IAS Mains 2009: Geography Paper 1

Candidates should attempt Question No. 1 and 5 which are
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting at
least one question from each Section. Wherever a question is
attempted, all its parts are to be attempted. The number of
marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the
question.

SECTION – A
1. Answer the following in about 200 words each :
a) Highlights the geomorphic features essentially found in
topographies under the second cycle of Erosion. 20
b) Give a brief account of principal land biomes and their
latitudinal distribution. 20
c) Discuss views on slope development provided by L.C.
King. 20

2. a). Identify each features that is indicated by the numerals (i)
to (x) on the world Map provided. Identification of the feature
carries 2 marks each. 2×10=20
b). Mention the location of each feature in respect of + (-)
GMT. This carries 1 mark each. 1×10=10
c). provide a write up on the significance of the identified
feature in approximately 40 words, this carries 3 marks
each. 3×10=30

3. a). Explain factors contributing to the global climate change
20
b). Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on
agriculture and food security , and on the Coastal Zones of
the world. 20
c). How does Climate change affect urban areas? 20

4. a). Examine economic significance of the resources of the
Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean. 30
b). Comment on marine heat budget and the oceanic
Circulation system. 30

Section B
(Human Geography)

5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about
200 words each: 20×3=60
a). Weight Triangle
b). ‘Limit to Growth’ Model
c). Tropical atmospheric instability
d). Zonal and Azonal soils

6. a). Provide a geographical account of global production
and distribution of food. 30
b). ‘Quantitative Revolution and model building provided
an empirical basis for geographical research’ – Elaborate.
30

7. Elaborate the concept of Megalopolis and discuss the
characteristics and problems related to two such regions
selecting one each from North America and Europe. 60

8. a). Provide a broad classification of world cultural regions.
30
b). Highlights the significance of environmental issues in
Regional Planning. 30