Question 97 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Geograph y

Question

Consider the following:
1. Pyroclastic debris
2. Ash and dust
3. Nitrogen compounds
4. Sulphur compounds
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. All four

Strategy: Identify which items are standard volcanic products. Volcanic eruptions always produce pyroclastic debris, ash, dust, and emit a variety of gases, notably nitrogen and sulphur compounds. Recognizing all four as eruption products confirms that the correct answer must encompass all listed items.

Key Info: Volcanic eruptions expel a mixture of solid fragments, ash, dust, and a range of gases.

Pyroclastic debris refers to all fragmental material ejected during explosive volcanic eruptions, including volcanic bombs, lapilli, and ash. Ash and dust are fine particulate matter propelled into the atmosphere during an eruption, affecting air quality and contributing to climate impact.

Volcanic gases typically make up 1-5% of magma's mass and are predominantly water vapor, but key chemical components include sulphur compounds (such as sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide) and nitrogen compounds (such as nitrogen, ammonia, nitrogen oxides). These gases play a role in air pollution, acid rain, and atmospheric reactions. Other minor gases can include carbon dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen, and argon.

All four items listed are well-documented, common products associated with volcanic activity.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only two

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Only three

Consider the following: Pyroclastic debris Ash and dust Nitrogen compounds Sulphur compounds How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

Consider the following:

Pyroclastic debris

Ash and dust

Nitrogen compounds

Sulphur compounds

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?