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Q10 (IAS/2024) Geography › World Physical Geography › World physical mapping Official Key

Consider the following information : 1. Central Asia - Vosges - Fold mountain 2. Europe - Alps - Block mountain 3. North America - Appalachians - Fold mountain 4. South America - Andes - Fold mountain In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option B – only two rows are correctly matched.

Let's analyze each row:

**Row 1 (Central Asia - Vosges - Fold mountain): INCORRECT**
The Vosges mountains are located in Europe, specifically along the Rhine Rift, not in Central Asia[2]. While they are associated with Hercynian mountain building, their location is wrongly stated.

**Row 2 (Europe - Alps - Block mountain): INCORRECT**
The Alps are located in Europe[3], but the Alps are young fold mountains formed due to the collision between African Plate and the Eurasian Plate[4], not block mountains.

**Row 3 (North America - Appalachians - Fold mountain): CORRECT**
The Appalachians are located in North America[5] and the Appalachians are very old fold mountains that were formed even before the breakup of Pangaea[6].

**Row 4 (South America - Andes - Fold mountain): CORRECT**
The Andes are in South America[7] and the Andes are examples of Alpine fold mountains[8].

Therefore, only rows 3 and 4 are correctly matched, making the answer **two**.

Sources
  1. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Hercynian Mountains > p. 132
  2. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Alpine Mountain System > p. 132
  3. [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of Alps, Urals, Appalachians and the Atlas Mountains > p. 123
  4. [5] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 1) Very Old Fold Mountains > p. 135
  5. [6] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of Alps, Urals, Appalachians and the Atlas Mountains > p. 123
  6. [7] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
  7. [8] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 3) Alpine or Young Fold Mountains > p. 135
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following information : 1. Central Asia - Vosges - Fold mountain 2. Europe - Alps - Block mountain 3. North America - Appal…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 6.2/10 · 1.2/10
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This is a textbook 'Sitter' from the static Physical Geography syllabus. It directly tests the standard examples found in NCERT Class XI and GC Leong (Chapter 2). The question relies on the classic 'Swap Trap'—switching the characteristics of well-known European ranges (Alps vs Vosges). No current affairs knowledge was required; pure static revision wins here.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is the Vosges mountain range located in Central Asia?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Some other examples include: the Vosges and Black Forest mountains along the Rhine Rift in Europe"
Why this source?
  • Directly names the Vosges and locates them as being 'along the Rhine Rift in Europe'.
  • Placement in Europe contradicts the claim that the Vosges are in Central Asia.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Continental Mountains > p. 133
Strength: 5/5
“• Coastal Mountains: The Rockies, The Appalachians, The Alpine chain, The Western & Eastern Ghats.• Inland Mountains: The Vosges and the Black Forest (Europe), The Kunlun, Tienshan, Altai mountains of Asia, The Urals of Russia, The Aravallis, the Himalayas, the Satpura, and the Maikal of India.”
Why relevant

Lists the Vosges explicitly among 'Inland Mountains' and associates it with 'Europe' alongside the Black Forest.

How to extend

A student could use this example-listing rule to check continent membership of other named ranges (if Vosges is listed with European ranges, likely not in Central Asia).

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Hercynian Mountains > p. 132
Strength: 5/5
“• These mountains originated during the upper Carboniferous to Permian Period in Europe (approximately 340 mya to 225 mya). E.g. Vosges and the Black Forest, Altai, Tien Shan mountains of Asia, Ural Mountains etc.”
Why relevant

Gives the Vosges as an example of Hercynian mountains that 'originated ... in Europe', linking Vosges to a European geologic group.

How to extend

One could extend the geologic/tectonic grouping: if Vosges is categorized with European Hercynian mountains, it's unlikely to be a Central Asian range.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > europe and central Asia > p. 7
Strength: 4/5
“Mountains of Central Asia Te Plateau of Pamir, Tien Shan, Kun-Lun and Hindukush mountains region has great diversity of the species of fauna and fora.”
Why relevant

Provides a list of major mountains that define 'Central Asia' (Pamir, Tien Shan, Kun-Lun, Hindukush), showing which ranges are typically considered Central Asian.

How to extend

Compare the named Central Asian ranges with the Vosges — absence of Vosges from this Central Asia list suggests it is not usually classified there.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
Strength: 3/5
“Most of the world's mountains are grouped in mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America. Some of these ranges stretch for thousands of kilometres. Fig. 3.2 shows pictures of six mountains of the world. Fig. 3.3 brings them together to give a visual impression of their relative heights from top to bottom. Mount Everest (between Tibet (China) and Nepal) and Kanchenjunga (between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim) are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range. Mount Aconcagua (in South America) is the highest peak of the Andes.”
Why relevant

Notes that most of the world's mountains are grouped by continent (e.g., Himalayas in Asia, Alps in Europe), implying continental classification is a common organizing principle.

How to extend

Apply the continent-grouping principle: determine which continental group (Europe vs Asia) Vosges is normally grouped with to assess the statement.

Statement 2
Are the Vosges mountain range classified as fold mountains?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Original or Tectonic Mountains > p. 133
Strength: 5/5
“• 2. Block mountains (Vosges mountains in France, the Black Forest in Germany, Vindhya & Satpura in India) &• 3. Volcanic mountains or mountains of accumulation (Cascade Range in the USA, Mount Aconcagua, Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Mauna Kea, Mount Fujiyama, etc.).”
Why relevant

Lists 'Block mountains (Vosges mountains in France, the Black Forest in Germany...)' showing an explicit classification of Vosges as block mountains in this typology.

How to extend

A student could compare the block-mountain label here with other sources or maps showing Vosges structure to evaluate whether they fit block- vs fold-mountain criteria.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Hercynian Mountains > p. 132
Strength: 4/5
“• These mountains originated during the upper Carboniferous to Permian Period in Europe (approximately 340 mya to 225 mya). E.g. Vosges and the Black Forest, Altai, Tien Shan mountains of Asia, Ural Mountains etc.”
Why relevant

Groups 'Vosges and the Black Forest' under 'Hercynian Mountains', a named orogeny/time-period of mountain building.

How to extend

Knowing Hercynian (Variscan) orogeny is often linked to folded mountain belts, a student could check whether Hercynian/Variscan ranges are typically fold mountains and whether Vosges formed in that style.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 2) Old Fold Mountains > p. 135
Strength: 4/5
“• The fold mountain systems belonging to the Caledonian and Hercynian mountain-building periods (earlier than 66 million years ago) that occurred before the Tertiary Period falls in this category.• Old fold mountains are also called thickening relict fold mountains because of their lightly rounded features and medium elevation. Top layers are worn out due to erosional activity. Example: Aravalli Range (India's oldest fold mountain system. The range rose in the post-Precambrian event called the Aravalli-Delhi orogeny).”
Why relevant

Defines 'old fold mountains' as those from Caledonian and Hercynian periods and gives the pattern that Hercynian-era ranges can be 'old fold mountains'.

How to extend

Combine this with the fact that Vosges are listed as Hercynian (snippet 6) to infer Vosges might be considered old fold mountains — then verify with structural details or maps.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Characteristics of Fold Mountains > p. 136
Strength: 4/5
“• Fold mountains belong to the group of youngest mountains of the earth.• The presence of fossils suggests that the sedimentary rocks of these folded mountains were formed after the accumulation and consolidation of silts and sediments in a marine environment.• Fold mountains extend for great lengths whereas their width is considerably small.• Generally, fold mountains have a concave slope on one side and a convex slope on the other.• Fold mountains are mostly found along continental margins facing oceans (C-O Convergence).• Fold mountains are characterized by granite intrusions (formed when magma crystallises and solidifies underground to form intrusions) on a massive scale.• Recurrent seismicity is a common feature in folded mountain belts.• High heat flow often finds expression in volcanic activity (Himalayas is an exception, because of C-C convergence).• Fold mountains are by far the most widespread and also the most important (they significantly influence the climate on both micro- as well as macro-scale).”
Why relevant

Lists general characteristics and environment of fold mountains (e.g., formed from folded sedimentary strata, often along continental margins, presence of fossils, seismicity).

How to extend

A student could examine geological maps or rock types of the Vosges (sedimentary vs block-faulted basement) and their location relative to plate margins to see if they match fold-mountain traits.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 10.2. Fold Mountains > p. 134
Strength: 3/5
“• Fold mountains are formed when sedimentary rock strata in geosynclines are subjected to compressive forces. They are the loftiest mountains, and they are generally concentrated along continental margins.• Geosyncline: a large-scale depression in the earth's crust containing very thick deposits. E.g. Tethys geosyncline.”
Why relevant

Gives the formation mechanism of fold mountains (compressive folding of sedimentary strata in geosynclines), a rule to test against Vosges geology.

How to extend

Use basic geologic facts or maps to check whether Vosges show folded sedimentary strata from a geosyncline or instead show block faulting, helping judge if Vosges are fold mountains.

Statement analysis

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Statement 3
Is the Alps mountain range located in Europe?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Alpine Mountain System > p. 132
Presence: 5/5
“• Alpine mountain system has its origin in the Tertiary Period (65 million years to 7 million years ago). Examples are: • the Rockies of North America, • the Alpine mountains of Europe, • the Atlas Mountains of north-western Africa, • the Himalayas of the Indian subcontinent • the mountains radiating from Pamir knot like Pontic, Taurus, Elburz, Zagros and Kunlun etc. • Being the most recently formed, these ranges, such as the Alps, Himalayas, Andes and Rockies are the loftiest with rugged terrain.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly refers to the 'Alpine mountains of Europe' as examples of the alpine mountain system.
  • Places the Alps among well-known continental mountain ranges, linking them to the European region.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
Presence: 5/5
“Mount Kilimanjaro in eastern Africa is an isolated mountain that is not part of any range. Mont Blanc in Western Europe is the highest mountain of the Alps. Anamudi (in Kerala, also known as 'Anai Peak') is the highest mountain in south India.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies Mont Blanc as 'in Western Europe' and as the highest mountain of the Alps, directly tying the Alps to Europe.
  • Uses a specific European landmark (Mont Blanc) to locate the range geographically.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of Alps, Urals, Appalachians and the Atlas Mountains > p. 123
Presence: 3/5
“• The formation of each of these mountains is similar to the formation of the Himalayas. The Alps and the Atlas Mountains are young fold mountains that were formed due to the collision between African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The Atlas Mountains is still in the process of formation.• The Urals and The Appalachians are very old fold mountains that were formed even before the breakup of Pangaea. The Urals were formed due to the collision between Europe and Asia. The Appalachians were formed due to the collision between North America and Europe.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the Alps as young fold mountains formed by collision involving the Eurasian Plate, linking their geology to the Eurasian (European) region.
  • Connects the Alps' formation process to plate interactions that involve Europe's tectonic realm.
Statement analysis

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Statement 4
Are the Alps mountain range classified as block mountains?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 10.3. Block Mountains or Fault-Block Mountains > p. 136
Strength: 5/5
“• Block mountains are created because of faulting on a large scale (when large areas or blocks of earth are broken and displaced vertically or horizontally). The uplifted blocks are termed horsts, and the lowered blocks are called graben. The Great African Rift Valley (valley floor is graben), The Rhine Valley (graben) and the Vosges mountain (horst) in Europe are examples. There are two basic types of block mountains: • 1. Tilted block mountains have one steep side contrasted by a gentle slope on the other side.• 2. Lifted block mountains have a flat top and extremely steep slopes.”
Why relevant

Gives a clear definition of block (fault‑block) mountains formed by large‑scale faulting and lists typical examples (horsts and graben).

How to extend

A student could compare the Alps' known origin or structure to this faulting pattern to see if they match.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Block Mountains > p. 138
Strength: 4/5
“• Block mountains may originate when the middle block moves downward and becomes a rift valley while the surrounding blocks stand higher as block mountains.”
Why relevant

Describes the specific block‑mountain mechanism (central block downfaults to form rift valley while surrounding blocks stand higher).

How to extend

Use basic geologic maps or a plate‑tectonic summary of the Alps to check whether such rift/horst–graben geometry occurs there.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > Types of Mountain > p. 22
Strength: 4/5
“Figs. 2.7(a) and (b) explain how faulting causes horsts or block mountains and their counterparts graben or rift valleys. In Fig. 2.7(a), earth movements generate tensional forces that tend to pull the crust apart, and faults are developed. If the block enclosed by the faults remains as it is or rises, and the land on either side subsides, the upstanding block becomes the horst or block mountains. The faulted edges are very steep, with scarp slopes and the summit is almost level, e.g., the Hunsruck Mountains, the Vosges, and Black Forest of the Rhineland. fault blocks forming a graben or rift valley, which will have steep walls.”
Why relevant

Explains horst/graben morphology and lists classic block‑mountain examples (Vosges, Black Forest) with characteristic flat/steep profiles.

How to extend

Compare the Alps' topography and summit/scape profiles to these block‑mountain examples to judge similarity.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of Alps, Urals, Appalachians and the Atlas Mountains > p. 123
Strength: 5/5
“• The formation of each of these mountains is similar to the formation of the Himalayas. The Alps and the Atlas Mountains are young fold mountains that were formed due to the collision between African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The Atlas Mountains is still in the process of formation.• The Urals and The Appalachians are very old fold mountains that were formed even before the breakup of Pangaea. The Urals were formed due to the collision between Europe and Asia. The Appalachians were formed due to the collision between North America and Europe.”
Why relevant

States that the Alps are young fold mountains formed by collision between the African and Eurasian plates (i.e., an orogenic/folding origin).

How to extend

Combine this fold‑origin statement with the block‑mountain definitions to infer that the Alps are likely not block (fault‑block) mountains.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 3) Alpine or Young Fold Mountains > p. 135
Strength: 4/5
“• Alpine fold mountains belonging to the Tertiary period (66 million years ago to present) can be grouped under the new fold mountains category since they originated in the Tertiary period. Examples are the Rockies, the Andes, the Alps, the Himalayas, etc. They are characterised by rugged relief, imposing height and highly conical peaks.”
Why relevant

Lists the Alps explicitly among 'Alpine or Young Fold Mountains' and characterizes such ranges by rugged relief and high peaks (traits different from typical block mountains).

How to extend

A student could use this contrast in morphology (rugged, high peaks vs. flat‑topped horsts) as an additional criterion to assess whether the Alps fit block‑mountain morphology.

Statement analysis

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Statement 5
Is the Appalachian Mountains mountain range located in North America?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 1) Very Old Fold Mountains > p. 135
Presence: 5/5
“• Very old fold mountains are more than 500 million years old. They have rounded features and are of low elevation (due to denudation). E.g. Appalachians in North America and the Ural Mountains in Russia.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists the Appalachians with the phrase 'Appalachians in North America'.
  • Classifies Appalachians as a very old fold mountain with North American location as an example.
Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Displacing Indigenous Peoples > NORTH AMERICA > p. 137
Presence: 5/5
“The continent of North America extends from the Arctic Circle to the Tropic of Cancer, from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. West of the chain of the Rocky Mountains is the desert of Arizona and Nevada, still further west the Sierra Nevada mountains, to the east the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, the valleys of the Mississippi and the Ohio and the Appalachian Mountains. To the south is Mexico. Forty per cent of Canada is covered with forests. Oil, gas and mineral resources are found in many areas, which explains the many big industries in the USA and Canada.”
Why this source?
  • Describes North America's major physiographic features and places the Appalachian Mountains to the east of the continent.
  • Uses the Appalachians as a named geographic feature of the North American landscape.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 7: Tectonics > Apparent Affinity of Physical Features > p. 96
Presence: 5/5
“• The bulge of Brazil (South America) seems to fit into the Gulf of Guinea (Africa).• Greenland seems to fit in well with the Ellesmere and Baffin islands of Canada.• The west coast of India, Madagascar and Africa seem to have been joined.• North and South America on one side and Africa and Europe on the other fit along the mid-Atlantic ridge.• The very old fold mountain chains, the Caledonian and the Hercynian mountains of Europe and the Appalachians of the USA seem to be one continuous series. The Caledonians of Europe & The Appalachians of the USA”
Why this source?
  • Refers to 'the Appalachians of the USA', directly locating the range within the United States (North America).
  • Links the Appalachians to other continental mountain chains, reinforcing their North American position.
Statement analysis

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Statement 6
Are the Appalachian Mountains mountain range classified as fold mountains?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of Alps, Urals, Appalachians and the Atlas Mountains > p. 123
Presence: 5/5
“• The formation of each of these mountains is similar to the formation of the Himalayas. The Alps and the Atlas Mountains are young fold mountains that were formed due to the collision between African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The Atlas Mountains is still in the process of formation.• The Urals and The Appalachians are very old fold mountains that were formed even before the breakup of Pangaea. The Urals were formed due to the collision between Europe and Asia. The Appalachians were formed due to the collision between North America and Europe.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly identifies the Appalachians as very old fold mountains.
  • Links Appalachian formation to continental collision (North America and Europe).
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 1) Very Old Fold Mountains > p. 135
Presence: 5/5
“• Very old fold mountains are more than 500 million years old. They have rounded features and are of low elevation (due to denudation). E.g. Appalachians in North America and the Ural Mountains in Russia.”
Why this source?
  • Classifies 'very old fold mountains' and lists the Appalachians as an example.
  • Describes typical features of very old fold mountains (age and rounded, low relief).
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > 8.3. Continent-Continent Convergence or The Himalayan Convergence > p. 120
Presence: 4/5
“The mountain belt erodes, and this is followed by an isostatic adjustment. As two massive continents weld, a single large continental mass joined by a fold mountain range is produced. Examples: The Himalayas, Alps, Urals, Appalachians and the Atlas Mountains.”
Why this source?
  • Includes the Appalachians among mountain belts produced when two continents weld, i.e., fold mountain ranges.
  • Places Appalachians alongside classic fold ranges (Himalayas, Alps, Urals) in the continent-continent convergence context.
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Statement 7
Is the Andes mountain range located in South America?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
Presence: 5/5
“Most of the world's mountains are grouped in mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America. Some of these ranges stretch for thousands of kilometres. Fig. 3.2 shows pictures of six mountains of the world. Fig. 3.3 brings them together to give a visual impression of their relative heights from top to bottom. Mount Everest (between Tibet (China) and Nepal) and Kanchenjunga (between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim) are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range. Mount Aconcagua (in South America) is the highest peak of the Andes.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly names the Andes and locates them in South America.
  • Refers to Mount Aconcagua as being in South America and the highest peak of the Andes, linking the range to the continent.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 24: The Cool Temperate Eastern Margin (Laurentian) Climate > Distribution > p. 224
Presence: 4/5
“The only possible location is in eastern Patagonia, south of Bahia Blanca (lat. 39'S) to Tierra del Fuego (lat. 54" S). But the climatic barrier of the southern Andes is so complete, that the Westerlies hardly ever reach Patagonia. The region is subjected to aridity rather than continentality. Its annual precipitation is not more than 254 mm (10 inches), so that it is a rain-shadow desert.”
Why this source?
  • Uses the phrase 'southern Andes' in the context of Patagonia, a region of South America.
  • Describes climatic effects of the Andes on Patagonia, tying the range to South American geography.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of The Andes > p. 118
Presence: 4/5
“• The Andes are formed due to convergence between the Nazca Plate (oceanic plate) and the South American Plate (continental plate). The Peru-Chile trench is formed due to the subduction of the Nazca plate.• The Andes are a continental arc (narrow, continental volcanic chain) formed due to the volcanism above the subduction zone.• The pressure offered by the accretionary wedge folded the volcanic mountain, raising the mountains significantly. The folding process is continuing, and the mountains are constantly rising. Volcanism is still active.• Western Chile Range (Chilean Coast Range): The range was separated from the Andes during the Tertiary rise of the Andes due to the subsidence of the Intermediate Depression.”
Why this source?
  • Explains the Andes' formation via interaction of the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate, linking the range to the South American landmass.
  • Describes features (Peru-Chile trench, continental arc volcanism) specific to the Andean margin of South America.
Statement analysis

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Statement 8
Are the Andes mountain range classified as fold mountains?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Original or Tectonic Mountains > p. 132
Presence: 5/5
“• Original or Tectonic mountains may be categorized into: • 1. Fold mountains (the Himalayas, Rockies, Andes),”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists the Andes among 'Fold mountains' examples.
  • Direct categorical statement naming Andes with other fold mountain ranges.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 3) Alpine or Young Fold Mountains > p. 135
Presence: 5/5
“• Alpine fold mountains belonging to the Tertiary period (66 million years ago to present) can be grouped under the new fold mountains category since they originated in the Tertiary period. Examples are the Rockies, the Andes, the Alps, the Himalayas, etc. They are characterised by rugged relief, imposing height and highly conical peaks.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies the Andes as an example of alpine/young fold mountains.
  • Groups Andes with other well-known fold mountain systems (Rockies, Alps, Himalayas).
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of The Andes > p. 118
Presence: 4/5
“• The Andes are formed due to convergence between the Nazca Plate (oceanic plate) and the South American Plate (continental plate). The Peru-Chile trench is formed due to the subduction of the Nazca plate.• The Andes are a continental arc (narrow, continental volcanic chain) formed due to the volcanism above the subduction zone.• The pressure offered by the accretionary wedge folded the volcanic mountain, raising the mountains significantly. The folding process is continuing, and the mountains are constantly rising. Volcanism is still active.• Western Chile Range (Chilean Coast Range): The range was separated from the Andes during the Tertiary rise of the Andes due to the subsidence of the Intermediate Depression.”
Why this source?
  • Describes Andes formation by convergence and subduction with folding and ongoing uplift.
  • Explains folding process and volcanism consistent with fold-mountain formation.
Statement analysis

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Pattern takeaway: UPSC does not look for obscure mountains in these match-the-following questions. They use the most famous textbook examples (Vosges, Alps, Andes) but test your clarity on their *formation mechanism*. If a range is famous, know its 'Type' and 'Orogeny' specifically.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly solvable from GC Leong (Ch. 2) or NCERT Class XI (Fundamentals of Physical Geography).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Classification of Mountains (Fold, Block, Volcanic, Residual) and their global mapping.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Canonical Examples': - Block (Horst): Vosges (France), Black Forest (Germany), Sierra Nevada (USA), Salt Range (Pakistan). - Rift (Graben): Rhine Valley, East African Rift, Narmada Valley. - Old Fold: Urals, Aravallis, Appalachians. - Young Fold: Alps, Andes, Rockies, Atlas, Himalayas.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: The examiner's favorite trick is the 'Attribute Swap'. They took the Alps (Fold) and Vosges (Block) and swapped their types. When studying landforms, always create a matrix: Name | Continent | Type | Formation Era (Hercynian/Alpine).
How to study

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Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Vosges as a European inland range
💡 The insight

The Vosges is identified as an inland mountain range in Europe rather than in Central Asia.

High-yield for geography questions that require distinguishing mountain ranges by continent and region; helps eliminate incorrect location options in MCQs and map-based questions. Links to topics on regional physiography and comparative location of European vs Asian mountain systems.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Continental Mountains > p. 133
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Hercynian Mountains > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Vosges mountain range located in Central Asia?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Major Central Asian mountain systems
💡 The insight

Pamir, Tien Shan, Kunlun, Hindukush and Altai are characteristic ranges of Central Asia and are separate from European ranges like the Vosges.

Essential for questions on Central Asian geography, biodiversity and climate influences; enables clear regional classification of mountain systems and supports answers about climatic barriers and biodiversity patterns in Asia.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > europe and central Asia > p. 7
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Continental Mountains > p. 133
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Vosges mountain range located in Central Asia?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Mountain classification by type and origin (coastal/inland; Hercynian)
💡 The insight

Mountains are classified as coastal or inland and by orogenic origin (e.g., Hercynian), which determines their geography and geological history.

Useful for linking physical geography concepts—formation history, location, and morphology—to specific ranges; helps answer questions on mountain genesis, age, and their role in regional physiography.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Continental Mountains > p. 133
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Hercynian Mountains > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Vosges mountain range located in Central Asia?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Hercynian/Caledonian orogenies as 'old fold mountains'
💡 The insight

Hercynian and Caledonian mountain-building periods are categorised as old fold mountains, linking named ranges (e.g., Vosges) to fold-mountain classification.

High-yield for tectonics questions: knowing orogenic names lets you classify mountain ranges and their relative ages; connects to geological history and map-based identification tasks in UPSC. Enables elimination-style answers on origin and age of ranges.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 2) Old Fold Mountains > p. 135
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Hercynian Mountains > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Vosges mountain range classified as fold mountains?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Types of mountains: Fold vs Block vs Volcanic
💡 The insight

Mountain classification distinguishes fold, block and volcanic types, and the same range may appear under different type-lists in sources.

Essential for answer-writing on mountain origins and morphology; helps cross-check conflicting classifications and frame balanced answers discussing multiple formation hypotheses. Useful for questions asking to classify specific ranges.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Original or Tectonic Mountains > p. 133
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 10.2. Fold Mountains > p. 134
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Vosges mountain range classified as fold mountains?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Formation mechanism of fold mountains (geosyncline & plate convergence)
💡 The insight

Fold mountains form by compression of sedimentary strata in geosynclines and commonly occur at convergent plate margins.

Core concept for tectonics/physiography—links processes (compression, geosyncline) to landforms and global examples; appears frequently in mains/optional geography and helps explain seismicity and volcanic associations.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > 10.2. Fold Mountains > p. 134
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Characteristics of Fold Mountains > p. 136
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Vosges mountain range classified as fold mountains?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Alpine mountain system (Alps as European range)
💡 The insight

The Alps are a principal example of the Alpine mountain system and are geographically situated in Europe.

High-yield for physical geography: knowing major mountain systems and regional placement helps answer location and comparison questions. Connects to world physiography, tourism, climate influences, and geopolitics of European highlands.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Alpine Mountain System > p. 132
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Alps mountain range located in Europe?"
Micro-concepts

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🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Rhine Rift Valley' separates the Vosges and the Black Forest. Since the valley is a Graben (depressed block), the mountains on either side MUST be Horsts (Block Mountains). This geological relationship is the shadow fact that cements the answer.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Etymology & Definition Hack: The term 'Alpine' literally refers to the Alps. Therefore, the Alps *must* be the archetype of 'Alpine Fold Mountains'. Row 2 says Alps are 'Block mountain'—this is a definitional contradiction. Eliminate Row 2 immediately.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link to Economic Geography: Old Fold Mountains (Appalachians, Pennines) are globally famous for high-grade Coal/Iron deposits (Carboniferous period). Young Fold Mountains (Andes, Rockies) are associated with Copper/Tin porphyry deposits and active seismicity.

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