Skip to content
GK24
GeographyEasyAsked in: NDA · NDA-II 2017, GAT

Which one of the following is not an igneous rock ?

  1. A.Gabbro
  2. B.Granite
  3. C.Dolomite
  4. D.Basalt

Correct answer

C. Dolomite

Explanation

The correct answer is C, Dolomite. Dolomite is a sedimentary rock, not an igneous one; it forms from layers of carbonate deposits laid down in water.

Dolomite is made mostly of the mineral dolomite, a carbonate of calcium and magnesium, CaMg(CO3)2. It usually forms when magnesium-rich water alters limestone. Igneous rocks, by contrast, form when molten magma or lava cools and hardens. They are called primary rocks because all other rocks are ultimately formed from them. Igneous rocks that cool slowly deep inside the earth have large crystals (intrusive), while those that cool fast on the surface have small crystals (extrusive).

A is wrong: gabbro is a coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock, rich in iron and magnesium. B is wrong: granite is a coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock rich in silica, common in the Peninsular plateau. D is wrong: basalt is a fine-grained extrusive igneous rock; the Deccan Traps are made of it.

Exam tip: Granite and gabbro are intrusive, basalt is extrusive; limestone and dolomite are sedimentary.

View all
Q3.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2025, GKHard

Identify the climate type based on the given below characteristics : 1. The annual precipitation is low and is around 15 cm. 2. The development of pronounced winter anticyclones and their weakening in summer sets in monsoon-like reversal of wind in this region. 3. Polewards, summer temperatures are low. Select the answer from the options given below:

  1. A.Subtropical steppe
  2. B.Humid sub-tropical climate
  3. C.Cold climate with dry winters
  4. D.Tundra climate
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Cold climate with dry winters

All three features match the Dw type of Köppen's scheme, found mainly over north-eastern Asia. In the Dw climate, an intense high-pressure system, the Siberian anticyclone, builds up over the frozen land in winter and sends cold, dry winds outward.

Q4.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2025, GKMedium

Which of the following statements with reference to lines of latitudes is/are correct ? 1. The distance between two successive latitudes changes slightly from the equator to the poles. 2. If parallels of latitude are drawn at an interval of one degree, the total number of parallels thus drawn, including the equator, will be 179. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

The Earth is slightly flattened at the poles, and the poles themselves are points, not lines. Because the Earth is an oblate spheroid, a degree of latitude is a little shorter at the equator, about 110.6 km, than near the poles, about 111.7 km.