PHYSICAL FEATURES OF INDIA
Chapter 2
EXERCISE
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) A landmass bounded by sea on three sides is referred to as
(a) Coast (c) Peninsula
(b) Island (d) None of the above
Ans: (c) Peninsula
(ii) Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called
(a) Himachal (c) Purvachal
(b) Uttarakhand (d) None of the above
Ans: (c) Purvachal
(iii) The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as
(a) Coromandel (c) Kannad
(b) Konkan (d) Northern Circar
Ans: (c) Kannad.
(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(a) Anai Mudi (c) Mahendragiri
(b) Kanchenjunga (d) Khasi
Ans: (c) Mahendragiri.
2 Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is the bhabar?
Ans: The Bhabhar is a narrow belt of land, about 8-16 kilometers wide, that runs along the foothills of the Himalayas in India. It is formed by the deposition of pebbles and gravel by rivers as they descend from the mountains. The Bhabhar is a porous region that allows water to seep through quickly, so it is not suitable for agriculture. However, it is a valuable source of groundwater and supports a variety of plants and animals.
(ii) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
Ans: The three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south are:
.Great Himalayas or Himadri: This is the northernmost range and is also known as 'Himadri'. This is the most continuous range. It contains the loftiest peaks, including Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.
.Middle or Lesser Himalayas: This range lies between the Great Himalayas and the Shiwaliks. It is also known as the Himachal or Lower Himalayas. This range is less continuous than the Great Himalayas and is characterized by its valleys and peaks.
.Shiwalik Hills or Outer Himalayas: This is the southernmost range of the Himalayas and is also known as the Siwaliks. It is a series of low hills that run along the foothills of the Himalayas.
Here is a table summarizing the three major divisions of the Himalayas:
(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
Ans: The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges. It is a triangular-shaped plateau that covers an area of about 250,000 square kilometers. The plateau is bounded by the Aravali Range to the west, the Vindhyan Range to the north and east, and the Narmada River to the south.
(iv) Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Ans: The island group of India having coral origin is the Lakshadweep Islands. They are located in the Arabian Sea, about 200-440 kilometers off the southwestern coast of India. The Lakshadweep Islands are a group of 36 islands, atolls, and reefs.
3. Distinguish between
(i) Bhangar and Khadar
Ans: Sure. Here is a table distinguishing between Bhangar and Khadar soils:
(ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
Ans: Sure. Here is a table distinguishing between the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats:
As you can see, the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats are quite different from each other. The Western Ghats are taller, more continuous, and have a wetter climate than the Eastern Ghats. They are also home to a greater diversity of plant and animal life.
4. Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau.
Ans: India's diverse landscape can be broadly divided into six major physiographic divisions:
1. The Northern Mountains: The Himalayas, the world's tallest mountain range, form a formidable barrier along India's northern border. They are characterized by rugged peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers, with Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, towering at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet).
2 The Northern Plains: Stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Deccan Plateau, the Northern Plains are a vast expanse of fertile land formed by the deposition of sediments from the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. The plains are home to some of India's most densely populated regions and support a thriving agricultural economy.
3. The Peninsular Plateau: The oldest geological feature of India, the Peninsular Plateau is a triangular-shaped plateau extending from north to south, bordered by the Eastern and Western Ghats. It is characterized by rolling hills, plateaus, and scattered mountain ranges, with an average elevation of 600 meters (2,000 feet).
4. The Indian Desert: The Thar Desert, located in western India, is a vast expanse of arid land, covering an area of about 200,000 square kilometers. It is characterized by sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperatures, making it one of the hottest regions in the world.
5. The Coastal Plains: Narrow strips of land along India's eastern and western coasts, the Coastal Plains are formed by the deposition of sediments from rivers and the action of waves. They are characterized by fertile land, lagoons, and beaches, supporting a variety of crops and coastal ecosystems.
6. The Islands: India's islands, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and the islands of the Gulf of Cambay, are scattered along the coastline and offer unique ecosystems, beaches, and coral reefs.
Comparing the relief of the Himalayan region and the Peninsular Plateau:
Himalayan Region:
* Relief: Rugged, mountainous terrain with high peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers.
* Elevation: High elevation, with Mount Everest at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet).
* Formation: Formed by the collision of tectonic plates, resulting in uplift and folding of the Earth's crust.
Peninsular Plateau:
* Relief: Rolling hills, plateaus, and scattered mountain ranges.
* Elevation: Moderate elevation, with an average height of 600 meters (2,000 feet).
* Formation: Formed by ancient geological processes, including weathering and erosion, shaping the landscape over millions of years.
5. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.
Ans: The Northern Plains of India, also known as the Indo-Gangetic Plain, is a vast expanse of fertile land stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Peninsular Plateau. Covering an area of approximately 700,000 square kilometers, the Northern Plains are home to over 400 million people, making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
Formation and Geography:
The Northern Plains were formed over millions of years by the deposition of sediments from the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries. These rivers, originating in the Himalayas, carry vast amounts of silt and sand as they flow southward, gradually filling up the basin between the mountains and the plateau. The plains are characterized by their flat topography, with gentle slopes and a gradual increase in elevation from north to south.
Geological Features:
The Northern Plains can be broadly divided into four regions based on variations in relief from north to south:
1. Bhabhar: The northernmost region, characterized by a narrow belt of porous gravel and pebbles deposited by the rivers as they descend from the mountains.
2. Terai: A narrow strip of fertile land lying between the Bhabhar and the Siwaliks, known for its rich soil and dense vegetation.
3. Bhangar: The older and higher portion of the plains, characterized by sandy and saline soils, making it less suitable for agriculture.
4. Khadar: The youngest and lowest portion of the plains, characterized by fertile loamy soils and highly suitable for agriculture.
Climate and Agriculture:
The Northern Plains experience a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid summers and mild to cool winters. The region receives abundant rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September), making it ideal for agriculture. The fertile soils, ample water supply, and favorable climate conditions have transformed the Northern Plains into India's agricultural heartland.
Crops and Agriculture:
The Northern Plains are renowned for their rich agricultural production, with rice, wheat, sugarcane, maize, and pulses being the major crops. The region is also known for its production of fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds. The agricultural prosperity of the Northern Plains has significantly contributed to India's food security and economic development.
Rivers and Water Resources:
The Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers, along with their tributaries, are the lifelines of the Northern Plains. These rivers provide water for irrigation, domestic use, and transportation. They also play a vital role in maintaining the region's ecosystem and biodiversity.
Urban Centers and Infrastructure:
The Northern Plains are home to some of India's most populous and important cities, including Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Patna, and Kolkata. These cities are well-connected by roads, railways, and air travel, forming a crucial transportation network that supports economic activities and trade.
Environmental Issues and Challenges:
The Northern Plains face several environmental challenges, including groundwater depletion, soil erosion, and pollution. Overuse of groundwater for irrigation and industrial purposes has led to a decline in water levels, affecting agriculture and domestic water supply. Soil erosion, caused by intensive agriculture and deforestation, poses a threat to land productivity. Pollution from industries, agriculture, and urban areas is also a growing concern, affecting air and water quality.
Conservation and Sustainable Development:
Addressing these environmental challenges requires a concerted effort towards sustainable development practices. Promoting water conservation techniques, implementing sustainable agricultural methods, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations are crucial steps in protecting the Northern Plains' valuable natural resources.
Conclusion:
The Northern Plains of India stand as a testament to the power of nature and human ingenuity. The region's fertile lands, abundant water resources, and favorable climate have supported civilizations for millennia and continue to play a pivotal role in India's economic and social progress. While challenges remain, the potential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship holds promise for the future of this remarkable region.
6. Write short notes on the following.
(i) The Indian Desert
Ans:
(ii) The Central Highlands
(iii) The Island groups of India
MAP SKILLS
On an outline map of India show the following.
(i) Mountain and hill ranges – the Karakoram, the Zaskar, the Patkai Bum, the Jaintia, the Vindhya range, the Aravali, and the Cardamom hills.
(ii) Peaks – K2, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat and the Anai Mudi.
(iii) Plateaus, Chotanagpur and Malwa
(iv) The Indian Desert, Western Ghats, Lakshadweep Islands
PROJECT/ACTIVITY
Locate the peaks, passes, ranges, plateaus, hills, and duns hidden in the puzzle.
Try to find where these features are located. You may start your search
horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Questions and Answer Type By: Himashree Bora.
