology of
landforms.

16. 16
c. What is Geographic Information Systems and how is it applied for societal
benefits?
d. Plunge of folds and direction of movement in fault-planes can be traced by
some lineations.
There are other lineations as well produced during folding/faulting episoles.
Describe these lifleations.
2. Why are volcanoes associated with ‘Ring of fire’ Discuss the genesis of a
volcano and write a note on their products (60).
3. Describe: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Geomorphological studies can be applied to Prospecting of minerals, civil
constructional studies.
b. Aerial photographs and satellite imageries considerably assist the economies
of a country.
4. Answer the following questions
a. How are faults identified in the field?
b. Classify faults based on their geometry and movement.
c. Which landform types are produced by faulting (20 × 3 = 60)?
Section B
1. Write on any three of the following, each within 200 words (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Evolution of suture-lines of Cephalopods
b. What are Outlier, Window, Tatrot beds and Gangamopteris?
c. Upper Cretaceous-Lower Eocene igneous activity in India
d. Ground-water recharge
2. Write critical notes on the following (15 × 4 = 60)
a. Geological history of Graptoloids
b. Fossil-study and Palaeoclimate inference
c. Lower Gondwana flora
d. Progressive changes in the evolution of horse
3. Answer the following questions
a. Litho-, bio-, chrono-and magneto-stratigraphic studies suggest different
aspects of stratigraphy. Comment (30).
b. Describe the Precambrian stratigraphy of Peinsular India (30).
4. Answer the following questions
a. While certain rocks are excellently water-bearing, others do exist without
containing a drop of water. Discuss if this is possible (22).
b. Answer the questions
i. What aspects a geologist should investigate for selecting a tunnel site on a hill-
slope?
ii. Which rocks are chosen for heavy construction purpose (8)?
Paper II
Section A
1. In about 200 words each, explain any three of the following:
a. Give an account of twinning in minerals (20)
b. Diopside-anorthite system (20)
c. Fades of regional metamorphism (20)
d. Heavy minerals and their significance (20)
2. Give the chemical composition and optical properties of Amphihole group of
minerals. Add a note on their classification (60)
3. Write explanatory notes on the following:
a. Give classification and describe petrography and petrogenesis of charnockites
(30),
b. ACF and AKF diagrams and their utility (30)
4. Give the classification of sandstones. Add a note on their depositional
environment (60).
Section B
1. In about 200 words each, write notes on any three of the following:
a. Controls of ore localisation (20)
b. Types of chemical bonds (20)
c. Explain the techniques of sampling (20)

17. 17
d. Pollution of sea (20)
2. Write notes on the following, in brief:
a. Conservation and utilisation of mineral resources (30)
b. Describe briefly the geology and structure of the Bombay High Petroleum
Resources.
Comment on their economic importance (30)
3. Write notes on the following:
a. Give an account of the important methods of mining of metallic ores (30)
b. Describe the mineralogy, geology and ore genesis of copper deposits of
Khetri Mines (30)
4. Write explanatory notes on the following:
a. Structure and composition of the Earth (30).
b. Impact of natural hazards on environment. Mitigating measures of any one of
these natural hazards (30).
IAS Mains Geology 2003
Paper I
Section A
1. Answer any three of the following, each within 200 20 X 3 = 60
a. How do structure, climate, topography and vegetation influence rocks in
nature?
b. Mantle of the earth.
c. Significance of Remote Sensing in small mining industry.
d. Differen1iate between the following pairs:
i. Dome and basin
ii. Horst and graben
iii. Overthrust and underthrust faults
iv. Hanging wall and footwall 60
2. Discuss the following:
a. Importance of rain water harvesting for living beings
b. Precautions in construction of buildings in earthquake-prone zones.
3. Describe the following: Drainage patterns of Indian Sub-continent in the
field? 60
Section B
1. Answer any three of the following, each within 200 words: 30 X 2 = 60
a. Pleistocene glaciation
b. Advantages of photo-geology over conventional geological survey.
2. Discuss the significance and mechanism of sea-floor spreading.
3. Define unconformity and describe its various types.
a. How tan they be recognized
b. Role of geologists in the construction of bridge
c. Role of microfossils in correlation of rock formations
d. Describe the morphology of Gastropoda shelf.
4. Discuss the evolutionary changes in the morphology of Ammonoids. 60
5. Describe the following:
a. Principles of stratigraphic correlation
b. Significance of glossopteris and ptylophyllum in the study of Gondwana
Paper II
Section A
1. In about 200 words each, explain any three of the following:
a. Double refraction and birefringence 20
b. Textures in volcanic rocks: Petrogenetic significance 20
c. Retrograde metamorphism: The assemblage minerals, textures and their
significance 20
d. Ripples, Dunes and cross-breeding: Origin and significance of Phosphate
group of minerals. 3. Write explanatory notes on the following:
Characteristics. 30 indicators to identify different source rocks. 60
2. Define provenance and its importance in Sedimentology. Describe the
provenance
a. Stratabound and stratiform deposits: Characteristics and examples. 20

18. 18
b. Heavy media separation as ore-dressing process
c. Isomorphism and isomorphous mixture, examples.
d. Fertilizers/and their impact on groundwater pollution
3. Describe the chemical composition, physical properties and mode of
occurrence
a. Carbonatities; their mode of occurrence, petrography and petrogenesis. 30
b. Granulite terrains of India: Their mineral assemblages and petrogenetic
Section B
1. In about 200 words each, write notes on any three of the following:
2. Write notes on the following, in brief:
a. Pyrometasomatic deposits: Their genesis and general characteristics. 30
b. Placer deposits of thorium in India: Their geological setting and mode of
3. Describe the methods of geological prospecting giving their applications and
limitations. Add a note on geobotanical prospecting methods.
4. Write notes on the following, in brief:
a. Goldschmidt's geochemical classification of the elements with examples.
b. Legislative measures for environmental protection in India.
IAS Mains Geology 2005
Paper I
Section A
1. Attempt any THREE of the following in about 200 words each: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Radioactivity and age of the earth.
b. Geomorphic cycles and their interpretation.
c. Global Positioning System.
d. Strain markers in deformed rocks.
2. What is a volcanic belt? Discuss causes and products of volcanoes. Illustrate
your answer with suitable neat sketches (50 + 10 = 60).
3. Discuss the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Fluvial Landforms.
b. Geographic Information System.
4. Discuss the classification and mechanics of Faults. Illustrate your answer with
neat sketches (50 + 10 = 60).
Section B
1. Discuss any THREE of the following in about 200 words each: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Application of microfossils in petroleum exploration.
b. Chronostratigraphic classification.
c. Classification of aquifers.
d. Landslide-its causes and prevention.
2. Discuss the evolutionary trends of Trilobita. Illustrate your answer with
sketches (50 + 10 = 60).
3. Write about the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Cambrian-Precambrian Boundary
b. Climatic conditions in Gondwana time.
4. Discuss the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Water-bearing characteristics of rocks.
b. Engineering properties of rocks.
Paper II
Section A
1. Answer any THREE of the following in about 200 words each: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Answer below questions
i. Explain differences in the elements of symmetry of Holohedral classes of the
Tetragonal and Orthorhombk systems
ii. Draw qualitative Laue diffractograms taken with X-ray beam parallel to c-
axis of a tetragonal and an orthorhombic mineral.
b. If a melt in the Albite-Anorthite system has composition An 40, describe its
crystallization path when crystals maintain perfect equilibrium with melt.
c. Answer below questions

19. 19
i. If Calcite-Wollastonite-Forsterite assemblage occurs at the contact between a
gabbro and a marble, name and describe two assemblages progressively away
from the contact.
ii. What are pressure shadows and how are they formed?
d. Describe significant structures of sediments deposited within deltaic
environment.
2. What do you understand by terms like calcic pyroxenes, Mg-Fe pyroxenes,
and sodic pyroxenes? Name one mineral in each category, giving its physical
and optical properties (60).
3. Write explanatory notes on the following:
i. Anorthosite in the Precambrian Shield of the Indian Peninsula (30)
ii. Prehnite-Pumpellyite metamorphic fades (30)
4. How does physical weathering differ from chemical weathering? What
common sedimentary minerals are formed from all the chemicals released by the
weathering of feldspars, and how (60)
Section B
1. Write notes on any THREE of the following in about 200 words each: (20 × 3
= 60)
a. Salient features of stock work and massive sulphide deposits
b. Indian manganese deposits
c. Reflection and refraction seismic methods of ore body location
d. Soil erosion as a threat to environment and crop production.
2. Give an account of the Precambrian Iron Formation including their worldwide
distribution and classification (60).
3. What is understood by Airborne Magnetic Survey? With the help of suitable
diagrams, describe its utility as a suitable geophysical exploration method (60).
4. Describe how floods in a given region are related, as a geologic phenomenon,
to precipitation, soil characteristics, vegetation and season: (60)
IAS Mains Geology 2006
Paper I
Section A
1. Attempt any THREE of the following in about 200 words each: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Mountain building processes.
b. Application of Geomorphology to. Environmental problems.
c. Electromagnetic spectrum.
d. Principles of geological mapping.
2. What is sea-floor spreading? Discuss its evidences and mechanism (50 + 10 =
60).
3. Discuss the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Geomorphological features of India.
b. Advantages of photogeology over conventional survey.
4. What are different types of unconformities? Why are they significant in the
study of geological history (50 + 10 = 60)?
Section B
1. Discuss any THREE of the following in about 200 words each: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Application of microfossils in p also climatic studies
b. Biostratigraphic correlation
c. Importance of rain-water harvesting
d. Factors controlling the choice of bridge sites
2. Discuss with suitable sketches, the morphology of Brachiopod. Name five
biachiopods of stratigraphic significance with their age (30 + 30 = 60)
3. Describe the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Volcanic activities in Rajmahal and Deccan igneous provinces
b. K-T boundary succession in India.
4. Discuss the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Ground water recharge and various recharging methods.
b. Geological investigations for tunnel alignment.
Paper II
Section A
1. In about 200 words each, explain any three of the following: (20 × 3 = 60)

20. 20
a. Crystallographic axes
b. Deltaic environment
c. Crystal fractionation in magmas
d. Phase rule
2. What are tectosihcates? Describe the minerals of feldspar group giving their
chemical composition physical properties and occurrence (60)
3. Write explanatory notes on the following:
a. Deccan Trap volcanic province in India (30)
b. Metasomatism and granitisation (30)
4. Describe the sedimentary structures & their significance (60).
Section B
1. In about 200 words each, write notes on any three of the following: (20 × 3 =
60)
a. Environmental effects of opencast mining
b. Offshore petroleum and gas resource of India
c. Earthquake risk in India
d. Classification of reserves
2. Write notes on the following:
a. Formation of ore-deposits in magmatic concentration (30)
b. Marine manganese nodules as a resource (30)
3. Write notes on the following:
a. Techniques of sampling (30)
b. Longwall mining of coal (30)
4. Write explanatory notes on the following:
a. Anthropogenic toxic elements in urban environment (30)
b. Types of natural hazards with reference to damage and control of floods in
India (30)
IAS Mains Geology 2007
Paper I
Section A
1. Write on any three of the following in about 200 words each: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Solar System
b. Weathering and mass wasting
c. Merits and limitations of Aerial Photography
d. Principles of geologic mapping and map reading
2. Write an essay on ‘Seismicity in India’ Discuss your answer with suitable
illustrations (50 + 10 = 60).
3. Write about the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Relationship between Geomorphology and Hydrogeology.
b. Electromagnetic Spectrum
4. Discuss in detail the behaviour of minerals and rocks under deformation
conditions. Illustrate your answer with neat sketches (50 + 10 = 60).
Section B
1. Writer on any three of the following in about 200 words each: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Megafossils and Microfossils
b. Biostratigraphic Classification
c. Hydrologic cycle
d. Rain water harvesting
2. Discuss the evolutionary trends of Echinoidea. Illustrate your answer with
sketches (50 + 10 = 60).
3. Write about the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary
b. Evolution of Himalayas
4. Discuss the following: (30 × 2 = 60)
a. Ground water chemistry
b. Geological investigation for bridges
Paper II
Section A
1. Explain any three of the following in 200 words each: (20 × 3 = 60)
a. Application of Projection Diagrams in Studying Crystal Symmetry.

21. 21
b. Twinning in Feldspars
c. Describe sequence of Crystallization in Diopside-Anorthite binary system.
Give the resultant characteristic textures of the rocks.
d. Clastic-Sediments and their depositional environments.
2. Write an account of structural classification of Silicates. Discuss in detail
physical properties and give chemical composition of five common rock
forming minerals belonging to Amphibole Group. Add a note on their mode of
occurrence (60).
3. Write explanatory notes on the following:
a. Petrography and Petrogenesis of Alkaline rocks. Give suitable Indian
examples (30).
b. Migmatites: Their typos, petrographic characters and petrogenesis (30).
4. Enlist five Heavy minerals reflecting their specific gravities. Explain in detail
their significance in deciphering the nature of provenance involved in the
formation of sedimentary rocks with suitable examples (60).
Section B
1. Write explanatory notes (200 words each) on any three of the followings: (20
× 3 = 60)
a. Structural controls of ore localization.
b. Room and Pillar, and Long wall methods of Mining
c. Geobotanical method of Ore Prospecting, Add suitable Indian examples.
d. Earthquakes: Their predictions, and remedial measures for mitigation
2. Attempt the following:
a. Explain with suitable illustrations, various Textures and Structures of ores
(five each) (30).
b. Write an account on Geology of Chromite deposits of SUKINDA, Orissa
State. Add a note on their paragenesis (30),
3. Describe different types of ‘Ore Reserves’ Write in detail two of most
common methods of Estimation of Ore Reserves. Add a note on their
advantages and disadvantages (60).
4. Write an account on the following:
a. Describe the abundance of elements in Sun and in the Earth. Add a detailed
note on the general characters and chemical composition of
Jupiter and Mars (30)
b. What are Natural Hazards? Describe any four of them with their impact on
the Environment.
Also add a note on the Mitigative measures of any two of them (30)