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UPSC Mains 2023 · GS Paper I · Q6

UPSC Mains 2023 GS1 Q6: model answer

How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

10 marks150 wordsDirective: Explain

What the question wants

Glacial origin of fjords and the reasons for their scenic beauty, with locations.

How to structure it

Intro: fjord defined as a long, narrow, deep sea inlet with steep sides. Body: (1) Formation: glacier deepens a river valley into a U-shape, erosion below sea level, glacier retreats, sea floods the trough, threshold at the mouth; (2) Locations: Norway, Greenland, Chile, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada; (3) Why picturesque: sheer cliffs, waterfalls from hanging valleys, calm deep water, snow peaks, greenery and wildlife. Conclusion: tourism value and UNESCO sites like the West Norwegian Fjords.

How to structure the answer
IntroductionFjord defined as a long, narrow, deep sea inlet with steep sides
Body: explain
  1. 1(1) Formation: glacier deepens a river valley into a U-shape, erosion below sea level, glacier retreats, sea floods the trough, threshold at the mouth
  2. 2(2) Locations: Norway, Greenland, Chile, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada
  3. 3(3) Why picturesque: sheer cliffs, waterfalls from hanging valleys, calm deep water, snow peaks, greenery and wildlife
ConclusionTourism value and UNESCO sites like the West Norwegian Fjords

Model answer

A fjord is a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between steep cliffs, created by glaciers.

How a fjord forms
  1. 1River valley in a mountain coast
  2. 2Glacier moves down the valley
  3. 3Erosion carves a deep U-shaped trough below sea level
  4. 4Ice melts at the end of the ice age
  5. 5Sea floods the trough; sill at the mouth

Formation

  • During ice ages, glaciers moved down existing river valleys towards the sea.
  • Their weight and abrasion deepened and widened the valleys into U-shaped troughs, often far below sea level.
  • When the ice melted, the sea rose and flooded these troughs.
  • A shallow sill or threshold of moraine is often left at the mouth.

Fjords are found on high-latitude west coasts: Norway, Greenland, Chile, New Zealand (Milford Sound), Alaska and British Columbia.

Why so picturesque

  • Sheer cliffs rising hundreds of metres straight from the water.
  • Waterfalls tumbling from hanging valleys, such as Seven Sisters in Norway.
  • Calm, deep water mirroring snow-capped peaks.
  • Green slopes, small villages and rich wildlife.

Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and major tourist draws.

Keywords, cases and data to drop in

U-shaped valley glacial erosion sill hanging valley Geirangerfjord

Where most answers lose marks

  • Confusing fjords with rias.
  • No examples of locations.

Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/QP-CSM-23-GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I-180923.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.