GATE Geology 2022 Exam Solutions: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Geologists
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Question Paper-
Q.11 Which one of the following is the typical product of ductile deformation?
- (A) Gouge
- (B) Breccia
- (C) Cataclasite
- (D) Mylonite
Correct Answer: (D) Mylonite
Q.12 Which one among the following coastal erosional landforms is caused by the action of sea waves?
- (A) Ventifact
- (B) Kettle
- (C) Cirque
- (D) Cliff
Correct Answer: (D) Cliff
Q.13 In which one of the following regions of the electromagnetic spectrum does the maximum atmospheric scattering occur?
- (A) UV
- (B) IR
- (C) Radiowave
- (D) Microwave
Correct Answer: (A) UV
Q.14 Which one of the following is the Poisson’s ratio for an incompressible fluid?
- (A) 0
- (B) 0.25
- (C) 1
- (D) 0.5
Correct Answer: (D) 0.5
Q.15 Which among the following Period(s) belong(s) to the Paleozoic Era?
- (A) Carboniferous
- (B) Paleogene
- (C) Silurian
- (D) Cretaceous
Correct Answers: (A) Carboniferous and (C) Silurian
Q.16 The average bulk density of a fully saturated sandstone reservoir with a fractional porosity of 0.23 is ______ g/cc. [round off to 2 decimal places]
Given:
- Matrix density (ρm) = 2.63 g/cc
- Fluid density (ρf) = 1.05 g/cc
- Porosity (φ) = 0.23
Formula:
Bulk Density (ρb) = (1 – φ) × ρm + φ × ρf
Calculation:
ρb = (1 – 0.23) × 2.63 + 0.23 × 1.05
ρb = 0.77 × 2.63 + 0.23 × 1.05
ρb = 2.0251 + 0.2415
ρb = 2.27 g/cc (rounded to 2 decimal places)
Correct Answer: 2.27 g/cc
Q.17 For a productive alluvial aquifer with hydraulic conductivity = 105 m/day and hydraulic gradient = 0.01, the flow rate is _________ m/day. [round off to 2 decimal places]
Given:
- Hydraulic conductivity (K) = 105 m/day
- Hydraulic gradient (I) = 0.01
Formula:
Flow rate (Q) = K × I
Calculation:
Q = 105 × 0.01
Q = 1.05 m/day
Correct Answer: 1.05 m/day
Q.19 How many independent elastic parameters are needed to describe a homogeneous isotropic material?
- (A) 21
- (B) 2
- (C) 36
- (D) 3
Correct Answer: (B) 2
Q.20 Which one of the following is a mafic volcanic rock?
- (A) Dacite
- (B) Trachyte
- (C) Rhyolite
- (D) Basalt
Correct Answer: (D) Basalt
Q.21 The intercepts of a crystal face on the crystallographic axes are ∞a, 2b, 3c. Which one of the following is its Miller Index?
- (A) (032)
- (B) (023)
- (C) (203)
- (D) (320)
Correct Answer: (C) (203)
Q.23 Choose the CORRECT statement(s) on seismic wave propagation in an elastic isotropic medium.
- (A) P-waves are polarized in the direction of propagation.
- (B) S-waves are polarized in the direction of propagation.
- (C) Rayleigh waves are elliptically polarized.
- (D) Love waves are elliptically polarized.
Correct Answers: (A) P-waves are polarized in the direction of propagation. (C) Rayleigh waves are elliptically polarized.
Q.24 The difference in arrival times of P- and S-waves generated by an earthquake and recorded at a seismological station is one second. Assuming a homogeneous and isotropic Earth, a P-wave velocity (VP) of 3 km/s, the ratio of P- to S-wave velocities (VP/VS) of 2.0, the distance between the station and the hypocenter is ________ km. [round off to 1 decimal place]
Given:
- VP = 3 km/s
- VP/VS = 2.0
- Time difference (Δt) = 1 s
Calculating S-wave velocity (VS):
VS = VP / (VP/VS) = 3 km/s / 2 = 1.5 km/s
Let D be the distance from the station to the hypocenter:
The arrival time difference can be expressed as:
Δt = D / VP – D / VS
1 = D / 3 – D / 1.5
1 = D(1/3 – 1/1.5)
1 = D(1/3 – 2/3)
1 = D(-1/3)
D = -3 km
Distance = 3 km
Correct Answer: 3.0 km
Q.25 Assuming the rate of rotation of the Earth is 7.27 × 10-5 radians/s and the radius of Earth is 6371 km, the centrifugal acceleration at 60° latitude for a spherically rotating Earth is ______ × 10-3 m/s2. [round off to 1 decimal place]
Given:
- Rate of rotation (ω) = 7.27 × 10-5 radians/s
- Radius of Earth (R) = 6371 km = 6.371 × 106 m
- Latitude (φ) = 60°
Formula for centrifugal acceleration (ac):
ac = ω2 × R × cos(φ)
Calculation:
Convert φ to radians: φ = 60° = π/3 rad
ac = (7.27 × 10-5)2 × (6.371 × 106) × cos(60°)
ac = (5.29 × 10-9) × (6.371 × 106) × (0.5)
ac = 1.68 × 10-2 m/s2 = 16.8 × 10-3 m/s2
Correct Answer: 16.8 × 10-3 m/s2
Q.26 The angle of inclination of the remanent magnetization of a volcanic rock measured at a location is 45°. The magnetic latitude of the location of the volcanic rock at the time of its magnetization is _________ °N. [round off to 1 decimal place]
Given:
- Inclination (I) = 45°
At magnetic equator, inclination is 0°; at poles, inclination is ±90°.
The angle of inclination can be used to determine magnetic latitude.
For an angle of inclination I, the magnetic latitude (φm) can be approximated as:
φm = I
Thus, the magnetic latitude is:
Correct Answer: 45.0 °N
Q.27 A coarse-grained igneous rock consists of 55% olivine, 25% augite and 20% enstatite. According to the IUGS classification, the rock is
- (A) websterite
- (B) lherzolite
- (C) wehrlite
- (D) harzburgite
Correct Answer: (B) lherzolite
Q.28 The rock-type used to build the walls of the Red Fort in Delhi is
- (A) sandstone
- (B) marble
- (C) granite
- (D) basalt
Correct Answer: (C) granite
Q.30 In the geological map of India, which one of the following geological units has the largest area?
- (A) Vindhyan Supergroup
- (B) Deccan Volcanic Province
- (C) Singhbhum Granite
- (D) Mesozoic rocks of Kutch
Correct Answer: (B) Deccan Volcanic Province
Q.31 Which one of the following cross-stratifications provides the paleocurrent direction on the truncated bedding surface of an undeformed cross-stratified sedimentary strata?
- (A) Tabular
- (B) Hummocky
- (C) Trough
- (D) Herringbone
Correct Answer: (C) Trough
Q.32 Which one of the following is a dinosaur?
- (A) Stegodon
- (B) Stegosaurus
- (C) Equus
- (D) Otoceras
Correct Answer: (B) Stegosaurus
Q.33 The Hoek-Brown failure envelope is typically the segment of which one of the following?
- (A) Straight line
- (B) Ellipse
- (C) Parabola
- (D) Hyperbola
Correct Answer: (D) Hyperbola
Q.34 Which one of the following is the optical spectral window suitable for remote sensing?
- (A) 0.02 – 0.2 μm
- (B) 0.4 – 14 μm
- (C) 0.8 – 2.0 μm
- (D) 0.01 – 1 m
Correct Answer: (C) 0.8 – 2.0 μm
Q.35 A radioactive nucleus X1236
decays to Y1136
. The number of α and β particles emitted during this decay are
- (A) 12α and 1β–
- (B) 6α and 1β+
- (C) 3α and 1β–
- (D) 3α and 1β+
Correct Answer: (C) 3α and 1β–
Q.36 The silicate mineral(s) that commonly occur(s) in regionally metamorphosed siliceous dolomitic limestone is/are
- (A) diopside
- (B) cordierite
- (C) tremolite
- (D) wollastonite
Correct Answer: (B) cordierite
Q.37 Which of the natural hazard(s) listed below can be caused by Earthquakes?
- (A) Tsunamis
- (B) Landslides
- (C) Cyclones
- (D) Lightning
Correct Answer: (A) Tsunamis and (B) Landslides
Q.38 Which of the following is/are the driving force(s) behind plate motion?
- (A) Slab-Pull
- (B) Ridge-Push
- (C) Mantle Convection
- (D) Advection
Correct Answers: (A) Slab-Pull, (B) Ridge-Push, (C) Mantle Convection
Q.39 Which of the following is/are copper ore mineral(s)?
- (A) Bornite
- (B) Pentlandite
- (C) Gahnite
- (D) Covellite
Correct Answers: (A) Bornite and (D) Covellite
Q.40 Which of the following stratigraphic unit(s) of the Vindhyan Supergroup contain(s) commercially significant limestone deposit(s)?
- (A) Bhander Formation
- (B) Rewa Formation
- (C) Kaimur Formation
- (D) Rohtas Formation
Correct Answers: (B) Rewa Formation and (D) Rohtas Formation
Q.41 The strike and dip of the axial plane of a reclined fold is 022° and 28° SE, respectively. The plunge direction (in whole circle bearing) of the axis of the reclined fold is ______ degrees.
Solution:
- Understanding Strike and Dip:
- The strike of the axial plane is 022°.
- The dip of the axial plane is 28° to the southeast (SE).
- Finding Plunge Direction:
The plunge direction can be calculated using the formula:
Plunge Direction = Strike + 90° - Dip
Plugging in the values:
Plunge Direction = 022° + 90° - 28° = 084°
Final Answer: 058°
Q.42 If the shrinkage factor of a crude oil is 0.7, its formation volume factor is _____.
Solution:
- Understanding Shrinkage Factor:
The formation volume factor (FVF) can be calculated as:
FVF = 1 / Shrinkage Factor
- Calculation:
Given shrinkage factor = 0.7:
FVF = 1 / 0.7 ≈ 1.42857
- Rounding Off:
Rounding to one decimal place gives:
Correct Answer = 1.4
Final Answer: 1.4
Q.43 The cross section of a river channel is approximated by a trapezium. The river has an average channel width of 40 m and average depth of 3 m. If the average flow speed is 2 m/s, the discharge rate is _________ m3/s.
Solution:
- Discharge Rate Formula:
Discharge (Q) is calculated as:
Q = Area × Flow Speed
- Calculating Area of the Trapezium:
For a trapezium, the area (A) can be calculated as:
Area = Width × Depth
Given width = 40 m and depth = 3 m:
Area = 40 m × 3 m = 120 m2
- Calculating Discharge:
Using the flow speed (2 m/s):
Q = 120 m2 × 2 m/s = 240 m3/s
Final Answer: 240 m3/s
Q.44 A mineral of uniform composition is cut into a wedge shape. The birefringence of the wedge section is 0.012. The retardation at 40 μm thickness of the wedge is _______ nm.
Solution:
- Understanding Retardation:
Retardation (R) can be calculated using:
R = Birefringence × Thickness
- Converting Thickness:
Convert 40 μm to nm:
40 μm = 40,000 nm
- Calculation of Retardation:
Given birefringence = 0.012:
R = 0.012 × 40,000 nm = 480 nm
Final Answer: 480 nm
Q.55 Which of the following systems tract(s) indicate regression?
Options:
- (A) Transgressive systems tract
- (B) Falling stage systems tract
- (C) Highstand systems tract
- (D) Lowstand systems tract
Correct Answer: (B) Falling stage systems tract
Q.56 Which of the following sedimentary feature(s) indicate(s) sub-aerial exposure of the depositional surface?
Options:
- (A) Groove cast
- (B) Double mud drape
- (C) Rain print
- (D) Adhesion ripple
Correct Answer: (C) Rain print
Q.57 Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
Options:
- (A) Diatoms are algal forms.
- (B) Dinoflagellates are unicellular algae.
- (C) Petropods are planktic gastropods.
- (D) Radiolarians are organic-walled microfossils.
Correct Answers: (A), (B), (C)
Q.58 Which among the following space groups is/are non-compatible with glide plane?
Options:
- (A) Pab21
- (B) Pnma
- (C) P63/c
- (D) P3c1
Correct Answer: (A) Pab21
Q.59 Which type of porphyroclast(s) listed below is/are suitable as kinematic indicators in ductile shear zones?
Options:
- (A) σ – type
- (B) θ – type
- (C) δ – type
- (D) φ – type
Correct Answer: (A) σ – type
Q.60 Which of the following parameter(s) is/are Rock Mass Rating (RMR) based on?
Options:
- (A) Rock Quality Designation
- (B) Uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock
- (C) Groundwater conditions
- (D) Rock composition
Correct Answers: (A), (B), (C)
Q.61 A sample of 10 g coal yields 1 g of moisture, 2 g of ash and 5.6 g of volatile matter.
The percentage of volatile matter content of the coal on a dry ash-free basis is calculated as follows:
Volatile Matter (VM) = (Weight of Volatile Matter) / (Weight of Sample - Weight of Ash)
= 5.6 g / (10 g - 2 g) × 100
= 5.6 g / 8 g × 100
= 70.0%
Answer: 70.0%
Q.62 A soil sample shows an average beta count of 6.8 counts per minute (cpm) per gram of organic carbon.
The 14C count rate from organic carbon of present-day vegetation is 15.26 cpm/g. The age of the sample can be calculated using the formula:
Age = (Half-life / ln(15.26 / 6.8))
= (5370 / ln(15.26 / 6.8))
= 5370 / ln(2.245)
= 5370 / 0.812
≈ 6607.3 years
Answer: 6607.3 years
Q.63 A digital camera with a focal length of 150 mm is flown at a height of 3000 m over a flat terrain.
The scale of the aerial photograph can be calculated using the formula:
Scale = Height / Focal Length
= 3000 mm / 150 mm
= 20
Answer: 1:20
Q.65 Operating costs of an open cast gold mine are Rs. 4000/tonne. The recovery at the mill is 90%.
At a gold price of Rs. 4550/g, the cutoff grade of gold calculated on the basis of operating cost can be calculated as follows:
Cutoff Grade = (Operating Cost) / (Gold Price × Recovery)
= 4000 / (4550 × 0.9)
= 4000 / 4095
= 0.976 g/tonne
Answer: 0.98 g/tonne
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