Kerala Syllabus 10th Standard Social Science Important Questions Chapter 7 India: The Land of Diversities

Kerala State Syllabus 10th Standard Social Science Important Questions Chapter 7 India: The Land of Diversities

Answer the following. Score 1 each

Choose the correct answer.

Question 1.
Which of the following neighbouring countries does not share land frontier with India?
Afghanistan
Bhutan
Sri Lanka
Answer:
Sri Lanka

Question 2.
The mountain range which is part of the Himalayas
Karakoram
Siwalik
Ladakh
Answer:
Siwalik

Question 3.
Godwin Austin, the highest peak in India is located in the
Karakoram ranges
Himalayan ranges
Lushai hills
Answer:
Karakoram ranges

Question 4.
The highest Himalayan peak in India.
Godwin Austin
Kanchenjunga
Nanga Parbat
Answer:
Kanchenjunga

Question 5.
The highest Himalayan range
Himadri
Himachal
Answer:
Himadri

Question 6.
River Indus originates from
Manasarovar lake.
Gaimukh cave
Chemayungdung glacier
Answer:
Manasarovar lake

Question 7.
Which of the following is a tributary of the Brahmaputra?
Vista
Jhelum
Beas
Answer:
Vista

Question 8.
Peninsular river that joins with the Arabian sea
Mahanadi
Godavari
Narmada
Answer:
Narmada

Question 9.
The oldest and the extensive physiographic division of India
Northern Great Plains
Northern mountains
Peninsular Plateau
Answer:
Peninsular Plateau

Question 10.
A north-flowing Peninsular river
Mahanadi
Chambal
Tapti
Answer:
Chambal

Question 11.
The longest Peninsular river
Mahanadi
Godavari
Narmada
Answer:
Godavari

Question 12.
Choose the wrong statement about Eastern Coast plain
Backwaters and estuaries are seen
Southern part is called Coromandel Coast
Delta formation
Answer:
Backwaters and estuaries are seen

Question 13.
The capital of Lakshadweep
Port Blair
Kavaratti
Indira Point
Answer:
Kavaratti

Question 14.
The main reason for the occurrence of winter rainfall in Punjab region.
Northeast monsoon wind
Cyclones originating in the Mediterranean sea shift towards east
Cyclone originating in the Arabia Sea.
Answer: ‘
Cyclones originating in the Mediterranean sea shift towards east

Question 15.
The rainfall beneficial for winter crops.
Rainfall due to western disturbance
Southwest monsoon rain
Northeast monsoon rain
Answer:
Rainfall due to western disturbance

Question 16.
When the sun is over the northern hemisphere, North Indian regions experience intense low pressure. Which atmospheric phenomenon is its result?
Northeast monsoon wind
Southwest monsoon wind
Cyclone
Answer:
Southwest monsoon wind

Question 17.
A feature of mountain soil found in northern mountain system.
Generally fertile
High salt content
Comparatively low fertility
Answer:
Generally fertile

Question 18.
The physiographic division of India known as the ‘Granary of India ’.
Northern Great Plains
Coastal Plains
Peninsular India
Answer:
Northern Great Plains

Question 19.
What is the reason for the scarce rainfall along the western parts of Northern Great Plains?
Southwest monsoon branch blows parallel to the Aravalli mountain ranges.
By the time southwest monsoon branch reaches Rajasthan, loses much of its moisture content.
Both of the above reasons.
Answer:
Both of the above reasons.

Question 20.
North India experiences high temperature during summer season than the coastal regions. This is because of
Distance from ocean
Nearness to ocean
Sun is over the Southern Hemisphere
Answer:
Distance from ocean

Question 21.
The Coromandel Coast of India receives heavy rainfall in the months of November – December due to the influence of
Southwest monsoon
Northeast monsoon
Southeast monsoon
Answer:
Northeast monsoon

Question 22.
Identify the regions where laterite soils are formed.
Regions made of igneous rocks named basalt.
Regions with monsoon rains and intermittent hot seasons.
Desert regions.
Plains formed by the river deposition.
Answer:
Regions with monsoon rains and intermittent hot seasons.

Question 23.
Identify the mountain region from which both Narmada and Mahanadi’ rivers originate
Maikala ranges
Mahabaleswar hills
Western Ghats –
Answer:
Maikala ranges

Question 24.
In which Himalayan range are hill stations like Shimla and Darjeeling situated?
Himadri
Himachal
Siwalik
Answer:
Himachal

Question 25.
Choose the wrong statement about river Indus.
Source is Manasarovar lake in Tibet
Merges with the Bay of Bengal.
Length is about 2880 km.
Answer:
Merges with the Bay of Bengal

Question 26.
Identify the correct statement about river Ganga.
Merges with the Arabian Sea.
Jhelum and Chenab are tributaries % The main tributary is Yamuna.
Source is Chemayungdung glacier in Tibet.
Answer:
The main tributary is Yamuna

Question 27.
Choose the correct statement about Peninsular rivers
Intensive erosion
Intensity of erosion is less
Extensive catchment area
High irrigation potential
Answer:
Intensity of erosion is less

Question 28.
Find out the correct pair.
Godavari – Sabari
Kaveri – Bhima
Narmada – Indravati
Mahanadi – Thungabhadra
Answer:
Godavari – Sabari

Question 29.
Kabani is the tributary of
Krishna
Kaveri
Mahanadi
Godavari
Answer:
Kaveri

Question 30.
Choose the wrong statement about Himalayan rivers
Do not create deep valleys
Extensive catchment area
High irrigation potential
Intensive erosion
Answer:
Do not create deep valleys

Question 31.
Which of the following is not included in Eastern Highlands?
Khasi
Garo
Jayanti
Karakoram
Answer:
Karakoram

Question 32.
Which of the following is not included in Trans Himalayas?
Karakoram
Siwalik
Ladakh
Zaskar
Answer:
Siwalik

Question 33.
Which of the following is not a Himalayan river?
Indus
Godavari
Ganga
Yamuna
Answer:
Godavari

Question 34.
The physiographic division which is not a part of Peninsular plateau.
Aravalli range.
Deccan plateau
Thar desert
Western Ghats
Answer:
Thar desert

Question 35.
The soil found in Northern Great Plains and coastal plains
Red soil
Alluvial soil
Black soil
Laterite soil
Answer:
Alluvial soil

Complete the statement suitably.

1. The highest peak in India is ………………………
2. In India, the highest temperature of summer is felt at ………………………
3. The river ……………………… originates from the Maikala ranges in Madhya Pradesh.
4. Agra is on the bank of the river ………………………
5. The strong upper air currents in the troposphere are called ………………………
Answer:
1. Godwin Austin/Mount K2
2. Barmer
3.Mahanadi
4. Yamuna
5. Jet streams

Answer in a sentence each.

Question 1.
What are dunes?
Answer:
Broad flat valleys seen across the Siwalik ranges.

Question 2.
How are Northern Great Plains formed?
Answer:
Northern Great Plains are formed by the continuous alluvial deposits of Himalayan rivers for thousands of years.

Question 3.
How is Marusthali Bagar plain formed?
Answer:
The Marusthali Bagar plain in Rajasthan is formed by the deposits of rivers Luni and Saraswathi.

Question 4.
Most Peninsular rivers carry less water during summer. Why?
Answer:
Most Peninsular rivers are rain-fed.

Question 5.
How are Peninsular rivers classified based on the direction of flow?
Answer:

West flowing rivers
East flowing rivers
North flowing rivers

Question 6.
Which is the highest waterfall in India?
Answer:
Jog falls in Saravathi river in Karnataka.

Question 7.
What are the peculiarities of Lakshadweep?
Answer:
Presence of lagoons, sandy beaches and coral reefs.

Question 8.
What are Kalbaisakhi?
Answer:
Thundershowers in West Bengal during summer.

Question 9.
Rajas tan gets only scanty rainfall. Why?
Answer:
Aravalli mountains are in Rajasthan. The Arabian sea branch of southwest monsoon passes parallel to these mountains. These mountains cannot obstruct the moisture-laden monsoon winds.

Question 10.
Which is the second-highest range in the Himalayas? What is its average altitude?
Answer:

Himachal
Average altitude is 3000 meters

Question 11.
The northern mountains are the paradise of tourists. Why? Name the famous hill stations here.
Answer:

Due to its natural beauty
Hill stations are
Shimla
Kulu
Darjeeling
Manali

Question 12.
Which soil is formed by the disintegration of black lava rocks?
Answer:
Black soil

Question 13.
Which are the islands of India located in the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal?
Answer:

Arabian Sea – Lakshadweep
Bay of Bengal- Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Answer the following. Score 2 each

Question 1.
Write the features of desert soil.
Answer:

Very little moisture content
Rich salt content

Question 2.
Aravalli is a mountain in Peninsular plateau. Which are the other mountains in the Peninsular plateau?
Or
Complete the sun diagram on the mountains of Peninsular plateau.
Answer:

Vindhya range
Satpura range
Eastern Ghats
Western Ghats

Question 3.
Where is laterite soil formed in India?
Answer:
Laterite soil is formed in the regions with monsoon rains and intermittent hot seasons. It is found mainly in some parts of Peninsular plateau.

Question 4.
Besides laterite soil, which are the soils found in Peninsular plateau. Write one feature of each.
Answer:
Black soil: Suitable for cotton cultivation, high fertility.
Red soil: Red in colour because of the presence of iron content.

Question 5.
Why is Peninsular plateau called the store-house of minerals?
Answer:

Peninsular plateau holds numerous deposits of diverse minerals.
Iron ore, coal, manganese, bauxite, limestone, etc. are found.

Question 6.
Which are the river basins in eastern coastal plain where paddy is cultivated extensively?
Answer:
River basins of Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari and Mahanadi

Question 7.
What is western disturbance? Write its benefit.
Or
Write the reason for the winter rainfall in Punjab region. What is the agricultural importance of this rainfall?
Answer:
During the cold-weather season of India, cyclones originating in the Mediterranean sea shift towards east under the influence of jet streams and enter India. This causes winter rainfall in North plains, especially in Punjab. This is known as western disturbance. This is much beneficial for the cultivation of rabi crops like wheat and barley.

Question 8.
Explain ‘October heat’.
Answer:
The northeast monsoon season is a transition period between rainy season and the forthcoming winter season. This season experienced in the months of October and November makes the days unbearable due to high temperature and humidity.

The high temperature and humidity experienced all over India during this time make the daytime very uncomfortable or sultry. This phenomenon is called October heat.

Question 9.
Though northeast monsoon winds are dry, they cause heavy rainfall along the Coromandel coast of India. Write the reason.
Or
Coromandal coast receives rainfall during northeast monsoon. Why? In which months are these seasons experienced?
Answer:
Northeast monsoon winds blowing from land to sea due to the attraction of low pressure over the Bay of Bengal takes a northeast to southwest direction.

It absorbs moisture from the Bay of Bengal and causes heavy rainfall along the Coromandel coast. This rainfall occurs in the months of October and November.

Question 10.
The coastal plains to India are subdivided into five. Classify them suitably.
a. Konkan Coast plain
b. North Circar Coastal plain
c. Gujarat Coastal plain
d. Coromandal Coastal plain
e. Malabar Coastal plain

West coast plain	East coast plain

Answer:

West coast plain	East coast plain
a, c, e	b, d

Question 11.
Most parts of Rajasthan are desert and the amount of rainfall received is less there. Biju is of the opinion that Aravalli mountain is responsible for this.
a. Do you agree with him?
b. Why?
Answer:
a. I agree
b. The reasons are given below.
It is because of the Aravalli ranges that Rajasthan receives only scanty rainfall. Lying parallel to the monsoon winds from the Arabian sea, it cannot obstruct the moisture-laden monsoon winds. Moreover, by the time the Arabian sea branch reaches Rajasthan, it loses much of its moisture content.

Question 12.
Using the indicators, complete the columns to compare the Himalayan and Peninsular rivers.

Indicators	Himalayan rivers	Peninsular rivers
Catchment area
Erosive capability
Irrigation potential
Inland navigation

Answer:

Indicators	Himalayan rivers	Peninsular rivers
Catchment area	Extensive	Comparatively smaller
Erosive capability	High	Low
Irrigation potential	High	Low
Inland navigation	More chance	Less chance

Question 13.
Chirapunji and Mawsynram are regarded as the rainiest spots in the world. Find out the topographical factors that enable these places to retain this name.
Answer:
The Bay of Bengal branch of south west monsoon advances northward by absorbing more moisture from the Bay of Bengal. On reaching West Bengal, crossing the Sundarban delta, it bifurcates into two branches. One branch reaches the Brahmaputra plains and causes heavy rainfall there. The Khasi- Jaintia hills of Meghalaya obstruct these winds and cause heavy rainfall in these regions. Chirapunji and Mawsynram are in this region.

Question 14.
Some of the rivers of India are marked as a, b, c, d, e and f in the given map. Identify those rivers and classify them as Himalayan and Peninsular rivers.

Answer:
a – Kaveri
C – Yamuna
e – Brahmaputhra
b – Tungabhadra
d – Narmada
f- indus

Himalayan rivers	Peninsular rivers
c. Yamuna e. Brahmaputhra f. Indus	a. Kaveri b. Tungabhadra d. Narmada

Question 15.
Given below are the characteristic features of one of the physical divisions of India. Based on the indicators, find out the physical division and add to the list.
Storehouse of minerals
Built of hard Crystalline rocks
Answer:
The physiographic division is Peninsular plateau. Characteristic features
i. It has an area of about 15 lakh sq. km.

ii. Has a diverse topography of mountains, plateaus and valleys.

iii. Anamudi is the highest peak in this zone, iv. The main vegetations here are tropical deciduous and tropical rain forests.

Question 16.
The names of the subdivisions of the Great Plains are given. Write the names of the rivers causing their formation.
(ganga plain, Punjab – Haryana plan Marusrhali – Bagar plain. Brahmaputra plan)
Answer:

Name of the plain	The rivers that cause the formation
i. Ganga plain	River Ganga and its tributaries
ii. Punjab – Haryana plain	River Indus and its tributaries
iii. Marusthali – Bagar plain	Luni, Saraswathy rivers
iv. Brahmaputra plain	Brahmaputra and its tributaries

Question 17.
classify the Peninsular rivers as those flowing into Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal
Answer:

Rivers flowing into Arabian sea	Rivers following into Bay of Bengal
Narmada Tapti Luni Periyar	Mahanadi Godavari Krishna Kaveri

Question 18.
The Northern Great Indian plain is densely populated. Why?
Or
The Northern Great Indian plain is known as the granary of India. Why’
Answer:
The Northern Great Indian plain is formed by the continuous deposition of sediments brought by the Himalayan rivers for thousands of years. It is one of the most fertile and extensive alluvial plains of the world. It extends over 7 lakh sq.kms with kilometres of thick sediments.

Since this plain is formed by the deposition of fertile alluvium, this has become the most important agricultural region in the country and sois called the granary of India. Naturally this is densely populated.

Question 19.
Alluvial soil is dominant in most parts of Northern plains. Why?
Answer:
The Northern plains are formed by the deposits of alluvium brought down by rivers Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra and their tributaries flowing down the Himalayas for thousands of years.

Question 20.
Which soil is suitable for cotton cultivation? Where is it found in India?
Answer:
Black soil is suitable
Black soil is extensively found in Deccan plateau, which is the southern part of Peninsular plateau. A major portion of Deccan plateau has been formed by the cooling of lava that spread over the region millions of years ago. Thus the region is made of igneous rocks, namely basalt.

Question 21.
The Northern mountain system influences the climate of India. Substantiate.
Answer:

Blocks the monsoon winds blowing from the south and causes rainfall throughout North India.
Prevents the dry cold winds blowing from the north from entering India during winter.

Question 22.
Complete the table.

River	Origin	Sea which it joins
Tapti	Muntai Plateau	a……………………………
b. ………………………………..	Maikala ranges in Chhattisgarh	Arabian Sea

Answer:
a. Arabian Sea
b. Narmada

Question 23.
Because of the peculiar shape of the Indian peninsula, the southwest monsoon winds bifurcate into two branches before entering the land. Which are the two branches?
Answer:
Arabian Sea branch
Bay of Bengal branch

Question 24.
Bajra and jowar are the main crops cultivated in Rajasthan. Why?
Answer:
Crops like bajra and jowar require very little amount of water to grow.
Rainfall is very less in Rajasthan

Question 25.
Why does, the temperature decrease from south to north during winter season in India?
Answer:
India experiences winter when the position of the sun is over the southern hemisphere. So the southern parts of India receive more sun rays than the northern parts.
The southern parts which lie close to the sea experience high temperature.

Question 26.
Which type of soil is mainly found in the following states?
a. Himachal Pradesh
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Rajasthan
d. Maharashtra
Answer:
a. Mountain soil
b. Alluvial soil
c. Desert soil
d. Black soil

Question 27.
Using the hints, write the names of Himalayan ranges.
a. Broad and flat valleys called Duns are seen.
b. Hill stations like Shimla and Darjeeling are seen.
c. Average altitude is 6000 metres.
d. Peaks like Kanchenjunga and Nandadevi are seen.
Answer:
a. Siwaliks
b. Himachal
c. Himadri
d. Himadri

Question 28.
The statements given below are related to the rivers in India.
Statement A: Catchment area is comparatively smaller.
Statement B: Creates gorges.
Based on these statements, identify the correct one from among the following.
a. Both statements indicate Himalayan rivers.
b. Both statements indicate Peninsular rivers.
c. Statement A is related to Himalayan river and statement B is related to Peninsular rivers.
d. Statement A is related to Peninsular rivers and statement B is related to Himalayan rivers.
Answer:
d. Statement A is related to Peninsular rivers and statement B is related to Himalayan rivers.

Answer the following. Score 3 each

Question 1.
Complete the diagram on some of the rivers of India, their tributaries and the states through which they flow based on the hints.
Hints:

Hiran
Kaveri
Narmada
Andhra Pradesh
Tungabhadra
Tamil Nadu

Answer:
a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Tamil Nadu
c. Narmada
d. Kaveri
e. Hiran
f. Thungabhadra

Question 2.
Which are the physical divisions located between Arabian sea and Western Ghats and Bay of Bengal and Eastern Ghats? Write their. features also.
Or
Compare the west coast and east coast plains of India based on the given hints.

Location
Landform created
Length
Influence of monsoon
Width

Answer:
West coast plain, East coast plain

East coast plain	West coast plain
Located between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.	Located between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
Stretches from Sundarbans to Kanyakumari	Stretches from Rann of Kutch to Kanyakumari
Comparatively wide	Comparatively narrow
Deltas are formed	Lagoons and estuaries are formed
Influenced by north east monsoon	Influenced by south west monsoon.

Question 3.
The tributaries of some Indian rivers are given in the picture: Complete the picture by adding the names of their major rivers.

Answer:
a. Ganga
b. Brahmaputra
c. Indus
d. Godavari
e. Krishna
f. Mahanadi

Question 4.
Make a comparison between Himalayan rivers and Peninsular rivers.
Answer:

Himalayan rivers	Peninsular rivers
i. Extensive catchment area.	Comparatively small catchment area.
ii. Originate from the Himalayan mountain ranges.	Originate from the mountain ranges in the Peninsular plateau.
iii. High irrigation potential	Less irrigation potential.
iv. Intensive erosion.	Intensity of erosion is less
v. Develóp gorges in the mountains and meanders in the plains,	Deep valleys are not created as they flow through hard and crystalline rocks.
vi. Inland navigation is possible in the plains.	Less chances for inland navigation.

Question 5.
Complete the following table suitably Rivers

Rivers	Source	Debouching place
Indus	?	?
Ganga	?	?
Brahmaputra	?	?

Answer:

Rivers	Source	Debouching place
Indus	Manasarovar lake	Arabian sea
Ganga	Gaumukh cave in Gangotri	Bay of Bengal
Brahmaputra	Chemayung – dung glacier	Bay of Bengal

Question 6.
Mention the characteristic features of the Peninsular plateau.
Or
The Peninsular Plateau is a phýsiographic division with some unique characteristics. What are these characteristics?
Answer:
i. Made of hard crystalline rocks.
ii Flas&nareaofabouti5lakhsq.km
iii. it has diverse topography of mountains, plateaus and valleys.
iv. The vegetation here includes tropical deciduous type and tropical rain forests.
v. Anamudi with a height of 2695m is the highest peak of this zone.
vi. Has black soil and red soil.
vii. Holds numerous deposits of diverse minerals and so known as storehouse of a minerals.
viii.Deccan plateau which is formed by the cooling of lava lies to the south of Peninsular Plateau.

Question 7.
The names of the tributaries of sonic rivers are given below. Write the name of the main river against each.

Mans, Tel, Beas, Son, Indravathi, Amaravathi, Girna, Hiran

Answer:

Tributary	Main river
Manas	Brahmãputra
Tel	Mahanadi
Beas	Indus
Son	Ganga
Indravathi	Godavari
Amaravathi	Kaveri
Gima	Tapti
Hiran	Narmada

Question 7.
Table the Himalayan rivers on the basis of sources, tributaries, states through which they flow and the sea which they join.
Answer:

Himalayan rivers	Source	Tributaries	States through which they flow	Sea which they join
Indus	Manasarovar lake in Tibet	Jhelum, Chenab, Beas, Sutlej, Ravi	Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab	Arabian sea
Ganga	Gaimukh cave in Gangotri glacier	Yamuna, Son, Ghaghara, Kosi,Gandak	Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal	Bay of Bengal
Brahmaputra	Chemayungdung glacier, Tibet	Tista, Manas, Luhit, Subansiri	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim	Bay of Bengal

Question 8.
From which state do the following rivers originate?
Narmada, Mahanadi, Tapti, Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari
Answer:

River	State of source
Mahanadi	Madhya Pradesh
Narmada	Chhattisgarh
Tapti	Madhya Pradesh
Krishna	Maharashtra
Kaveri	Karnataka
Godavari	Maharashtra

Question 9.
The names of some rivers are given. List them as originating from the Himalayas and from the Western Ghats.
Jhehrn, Kaveri, Yamuna, Krishna, Kosi, Godavari.
Answer:

Rivers originating from Himalayas	Rivers originating from Western Ghats
Jhelum	Kaveri
Yamuna	Krishna
Kosi	Godavari

Question 10.
Identify the soil type from the hints given
a. Generally fertile and dark brown or black in colour
b. Seen on river banks and coastal plains.
c. Dry and salty
d. Formed by the disintegration of igneous rocks called basalt.
e. Soil with iron content
f. Soil formed in monsoon climatic region.
Answer:
a. Mountain soil
b. Alluvial soil
c. Desert soil
d. Black soil
e. Red soil
f. Laterite soil

Question 11.
Answer the following questions based on, Northern Great plains of India.
a. Rivers that caused the formation of Northern Great Plains.
b. From which physiographic division do these rivers originate?
c. How does the peculiarity of the soil here influence human life?

Answer:
a. Northern Great Plains are formed by the continuous depositional work of the Himalayan’ rivers Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra and their tributaries.
b. These rivers originate from northern mountain
c. The alluvial soil formed by the Himalayan rivers is highly fertile. So this region is the backbone of Indian agriculture and so known as the granary of India. This is one of the most densely populated regions also.

Question 12.
Just as in physiography, India has climatic variation too. Examine the reasons for the variations of climate in India.
Answer:

Latitudinal location
Topography
Nearness to oceans
Altitude above sea level
Himalayan mountains
Distance from oceans

Question 13.
There is regional variation in the distribution of rainfall in India. What are the reasons?
Answer:

Topography
Nearness to oceans
Distance from oceans
Location of mountain ranges
Direction of wind
Extent of land

Question 14.
Choose the correct pairs from the columns

a. Cherrapunji
b. Anamudi
c. Jaisalmer

p. Western Ghats
q. Thar desert
r. Purvachal

A. a→q, b→p, c→r
B. a→r, b→p, c→q
C. a→r, b → q, c→p
D. a → q, b→p, c→r
Answer:
B. a→ r, b→p, c→q

Question 15.
Identity the rivers hinted below and write any two features of them.
a. River originating from the Manasarovar lake in Tibet.
b. River originating from the Gaumukh caves in the Gangotri glacier:
Answer:
a. River Indus

About 2880 km long
Jhelum, Chenab and Beas are tributaries
Joins the Arabian Sea

b. Ganga

About 2500 km long .
Yamuna and Kosi are tributaries
Joins the Bay of Bengal

Question 16.
Just as the diversity in the physiography of India, there is diversity in climate also.
a. Write an example for the diversity in climate
b. Write any two reasons for the diversity in climate.
c. The south west and north eastern parts of India receive heavy rainfall during the south west monsoon period. Why?
Answer:
a. Kerala receives more rainfall within a day than the annual rainfall received in Rajasthan.
b. Nearness to ocean Latitude
c. The Western Ghats block the Arabian Sea branch of south west monsoon and cause heavy rainfall in the south west parts of India. One branch of the Bay of Bengal branch of south west monsoon reaches the north eastern states through the Brahmaputra plains and causes heavy rainfall there. The Khasi and Garo hills block the winds and cause rainfall.

Question 17.
Explain the terms
Himalayan rivers
Peninsular rivers
Answer:
The snow-clad peaks and glaciers in the Himalayas are rich sources of freshwater. Numerous great rivers take birth through the confluence of streams originating from the melting snow. These rivers are known as Himalayan rivers.The rivers originating from the elevated regions of the Peninsular plateau are known as Peninsular rivers.

Question 18.
What are the peculiar features of Eastern Highlands?
Answer:

Lie at an’altitude of 500 to 3000 metres.
Known as Purvachal
Khasi, Garo, Jaintia and Mizo hills are here.
Cherrapunji, the place receiving the highest rainfall in the world is situated here.
This region is covered by dense tropical forests.
Fertile mountain soil is found here.

Question 19.
Write the name of the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas and match them with the following.

Dunc
Kanchenjunga
Darjeeling

Answer:

Duns – Siwaliks – Southernmost Himalayan range.
Kanchenjunga – Himadri – the highest Himalayan range.
Darjeeling – Himachal – the middle range

Question 20.
Certain geoinformation f Peninsular plateau are given. Classify them as mountains and plateaus.

Malwa
Vindhya
Western
Chota Nagpur
Satpura
Deccan

Answer:

Mountains	Plateaus
Vindhya	Malwa
Satpura	Chola Nagpur
Western Ghats	Deccan

Question 21.
Analyse the following statements and write the reasons for them.
a. While Mangalore receives rainfall from June to September, Chennai usually receives rainfall in November – December.
b. Rajasthan receives very little rainfall.
Answer:
a. Southwest monsoon season is experienced from June to September. The western parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat receive rainfall during this period. Mangalore is situated to the west of Karnataka. The north east monsoon season is experienced in the months of November and December along the eastern coast of India. Chennai is situated on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu and so receives rainfall in November and December.

b. Rainfall is scarce in Rajasthan because the monsoon branch entering through Gujarat blows para lei to the Arrival Ii mountain ranges.

Question 22.
Write the reasons for the following.
a. The Western portion of Northern plains are least populated.
b. Bajra and jowar are the ,main crops cultivated here.
Answer:
a. The Western portion of Northern ptains is the Thar desert in Rajasthan. Rainfall is scarce here. The highest temperature of India is experienced here.

b. Dry and salty desert soil is found in this region. Bajra and jowar require very little amount of water to grow.

Question 23.
Choose the correct column from the following.

Western coastal plain	Eastern Coastal plain
a. Between the Arabian sea and the Western Ghats	i. Between the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats.
b. From the Sundarbans to Kanyakumari	ii. From the Rann of Kutchh to Kanyakumari
c. Comparatively wide	iii Comparatively narrow
d. Lakes and backwaters can be found	iv. Deltas are formed

A. a.i and c. iii
B. b. ii and d. iv
C. a.i and d. iv
D. b. ii and a. iii
Answer:
C. a.i and d. iv

Question 24.
The following table is on the Himalayan rivers. Identify the mistakes if any and correct accordingly.

Answer:

Question 25.
The role of Northern plains is decisive in the agricultural economy of India. Explain.
Answer:
Northern plains are the backbone of Indian agriculture. Fertile soil, water availability and favourable climate, etc. are conducive for agriculture. ,
This region is known as the granary of India.
Wheat, maize, rice, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, etc. are largely cultivated here.

Question 26.
The names of a few mountain ranges are given.
Categorize them suitably.
a. Karakoram
b. Jaintia
c. Himachal
d. Siwalik
e. Ladak
f. Naga hills

Trans Himalayas	Himalayas	Eastern’ Highlands

Answer:

Trans Himalayas	Himalayas	Eastern Highlands
a. Karakoram	c. Himachal	b. Jaintia
e. Ladak	d. Siwalik	f. Naga hills

Question 27.
Identity the physiographic division from where the following rivers originate. Classify these rivers as east flowing and west flowing rivers.

Narmada
Godavari
Tapti
Kaveri
Mahanadi
Krishna

Answer:

These Peninsular rivers originate from Peninsular plateau
East flowing rivers – Godavari, Kaveri, Mahanadi, Krishna
West flowing rivers – Narmada, Tapti

Question 28.
Write a description on the human life in the northern mountain region.
Answer:

Animal rearing is the major means of livelihood.
Sheep are commercially reared in Jammu- Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh. ,
Agriculture: Potato, barley, saffron, apple, orange and tea are cultivated.
Tourism – Scenic beauty of the mountains attract tourists. Hill stations like Shimla, .. Darjeeling, Kulu and Manali are situated here.

Question 29.
Identify the rivers hinted below and write any two of their features.
a. River originating from the Chema-Yung- dung glacier in the Kaila’s ranges.
b. Longest Peninsular river.
Answer:
a. Brahmaputra:

Has a length of about 2900 km.
Joins the Bay of Bengal.

b. Godavari:

Originates from Western Ghats – Nasik district of Maharashtra
Flows through Maharashtra, Telengana and Andhra.

Question 30.
Give reasons for the following:
a. Continuity of Siwaliks breaks at many places.
b. Punjab region receives winter rainfall.
c. Coromandal coast receives north east monsoon rain.
Answer:
a. The Himalayan rivers cut across the Siwalik range, its continuity breaks at many places.

b. Punjab region receives winter rainfall due to the phenomenon of western disturbance. The cyclones originating in the Mediterranean Sea during winter gradually shift towards east, reach India and cause rainfall in the northern plains, especially in the Punjab region. This is known as western disturbance.

c. The northeast monsoon winds blowing over the Bay of Bengal absorb moisture and pass through the Coromandel coast, causing rainfall along this coast.

Question 31.
Write a note on the advancement of Arabian Sea branch of monsoon winds.
Answer:
Arabian Sea branch of monsoon winds:
Because of the particular shape of the Indian peninsula, the south west monsoon winds bifurcate into two branches before entering the land. One branch is the Arabian Sea branch. It reaches the coast of Kerala by early June and causes heavy rainfall there.

Then it advances to the states of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat and causes rainfall in the western parts. Rainfall is scarce in the Rajasthan region because the monsoon branch entering through Gujarat blows parallel to the Aravalli mountain ranges. The Arabian Sea branch merges with the other branch of the Bay of Bengal branch in the Punjab plains, advances north further and causes heavy rainfall along the foothills of the Himalayas.

Question 32.
Explain the features of west coastal plain in India.
Answer:
Features of West Coastal Plain:

Between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats
From the Rann of Kutchh to Kanyakumari
Comparatively narrow
Can be divided into Gujarat coast, Konkan coast and Malabar coast.
Lakes and backwaters can be found.

Question 33.
Write a note on the north east monsoon season in India.
Answer:
Northeast monsoon season
By the end of September, as the sun shifts towards the southern hemisphere, intense high pressure develops over the Northern plains. Comparatively low pressure over the Indian” ocean causes wind to blow from the northern part of India towards the south. These are the northeast monsoon winds. These winds are dry and do not cause rain in India.

This season is a transition period between the rainy season and the forthcoming winter. This season experienced during the months of October and November makes the days unbearable due to high temperature and humidity. This phenomenon is known as October heat.

The winds blowing from land to sea due to the attraction of low pressure over the Bay of Bengal takes; a northeast to southwest direction. It absorbs moisture from the Bay of Bengal and causes rainfall along the Coromandal coast, especially the Tamil Nadu coast. Kerala and some parts of Karnataka also receive northeast monsoon.

Question 34.
Write a short note on Trans Himalayas.
Answer:
Trans Himalayas: Trans Himalayas are a part of northern mountain ranges. Trans Himalayas include Karakoram, Ladakh and Zaskar mountain ranges. Mount K₂ or Godwin Austin (8661 m), the highest peak in India, is in the Karakoram range. The average height of the Trans Himalayas is 6000m.

Question 35.
Which are the types of soils found in Peninsular plateau? Write their features also.
Answer:
The soils found in Peninsular plateau are black soil, red soil and laterite soil.

Black soil

Formed by the cooling of lava.
Suitable for cotton cultivation.

Red soil

Formed by the weathering of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Presence of iron gives red colour.

Laterite soil
Formed in the regions with monsoon rains and intermittent hot seasons.

Question 36.
Write a note on human life in the Peninsular plateau.
Answer:

Agriculture: Cotton, pulses, groundnut, sugarcane, maize, ragi, chilli, etc. are the major agricultural crops of this region. –
Mining: Iron ore, coal, manganese, bauxite, limestone, etc. are the major minerals found here.
Industries: Agro-based industries and mineral-based industries are found.

Question 37.
Write a note on human life along coastal plains of India.
Answer:

Fishing is the main occupation of the people.
Tourism has great possibilities here.
Agriculture: Rice and coconut are the major agricultural crops along the west coast.

Question 38.
Write a note on the Lakshadweep island and human life there.
Answer:

The Lakshadweep islands are situated in the Arabian Sea, There are 36 islands in this island group, of which only 11 are inhabited.
Lagoons, sandy beaches and coral reefs are the specialities of the Lakshadweep island group.
People depend largely on sea for their sustenance as agriculture is sparse. Fishing and tourism are the major sources of income.

Answer the following. Score 4 each

Question 1.
Mark the answers to the following geoinformation in the outline map India.
a. The southernmost Himalayan range
b. Major type of soil in Marusthali Bagar plain
c. Coromandel Coast
d. The southern endpoint of India ‘
Answer:
a. Siwalik
b. Desert soil
c. Coromandel Coast
d. Indira Point

Question 2.
Mark the answers to the following geoinformation in the outline map of India.
Answer:
a. Peninsular river with lb as tributary
b. River which originates from Gaimukh caves
c. Himalayan river which joins the Arabian Sea
d. River which originates from Madhya Pradesh flows through Gujarat and Maharashtra and joins the Arabian sea.
Answer:
a. Mahanadi
b. Ganga
c. Indus
d. Tapti

Question 3.
Statements A and B deal with the island groups of India. Which are they? Write their features also.
Statement A: Situated in the Arabian Sea
Statement B: Port Blair is the capital of this island group.
Answer:
Statement A: Lakshadweep

Causes the emergence of diverse flora and fauna
Forms the source of many perennial rivers.
The region has a remarkable role in the formation of the Northern Great Plains, which is the food bowl of India.
Agriculture is sparse and people mainly depend on sea for sustenance.
Fishing and tourism are the main sources of income. ,

Statement B : Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Situated in the Bay of Bengal.
Consist of two groups of islands – Andaman with 200 islands and Nicobar with 19 islands.
Most of the islands are uninhabited.
Many of them have dense forests.
The only volcano of India is situated in the Barren island here.
Indira Point which is the southernmost tip of Nicobar islands is considered as the southern end of India.

Question 4.
Explain the ròle of the Northern mountain system in influencing the physiography, climate and human life of India.
Answer:

Protects from foreign invasions from the north since ancient time onwards.
Obstructs the monsoon winds and causes rainfall throughout North India.
Prevents the dry cold wind blowing from north from entering India during winter.
Causes the emergence of diverse flora and fauna
Forms the source of many perennial rivers.
The region has a remarkable role in the formation of the Northern Great Plains. which is the food bowl of India.
Attracts tourists and mountaineers. Tourism is ail Important source of income of this region.
Supports an indigenous culture.

Question 5.
The south-west monsoon winds provide about 70% of the rainfall received in India. Which are the two branches of this monsoon? Explain their role in giving rainfall throughout India.
Answer:
Arabian Sea Branch
The Arabian sea branch which reaches Kerala coast by the beginning of June gives heavy rainfall here. Then it advances to the states of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat and causes rainfall in the western parts.

Bay of Bengal branch
The Bay of Bengal branch advances north by absorbing moisture from Bay of Bengal. On reaching West Bengal, crossing the Sundarban delta, it bifurcates into two branches. One branch enters the Brahmaputra plains and gives heavy rainfall in the north eastern states. Khasi, Garo hills obstruct the winds to cause rainfall.

Question 6.
The sketch of river Ganga is given. &amine the information given and complete the table.

Answer:
a. Gaimukh caves in the Gangotri glacier, Uttarakhand
b. About 2500 km
c. Yamuna
d. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
e. Hooghly
f. Bay of Bengal

Question 7.
India is largely influenced by the peculiarities of the Himalayas. Complete the Sun diagram by writing two examples each.

Answer:
A : Kulu, Manali, Shimla, Darjeeling, Nainital, Mussoorie
B : Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra
C : Ganga plain, Brahmaputra plain, Punjab – Haryana plain, Marusthali – Bagar plain.
D: Himadri, Himachal, Siwalik
E: Major means of livelihood is animal rearing. Potato, barley, apple and tea are cultivated in the fertile Siwalik valley.

Question 8.
Match the items in columns A, B and C.

A	B	C
Brahmaputra	Himachal Pradesh	Cherrapunjee
Indus	Chemayundung	Karakoram
Trans Himalayas	Khasi	Arabian Sea
Purvachal	Mount K₂	Tista

Answer:

A	B	C
Brahmaputra	Himachal Pradesh	Cherrapunjee
Indus	Chemayundung	Karakoram
Trans Himalayas	Khasi	Arabian Sea
Purvachal	Mount K₂	Tista

Question 9.
The following are some of the features related to the physiographic divisions of India. Find out to which physiographic division each is related. Write two features of these divisions also.
a. The region where Mount K₂ is located.
b. The region of numerous deposits of minerals.
c. The region influenced by northeast monsoon.
Answer:
a. Mount K₂ is located in Northern mountain region.
b. Region of numerous deposits of minerals is Peninsular plateau.
c. Eastern coastal plain is influenced by northeast monsoon.

Features of the physiographic divisions

Northern mountain region Functions as a great wall starting from north west of Kashmir and extends upto eastern border.
The region of highest rainfall in the world is located in the east of this mountain.

Peninsular plateau

Has an area of about 15 lakh km²
Has a diverse topography of mountains, plateaus and valleys.

Eastern coastal plain

Located between Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal.
Deltas are formed in this coastal stretch.

Physiographic division	States included
Northern mountain Region	Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh
Northern Great Plains	Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal Assam
Peninsular plateau	Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telengana, Andhra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand
Western coastal Plain	Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala
Eastern coastal Plain	Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Odisha, West Bengal

Question 10.
The map depicting the physical divisions of India are given. Write the name of physical divisions represented by the English alphabets. Also write the type of soil found in each and the major crops cultivated.

Answer:
A – Peninsular plateau
B – Western coastal plain
C – Northern Great Plains
D – Northern mountains

Peninsular plateau – black soil, red soil – cotton, sugar cane, maize
Coastal plains – Alluvial soil-paddy, coconut
Northern Great Plains – Alluvial soil, desert soil- wheat, maize, paddy, cotton
Northern mountain – mountain soil – saffron, potato, apple, tea.

Question 11.
Complete the columns based on the Peninsular rivers

Answer:
a. Munthai plateau
b. Anar
c. Krishna
d. 1400 km
e. Brahmagiri hills
f. Kabani
g. Narmada
h. Hiran

Question 12.
The list of mountain passes of Northern mountain system are given. Write the places connected by them.

Answer:
A. Srinagar-Kargil
B. Jammu-Srinagar
C. Himachal Pradesh-Tibet
D. Sikkim-Lhasa

Question 13.
Given map shows the direction of monsoon winds. Observe the map and prepare a description based on the hints given.

Monsoon Season : Southwest monsoon season,
Nature of winds: Since North Indian regions experience intense low pressure and Indian Ocean region high pressure, winds blow from Indian Ocean to the Indian subcontinent. The winds deflect to right due to Coriolis effect and reach India as south west monsoon winds. Because of the peculiar shape of the Indian peninsula, the south west monsoon winds bifurcate into two branches – Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch- before entering the land.

Question 14.
What are the regional variations in the distribution of rainfall in India? Write the reasons also.
Answer:

Reasons for the regional variations in rainfall.
Nearness to sea
Distance from sea
Location of mountains
Direction of winds
Extent of land

Regional variations in the distribution of rainfall include places receiving more than 200cm rainfall, places receiving rainfall between 100 cm and 200 cm, places receiving rainfall between 60 cm and 100 cm and those less than 60 cm.
Location of mountain is the reason for rainfall of more than 200 cm. Heavy’ rainfall is received on the west of Western Ghats and north east of Khasi and Garo hills. Nearness to sea and Himalayan mountains are the reasons for rainfall between 100 cm and 200 cm. Distance from sea is the reason for rainfall between 60 cm and 100 cm. Distance from Sea and location of mountain are the reasons for rainfall less than 60 cm. Eg. Location of Aravalli.

Question 15.
Is the atmospheric condition of New Delhi and Trivandrum the same during summer and winter? Why? Explain.
Answer:
The atmospheric condition is not the same.
During summer season, the atmospheric temperature of Trivandrum is low and that of New Delhi is high. But during winter season, the atmospheric temperature of Trivandrum is high and that of New Delhi is low.

Reasons;
i. Migration of Sun: India experiences summer when the sun is over the northern hemisphere. So the temperature will be high over northern parts of India including New Delhi. Temperature will be low over southern parts of India including Trivandrum. India experiences winter when the sun is over the southern hemisphere. Temperature will be high over the southern parts of India including Trivandrum which lies near to southern hemisphere. Delhi which lies away experiences low temperature.

ii. Nearness to Sea: Regions located close to sea experience moderate climate. But regions located far from sea experience extreme climate-intense cold during winter and intense heat during summer. Trivandrum lies close to sea and so has moderate climate. Since Delhi lies away from sea, it experiences extreme climate during summer and winter.

Question 16.
Give reasons for the regional variations in the distribution of south west monsoon rain.
Answer:
Location of mountains: Rainfall is maximum along the windward slopes of the mountains. The western side of the Western Ghats, the Eastern Highlands and southern slopes of the Himalayas get heavy rainfall during south west monsoon. The Western Ghats obstruct the south west monsoon winds and cause heavy rainfall on the western side. The eastern slope of Western Ghats is rainshadow region. Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills obstruct the Bay of Bengal branch of south west monsoon and cause heavy rainfall in the north eastern India. The Himalayas obstruct the monsoon winds and cause heavy rainfall in the southern slopes. Rajasthan receives scanty rainfall due to the location of Aravalli hills.

Distance from sea: As the amount of moisture decreases with the advancement of Arabian Sea branch and Bay of Benga l branch, the amount of rainfall decreases from the coast towards interior. By the time the Arabian Sea branch reaches Rajasthan, the amount of moisture content in it will be less. That iS why most parts of Rajasthan are deserts.

Question 17.
Write notes on the major soil types and major crops cultivated in the Northern mountain region, Northern plains, Peninsular plateau and coastal plains.
Answer:
Northern mountain :
Soil: Mountain soil
Crops : Potato, barley, saffron, apple, orange

Northern Plains :

Soil: Alluvial soil ‘
Crops: Wheat, maize, rice, sugarcane

Peninsular plateau :

Soil: Black soil
Crops: Cotton, maize, sugarcane

Coastal plains :
Soil: Alluvial soil Crops: Paddy, coconut

Answer the following. Score 5 each

Question 1.
Which are the two branches of south west monsoon winds? Identify the regions where they cause rainfall.
Answer:
Due to the peculiar shape of the Indian peninsula, the south west monsoon winds bifurcate into two branches – Arabian Sea branch and Bay of Bengal branch before entering the land. ‘

Arabian Sea branch
The Arabian Sea branch that reaches Kerala coast by the beginning of June gives heavy rainfall there. Then it advances to the states of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat and causes rainfall in the western parts.

Bay of Bengal branch
The Bay of Bengal branch which absorbs moisture from Bay of Bengal advances through Sundarban delta and enters West Bengal and bifurcates into two. One branch enters the Brahmaputra plains and gives heavy rainfall in the north eastern states. Khasi, Garo hills obstruct the winds to cause rainfall.

The other branch enters the Ganga plains and gives rainfall in the states of West Bengal, Bihar and Utter Pradesh. This branch joins with the Arabian Sea branch in the Punjab plain, moves northward and gives heavy rainfall in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Question 2.
Write the features of winter season in India.
Answer:
Winter season is experienced in India from December to February. India experiences winter season when the sun is in the southern hemisphere. North India experiences severe cold during this time. This is because temperature decreases from south to north.
During this season, days are generally warm and nights are severely cold in North India. Snowfall is a common phenomenon in hill stations like Manali and Shimla.

The phenomenon of western disturbance is another feature of the cold season; Cyclones originating in the Mediterranean Sea in winter travel eastwards and enter India. This causes winter rainfall in North Indian plains, especially in Punjab region. This is known as western disturbance. This rainfall is very beneficial for rabi crops. Jet streams bring western disturbance to India.

Question 3.
Write the features of the summer season in India based on the hints.
Duration
Intensity of heat
Local storms
Answer:
summer season in India is experienced from March to May. India experiences summer when the sun is in the northern hemisphere. There is a steady increase in temperature from south to north. North India has high temperature compared to the southern regions located close to sea.

The highest temperature in India during summer season is experienced at Barmer (55°C) in the western part of Rajasthan. The low pressure that develops over North India results in the formation of dry, hot wind called Loo. The local wind known as Mangoshowers causes rainfall in Kerala during this time. Kalbaisakhi is a local wind in West Bengal causing thundershowers and hailstorms.

Question 4.
Classify the Peninsular rivers based on origin, direction of flow, length, tributaries, states through which they flow and the sea to which they join.
Answer:
Mahanadi: Maikala ranges of Madhya Pradesh – east-flowing – 857 km – lb, Tel, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha- Bay of Bengal.

Godavari: Nasik district of Maharashtra – east-flowing – 1465 km – Indravathi, Sabari – Maharashtra, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh- Bay of Bengal.

Krishna: Mahabaleswar hills in Maharashtra- east flowing – 1400km, – Bhima, Tungabhadra- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh – Bay of Bengal.

Kaveri: Brahmagiri hills is Karnataka – east flowing – 800km – Kabani, Amaravathi – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu – Bay of Bengal.

Narmada : Maikala ranges of Chhattisgarh – west flowing – 1312km – Hiran, Banjan- Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat-Arabian Sea.

Tapti: Muntai plateau in Madhya Pradesh – west flowing – 724 km – Anar, Gima- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat – Arabian Sea.

Question 5.
The names of tributaries of some rivers are given. Answer the questions based on them. –
Chambal
Gomati
Tungabhadra
Sutlej
a. Which are the tributaries of Himalayan rivers?
b. Which are the tributaries of Peninsular rivers?
c. Which river originates from Peninsular plateau and joins Ganga?
d. Which river originates from Himalayas and joins Ganga?
e. Complete the table

Tributaries of Indus	Tributaries of Ganga	Tributaries of Brahmaputra

Answer:
a. Chambal, Gomati, Sutlej, Ravi, Manas, Tista
b. Thungabhadra, Gima, lb
c. Chambal
d. Gomati
e.

Tributaries of Indus	Tributaries of Ganga	Tributaries of Brahmaputra
Sutlej Ravi	Chambal Gomati	Manas Vista

Answer the following. Score 6 each

Question 1.
The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges. Write their features.
OR
Arrange the mountain ranges Himachal, Siwalik and Himadri in accordance with altitude and write their features.
Answer:
The Himalayan mountain range forms an arc shaped physical division extending between north-
west Trans Himalayas and the south east Eastern Highlands. These mountain ranges have a length of about 2400 km. It consists of three parallel ranges namely Himadri, Himachal and Siwalik.
Himadri: 6000 m
Siwalik:1220 m
Himachal:3000 m

Himadri

Highest mountain ranges in the Himalayas.
Average altitude is about 6000 m.
The source of Ganga and Brahmaputra
Mountain peaks with a height of more than 8000 m are situated in this range!
Eg: Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi .
Snow covered throughout the year.

Himachal

Situated to the south of the Himadri
Average altitude is above 3000 m.
Hill stations like Shimla, Dajjeeling are situated on the southern slope of this range. “

Siwalik

Situated to the south of the Himachal and is . the southernmost range.
Average altitude is about 1220 m.
As the Himalayan rivers cut across the range, its continuity breaks at many places.
Broad flat valleys called Duns are seen along these ranges.
Eg. Dehradun.

Question 2.
What are the different types of soils found in India? Write their features.
Answer:

Question 3.
India is a land of diverse topography, climate and- drainage. Substantiate with example. •
Answer:
India presents a diverse topography with lofty mountains, broad plateaus, extensive plains and long coast line. She is a land of long rivers, local and seasonal climatic difference and diverse natural vegetation. The following is a description of the diversity seen in the above mentioned factors.

Topography: Physiographically India can be classified into four divisions.

Northern mountain region
Great plains of the north
Peninsular plateau
Coastal plains and islands

The Northern mountain ranges are subdivided into Trans Himalayas, Himalayas and Eastern Highlands. The highest peak in India Mount K₂ or Godwin Austin is in the Karakoram range of Trans Himalayas. Himadri is the highestmountain range in the Himalayas. Himachal range is located south of Himadri and Siwalik range to further south. The world’s rainiest spot Cherrapunji is located in the thickly forested Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills of Eastern Highlands.

Climate: The climate is not the same in all the months in all places of India. Though there is much local diversity in climate, India in general, has a monsoon climate. Based on temperature and rainfall, the seasons of India are divided into four – winter season, summer season, south west monsoon season and north east monsoon season. In India there are places like Cherrapunji with more than 1080 cm of annual rainfall and places like Jaisalmer with less than 12 cm of annual rainfall.

While the western coastal plains and the north east regions receive an annual rainfall greater than 400 cm, Western Rajastan, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab have less than 60 cm. The Himalayan peaks experiencing intense cold conditions throughout the year and the place Banner that recorded the highest temperature (55°C) are also in India. In this way, India experiences diverse climatic conditions.

Drainage (Rivers): Indian rivers are classified into Himalayan rivers and Peninsular rivers. Floods occur in the Himalayan rivers due to rainfall in the rainy season and the melting of ice in summer. But the Peninsular rivers overflow during the rainy season and cause floods and dry up during summer causing destruction to crops. The Himalayan rivers that carry large volume of water are suitable for inland navigation. They have a number of tributaries. Peninsular rivers are not ‘ very long and do not have many tributaries. Thus India has a diverse drainage system.

Question 4.
Compare the two monsoon seasons of India and state the influence they exert on different parts of India. ,
Answer:
The rainy season of India is known as monsoon season. The two monsoon seasons namely south west monsoon and north east monsoon exert great influence all over India.

South west monsoon season
The period of south west monsoon season in India is from June to September. This is the main rainy season in India because the country receives about 60% rainfall during this period.
When the sun is in the northern hemisphere, North Indian regions experience intense low pressure. Owing to high pressure over the oceans, winds blow from high pressure to low pressure, ie, from the Indian Ocean to the , Indian subcontinent. As the winds deflect towards right due to Coriolis effect, they reach India as south west monsoon winds.
Because of the peculiar shape of the Indian Peninsula, the south west monsoon winds bifurcate into two branches before entering the land – the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.

The Arabian Sea branch
The Arabian Sea branch which reaches Kerala coast by early June gives heavy rainfall there. Then it advances to the states of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat and causes rainfall in the western parts. This is because the Western Ghats obstruct the moisture-laden monsoon winds. But the eastern slopes of Western Ghats receive very little rainfall and have become a rain shadow region. This branch then enters Rajasthan through Gujarat and passes parallel to the Aravalli ranges. As a result, Rajasthan gets only scanty rainfall.

Bay of Bengal branch
The Bay of Bengal branch advances northward and absorbs moisture from the Bay of Bengal and enters West Bengal and bifurcates into two. One branch enters the Brahmaputra valley and gives heavy rainfall in the north eastern states. This is because Khasi and Garo hills obstruct this wind. The other branch enters the Ganga plains and gives rainfall in Wcst Bengal. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It joins with the Arabian Sea branch in the Punjab plain, moves northward and gives heavy rainfall in the foothills of the Himalayas.

North east monsoon season
The months of October and November are the period of north east monsoon. Intense high pressure develops over North Indian plains and winds are retreating. High temperature and humidity make the days unbearable. The sun is in the southern hemisphere after September and so North Indian plains experience high pressure. But the Indian Ocean regions experience low pressure. So winds blow from the north of India to the Indian Ocean. These are the north east monsoon winds. As they are dry, they do not cause rainfall.

These winds attracted to the low-pressure regions of Bay of Bengal absorb moisture from Bay of Bengal and move in the north east to south east direction. As a result, heavy rainfall is caused on the Coromandal Coast, especially in Tamil Nadu. Kerala and some parts of Karnataka also receive north east monsoon rain.

Question 5.
The distribution of rainfall in India is not uniform. Why? On the basis of rainfall. classfy India into djfferent rainfall regions.
Answer:
Though the whole of India experiences the influence of monsoon rainfall, there is regional variation in the amount of rainfall received. In India there are places like Cherrapunji with more than 1080 cm of rainfall and places like Jaisalmer with less than 12 cm rainfall. Similarly when Kerala gets heavy rainfall during the south west monsoon season, the neighbouring Tamil Nadu gets very less rainfall during this period.

Reasons for tlie disparity in the distribution of rainfall
i. Nearness to sea
ii. Distance from the sea
iii. Location of the mountains
iv. Direction of winds
v. Area of land regions

Rainfall zones in India
i. Heavy rainfall regions and reasons (above 200 cms): West coast plains (region between Kerala and Maharashtra), some places in North-Eastern regions, north – eastern parts of North Indian plains come under this zone. The annual rainfall here is more than 200 cms. The reasons for the heavy rainfall here are Western Ghats, North Eastern Hills and the Himalayas.

ii. High rainfall regions and reasons (between 100 and 200 cms): This zone includes Western Ghat regions, most parts of North Indian plains, north – eastern paits of Peninsular India and North Eastern regions. The reasons are nearness to sea and the Himalayas.

iii. Moderate rainfall regions (between 60 and 100 cms): This zone includes the south and south-west of Kashmir, Malwa Plateau, Deccan plateau and central parts of Tamil Nadu. The reason for the moderate rainfall is the distance from the sea.

iv. Low rainfall regions (below 60 cms) :
Rajasthan, western parts of Gujarat, central parts of Deccan plateau and northern parts of Kashmir come under this zone. The reasons for low rainfall are distance from the sea and the location of regional land forms like mountains (eg. Aravalli mountains).

Kerala Syllabus 10th Standard Social Science Important Questions