Physical geography is a major branch of natural science that studies the Earth’s natural processes, features, and environments, specifically focusing on the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. It investigates landforms, climate, soils, and ecosystems, analyzing how these elements interact and change over time.
NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam GK – Physical Geography
1. Which layer of the Earth is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates?
(a) Lithosphere
(b) Asthenosphere
(c) Mesosphere
(d) Inner core
Answer: (b) Asthenosphere
Explanation:
The asthenosphere lies below the lithosphere and is semi-molten. The tectonic plates float and move over this plastic layer, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.
2. The Tropic of Cancer passes almost through the middle of which country?
(a) China
(b) Mexico
(c) India
(d) Egypt
Answer: (c) India
Explanation:
The Tropic of Cancer (23½° N latitude) divides India into tropical and subtropical climatic zones and passes through states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.
3. Which of the following winds is a warm and dry local wind?
(a) Chinook
(b) Mistral
(c) Bora
(d) Blizzard
Answer: (a) Chinook
Explanation:
Chinook winds blow on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. They are warm and dry winds that can rapidly melt snow and are sometimes called “Snow Eaters.”
4. The largest coral reef system in the world is the:
(a) Lakshadweep Reef
(b) Florida Reef
(c) Great Barrier Reef
(d) Red Sea Reef
Answer: (c) Great Barrier Reef
Explanation:
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 2,300 km.
5. Which process is responsible for the formation of U-shaped valleys?
(a) River erosion
(b) Wind erosion
(c) Glacial erosion
(d) Chemical weathering
Answer: (c) Glacial erosion
Explanation:
Glaciers carve U-shaped valleys as they move slowly over land, eroding and widening river valleys that were originally V-shaped.
6. Which type of rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain barrier?
(a) Convectional rainfall
(b) Cyclonic rainfall
(c) Orographic rainfall
(d) Frontal rainfall
Answer: (c) Orographic rainfall
Explanation:
When moist air hits a mountain, it rises, cools, and condenses, producing rainfall on the windward side. The leeward side remains dry, forming a rain shadow region.
7. Which ocean current is responsible for moderating the climate of Western Europe?
(a) Labrador Current
(b) Gulf Stream
(c) Canary Current
(d) Benguela Current
Answer: (b) Gulf Stream
Explanation:
The Gulf Stream is a warm Atlantic Ocean current that flows toward Europe and keeps the climate of Western Europe milder than other regions at similar latitudes.
8. Which of the following deserts is the largest hot desert in the world?
(a) Thar Desert
(b) Sahara Desert
(c) Arabian Desert
(d) Kalahari Desert
Answer: (b) Sahara Desert
Explanation:
The Sahara Desert in North Africa is the largest hot desert in the world, covering about 9 million sq km.
9. El Niño phenomenon is associated with abnormal warming of waters in which ocean?
(a) Atlantic Ocean
(b) Indian Ocean
(c) Pacific Ocean
(d) Arctic Ocean
Answer: (c) Pacific Ocean
Explanation:
El Niño occurs when surface waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become unusually warm, affecting global weather patterns including monsoons.
10. Which rock type is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma?
(a) Sedimentary rock
(b) Metamorphic rock
(c) Igneous rock
(d) Organic rock
Answer: (c) Igneous rock
Explanation:
Igneous rocks form when molten magma or lava cools and solidifies. Examples include granite and basalt.
