General Studies I · Topic
Geophysical phenomena and changing geography
Official syllabus
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
UPSC CSE 2026 notification
What this covers
Connect sudden geophysical events with longer changes in water, ice, ecosystems and human exposure. Explain each through mechanisms, spatial setting and consequences.
Key ideas
- Geophysical processes
- Hazard exposure vulnerability and disaster
- Sudden and gradual change
- Earth-system interactions
- Risk reduction and adaptation
Subtopics 6
- 01Earthquakes and tsunamisExplain seismic rupture, ground motion and tsunami generation, then separate physical hazard from risk to people and infrastructure.
- 02Volcanic activityTrace magma formation and ascent to eruption products, landforms, hazards and longer-term environmental change.
- 03CyclonesTrace tropical-cyclone formation, structure and hazards, distinguishing wind, rain, flooding and surge.
- 04Changing water bodies and ice capsExamine changing rivers, lakes, wetlands, oceans and the cryosphere through water balance, energy balance and land-use change.
- 05Changes in flora and faunaDistinguish changing species range, timing, abundance and community composition from other ecological pressures.
- 06Effects of geographical changeFollow the effects of physical and ecological change through ecosystems, resources, livelihoods, settlements and infrastructure, with attention to…