Geography – True/False – GK Questions

The Repetti discontinuity, at about 660 km depth, marks a boundary within the Earth's mantle separating the upper and lower mantle. It is characterized by changes in mineral structure due to increasing pressure. Named after seismologist L. Repetti.

The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills are part of the Meghalaya Plateau, which is an extension of the Peninsular Plateau, not the Eastern Himalayas. These hills receive some of the world's highest rainfall and are known for living root bridges.

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia. It is the world's largest coral reef system (2,300 km long) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It faces threats from climate change and coral bleaching.

India is the largest producer of millets globally, contributing about 40% of world production. Major millets include jowar, bajra, and ragi. The UN declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, recognizing India's leadership in millet cultivation.

The Deccan Traps are extensive volcanic rock formations in western and central India, formed by massive lava flows about 66 million years ago. They cover parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. The black soil of this region is derived from these traps.

Alluvial soil covers about 40% of India's land area, making it the most widespread soil type. It is found in the Indo-Gangetic plains, Brahmaputra Valley, and coastal regions. It is highly fertile and suitable for diverse crops.

The thermosphere (85-600 km altitude) is where most satellites orbit Earth, including the International Space Station. Temperatures rise sharply here due to absorption of solar radiation. The auroras (Northern/Southern Lights) also occur in this layer.

The Equator passes through 13 countries across three continents: Africa (7 countries), Asia (Indonesia, Maldives), and South America (3 countries). It divides Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The 'Loo' is a strong, hot, and dry wind that blows over North India (especially Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP) during May-June. It can cause heatstroke and dehydration. It originates from the Thar Desert region.

The Arctic Ocean is the only ocean located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, surrounding the North Pole. It is the smallest and shallowest ocean, largely covered by sea ice. Other oceans span both hemispheres.

The Conrad discontinuity is a boundary within the continental crust separating the upper granitic layer from the lower basaltic layer. It is not as globally consistent as the Moho. Named after seismologist Victor Conrad.

The Pir Panjal Range is part of the Lesser Himalayas (Middle Himalayas) in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. It includes the famous Banihal Pass and Jawahar Tunnel. The range separates the Jammu region from the Kashmir Valley.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, with about 20% of the world's oil passing through. It lies between Iran and Oman/UAE.

India is the largest producer of cauliflower globally, contributing about 35% of world production. Major producing states are Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Cauliflower is a cool-season crop grown mainly in Rabi season.

India encompasses three of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, and Indo-Burma regions. These areas have high species richness and endemism but face significant habitat loss, requiring conservation priority.

The Lehmann discontinuity, at about 5,150 km depth, marks the boundary between Earth's liquid outer core and solid inner core. Named after seismologist Inge Lehmann, who discovered the inner core in 1936 through seismic wave analysis.

The Vindhya Range traditionally marks the boundary between North and South India. It runs east-west across central India, parallel to the Satpura Range. The Narmada River flows in the rift valley between these two ranges.

The Suez Canal is located in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Opened in 1869, it is a vital shipping route that saves vessels from navigating around Africa. The canal was nationalized by Egypt in 1956.

India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally, contributing about 80% of world production. Major turmeric-growing states are Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Turmeric is valued for its medicinal and culinary properties.

Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on the 82.5°E longitude passing through Mirzapur near Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. IST is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT. This single time zone is used across India despite its east-west span.