2013 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 16: Geography
On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion
ais found in atmosphere as moisture and clouds
bis found in freshwater lakes and rivers
cexists as groundwater
dexists as soil moisture
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Only about 2.5 per cent of earth's water is fresh, and most of that is locked in ice caps and glaciers. Of the remaining liquid freshwater, groundwater is by far the largest share. Lakes and rivers, soil moisture and atmospheric water vapour together hold only a small fraction of it.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Atmospheric moisture and clouds hold a very small share of freshwater.
- (b) Wrong. Lakes and rivers hold far less than groundwater.
- (c) Correct. Groundwater is the largest part of liquid freshwater.
- (d) Wrong. Soil moisture is a small share, much less than groundwater.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.