Question 24 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Geograph y

Question

Consider the following information:
1. Central Asia - Vosges - Fold mountain
2. Europe - Alps - Block mountain
3. North America - Appalachians - Fold mountain
4. South America - Andes - Fold mountain
In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Only two

Strategy: - Identify the geological type (fold or block) and geographic location for each mountain range.
- Evaluate each statement against factual knowledge:
    - **Vosges:** Verify as block mountains in Europe (statement claims Central Asia).
    - **Alps:** Verify as fold mountains in Europe (statement claims block mountains).
    - **Appalachians:** Confirm as fold mountains in North America.
    - **Andes:** Confirm as fold mountains in South America.
- Count the number of statements that are entirely correct regarding both mountain type and location.

Key Info: ## Mountain Range Information

### Vosges Mountains
Located in France (Europe), these are classic **block mountains** formed by faulting in the Earth's crust. They are not found in Central Asia.

### Alps
Situated in Europe (primarily Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy), the Alps are one of the most well-known **fold mountain** ranges. They were formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.

### Appalachian Mountains
Found in eastern North America (USA and Canada), the Appalachians are ancient **fold mountains**. They formed approximately 480-300 million years ago during the assembly of the supercontinent Pangea.

### Andes Mountains
Positioned along the western edge of South America (extending through countries like Chile, Argentina, and Peru), the Andes are among the longest **fold mountain** chains globally. Their formation resulted from the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.

## Mountain Formation Types

*   **Block Mountains:** These mountains, such as the Vosges or the Sierra Nevada (USA), arise from faults in the Earth's crust.
*   **Fold Mountains:** These mountains result from compressive forces that cause the Earth's crust to buckle and fold.

Knowledge of the world's major mountain systems and their classification (fold, block, volcanic) is vital for physical geography.

Answer

Option A: Only one

Answer

Option C: Only three

Answer

Option D: All four

Consider the following information: Central Asia - Vosges - Fold mountain Europe - Alps - Block mountain North America - Appalachians - Fold mountain South America - Andes - Fold mountain In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?

Consider the following information:

Central Asia - Vosges - Fold mountain

Europe - Alps - Block mountain

North America - Appalachians - Fold mountain

South America - Andes - Fold mountain
In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?