UPSC Mains GEOLOGY-PAPER-II 2025

29 Questions • 400 Marks • With Detailed Model Answers

1
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) Describe the symmetry elements shown by the normal class of the orthorhombic system. What are the different forms for this class? Draw the sketch stereogram of the form {hkl}. Give examples of two minerals that crystallize in this system.

GeologyCrystallography
2
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(b) Discuss in brief the characteristic optical properties of hornblende and augite under petrological microscope.

GeologyMineralogy
3
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(c) Draw a neat labelled diagram for perthite texture. Explain the formation of perthite with the help of a suitable phase diagram.

GeologyMineralogy
4
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(d) With the help of diagrams, describe the various diagenetic textures of carbonate rocks.

GeologySedimentology
5
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(e) Describe ultrahigh-pressure and ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism.

GeologyMetamorphism
6
15 Marksmedium

Give a detailed account related to the classification of crystals into different crystallographic systems based on symmetry elements.

GeologyCrystallography
7
15 Marksmedium

Describe the structure of the pyroxene group of minerals with suitable diagrams. Discuss the chemical compositions and optical properties of orthopyroxene.

GeologyMineralogy
8
20 Marksmedium

Describe the structural classification of silicates with neat sketches. Give one example for each type.

GeologyMineralogy
9
15 Marksmedium

What are migmatites? Describe the important types of migmatites and the processes of their formation.

GeologyMetamorphism
10
15 Markshard

Draw a neat labelled sketch for the albite-anorthite phase diagram (1 atm, dry). Trace the course of crystallization of an initial melt Ab20-An80 within this system. How can you interpret zoning in plagioclase with this system?

GeologyMineralogyPetrology
11
12 Marksmedium

Briefly write on the characteristics of I, S, M and A type granites. Elucidate the petrographic and petrogenetic attributes for each type.

GeologyPetrology
12
8 Markseasy

Write a brief account on the Deccan Flood Basalt Volcanism in India.

GeologyVolcanology
13
20 Marksmedium

Discuss the genesis of any four sedimentary structures which are helpful in palaeocurrent analysis. How are the palaeocurrent patterns helpful in establishing the depositional environment?

GeologySedimentology
14
15 Marksmedium

Discuss the concept of facies model and give a brief account of deltaic facies model.

GeologySedimentology
15
15 Marksmedium

What are conglomerates? Describe their fabrics, classification and geological significance.

GeologySedimentology
16
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) What do you understand by metallogenic epochs and provinces? Discuss any two major metallogenies in India.

GeologyEconomic Geology
17
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(b) Discuss the mode of occurrence, origin and distribution of gold deposits in India.

GeologyEconomic Geology
18
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(c) What do you understand by ‘pathfinder' elements? What are the elements/ions used in the prospecting of sulphides of epigenetic origin, porphyry copper deposit and sulphide deposits in general?

GeologyEconomic GeologyGeochemistry
19
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(d) Define gravitation. What are the corrections necessary to obtain the absolute value of gravity (g) while using gravity method in mineral exploration?

GeologyGeophysicsEconomic Geology
20
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(e) What are the major components of chondrites? Discuss the mineralogical and textural features, and significance of chondrites.

GeologyCosmochemistryPlanetary Science
21
15 Marksmedium

Give an account of geology, mode of occurrence, genesis and distribution of Pb-Zn deposits of Aravalli region.

GeologyEconomic Geology
22
15 Marksmedium

Give the distribution of petroliferous basins of India. Discuss the geology of Cambay Basin.

GeologyPetroleum Geology
23
20 Marksmedium

Give a brief account on the volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit. Cite suitable Indian examples.

GeologyEconomic Geology
24
20 Marksmedium

Discuss the direct and indirect geochemical methods used for prospecting of hydrocarbon deposits.

GeologyPetroleum GeologyGeochemistry
25
15 Marksmedium

What are the physiological and morphological changes of the plants helpful in geobotanical prospecting of copper, manganese and uranium deposits? Add a note on commonly found plant indicators for zinc.

GeologyEconomic GeologyBiogeochemistry
26
15 Marksmedium

What do you understand by 'tonnage factor'? Discuss the geometric and graphic methods used in reserve calculation.

GeologyEconomic GeologyMining
27
20 Marksmedium

What do you understand by isomorphism and polymorphism? Discuss monotropy by citing example of diamond and graphite.

GeologyMineralogyCrystallography
28
15 Markshard

What are the most important conditions necessary for safe disposal of radioactive waste in geological repositories? Add a note on the concept of multiple barriers to protect biosphere and hydrosphere. (Give suitable diagrams wherever necessary.)

GeologyEnvironmental GeologyNuclear Science
29
15 Marksmedium

What are the major environmental considerations while treating with the disseminated precious metal mine waste?

GeologyEnvironmental GeologyMining