Geological Structure of India
-
Indian subcontinent has a history of devastating earthquakes, with the Indian Plate driving into Asia at about 47 mm/year. This continuous convergence leads to significant crustal shortening. What approximate percentage of India’s land is vulnerable to earthquakes, according to geographical statistics?
Options:
Option: C
-
Manganese is a crucial mineral in India, with versatile industrial applications, notably in steel manufacturing and chemical production. Its deposits are found in almost all geological formations but are mainly associated with a specific system. Which geological system is primarily associated with manganese deposits in India?
Options:
Option: A
-
The “Greater India” or “Greater India Basin” concept refers to the Indian Plate along with a postulated northern extension that either subducted under Eurasia or pressed against its ancient volcanic mountains. This immense geological interaction has led to a significant geographical feature. What landform is believed to be the thickened crust of this formerly coastal region, resulting from compression?
Options:
Option: B
-
India’s Sedimentary Basins are classified into three groups based on their tectonic origin. These origins explain the diverse geological settings of these basins. Which of the following is not one of the three tectonic classifications for India’s sedimentary basins?
Options:
Option: D
-
The Phanerozoic Eon includes the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras, each characterized by distinct geological formations and fossil records. The Lower Paleozoic rocks in the Himalayas consist of southerly derived sediments. In the Salt Range, the stratigraphy begins with a particular zone having a thickness of 450 feet. What is this initial zone called?
Options:
Option: A
-
The Mesozoic Era saw significant geological events in India, including the formation of extensive Cretaceous rocks. In South India, these sedimentary rocks are divided into four stages, each hosting unique geological features or resources. Which of these stages is notable for hosting phosphate nodules, an important source of phosphates for the country?
Options:
Option: B
-
The Indian Plate’s rapid northward drift and collision with Eurasia caused a massive crustal shortening, profoundly shaping the Asian continent. The convergence between the Indian and Eurasian plates has been measured to be up to 3,600 km. However, the upper crustal shortening documented in Asia and the Himalaya is less than this. Approximately how much less is the upper crustal shortening compared to the total convergence?
Options:
Option: D
-
India’s mineral wealth is concentrated in three broad belts. The South-Western Plateau Region, encompassing Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu uplands, and Kerala, is rich in certain types of metals. What primary types of metals and other resources are abundant in this belt?
Options:
Option: C
-
Aravalli Range, recognized as the oldest mountain range on Earth, has a rich history of mining activities that date back millennia. Evidence suggests early inhabitants utilized its mineral resources extensively. Which metal has a rich history of mining in the Aravalli range, with evidence dating back to at least the 5th century BCE and possibly 4000 BCE?
Options:
Option: A
-
Tethys Himalaya is a key tectonic unit, providing an almost complete stratigraphic record from the Upper Proterozoic to the Eocene. This record offers crucial insights into the northern continental margin of the Indian subcontinent. Which major structure often marks the transition zone between the low-grade sediments of the Tethys Himalaya and the underlying low- to high-grade rocks of the High Himalayan Crystalline Sequence?
Options:
Option: C
-
Indian Plate is a minor tectonic plate covering most of modern South Asia and a portion of the Indian Ocean basin. Recent studies indicate that India and Australia, once considered a single Indo-Australian plate, may have been separate plates for a considerable period. For at least how many million years are India and Australia suggested to have been separate plates?
Options:
Option: A
-
Manganese is an indispensable mineral for various industrial applications, playing a critical role in steel manufacturing. Approximately 10 kg of manganese is needed to produce one tonne of steel. Which state was the largest producer of manganese ores in India, accounting for 33% of the country’s total production in 2018-19?
Options:
Option: C
-
The geological structure of India includes the vast alluvial plains of north India, formed by sediments eroded from the Himalayas. These plains are characterized by two main types of alluvial deposits. Which term refers to the older alluvium, present in the ground above the flood level of the rivers?
Options:
Option: B
-
The ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian continental plates challenges a hypothesis for plate motion that relies on subduction. The Himalayan tectonics lead to long-term deformation, including significant shortening across the Himalayas. What is the approximate range of shortening across the Himalayas attributed to this tectonic activity?
Options:
Option: A
-
Deccan Traps, a testament to one of Earth’s greatest volcanic eruptions, marked the final break from Gondwana. These massive lava flows occurred near the end of a specific geological period. At the close of which geological era did the Deccan lava flows, covering more than 500,000 square kilometers, occur?
Options:
Option: D
-
Sedimentary basins in India are classified into three groups based on their hydrocarbon maturity. Category-I basins are actively producing and hold significant reserves. These seven basins collectively cover 30% of the total basinal area. Which percentage of the total unrisked conventional hydrocarbon in-place do these Category-I basins hold?
Options:
Option: B
-
The Indian Craton, once part of the supercontinent Pangaea, underwent rifting and northward drift. During its journey, it passed over a geological hotspot, leading to extensive melting beneath it. This event resulted in a massive flood basalt formation. Which specific hotspot is thought to have caused the extensive melting beneath the Indian Craton, creating the Deccan Traps?
Options:
Option: A
-
Geology of India reveals ancient crustal formations, with the Indian Shield consisting of Archean gneisses and schists, considered the oldest rocks. The metamorphic basement includes various types of gneisses. Which type of gneiss system comprises charnockites ranging from granites to gabbros?
Options:
Option: C
-
Indian Plate is characterized by several plate boundaries that define its interactions with adjacent plates. These boundaries are crucial for understanding regional geological activity and hazards. What type of boundary does the westerly side of the Indian plate have with the Arabian plate, known as the Owen fracture zone?
Options:
Option: D
-
Sub-Himalayan tectonic plate, also known as the Churia Hills or Sivaliks, forms the southern foothills of the Himalayan Range. It is primarily composed of molassic sediments derived from the erosion of the Himalayas. What is the age range of these molassic sediments, which are internally folded and imbricated?
Options:
Option: C