UPSC CSE Prelims 1997

Correct Option

The correct matches are as follows:

• A. Deccan Traps: These are extensive flood basalts formed primarily during the Late Cretaceous to early Eocene epochs, approximately 66 million years ago. Their formation is associated with volcanic activity.
• B. Western Ghats: These are block mountains formed due to the rifting and subsidence of the western flank of the Indian subcontinent, primarily during the Late Cenozoic era, following the breakup of Gondwanaland.
• C. Aravalli: The Aravalli Range represents one of the oldest fold mountain systems globally, with its origins tracing back to the Pre-Cambrian era, over 2.5 billion years ago.
• D. Narmada-Tapi alluvial deposits: These are relatively young alluvial deposits found in the rift valleys of the Narmada and Tapi rivers. Their formation largely occurred during the Quaternary period, specifically the Pleistocene epoch, through fluvial processes.

This set of matches corresponds to option (b): A-3, B-1, C-2, D-5.

Incorrect Options

Option 1 is incorrect because it mismatches Aravalli (C) with Late Cenozoic (1) and Narmada-Tapi alluvial deposits (D) with Cambrian (4). Aravallis are Pre-Cambrian, and Narmada-Tapi deposits are Pleistocene.

Option 3 is incorrect because it mismatches Deccan Traps (A) with Pre-Cambrian (2) and Aravalli (C) with Cretaceous Eocene (3). Deccan Traps are Cretaceous Eocene, and Aravallis are Pre-Cambrian.

Option 4 is incorrect because it mismatches Deccan Traps (A) with Late Cenozoic (1) and Western Ghats (B) with Cambrian (4). Deccan Traps are Cretaceous Eocene, and Western Ghats are Late Cenozoic.