Class Notes
Class Notes
Class Notes
EVS
Module -4
QUESTION BANK
Explanation: It must be remembered that an aquifer can hold water only temporarily, as the wateris
always in a state of flow in it. However, the rate of flow of water through an aquifer is very slow
compared to surface waters.
3 The quantity of water that can be withdrawn annually and also the rate at which this
withdrawal could be made without adversely affecting the inventory of the aquifer is
called
Answer: d
Explanation: An aquifer may be made to serve as a filter plant when artificial recharge is made to
pass through an intervening layer of rock, which acts as a natural filter
6 Which quality of rock should be known properly for the foundations of dams, reservoirs,
etc.?
a) Colour knowledge b) Geological
c) Hydrogeological d) History of the formation of rocks
Answer: c
Explanation: The position of the water table and hydrogeological qualities of rocks forming
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
10. The lubricating action of water is a positive action for slope rocks.
a) True b) False
Answer: b
Explanation: Soil creep and solifluction are caused mainly due to groundwater. The lubricating
action of water besides its negative effect on the strength parameters of rocks is the major cause
in initiating massive landslides
12. How many cubic kilometers of land ice decrease in Antarctica since 2002?
a) 100 b) 400
c) 500 d) 1000
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
Answer: a
Explanation: Decrease in land ice is one of the effects of climate change. The continent
Antarctica has been losing more than 100 cubic kilometers of ice per year since the year 2002.
These decreases in land ice result in the increase of sea level.
13. Which one of the following is the reason for a sea level rise?
a) Depression of sea water b) Expansion of sea water
c) Due to heavy rainfall d) Due to low rainfall
Answer: b
Explanation: Sea level rise is caused by the expansion of sea water. Sea water as it warms up due
to sunlight it response to climate change and the widespread melting of land ice. Sea level rise
consumes the coastal lands and islands.
Climate Change
15. What is the estimation range of the global mean sea level rise by the year 2100?
a) 0-10 cm b) 4-45 cm
c) 9-88 cm d) 14-123 cm
Answer: c
16. Human society can sustain any kind of climate change.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
17. According to the World Health Organization estimation in 2001, which one of the following
is the most vulnerable region for a rise in sea level?
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
21. What happens when seasonal transmission of vector species due to climate change?
a) Increase the spread of diseases b) Decreased the spread of diseases
c) Vector species itself die d) Vector species do not spread disease
Answer: a
Explanation: Due to change in climate vector species like mosquitoes, will increase the spread of
diseases, such as malaria, dengue etc to new areas which lack good public health infrastructure
and cause problems.
22. Which one of the following can achieve Global Climate Change?
a) World War-3 b) Making unwanted policies
c) Drinking less water than required d) The training of researchers and health professionals
Answer: d
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
Explanation: The training of researchers and health professionals is essential towards the world
becoming more responsible for the expected outcome of Global Climate Change. Thus we can
protect the environment.
22. In which year the Pacific Ocean led to the most serious death in coral ever known?
a) 1993 b) 1995
c) 1997 d) 2000
Answer: c
Explanation: In 1997, the severity of periodic warming in the Pacific Ocean led to the most
serious death in coral ever known. It is estimated that about 10% of the earth’s coral reefs were
dead and another 30% were seriously affected.
23. World Health Organization warned that climate change may have a serious affect on human
health.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: World Health Organization set up a task group which warned that climate change
may have a serious effect on human health. Climate change will increase existing health
problems and may also bring new health problems.
24. What would have been the average temperature of Earth without greenhouse gases?
a) 0oC b) -7oC
c) -9oC d) -19oC
Answer: d
Explanation: Without greenhouse gases, the Earth’s average temperature (currently about 14oC),
would have been 33oC less.
25. Ever since the industrial revolution, by how much has the average temperature of the Earth
increased?
a) 0.24oC b) 0.6oC
c) 1.2oC d) 1.8oC
Answer: b
Explanation: Since the industrial revolution, the average temperature of earth has increased by
0.6oC due to consumption of fossil fuels.
26. How much of the sun’s radiation energy is absorbed by the greenhouse gases to warm the
planet?
a) 75PW b) 1750GW
c) 1500MW d) 150TW
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
Answer: a
Explanation: The greenhouses gases, mainly carbon dioxide and water vapour absorb nearly 75
peta-watts of the infrared radiations from the sun.
29. In which layer of the ionosphere does the International Space Station orbit?
a) D b) E
c) F d) G
Answer: c
Explanation: The F-layer of the ionosphere has enough atmospheric resistance for the orbiting of
International Space station and space shuttle.
30. Which type of clouds is found in the highest altitude of the Earth’s atmosphere?
a) Noctilucent b) Cirrostratus
c) Stratus d) Cirrus
Answer: a
Explanation: The noctilucent clouds or night clouds are found in the mesosphere at an altitude of
approximately 80km.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: Tropospheric layer extends up to 17km in altitude at the equator and is known to
contain 80% of the mass of the atmosphere.
35. What does ITCZ stand for corresponding to global wind patterns?
a) Inner Tropospheric Convergence Zone b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone
c) Inner Tropical Continental Zone d) Inter Tropical Continental Zone
Answer: b
ACID RAIN
36. Which one of the following cause acid rain?
a) Water pollution b) Soil pollution
c) Air pollution d) Noise Pollution
Answer: c
Explanation: Acid rain is mainly caused due to a result of air pollution. When any type of fuel is
burnt, lots of different chemicals are produced. Some of the gases react with tiny droplets of
water. This rain from clouds forms acid rain.
37. What are two acids formed when gases react with the tiny droplets of water in clouds?
a) Sulphuric acids and nitric acid b) Hydrochloric acid and nitric acid
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
c) Sulfurous acid and acetylsalicylic acid d) Sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid
Answer: a
Explanation: The gases of nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide react with the tiny droplets of
water in clouds to form sulphuric and nitric acid. The rain from these clouds falls as very weak
acid known as ‘Acid rain’.
39. Which of the following way acid rain affects the plants?
a) By nourishing the nutrients from the soil
b) By increasing the nutrients from the soil
c) By removing nutrients from the soil
d) By balancing the nutrients in the soil
Answer: c
Explanation: Acid rain indirectly affects plants by removing nutrients from the soil during which
they grow. Acid rain dissolves and washes away all the vitamins in the soil which are very much
essential for plants.
40. What is the result of acid rain when it falls into water bodies?
a) The water becomes acidic b) The water becomes pure
c) The water increase its nutrients value d) The water increase its level
Answer: a
Explanation: When acid rain that falls or flows as water to reach rivers, lakes, wetlands and other
water bodies causes the water in them to become acidic. This affects plant and animal life in
aquatic ecosystems.
Explanation: One of the ways to stop the formation of acid rain is to decrease the emission of
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the surroundings. This may be achieved by using much
less energy from fossil fuels in power plants and in industries.
43. Which of the following is the best way to reduce acid rain in soil?
a) By adding sulphur to the soil b) By adding nitrogen to the soil
c) By adding oxygen to the soil d) By adding limestone to the soil
Answer: d
Explanation: When acid rain affects the soil it’s difficult to prevent soil from acid rain but
powered limestone can be added to the soil by a process which is known as liming to neutralize
the acidity of the soil.
44. How can we control acid rain which is causing due to the exhaust fumes on the atmosphere
by cars?
a) By burning more fuels b) By using old engine vehicles
c) By using ignition d) By using catalytic converters
Answer: d
Explanation: In catalytic converters, the gases are passed over metal coated beds that convert
harmful chemicals into less harmful ones. These are used in cars to reduce the effects of exhaust
fumes on the atmosphere.
46. Who was the first to use the phrase “Acid Rain”?
a) Robert Angus Smith b) Ernest Flower
c) Elmer Joseph Clark d) Christ Ralph
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
Answer: a
Explanation: The phrase acid rain was first used in 1852 by Robert Angus Smith, who was a
Scottish chemist. In his investigation of rainwater chemistry near industrial cities in England and
Scotland he termed the phrase acid rain for the very first time.
47. When was the “Clean Air Act” in United States came into force?
a) 1950 b) 1960
c) 1970 d) 1980
Answer: c
Explanation: In the United States, reduction in acid deposition stem for the Clean Air Act of
1970 and its Amendments in 1990. This Amendments begun by the regulating of coal fired
power plant emission. This development significantly reduced the Sulphuric dioxide in United
States.
50. Glass containers are generally not preferred for sampling rain water. Why?
a) Glass containers are expensive b) Glass containers are not easy to maintain
c) Glass containers affect the pH of the rain water
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: c
Explanation: Glass containers can alter the pH of the rain water and hence not suitable to use for
sampling rain water.
51. Which of the following gases are main contributors to acid rain?
a) Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide
b) Sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
55. Which of the following is/are natural contributor(s) to sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere?
a) Sea sprays b) Volcanic eruption
c) Decaying vegetation d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: Though primary natural contributor to sulphur dioxide is volcanic eruptions, even
sea sprays and decaying vegetation release sulphur dioxide to the atmosphere.
56. What is the pH required for the survival of aquatic animals and plants?
a) 7 b) 7.5
c) 6.5 d) 4.8
Answer: d
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
Explanation: Aquatic organisms require a moderately acidic pH of 4.8 and if it goes below this
level, it proves to be detrimental to their survival.
57. The acidic air pollutants reach the Earth’s surface because of wet deposition only.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Explanation: The acidic air pollutions get deposited on the Earth’s surface due to both wet and
dry deposition. Wet deposition occurs due to rain fall and moist weather, whereas dry deposition
occurs due to mixing of acidic pollutants and dust.
58. Which of the following gases is responsible for the yellowing of the Taj Mahal?
a) Organic carbon b) Black carbon
c) Brown carbon d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: Organic carbon, black carbon and brown carbon (generated due to biomass
combustion) are light absorbing particles responsible for the yellowing of the Taj Mahal.
59. What is the average concentration of ozone in the ozone layer of the atmosphere?
a) Nearly 100% b) Greater than 90%
c) Between 10-50% d) Less than 10ppm
Answer: d
Explanation: The concentration of ozone is about 10 ppm in the ozone layer and only 0.3 ppm in
the entire atmosphere.
OZONE DEPLETION
60. Who discovered the ozone layer?
a) Henri Buisson & Charles Fabry
b) Carl Sagan & Charles Fabry
c) G.M.B Dobson
d) Carl Sagan &G.M.B Dobson
Answer: a
61. Which of the following devices can be used to measure ozone in the stratosphere from the
ground?
a) Spectrometer
b) Photometer
c) Spectrophotometer
d) Spectro-ozonometer
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
Answer: c
Explanation: The spectrophotometer developed by Dobson can be used to measure ozone in the
stratosphere from the ground. The amount of ozone is measured in terms of – Dobson unit.
62. The ozone layer absorbs what range of wavelengths of the sun’s radiation?
a) 0.80 nm – 1.50 nm b) 200 nm – 315 nm
c) 450 nm – 570 nm d) 600 nm – 750 nm
Answer: b
Explanation: The ozone layer absorbs the medium frequency UV radiations from the sun and
hence protects the life forms at the surface from harm.
64. Between what altitudes, is the ozone layer found in highest concentrations?
a) 10-20km b) 20-40km
c) 40-55km d) 55-70km
Answer: b
Explanation: The ozone layer is found in high concentrations of 2-8ppm at an altitude of 20-
40km.
65. Nitrogen also helps in preventing UV rays from reaching the Earth.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: Nitrogen prevents extremely short wavelengths or vacuum UV radiations (10-
100nm) from reaching the surface.
66. Which of the following UV radiations is responsible for causing sun burns and skin cancer?
a) UV-A b) UV-B
c) UV-C d) All of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: UV-B radiations of 315-280nm is responsible for causing sunburns, genetic damage
as well as skin cancer.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
67. The long UV-B radiations are important for vitamin D production of the skin.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: The longest of the UV-B radiations reach the surface of the earth is small fractions
and aids in vitamin D production of the skin.
68. In which season is the ozone found at its maximum level in the northern hemisphere?
a) Winter b) Summer
c) Spring d) Autumn
Answer: c
Explanation: The ozone levels in the northern hemisphere are at maximum during the spring
season.
71. Which of the following chemicals are responsible for the depletion of the stratospheric
ozone layer?
a) Refrigerants b) Propellants
c) Foam-blowing agents d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: Refrigerants containing halocarbons, foam-blowing agents such as HFCs, halons,
CFCs and freons as well as propellants containing halogenated compounds are responsible for
depleting the ozone layer.
72. What does EESC stand for in context of ozone depleting compounds?
a) Equivalent Effective Stratospheric Chlorine
b) Equivalent Effective Stratospheric Chlorofluorocarbons
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
73. The Montreal Protocol bans the production of which of the following chemical substances?
a) Chlorine, bromine, CFCs, freons
b) Carbon tetrachloride, halons, trichloroethane, CFCs
c) CFCs, bromine, halons, freons
d) CFCs, halons, freons
Answer: b
Explanation: The Montreal protocol bans the production of halons, trichloroethane, CFCs and
carbon tetrachloride
79. According to TURI which tool is used for determining aquatic toxicity?
a) P2SD b) P3SFD
c) P2OASys d) P20FR
Answer: c
Explanation: The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) framework suggests Pollution
Prevention Options Assessment System (P2OASys) tool for aquatic toxicity.
Explanation: The zebrafish which is known as Danio rerio is used in high throughput screening
for chemicals.
87. As far as safer handling is considered, which of the following is used for fluoridation?
a) Sodium fluoride b) Sodium silico fluoride
c) Hydrofluosilicic acid d) Sodium fluro carbonate
Answer: c
Explanation: For safer handling, hydrofluosilicic acid is preferred as even if it is spilled on the
skin, it can be removed easily by washing in cold water.
88. Fluorides in solution form are preferred over powdered form for fluoridation.
a) True
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
b) False
Answer: b
Explanation: Fluorides in powdered form like sodium fluoride or sodium fluosilicate are toxic
and must be contained in air tight containers. Hence, they are not preferred.
89. What happens when water contains 8-20 ppm of fluoride concentration?
a) Blue baby disease b) Crippling fluorosis
c) Dental fluorosis d) Mottling of teeth
Answer: b
Explanation: Dental fluorosis is caused when fluoride concentration is above 3 ppm, whereas
Crippling fluorosis is caused when the concentration of fluoride in water is between 8 and
20ppm.
90. The process of reducing the fluoride content from water is called
a) Chlorination b) Fluoridation
c) Defluoridation d) Flocculation
Answer: c
Explanation: When the fluoride content in water is high, it is essential to reduce the fluoride
content to avoid health related problems and the process of reducing the fluoride content is called
defluoridation.
91. Which of the following is not used for defluoridation?
a) Calcium phosphate b) Copper sulfate
c) Alum d) Bone charcoal
Answer: b
Explanation: Copper sulfate is used to remove taste, odor, color and control of algae growth and
it is not used for fluoridation.
92. At which temperature, the bone is calcinated during defluoridation with calcium phosphate?
a) 100-200oC b) 200-300oC
c) 400-600oC d) 500-800oC
Answer: c
Explanation: During defluoridation by calcium phosphate, the bone is calcinated at 400-600oC
for 10 minutes followed by mineral acid treatment.
93. One cubic metre of bone can treat how much quantity of water containing 3.5 ppm of
fluoride?
a) 10m3 b) 100m3
c) 1000m3 d) 10000m3
94. Which material is used in contact filters for the removal of fluorides?
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 18CIV59
95. Which material is used for removing fluorides from hard water containing 3ppm of
fluorides?
a) Lime b) Copper sulfate
c) Synthetic tri-calcium phosphate d) Bone charcoal
Answer: a
Explanation: Lime is suitable for removing fluorides from hard water containing less than 4ppm.
Magnesium is also removed when this material is used for defluoridation.