Social Science: Geography and Resources Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?

Answer: Coal

Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient organic matter over millions of years. It cannot be replenished within a human lifespan, making it a non-renewable resource. Solar energy, wind power, and forests (if managed sustainably) are considered renewable.

Commercial jet aircraft typically fly in the lower stratosphere. What is the primary reason for this?

Answer: It is above most weather disturbances, allowing for a smoother flight.

The stratosphere is located above the troposphere, which is where most weather phenomena like clouds, storms, and turbulence occur. By flying in the calm and stable conditions of the lower stratosphere, aircraft can ensure a smoother ride for passengers and achieve better fuel efficiency.

A farmer in the Deccan Plateau region of India wants to cultivate a crop that thrives in black soil (regur soil) and requires a warm, sunny climate with a long frost-free period. Which of the following cash crops is most suitable for these conditions?

Answer: Cotton

Cotton grows best in the black soil (regur soil) of the Deccan Plateau. It is a tropical and sub-tropical crop that requires high temperatures, bright sunshine, and at least 210 frost-free days for its growth, making it perfectly suited for the described conditions.

Which of the following is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation and compaction of shells, coral, and the skeletons of marine organisms?

Answer: Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), often originating from the skeletal fragments of marine organisms like coral, molluscs, and foraminifera that accumulate on the seabed. Granite and Basalt are igneous rocks, and Marble is a metamorphic rock.

The ports of Northern Europe, such as those in Norway, often remain ice-free during the winter despite their high latitude. This phenomenon is primarily due to the warming effect of which ocean current?

Answer: North Atlantic Drift

The North Atlantic Drift is a warm ocean current, an extension of the Gulf Stream, that flows towards Northwestern Europe. It brings warmer water to the region, which in turn warms the air and keeps the climate milder than would be expected for the latitude, preventing ports from freezing in winter.

The 'Three R's' principle is a fundamental strategy for resource conservation and waste management. Which of the following correctly represents these three principles in their preferred order?

Answer: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The 'Three R's' of waste management create a hierarchy for conservation: Reduce (use less to prevent waste), Reuse (use items again to extend their life), and Recycle (convert waste materials into new products). This order prioritizes preventing waste in the first place.