Geography Module UPSC| Geography Preparation Module UPSC CSE

Geography Module Preparation Plan for UPSC

Sr.	Chapter	Topics
Lecture 01	Evolution of the universe and the earth	Evolution of Universe/planet/moon The origin of the Earth Early Theories Modern Theories – BBT Star Formation Formation of Planets Solar System The Evolution of the Earth Layered Structure (5 layers) Lithosphere/ Atmosphere/ Hydrosphere
Lecture 02	Geometry & interior of the earth	Geological History of the Earth Latitude and Longitude including important Parallels and Meridians Heat zones of earth Motions of the Earth - Rotation, Revolution and their effects- Solstice/Equinox/Perihelion/Aphelion Seismic waves- Body waves (P&S), Surface waves (L&R) Earth’s magnetic field/ related theories/ Poles/ Auroras Inclination of the Earth’s Axis and its effects Interior structure of earth- crust/lithosphere/ mantle. Asthenosphere/core/discontinuities Local and Standard Time and the International Date Line, Calendar Eclipses - Solar, Lunar Origin of Life Geological time scale
Lecture 03	Geology and Distribution of ocean & the continents	Minerals – Major elements of earth’s crust, physical characteristics, Erosion transportation and deposition Continent and Oceans theories – Pangea, Panthalasa, CDT, Sea floor spreading, PTT, Major/Minor tectonic theory, Interaction of plates, Ocean convergence, Island arc convergence, plate boundaries, Plate movements, Indian plate Distribution of fossils Convectional current theory Mapping of the ocean floor
Lecture 04	Volcanism, minerals & rocks	Causes & types – extinct/dormant/active Lava and its types Volcanic landforms – intrusive/extrusive Eruptive volcanism Geysers and hot springs Volcanos in India Pacific ring of fire Earthquakes- causes/types & distribution Tsunami- effects/mechanism Warning systems & govt. initiatives/efforts Minerals- properties Rocks- types (igneous/ sedimentary/ metamorphic)
Lecture 05	Earth Movement	Geomorphic Process vs Geomorphic Agents Endogenic Geomorphic Movements Diastrophism/ Metamorphism Epeirogenic movement Orogenic process Sudden Movements/li> Exogenic Geomorphic Movements Denudation Weathering/ Erosion/ Deposition Mass movement Folds – mountains – formation/ classification/types
Lecture 06	Mountain formation	Tectonics Convection Current Theory Plate Tectonics Continent-Ocean Convergence or the Cordilleran Convergence Formation of Continental Arcs Classification of Mountains Fold Mountains Block Mountains Volcanic mountains Formation of Fold Mountains (Orogeny) Formation of the Andes Geomorphic Movements Endogenic Geomorphic Movements Formation of the Rockies Continent-Continent Convergence or The Himalayan Convergence Formation of the Himalayans and the Tibetan Plateau Formation of Alps, Urals, Appalachians and the Atlas Mountains Location of the world’s fold mountain systems along the margins of continents Continent-Arc Convergence or New Guinea Convergence Divergent boundary Evolution – Formation of Rift Valleys, Rif Lakes, Seas and Oceans Rift valley lakes Great Rift Valley East African Rift Valley Significant mountains and mountain ranges Highest mountain peaks
Lecture 07	Landforms and their Evolution	Geomorphic Agents: Erosional or Destructional, Depositional or Constructional Agents and their Impacts Pediments and Pedi plains Playas Deflation Hollows and Caves Mushroom, Table & Pedestal Rocks Barchans Seif Parabolic Transverse Longitudinal Running Water: 2 Components Overland Flow – Sheet Linear Flow – Strems Stages Youth Mature Old “ Erosional Landforms Valleys, Rills, Gullies, Valleys – V Shape, Gorge (Hard Rocks), Canyon (Sedimentary) Potholes & Plunge pools Incised or entrenched meanders River Terraces – paired & unpaired Depositional Landforms Terraces Caves Stacks Depositional Landforms Beaches and Dunes Bars Barriers Spits Weathering Weather over Earth Materials: Factors Geological Climatic Topographic Vegetative: Major Processes, Physical or Mechanical and Biological Chemical – Forces Chemical Action Solution Carbonation, Hydration Oxidation & Reduction: Physical Forces Gravitational, Expansion, Water Pressure Unloading & Expansion Temperature changes and Expansion Alluvial Fans Delta Flood Plains, Natural Levees, Point Bars Meanders, Slip off bank, Under cut bank Oxbow lake Braided Channels Ground Water (Karst Topography) Permeable Rocks Percolation Limestone and Dolomite Regions Balkans, Adjacent to Adriatic regions Pools-Swallow Hole, Valley Sinks (Uvalas), Sinkholes, Collapse sinks (Dolines), Lapies, Ridges, Limestone Pavements Caves – Altering bed of Rocks (Shale sandstone quartzite), Caves and Tunnels Stalactites Stalagmites Pillar Columns
Lecture 08	Landforms and their Evolution	Glaciers Cirque of Tarn Lakes Hors and Serrated Regions – Arete Glacial Valleys/ Troughs – Fiords Glacial Tills Moraines Eskers Outwash Planes Drumlins Waves and Currents: High Rocky Coasts & Low Sedimentary Coasts Clifs Terraces Caves Stacks Depositional Landforms Beaches and Dunes Bars Barriers Spits Weathering Weather over Earth Materials: Factors Geological Climatic Topographic Vegetative: Major Processes, Physical or Mechanical and Biological Chemical – Forces Chemical Action Solution Carbonation, Hydration Oxidation & Reduction: Physical Forces Gravitational, Expansion, Water Pressure Unloading & Expansion Temperature changes and Expansion Freezing, Thawing, & Frost Wedging Salt Weathering Biological Weathering Burrowing Wedging Plant Roots Effects of Weathering Exfoliation (Flaking)– Exfoliation Domes, Tors Significance of Weathering Soil Formation Biomes and Biodiversity Leaching / Enrichment Mass Movements- types, slow movement, rapid movement, heavy flow movement, landslides Landforms across world: rivers & lakes, mountains & peaks, fold mountain, volcanic mountain Plateaus- formation, types, significance, major plateau of world
Lecture 09	Atmosphere	Composition of Atmosphere Evolution of Earth’s atmosphere Gases of the Atmosphere Water Vapour Dust Particles Structure of Atmosphere- Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere Altitude vs Temperature Importance of Earth’s Atmosphere Temperature Distribution on Earth Ways of Transfer of Heat Energy -Radiation, Conduction & Convection Factors Affecting Temperature Distribution Albedo Land-Sea Differential Prevailing Winds Aspects of Slope Earth’s Distance from Sun The Mean Annual Temperature Distribution General characteristics of isotherms General Temperature Distribution Seasonal Temperature Distribution Latitudinal Heat Balance Heat Budget / Heat balance Vertical Distribution of Temperature Latent Heat of Condensation Lapse Rate Adiabatic Lapse Rate (ALR) Temperature Inversion Solar Radiation Heat Balance Temperature Insolation Aphelion and Perihelion Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems
Lecture 10	Pressure Systems and Water Cycle	Atmospheric Pressure Vertical variation of pressure Horizontal distribution of pressure World Distribution of Sea Level Pressure Factors affecting the velocity and direction of the WIND General Circulation of the Atmosphere – Pattern of Planetary Winds Latitudinal Variation of Atmospheric Heating Emergence of Pressure Belts Migration of Belts Following apparent Path of Sun Distribution of continents & Oceans Rotation of the Earth Circulation Simplified Global Circulation – Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, Polar cell Seasonal Wind Local Wind Land and Sea Breezes Mountain and Valley winds AIR MASS – fronts Extra Tropical Cyclone Thunderstorms Tornadoes Water in the Atmosphere Water Vapour Precipitation Evaporation and Condensation Clouds: Types – Cirrus Cumulus Stratus Nimbus High – Cirrus Cirrostratus Cirrocumulus Middle – Altostratus Altocumulus Low – Stratocumulus Nimbostratus Vertical Development – Cumulus and Cumulonimbus Precipitation Types of Rainfall and World Distribution of Rainfall Humidity, Fog, Mist, Smog Thunderstorms - types Hailing - formation Tornado - distribution Lightning
Lecture 11, 12	Tropical and temperate Cyclones + World Climate	Conditions required for the formation of Tropical Cyclone Convective cyclogenesis (Development of Tropical Cyclone) Path of Tropical Cyclone Damage associated with Cyclone Arabian sea Cyclone Naming of Tropical Cyclone Early warning system for tropical Cyclone Floods/Wind IMD warning system Jet streams- features/ types-permanent/temporary, Polar front jet, Polar vortex and ozone depletion Polar front jet Somali jet Temperate cyclone Air masses – sources, condition Front formation- classification Polar front theory Ozone depletion El Nino and La Nina ENSO Indian Ocean dipole Effect on regional and world climate Effect of these events on Indian Monsoon Climate classification – Koppen’s, Walker Fujiwara effect Madden-Julian oscillation
Lecture 13	Ocean Relief feature, Salinity & Temperature	Distribution of water on the earth Major Ocean Relief Features Continental Shelf Continental Slope Continental Rise Deep Sea Plain or Abyssal Plain Minor Ocean Relief Features Oceanic Deeps or Trenches Mid-Oceanic Ridges or Submarine Ridges Abyssal Hills Submarine Canyons Atoll Bank, Shoal and Reef Major Oceans and Seas Oceans of the World by Size The Pacific Ocean The Atlantic Ocean The Indian Ocean Marginal Seas Human Impact on marginal seas Biomass Production and Primary productivity Water Circulation in Marginal Seas Bays, gulfs, and Straits Bays Gulfs Straits Isthmus Factors Affecting Ocean Salinity Horizontal distribution of salinity Source of Heat in Oceans Factors Affecting Temperature Distribution of Oceans Vertical Temperature Distribution of Oceans Thermocline Horizontal Temperature Distribution Range of Ocean Temperature sunspot Ocean Deposits Terrigenous Deposits Pelagic Deposits Mineral Resources Mineral deposits found on continental shelves and slopes Mineral deposits found on deep sea floor Energy Resources Fresh Water Biotic Resources United Nations Internationa Conferences on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Territorial waters Contiguous Zone or Pursuit Zone Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) High seas
Lecture 13	Ocean Relief feature, Salinity & Temperature	Distribution of water on the earth Major Ocean Relief Features Continental Shelf Continental Slope Continental Rise Deep Sea Plain or Abyssal Plain Minor Ocean Relief Features Oceanic Deeps or Trenches Mid-Oceanic Ridges or Submarine Ridges Abyssal Hills Submarine Canyons Atoll Bank, Shoal and Reef Major Oceans and Seas Oceans of the World by Size The Pacific Ocean The Atlantic Ocean The Indian Ocean Marginal Seas Human Impact on marginal seas Biomass Production and Primary productivity Water Circulation in Marginal Seas Bays, gulfs, and Straits Bays Gulfs Straits Isthmus Factors Affecting Ocean Salinity Horizontal distribution of salinity Source of Heat in Oceans Factors Affecting Temperature Distribution of Oceans Vertical Temperature Distribution of Oceans Thermocline Horizontal Temperature Distribution Range of Ocean Temperature sunspot Ocean Deposits Terrigenous Deposits Pelagic Deposits Mineral Resources Mineral deposits found on continental shelves and slopes Mineral deposits found on deep sea floor Energy Resources Fresh Water Biotic Resources United Nations Internationa Conferences on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Territorial waters Contiguous Zone or Pursuit Zone Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) High seas
Lecture 14	Ocean Movements & Coral Reef + Water resources	Ocean Currents Primary Forces Responsible for Ocean Currents Secondary Forces Responsible for Ocean Currents Types of Ocean Currents Pacific Ocean Currents Phytoplankton and Fishing Atlantic Ocean Currents Indian Ocean Currents Effects of Ocean Currents Desert Formation and Ocean Currents Tides Tidal Bulge: Why there are two tidal bulges? Types of Tides Importance of Tides Characteristics of Tides Tidal bore Impact of Tidal Bore Temperature Distribution of Oceans Vertical Distribution of Salinity Coral Reefs Coral Reef Relief Features Fringing Reefs (Shore Reefs) Barrier Reefs Atolls Development of Major Coral Reef Types Ideal Conditions for Coral Growth Distribution of Coral Reefs Corals and Zooxanthellae Symbiotic Relationship Between Corals and Zooxanthellae Coral Bleaching or Coral Reef Bleaching Ecological Causes of Coral Bleaching Spatial and temporal range of coral reef bleaching Resources from the Ocean Water resources Resources- Underground/ Surface/ Inland Oceanic water resources & utilizations Water pollution
Lecture 15	Physiography of India (1)	Location/ Geopolitical significance Latitude & Longitude Geological division- peninsular block Himalayas- transhimalayas/ greater/lesser/purvanchal/ranges Karewas Glaciers Aravali/ Vindhayan/ Satpura range Western/ Eastern ghats
Lecture 16	Physiography of India (2) – Drainage system + Climate + Soils + Natural vegetation	Drainage System of India Himalayan Drainage System Drainage Indus River system Ganga/Yamuna/Indua River System Brahmaputra river system Peninsular Drainage System River Systems of Peninsular Drainage Small Rivers Flowing Towards East and West Interlinking of rivers Climate Factors influencing the climate of India Monsoon Mechanism of the Monsoon: Classical Theory, Modern theory, Air mass theory Impact of EL-NINO and LA-NINA The rhythm of Seasons: cold weather, hot weather, southwest monsoon season, retreating monsoon season Climatic Regions of India Soils Classification of Soils Soil textures Issue of Soil degradation & Soil Erosion Soil Conservation Natural vegetation Forest- types/ cover/ conservation/ issues
Lecture 17	Plateau, Plains, and islands of India	Northern and coastal Plains of India Formation of Indo-Gangetic Brahmaputra Plain Features of Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain Divisions of Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain Regional Divisions of the Great Plains Peninsular Plateau Minor Plateaus in the Peninsular Plateau Marwar Plateau or Mewar Plateau Central Highland Bundelkhand Upland Malwa Plateau Baghelkhand Chotanagpur Plateau Meghalaya Plateau Deccan Plateau Hill Ranges of the Peninsular Plateau Significance of the Peninsular Plateau Coastline of India East Coast of India West Coast of India Coastlines of Emergence and Submergence Western Coastal Plains of India Kutch and Kathiawar region Gujarat Plain Konkan Plain Karnataka Coastal Plain Kerala Plain Eastern Coastal Plains of India Utkal Plain Andhra Plain Tamil Nadu Plain Significance of the Coastal Plains Indian Islands Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lakshadweep Islands New Moore Island Riverine islands
Lecture 18	Indian rocks	Major Physical Divisions of India Rock System of India Archaean Rock System (Pre-Cambrian Rocks) Archaean Gneisses and Schists (4 billion years old) Dharwar System (1 to 4 billion years old) Purana Rock System (600 to 1400 million years old) Dravidian Rock System (Palaeozoic) Carboniferous rocks (350 million years) Aryan Rock System Gondwana System Jurassic System Deccan Trap
Lecture 19	Indian climate & monsoon	Features of Indian Climate Factors influencing Indian Climate Latitudinal location Distance from the Sea Indian Climate – Seasons Winter Season in India Summer Season in India Rainy Season – South West Monsoon Season North East Monsoon Season – Retreating Monsoon Season Climatic Regions of India
Lecture 20	Soil & Natural vegetation	Biogeography – Soils Soil Types: Sandy, Clayey & Loamy Soil Profile (Soil Horizon) Factors that influence soil formation in Indian Conditions Parent Materia Relief Climate Natural Vegetation Major Soil Groups of India Alluvial Soils Black Soils Red Soils Laterite – Lateritic Soils Forest – Mountain Soils Arid – Desert Soils Saline – Alkaline Soils Peaty – Marshy Soils Natural Vegetation of India Classification of Natural Vegetation of India Moist Tropical Forests Dry Tropical Forests Montane Sub-Tropical Forests Montane Temperate Forests Alpine Forests
Lecture 21	Agriculture	Land Resource, Land-use Land capability classification Causes and Impact of Land Degradation Steps taken by GOI Sustainable Land Management Basic terms related to Agriculture Performance of the agriculture sector Types of farming in India Dry zone farming Organic farming Cropping seasons in India Cropping Pattern in India Agriculture regionalization Infrastructure factors: Seeds; Fertilizers; Irrigation Land use pattern in India Institutional Factors as land reform Horticulture sector in India Agricultural revolutions Agricultural labours Price Policy for Agriculture Agricultural marketing, Insurance, Census Major schemes in agricultural sector National Policy for farmers Impact of climate change on agriculture What is sustainable agriculture? Use of IT in agriculture Agriculture Issues and Challenges Productivity of Crops and conditions for growth Wheat: Conditions of growth, Varieties, Types of cultivation, Production pattern, international trade Rice Maize (Corn) Oats, Rye, Beverages, Tea Coffee, Cocoa, Tobacco Fibre Crops Cotton, Jute Abaca,Sisal, Raw Silk, Natural Rubber Other sources of rubber Plantations in South-east Asia Sugarcane, Sugarbeet Sugar industry Sugar consumption Study Conditions of growth, Varieties, Types of cultivation, Production pattern, international trade of various crops
Lecture 22	Primary/Secondary/Tertiary Sectors & Industrial Development	Primary Activities Hunting and Gathering Pastoralism Commercial Livestock Rearing Subsistence Agriculture Plantation Agriculture Extensive Commercial Grain Cultivation Mixed Farming Dairy Farming Mediterranean Agriculture Horticulture Co-operative Farming Collective Farming Mining Secondary Activities Modern Manufacturing Industry Classification of Manufacturing Industries Foot Loose Industries Traditional Large-Scale Industrial Regions Concept of High Technology Industry Tertiary Activities Types of tertiary activities Transportation Tourism Quaternary Activities The Quaternary Sector Quinary Activities Outsourcing Industrial development History Government policy Iron & steel industry Cotton & textile industry Jute & Silk industry Sugar & Tea industry Marine/ Fisheries India vs Japan vs USA vs China
Lecture 23	Mineral Resources	Iron Types of Iron Ore Magnetite (Fe3O4) Haematite (Fe2O3) Limonite Iron Ore Distribution Across the World Largest iron ore producers Largest iron ore reserves Top Iron ore producers in the world Iron Ore Distribution in India Hematite reserves Magnetite reserves Iron Ore Production in India Coal Formation of Coal Stages of coal formation Classification of coal Peat Lignite (brown coal) Bituminous Coal (black coal) Anthracite Coal (Semi-metallic lustre) Coking Coal vs. Non-Coking Coal (Thermal Coal) Distribution of Coal in India Gondwana Coal (250 million years ago) Tertiary Coal (formed 60 – 15 million years ago) Major Coalfields in India State-wise coal reserves and coal production in India The demand of coal, production, supply and import of coal in India Measures taken by the government to boost production Distribution of Coal across the World Petroleum and Mineral Oil Formation of Petroleum and Mineral Oil Conditions for Formation of Petroleum and mineral oil Distribution of Petroleum and Mineral Oil in India Extent of Oil-Bearing Strata in India On-shore Oil Production in India Off-Shore Oil Production in India. State-wise crude oil and natural gas production trends Share of major fuels in Power Generation in India India’s Oil Imports Oil Refiners in India Crude Oil Pipelines World distribution of Petroleum and Mineral Oil OPEC – Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Natural gas Distribution of Natural Gas across Indian and the World Top natural gas producers, consumers, and countries with highest reserves Petroleum and Gas Value Chain Unconventional Gas Reservoirs Coalbed Methane Coalbed Methane in India Shale Gas Extraction of Shale Gas Shale Gas Reserves across India and the World Shale Gas Extraction Issues in India – If US can then why can’t India? Tight Gas Bauxite Bauxite Distribution in India Bauxite Distribution across the World Lead & Zinc Lead Zinc Distribution – India and World Gold and Silver Gold Reserves and Production in India World’s Gold Reserves and Gold Production Silver Reserves and Production – India & World Ores of Metals used in Alloys Manganese ore distribution in India & World Tungsten Distribution of Wolfram in India and across the World Copper Ore Distribution and Production in India Distribution of Copper Ore and Production Across the World Nickel Distribution of Nickel in India and World Molybdenum Chromite Chromite Distribution across India & World Distribution of Cobalt Reserves across India and the World Strategic Minerals KABIL Set up to Ensure Supply of Critical Minerals Non Metallic: Graphite and Diamond Distribution of Graphite across India and World Distribution of Diamond Bearing rocks and gravels in India Diamonds Across the World Differences Between Graphite and Diamond Non Metallic: Limestone, Dolomite and Magnesite Limestone Distribution of Limestone in India Dolomite Magnesite Other Non-Metallic Mineral Resources Mica Asbestos Kyanite Sillimanite Gypsum Atomic Minerals Uranium Reserves and Production across the World Uranium in India Nuclear Power Plants in India Thorium Distribution
Lecture 24	Energy Resources	Classification of energy Production of conventional energy General trends of energy production and consumption Reserves and sources of energy Coal Nature and origin of coal: Constituents and kinds of coal Coalfields and coal production By-products of coal Conservation of Coal Petroleum Petroleum Nature and properties of petroleum Origin and recovery Exploration, refining, reserves, Producing areas, Consumption of petroleum International trade OPEC and its role in oil trade Natural gas: Reserves and Production Hydro-electricity Advantages of hydro-electricity Ideal conditions for generation of hydro electricity Distribution of potential hydro-power Hydro-electric Power Generation Atomic (Nuclear) Energy Atomic: source minerals: Uranium World distribution of uranium and Production of uranium Thorium: Production of Atomic (Nuclear) Energy Nuclear Energy: the energy of future Alternative (non-conventional) Sources of energy Renewable Energy Solar Energy Wind Energy Geothermal Energy Tidal Energy Wave Energy Biomass Energy Alternate Energy Sources Hydrogen as a Fuel for Future or Hydrogen as an Alternative Energy Source Microbial Fuel Cell Energy Context concerning Indian Scenario Energy Plantation Energy crisis
Lecture 25	Transportation and Communication	Modes of Transportation Land Transport: Roads, Railways, Water Transport, Sea Routes, Shipping Canals, Inland Waterways, Air Transport Pipelines Major Port Authorities + Indian Ports Regional Rapid Transit System Coastal highway Way to boost up Air/Water transport International trade & Communication
Lecture 26	Human Geography	Population & related theories HDI Cultural setting Migration
Lecture 27		Doubt Session

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