Introduction to Geography & Basic Concepts

Introduction to Geography & Basic Concepts

Geography:

v  The term geography was first coined by a Greek scholar (around 300-200 BC) Eratosthenes.

v  The word geography has been derived from two words of the Greek language geo (earth) and graphos (to describe).

v  It means the description of the earth.  

v  It is the science or study which is devoted to the overall analysis of all features and associated phenomena like Land, Oceans, Atmosphere, etc. 

Weightage of Geography in UPSC: 

v  Prelims: 8-10 MCQs (Around 20 Marks)

v  Mains: 8 Questions (Around 100 Marks)

Sources: 

v  Current Affairs

v  NCERT books from IX to XII

v  G. C Leong 

v  Physical Geography by Savindar Singh 

v  Indian Geography by Majid Hussain 

v  Economic and Human Geography by Majid Hussain 

v  Geography by Khullar

v  Locations on Map- Oxford or Orient Black Swan 

Geography Syllabus: 

General Geography: 

v  Earth and related concepts like latitude and longitude, Theories of formation of the Universe, Earth, and Solar system. 

v  Physical Geography

v  Indian Geography

v  Economic Geography

v  Map-India & World

Geomorphology: 

v  Interior of Earth and Rocks

v  Origin of Continents & Oceans

v  Formation of Mountains and Islands

v  Formation of Plateaus & Plains 

v  Earthquakes 

v  Volcanisms

v  Tsunamis 

v  Formation of Landforms- Riverine, Coastal, Dessert, Glaciers, Lakes, etc. 

Climatology:  

v  Basics 

v  Atmosphere- Structure & Composition 

v  Atmospheric Temperature, Pressure, Pressure Systems 

v  Lapse Rate & Temperature Inversion 

v  Water in Atmosphere- Mist, Fog, Clouds, and Precipitation 

v  Pressure Belts & Winds of the World 

v  Air Masses, Jet Streams & Fronts 

v  Cyclones, Thunderstorms & Tornados

v  World Climate 

Oceanography:  

v  Introduction and Ocean Relief 

v  Oceanic Physical Features 

v  Temperature of Ocean 

v  Salinity of Oceans 

v  Ocean Currents 

v  Coral Reefs v Marine Resources

Indian Geography: 

v  India: Extent & Borders 

v  Physical Features 

A.   Himalayas 

B.   Great Plains 

C.   Peninsular India 

D.   Island & Coasts 

v  Drainage Systems 

A.   Introduction & Indus River System 

B.   Ganga & Brahmaputra River System 

C.   Peninsular Rivers

v  Soils

A.   Introduction

B.   Types of Soils 

C.   Soil Degradation & Its Conservation 

v  Forests & Vegetation

v  Agriculture

Economic Geography: 

v  Industries: Types & Location- Worldwide

v  Minerals

v  Locations

v  Energy Resources 

v  Water Resources & its Management

v  Transport & Communication

v Land Resources  

v Human Settlements  Geography:

v  It is the study of land and its features, phenomena,           processes,        and       their distribution with space and time. 

v  Physical Geography: It is the study of physical features or environments like land, ocean reliefs, atmosphere, etc. 

v  Economic Geography: It is the study of resources (land, water, industries, energy, minerals, etc.), their formation, origin, and distribution. 

v  Human Geography: It is the study of humans (tribes), settlements, and their relationships with the environment. 

Bio Geography: It is part of the geography dealing with the study of  biological species on land, water, and air.

 

General Geography - Earth and Related Concepts: 

v  Earth 

v  Latitudes and Longitudes 

v  Time Zones (Local and Standard Time)

v  Motions of Earth (Effects of Rotation and Revolution)

Earth: 

v  It is the third nearest planet to the sun, and its shape is Geoid. 

v  It is the fifth largest planet in the solar system. 

v It is slightly flattened at the poles, which is described as a Geoid (earth-like shape). v The earth is neither too hot nor too cold and favourable conditions to support life are found only on the Earth. 

v  Its two-thirds surface is covered by water thus it appears blue.

Therefore, it is also called a blue planet.  

v  Earth rotates on its axis (called the axis of rotation). 

v  The Equator divides the earth into two equal parts or halves. 

v  Earth is flattened at poles and bulges from sides due to the centrifugal force. 

 

 

v  In the solar system, centrifugal and centripetal forces are balancing each other.

 

Centrifugal Force: It is the apparent outward force on a mass when it is rotated. Centripetal Force: It is the apparent inward force on a mass when it is rotated. 

 

Latitude:

v Latitude is the angular distance of a point on the earth’s surface, measured in degrees from the Centre of the earth. These are usually measured in degrees.

v  It is parallel to the equator; therefore, they are called as Parallels of latitudes.

v  These parallels are in the form of circles with unequal diameters to study every zone of the earth. 

v  The largest circle is the Equator (0° latitude) while at the poles, they shrink to a point (90° N & S).

  v There are 181 latitudes in total.

 

 

 

 THIS TOPIC'S MCQ AND QUESTIONS