Ch. 2 Physical Features Extra Questions
Q1. Explain the formation of Himalayas.
A1. The convectional currents split the crust into a number of pieces, thus leading to the drifting of Indo-Australian plate after being separated from the Gondwana land, towards north. This resulted in the collision of the plate with the Eurasian plate. Due to the collision, the sedimentary rocks which were accumulated in the geosyncline (Tethys) were folded to form the mountain system of West Asia and the Himalayas.
or
A1. The Himalayas were formed by the Tethys sea. When the Tethys sea was pressurized by the Angara land and Gondwana land, the sedimentary rocks accumulated in the Tethys were folded to form the Himalayan mountain system.
Q2. What is the significance of the Himalayas to India?
A2. i) Himalayas are the source of perennial rivers e.g. Ganga, Yamuna etc.
ii) They protect India from cold Siberian winds.
iii) They prevent moisture bearing winds to cross the Indian subcontinent and thus India is not a desert.
iv) The Himalayas protect India from invaders.
v) Himalayas are rich in minerals e.g. uranium in Ladakh, sedimentary rocks like limestone etc.
Q3. Differentiate between eastern and western ghats.
A3. Eastern Ghats Western Ghats
1) Located between eastern 1) Located between western coastal coastal plains and Deccan plateau. plains and Deccan plateau.
2) Average elevation is 600m. 2) Average elevation is 900-1100m.
3)Height of eastern ghats is uniform. 3) Height increases from north to south.
4) Discontinuous range with wide 4) Continuous range with small gaps created by rivers. gaps/openings e.g. Pal ghats.
5) Highest peak is Mahendragiri. 5) Highest peak is Anai Mudi.
6) Rain is uniform. 6) Western side of western ghats
receives more rainfall.
Q4. How were the northern plains formed? Classify the northern plains on the basis of their relief.
A4. The Himalayan uplift out of the Tethys sea and the subsidence of the northern flank of the peninsular plateau resulted in the formation of a large basin. In due course of time, this depression got filled with deposition of sediments by the rivers in the north and peninsular plateau in the south. A flat land of extensive alluvial deposits led to the formation o the northern plains of India.
Classification of northern plains on the basis of relief:
i) Bhabhar: It is a narrow belt, about 8-16 km wide, parallel to the Shiwaliks. It consists of pebbles deposited by the rivers after descending from the mountains. All streams disappear here.
ii) Terai: It is located south of bhabhar. The streams and rivers re-emerge here and create a wet , swampy and marshy region.
iii) Bhangar: It is the largest part of the northern plains formed of older alluvium. The soil here contains calcareous deposits (kankar).
iv) Khadar: These are the newer, younger deposits of the flood plains. They are renewed almost every year and are very fertile.
Q5. 'Each physiographic divisions of India compliment each other and make the country rich in resources.' Explain the statement with examples.
A5. Himalayas: i) Himalayas are the source of perennial rivers e.g. Ganga, Yamuna etc.
ii) They protect India from cold Siberian winds.
iii) They prevent moisture bearing winds to cross the Indian subcontinent and thus India is not a desert.
iv) The Himalayas protect India from invaders.
v) Himalayas are rich in minerals e.g. uranium in Ladakh, sedimentary rocks like limestone etc.
Northern plains: i) They provide food security.
ii) They are a base for civilization.
Plateau Region: i) Storehouse of minerals.
ii) Base for industrialization.
iii) Helps in formation of black soil.
Great Indian Desert: i) Source of solar and wind energy.
Coastal Plains: i) Hub of fishing industry.
ii) Site for coconut and rice production.
iii) Help in obtaining salt from sea.
iv) Ports and harbours are located here.
v) Waterways here are the cheapest means of transport and thus boost the economy.
Islands: i)They are tourist spots and boost tourism industry.
All these physiological divisions thus make the country rich in resources and compliment each other e.g. Himalayas are the source of perennial rivers which in turn make northern plains fertile for agricultural production.
A1. The convectional currents split the crust into a number of pieces, thus leading to the drifting of Indo-Australian plate after being separated from the Gondwana land, towards north. This resulted in the collision of the plate with the Eurasian plate. Due to the collision, the sedimentary rocks which were accumulated in the geosyncline (Tethys) were folded to form the mountain system of West Asia and the Himalayas.
or
A1. The Himalayas were formed by the Tethys sea. When the Tethys sea was pressurized by the Angara land and Gondwana land, the sedimentary rocks accumulated in the Tethys were folded to form the Himalayan mountain system.
Q2. What is the significance of the Himalayas to India?
A2. i) Himalayas are the source of perennial rivers e.g. Ganga, Yamuna etc.
ii) They protect India from cold Siberian winds.
iii) They prevent moisture bearing winds to cross the Indian subcontinent and thus India is not a desert.
iv) The Himalayas protect India from invaders.
v) Himalayas are rich in minerals e.g. uranium in Ladakh, sedimentary rocks like limestone etc.
Q3. Differentiate between eastern and western ghats.
A3. Eastern Ghats Western Ghats
1) Located between eastern 1) Located between western coastal coastal plains and Deccan plateau. plains and Deccan plateau.
2) Average elevation is 600m. 2) Average elevation is 900-1100m.
3)Height of eastern ghats is uniform. 3) Height increases from north to south.
4) Discontinuous range with wide 4) Continuous range with small gaps created by rivers. gaps/openings e.g. Pal ghats.
5) Highest peak is Mahendragiri. 5) Highest peak is Anai Mudi.
6) Rain is uniform. 6) Western side of western ghats
receives more rainfall.
Q4. How were the northern plains formed? Classify the northern plains on the basis of their relief.
A4. The Himalayan uplift out of the Tethys sea and the subsidence of the northern flank of the peninsular plateau resulted in the formation of a large basin. In due course of time, this depression got filled with deposition of sediments by the rivers in the north and peninsular plateau in the south. A flat land of extensive alluvial deposits led to the formation o the northern plains of India.
Classification of northern plains on the basis of relief:
i) Bhabhar: It is a narrow belt, about 8-16 km wide, parallel to the Shiwaliks. It consists of pebbles deposited by the rivers after descending from the mountains. All streams disappear here.
ii) Terai: It is located south of bhabhar. The streams and rivers re-emerge here and create a wet , swampy and marshy region.
iii) Bhangar: It is the largest part of the northern plains formed of older alluvium. The soil here contains calcareous deposits (kankar).
iv) Khadar: These are the newer, younger deposits of the flood plains. They are renewed almost every year and are very fertile.
Q5. 'Each physiographic divisions of India compliment each other and make the country rich in resources.' Explain the statement with examples.
A5. Himalayas: i) Himalayas are the source of perennial rivers e.g. Ganga, Yamuna etc.
ii) They protect India from cold Siberian winds.
iii) They prevent moisture bearing winds to cross the Indian subcontinent and thus India is not a desert.
iv) The Himalayas protect India from invaders.
v) Himalayas are rich in minerals e.g. uranium in Ladakh, sedimentary rocks like limestone etc.
Northern plains: i) They provide food security.
ii) They are a base for civilization.
Plateau Region: i) Storehouse of minerals.
ii) Base for industrialization.
iii) Helps in formation of black soil.
Great Indian Desert: i) Source of solar and wind energy.
Coastal Plains: i) Hub of fishing industry.
ii) Site for coconut and rice production.
iii) Help in obtaining salt from sea.
iv) Ports and harbours are located here.
v) Waterways here are the cheapest means of transport and thus boost the economy.
Islands: i)They are tourist spots and boost tourism industry.
All these physiological divisions thus make the country rich in resources and compliment each other e.g. Himalayas are the source of perennial rivers which in turn make northern plains fertile for agricultural production.