KVS LDCE Geography Question Paper and Answers pdf 2023

3. Settlement Geography

Settlement geography is the study of human settlements, their locations, spatial organization, and the processes that shape them. Urban geography focuses on the development, structure, and function of cities within the study of human settlements.

2. Plant Geography

Plant geography, also known as phytogeography, studies the distribution of plant species and their patterns across physical landscapes, making it a branch of physical geography.

1. Richard Hartshorne

Richard Hartshorne, an American geographer, provided this definition. He emphasized the study of spatial differentiation and the unique characteristics of places on Earth’s surface.

4. Laplace

The Nebular Hypothesis, which suggests that the Earth and other planets formed from a nebulous cloud of gas and dust, was proposed by the French mathematician and astronomer Pierre-Simon Laplace in the 18th century.

3. Mars

Mars is considered an inner planet because it is one of the four terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) located closest to the Sun, within the asteroid belt.

3. 4.0 billion years ago

The age of the oceans is estimated to be around 4.0 billion years. This age aligns with the time when the Earth’s crust cooled enough to allow water to condense and form stable oceans.

1. Kola in Arctic Ocean

The deepest drilling has been performed at Kola, located on the Kola Peninsula in the Arctic Ocean region. This drilling project, known as the Kola Superdeep Borehole, reached a depth of over 12 kilometers (7.5 miles).

2. 105° to 145°

P-waves (primary waves) are seismic waves that can travel through both solid and liquid layers of the Earth. However, due to refraction and reflection within the Earth’s core, a shadow zone exists where P-waves are not detected between approximately 105° to 145° from the earthquake’s epicenter.

2. Europe

Europe was part of Laurasia (existed during the Mesozoic era), along with North America and Asia, before the supercontinent began to break apart into the continents we recognize today.

2. 15 cm/year

Easter Island is located on the Pacific Plate, which moves northwestward relative to the nearby Nazca Plate at a rate of approximately 15 cm/year.

4. P-Waves

P-waves (Primary waves) are the seismic waves that can pass through the core of the Earth. They are able to travel through both solid and liquid layers.

2. Cretaceous

The mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, along with many other species, occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago.

4. Weathering, erosion, mass movement and transportation

Denudation refers to the processes that wear down the Earth’s surface and include weathering (breakdown of rocks), erosion (transportation of weathered materials), mass movement (movement of materials downslope), and transportation (movement of materials by agents like water, wind, or ice).

3. Climate

Climate is considered the most active factor of soil formation because it directly influences the rate and type of weathering, the amount and distribution of precipitation, temperature fluctuations, and biological activity.

1. Pediplain

A pediplain is a gently sloping erosion surface formed by the coalescence of alluvial fans and the gradual downcutting of rivers in arid or semi-arid regions.

1. Mountain part

Landforms on mountain parts, such as valleys, gorges, and waterfalls, exhibit greater relief compared to the upper, middle and lower plains.

3. Mercalli scale

The Mercalli scale measures the intensity of shaking and the effects of an earthquake at a specific location based on observed damage to structures and the environment.

2. Stalagmite

Stalagmites are depositional landforms found in caves. They form from the deposition of minerals carried by dripping water that evaporates or precipitates as the water drips from the ceiling of the cave.

3. Barrier bar

A barrier bar, also known as a baymouth bar, is a depositional feature formed by the accumulation of sediment. This formation occurs due to the interaction between riverine and coastal processes, primarily through the action of longshore currents and waves which transport and deposit sediments.

4. Mesosphere

In the Mesosphere, temperatures generally decrease with height due to the decreasing concentration of ozone and other heat-absorbing gases as altitude increases. This is in contrast to the Stratosphere and Thermosphere where temperatures generally increase with altitude due to different heating mechanisms.

3. Ozone

Ozone (O₃) in the Earth’s stratosphere absorbs the majority of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

2. 70 to 320 Watt/m²

Insolation, or incoming solar radiation, varies significantly based on factors such as geographic location, time of year, and atmospheric conditions. This range encompasses the typical values of solar energy received per square meter on the Earth’s surface.

3. 35%

Approximately 35% of the solar radiation that reaches the Earth is reflected back into space by the Earth’s atmosphere, clouds, and surface without being absorbed. This percentage is known as the Earth’s albedo.

1. Longitude

Longitude does not significantly affect the distribution of temperature on Earth. The primary factors that influence temperature distribution are latitude (distance from the equator), altitude (height above sea level), and ocean currents (which can transport warm or cold water, influencing coastal temperatures).

3. Barometer

A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. It helps in weather forecasting and altitude determination.

4. Equator

Coriolis effect, which causes moving objects to be deflected due to Earth’s rotation, is strongest at the poles and decreases to zero at the Equator.

2. Willy-willies

In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, they are called hurricanes; in the Northwest Pacific, they are called typhoons; and in Australia, they are often referred to as willy-willies.

1. Cirrus

Cirrus clouds form at the highest altitudes, typically above 20,000 feet (6,000 meters). They are thin, wispy clouds composed mostly of ice crystals.

3. Oxygen

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and ozone, trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

1. Continental shelf

The continental shelf is the gently sloping submerged portion of a continent that extends from the shoreline to a variable distance seaward where water depth is relatively shallow.

4. Auglhas current

The Agulhas Current is a warm ocean current that flows southward along the east coast of Africa, carrying warm water from the Indian Ocean. The West Australian Current, Benguela Current, and Humboldt Current are all cold ocean currents.

1. Producers

In a grassland ecosystem, producers, which are primarily grasses and other plants, are the largest in number. They form the base of the food chain and provide energy for herbivores, which in turn are prey for carnivores and omnivores.

2. Available species

The recognized categories include endangered species, vulnerable species, and rare species.

3. 82°30’ E

This meridian is used as the reference for Indian Standard Time (IST), which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5:30).

3. 2500 km

The Great Himalayan range extends approximately 2500 km from west to east. This massive mountain range spans across five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan.

4. Anaimudi

Anaimudi, located in the Western Ghats in Kerala, is the highest peak of the Peninsular Plateau, with an elevation of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) above sea level.

2. Luni

The Luni River, which originates in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, flows southwest and eventually dissipates into the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

1. Godavari

The Godavari River is the largest east-flowing river in the Peninsular region of India. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows eastwards across the Deccan Plateau to empty into the Bay of Bengal.

1. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, located in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, experiences extreme temperature variations between summer and winter.

1. 01 June

The onset of the southwest monsoon at the Kerala coast is typically around 01 June.

3. Rajasthan

Rajasthan experiences the highest annual variability rainfall due to its predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, where rainfall can be highly unpredictable and varies significantly from year to year.

4. Karnataka and Kerala

Mango showers are pre-monsoon rains that are crucial for the mango crop in these regions, as they help in the ripening of the mangoes.

4. North-eastern part

This region, which includes states like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and others, is known for its heavy and prolonged monsoon rains.

2. Amaltas

Amaltas (Cassia fistula), also known as the golden shower tree, is a deciduous tree commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Ebony, rosewood, and mahogany are tree species typically found in tropical evergreen forests.

3. 100 cm to 200 cm

Moist deciduous forests shed their leaves seasonally and are found in regions with moderate to high rainfall.

2. 33.63 %

Tribal districts are primarily inhabited by various indigenous tribes and are often located in forested and hilly regions, constitute about 33.63% of the total geographical area of India.

4 18

As of the 2018-19 Annual Report by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the 18 Biosphere Reserves in India are:

1. Nilgiri (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka)
2. Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu)
3. Sundarbans (West Bengal)
4. Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand)
5. Nokrek (Meghalaya)
6. Manas (Assam)
7. Sundarban (West Bengal)
8. Simlipal (Odisha)
9. Dibru-Saikhowa (Assam)
10. Dehang-Debang (Arunachal Pradesh)
11. Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh)
12. Khangchendzonga (Sikkim)
13. Agasthyamalai (Tamil Nadu, Kerala)
14. Achanakmar-Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh)
15. Great Nicobar (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
16. Cold Desert (Himachal Pradesh)
17. Kutch (Gujarat)
18. Seshachalam (Andhra Pradesh)

1. Bhangar

Bhangar refers to the older alluvium in the Gangetic plain. It is composed of higher terraces of land formed from deposits that are more consolidated and mature compared to the newer and less compact Khadar.

3. Inceptisols

These soils are typically found in various regions across the country and are characterized by minimal horizon development, making them relatively young and fertile.

4. Black soils

Black soils are clayey and moisture-retentive, making them ideal for crops like cotton that require good moisture availability during the growing season.

2. Cattle grazing

Uncontrolled cattle grazing can contribute to soil erosion by removing vegetation cover and compacting the soil.

1. Atmospheric

Drought disaster belongs to the atmospheric category. It is primarily caused by prolonged periods of below-average precipitation, which is a meteorological or atmospheric phenomenon.

3. Odisha

Its coastline along the Bay of Bengal makes it particularly vulnerable to cyclones.

2. No, the human loss can be controlled partially.

While advanced technology can significantly reduce human loss by improving prediction, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness, it cannot completely eliminate the risk of human loss.

4. Uttarakhand

It is located in the seismically active Himalayan region, making it prone to frequent earthquakes, and its hilly terrain makes it susceptible to landslides, especially during the monsoon season.

3. 2005

This act provides a legal and institutional framework for disaster management at the national, state, and district levels.

4. Cadastral map

Cadastral maps show property boundaries, land ownership, and detailed information about individual plots of land, making them highly detailed and specific.

1. 7

Ancient Indian scholars divided the whole world into seven ‘Dwipas’ or continents. These are known as Jambu Dwipa, Plaksha Dwipa, Shalmali Dwipa, Kusha Dwipa, Krauncha Dwipa, Shaka Dwipa, and Pushkara Dwipa.

2. Political map

Political maps are considered cultural maps because they display human-created features such as boundaries, cities, and countries, reflecting the political and cultural aspects of a region.

1. Planimeter

In the context of measuring distances on a map and calculating areas, the opisometer and the planimeter play distinct roles. While the opisometer is specifically designed for measuring distances, the planimeter focuses on determining the area enclosed by a shape. However, if the opisometer is not available, the planimeter can serve as a suitable alternative for measuring distances.

4. Diagonal scale

Topographical maps usually provide a statement scale, representative fraction (RF), and graphical scale to represent distances and relationships accurately. Diagonal scales are typically used for more specialized engineering or architectural purposes.

4. 00.0° latitude

The 00.0° latitude, also known as the Equator, is a great circle.

3. 15°

The Sun traverses 15° of longitude in one hour due to the Earth’s rotation. This is because the Earth completes a 360° rotation in 24 hours (360° / 24 hours = 15° per hour).

3. Approximately 111.3 km

This value is derived from the Earth’s circumference, which is about 40,075 km, divided by 360 degrees of longitude (40,075 km / 360 = 111.3 km per degree).

2. Divisible by 7.5

Each time zone generally covers 15 degrees of longitude, and the standard meridian is usually centered in the time zone, which makes it a multiple of 7.5 degrees (e.g., 0°, 7.5°, 15°, 22.5°, etc.).

1 Mereator Projection

The Mercator projection is most appropriate for navigation at sea routes. It preserves angles and shapes of small objects, making it useful for maritime navigation because it allows sailors to plot straight-line courses (rhumb lines) easily.

1. 15’×15’ map

The smaller the area covered by the map, the more detailed and precise the information it can display.

4. Waterfall

In waterfall the elevation changes abruptly over a very short horizontal distance, resulting in the contours being drawn very close together or even merging.

2. Horizontal photographs

The correct answer is a Horizontal photograph. There are several types of aerial photography. These are as follows:

1. Vertical Aerial Photography: In vertical aerial photography, the camera axis is perfectly vertical—meaning it points directly down at the ground.
2. Low Oblique Aerial Photography: The camera axis is tilted more than 3 degrees, but the horizon is not visible in the image.
3. High Oblique Aerial Photography: Tilting the camera axis approximately 60 degrees. The resulting images cover a larger area, and the horizon is visible.
4. Combined aerial photography: Combines vertical and oblique images. 
5. Orthophotomap: It’s like a “true” map, with consistent scale and accurate measurements.
6. Leaf-Off/Leaf-On Aerial Photography: Leaf-off photos are taken during winter when trees have shed their leaves. Leaf-on photos are captured during the growing season when foliage is abundant.
7. Horizontal Aerial Photography: The camera axis will not touch the ground plane, and consists of two or more drone images captured in a single row. 

3. Violet

In the electromagnetic spectrum, the wavelength of violet light ranges from about 380 to 450 nanometers, which is shortest.

1. North

This orientation helps to minimize direct sunlight entering the screen when it is opened, ensuring that the temperature and humidity measurements inside are not affected by the sun’s heat.

3. Post-Modernism

Post-Modernism is the latest approach among the ones listed in human geography. This approach emerged in the late 20th century and focuses on understanding the complexities and diversities of human experiences.

4. Births − deaths + in migration − out migration

This formula accounts for natural increase (births minus deaths) and net migration (in migration minus out migration) to determine the total change in population.

2. Information and computer

Advances in this field, particularly in the last few decades, have revolutionized how we communicate, process information, and perform various tasks, marking significant technological progress compared to earlier developments.

3. Basic Needs Approach

This approach focuses on ensuring that all individuals have access to basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, education, and healthcare, aiming to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of people.

2. Quinary workers

These individuals are at the highest level of decision-making and include top executives, government officials, and other high-level managers who possess specialized knowledge and skills.

1. Milpa

This traditional method involves cutting down and burning vegetation to create fields for cultivation.

4. Vegetables farming

This type of farming involves growing vegetables on a large scale and transporting them to markets, often using trucks.

2. Near to raw material

This is because sugarcane, the primary raw material for sugar production, is bulky and perishable, so processing it close to the source minimizes transportation costs and ensures the cane is processed while still fresh.

1. Policy formulators

Quinary activities are high-level decision-making roles and include activities such as policy formulation, which involves creating and implementing policies at the highest levels of government and corporate sectors.

3. Tourism

The tourism industry employs a vast number of people globally, ranges from travel agents, hotel staff, tour guides, and many others in various related sectors.

3. Conical

Projections like Gnomonic, Stereographic, and Orthographic involve a light source projecting the Earth’s surface onto a plane. In contrast, conical projections involve projecting the Earth’s surface onto a cone placed over the globe.

2. St. Petersburg and Vladivostok

The Trans-Siberian Railway, historically known as the Great Siberian Route, is an awe-inspiring railway system that connects European Russia to the Russian Far East. The journey begins at the Yaroslavsky station in Moscow. The Trans-Siberian Railway’s eastern terminus is the vibrant port city of Vladivostok. Beyond Vladivostok, the railway continues to the Astafiev Cape, where the tracks almost kiss the sea. 

4. Atalantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean

The Panama Canal joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, providing a crucial maritime shortcut that significantly reduces the travel distance for ships between these two major bodies of water.

2. 1807

Great Britain abolished the slave trade in the year 1807 with the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

1. 1995

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) came into existence on January 1, 1995, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and expanding its scope to cover trade in goods, services, and intellectual property.

3. Brussels

Brussels, Belgium is the de facto capital of the EU and hosts major EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European Council.

1. Piraeus

Piraeus is an out port. It serves as the port of Athens, Greece, and is one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe.

4. Addis Ababa

The name comes from the Amharic language, in which “Addis” means “new” and “Ababa” means “flower.”

2. Arranging employment for youths

While arranging employment for youths is important, it is not specifically listed as a priority of the Urban Strategy of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

2. 1872

The first population census in India was conducted in the year 1872. However, the first synchronous census, covering the entire country at the same time, was conducted in 1881.

1. Total population/Net cultivated area

Physiological density is computed by dividing the total population by the net cultivated area. This measure provides insight into the pressure that the population exerts on the productive land available for agriculture.

1. High birth rate and high death rate

This phase typically corresponds to pre-industrial societies where medical facilities, sanitation, and overall living conditions are poor, leading to high mortality rates.

3. Indo-European

This family includes major languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and Punjabi, which are widely spoken across the country.

1. Christians

According to the 2011 Indian census, Christians hold the third rank in terms of population strength among religious groups in India. Hindus and Muslims rank first and second, respectively.

3. 1981

This census data collection helped to understand the various factors driving migration within the country, such as employment, education, marriage, and other social and economic reasons.

4. 74.04 %

This figure represents the percentage of the population aged seven years and above who can read and write with understanding.

3. 1987

The report “Our Common Future,” also known as the Brundtland Report, was published in 1987. This landmark document was produced by the World Commission on Environment and Development and laid the foundation for the concept of sustainable development.

3. 1990

This report introduced the Human Development Index (HDI) and shifted the focus of development economics from national income accounting to people-centered policies.

4. Linear

Rural settlements come in different types, influenced by history, culture, and the environment.

1. In clustered/Compact settlements, families live in close proximity to each other. 
2. In Semi-cluster settlements consist of uneven distribution due to physical variations. Factors like hills, rivers, forests, or other natural features shape where people build their homes. 
3. Circular settlements feature a central open space surrounded by structures.
4. Dispersed settlements have low population density, with homes scattered across the landscape.
5. Nucleated settlements have higher population density, with structures concentrated in a specific area. These can be villages or hamlets. 

Rural settlements vary in their layout—clustered, semi-clustered, hamleted, and dispersed—each reflecting the interplay of geography, culture, and social context.

2. Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a modern city, designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s. It is known for its urban planning and modern architecture, distinguishing it from historically older cities like Madurai, Delhi, and Allahabad.

1. Hugli

Hugli, located in West Bengal, is known as an industrial city. It is part of the Kolkata metropolitan area and has a significant presence of industries, particularly those related to jute, textiles, and manufacturing.

2. Rice

Rice is grown thrice in an agricultural year in West Bengal. The three cropping seasons are Aus, Aman, and Boro, allowing farmers to cultivate rice throughout the year.

3. Nilgiri Hills

Coffee is prominently produced in the Nilgiri Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats in southern India. The region’s climate and elevation provide ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.

4. Availability of cheap labour

The success of the Green Revolution primarily depended on assured irrigation, availability of chemical fertilizers, and high-yielding varieties of seeds.

2. 1122 cubic km

The total utilisable water resource in India is represented by 1122 cubic kilometers. This includes both surface and groundwater resources that can be harnessed for various uses.

3. Kaveri basin

The Kaveri basin is located in the southernmost position compared to the Tapi, Godavari, and Mahanadi basins.

1. Tarun Mandal

Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra is well-known for its community-led initiatives, largely attributed to the efforts of social activist Anna Hazare.

1. 1

3. Udaipur

Udaipur, located in Rajasthan, is the westernmost location among the given copper mines. The other mines, Balaghat, Singhbhum, and Hazaribagh, are located further east in India.

2. Petroleum

Petroleum energy releases various pollutants, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to air pollution.

1. Durgapur

3. Gurugram – Delhi – Meerut Region

The Gurugram – Delhi – Meerut Region is located in the northern part of India, in the state of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, near the national capital, Delhi.

1. Gaddi

Bharmaur tehsil of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh is predominantly inhabited by the Gaddi tribe. The Gaddis are a pastoral community known for their unique culture and traditions in the Himalayan region.

3. 1953

The Government of India passed the Air Corporations Act, leading to the establishment of Indian Airlines Corporation and Air India International in 1953.

3. Polygraph

A polygraph allows for multiple lines to be plotted on the same graph, making it easier to compare the trends of different variables over time.

3. Dot method

1. Accurate map output

Raster data models are known for their simple data structure, compatibility with satellite imagery, and ease of overlaying different data layers. However, they are generally not known for producing accurate map outputs compared to vector data models.

2. People prosperity

Drought typically leads to negative impacts such as crop failure, hunger and malnutrition, and economic difficulties. “People prosperity” is not an impact of drought.

2. Buffer Operation

Buffer operation is called proximity analysis. It involves creating buffer zones around spatial features to analyze the areas within a certain distance from these features, which is a common method for assessing proximity.