Answer : B

Explanation :
• Statement 1 is incorrect as The Karewa formations are not composed of volcanic rocks nor are they found in the Western Ghats. They are sedimentary deposits specific to the Kashmir Valley.The Karewa formations are lacustrine (lake) deposits found in the Kashmir Valley. They were formed during the Pleistocene epoch when the valley was submerged under a large lake, and over time, sedimentation created these deposits.

• Statement 2 is correct as The Karewa soils are highly fertile and support the cultivation of saffron (especially in Pampore), apples, almonds, and other cash crops. The fertility of these soils is a key factor in the agricultural prosperity of the Kashmir Valley.

Answer : B

Explanation :

• Statement 1 is incorrect as Gucchi mushrooms do not grow in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. They thrive in the cold, moist climates of the Himalayas and cannot survive in dry conditions.
• Statement 2 is correct as Gucchi mushrooms require specific climatic conditions, such as cold temperatures and moist soil, which are found in the Himalayan region. Their growth is largely dependent on natural conditions, making artificial cultivation challenging.

Answer : C

Explanation : The term 'Duns' refers to a series of longitudinal valleys that are found between the Shivalik Hills (the outermost range of the Himalayas) and the Lesser Himalayan range. These valleys are formed due to the folding and faulting of the Himalayan region during its geological evolution.

Key Features of Duns:

• Formation: Duns are formed due to the deposition of sediments brought down by rivers flowing from the Himalayas. Over time, these sediments fill the valleys, creating fertile and flat land.
  • Location: They are specifically found between the Shivalik Hills and the Lesser Himalayas.
  • Importance: Duns are agriculturally productive and often support human settlements due to their fertile soil and availability of water.

Answer : B

Explanation :

• Statement 1 is correct as The Terai region is a marshy belt at the foothills of the Himalayas, stretching from the Yamuna to the Brahmaputra. The Terai region is formed by the deposition of sediments from Himalayan rivers, creating fertile but waterlogged soils.
• Statement 2 is incorrect as The Terai region is suitable for agriculture, especially for crops like rice, sugarcane, and jute, despite its waterlogged conditions.
• Statement 3 is correct as The Terai region is known for its rich biodiversity, including forests, grasslands, and wildlife sanctuaries like Dudhwa and Kaziranga.

Answer : A

Explanation : Marine terraces are coastal landforms that are formed when the sea level changes, either due to eustatic changes (global sea-level changes) or tectonic uplift (uplift of the land due to tectonic forces). Along the Konkan coast, the formation of marine terraces is primarily attributed to the combination of eustatic sea-level changes and tectonic uplift.

• During the Pleistocene era, the sea level fluctuated due to glacial cycles, resulting in the formation of marine terraces. The tectonic uplift of the Western Ghats, which runs parallel to the Konkan coast, also contributed to the formation of these terraces. The uplift caused the sea floor to rise, creating a series of stepped terraces that are now visible along the coast.