Earth,Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences Paper 2 Physical Geography

Earth,Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences Paper 2 Physical Geography

(i) Geomorphology: Landforms - their types and developments; weathering, transport and erosion; landforms in relation to rock type, structure and tectonics. Soils - their development and types. Geomorphic processes and their impact on various landforms and associated dynamics - slope, channel coastline, glacial and aeolian; evolution of major geomorphological features of the Indian subcontinent. Geomorphometric analysis and modelling.

(ii) Climatology: Fundamental principles of climatology; Earth- sun relationship: earth’s radiation balance, latitudinal and seasonal variation of insolation, temperature humidity, wind and precipitation. Indian climatology with special reference to seasonal distribution and variations of temperature, humidity, wind and precipitation: air masses notably monsoons, and jet streams, tropical cyclones, and cloud formation, classification of climates: Koppen’s and Thornthwaite’s scheme as applicable to India. Climate zones of India. Hydrological cycle and water balance. Climate change: green house warming, stratospheric ozone depletion. Palaeoclimatology.

(iii) Geohydrology: Ground water as part of the hydrological cycle; precipitation and evapotranspiration and infiltration processes; rainfall-run off analysis: stream flow, stage- discharge relationship: hydrograph and flood frequency analysis. Hydrological classification of water-bearing formations, fresh and salt-water relationship in coastal and inland areas; ground water regimes in India. Principles of management of water resources; concept of safe yield; water balance studies and conjunctive use of surface and ground water; ground water problems and their management in India.

(iv) Biogeography: Elements of biogeography with special reference to India; environment, habitat and plant-animal association; zoogeography of India; distribution of major animal groupings; elements of plant geography, distribution of forests and major plant communities. National forest policy, conservation of forests; afforestation, social forestry; ecology and man in India. Ecological balance, environmental pollution and deterioration.

(iv) Oceanography: Submarine relief, continental shelf, continental slope, ocean deeps; temperature of ocean water; salinity in the coastal open and enclosed seas; movement of ocean waters; waves, tides, currents; island arcs and coral reefs; and atolls; oceanic deposits.