Important Questions for Chapter 2 Physical Features of India Class 9 Geography
Important Questions1
The Earth has been formed out of how many plates?
Answer
The Earth formed out of seven major tectonic plates and some minor plates.
VSAQ
2
What is the direction of the convergent plate boundaries?
Answer
In convergent plate boundaries, the plates come towards each other.
VSAQ
3
What is the direction of the divergent plate boundaries?
Answer
In divergent plate boundaries, the plates move away from each other.
VSAQ
4
What do you mean by Gondwanaland?
Answer
The Gondwanaland is the name of an ancient super continent which included India, Australia, South Africa, South America and Antarctica.
VSAQ
5
Name the oldest landmass of India.
Answer
Peninsular Plateau.
VSAQ
6
Name the southern coast of the western coastal plain.
Answer
It is called the Malabar Coast.
VSAQ
7
Collision of which two plates led to the formation of fold mountains in the Tethys sea?
Answer
Collision of Indo-Australian plate with Eurasian plates.
VSAQ
8
Which sea existed in place of the Himalayas in the ancient period?
Answer
Tethys sea existed in place of the Himalayas in the ancient period.
VSAQ
9
What are the main causes of rock displacement?
Answer
The main causes of rock displacement are folding, faulting and volcanic activities.
VSAQ
10
Name the part of the Himalayas lying between the Kali and Tista rivers.
Answer
Nepal Himalaya.
VSAQ
11
Name two famous valleys located in Himachal Pradesh.
Answer
Kangra and Kullu valleys are located in Himachal Pradesh.
VSAQ
12
Name the highest mountain peak of the world located in Nepal.
Answer
Mt. Everest (8848 m.)
VSAQ
13
Name the part of the Himalayas lying between the Indus and Satluj rivers?
Answer
Punjab Himalayas lies between the Indus and Satluj.
VSAQ
14
Name the part of the Himalayas lying between Tista and Dihang rivers.
Answer
Assam Himalayas lies between the Tista and Dihang rivers.
VSAQ
15
Where is the Karbi-Anglong plateau located?
Answer
Karbi Anglong plateau is located in Assam.
VSAQ
16
What is the height of the highest peak of the Himalayas located in India?
Answer
Kanchenjunga (8,598 metres).
VSAQ
17
Which Plateau is triangular in shape?
Answer
Deccan Plateau is triangular in shape.
VSAQ
18
Name the most continuous range of the Himalayas consisting of the lofty peaks.
Answer
Himadri or Inner Himalayas.
VSAQ
19
Why is the Himadri range called by this name?
Answer
The Greater or Inner Himalayas are known as 'Himadri' because it is permanently covered by snow throughout the year.
VSAQ
20
Name the Himalayan range lying between Himadri and the Shiwaliks.
Answer
Himachal or Lesser Himalayas.
VSAQ
21
How long are the east-west distances covered by the Himalayas?
Answer
The east-west distances covered by the Himalayas are 2400 kms.
VSAQ
22
Which part of the Himalayas is located between Kali and Satluj rivers?
Answer
Kumaon Himalayas.
VSAQ
23
In which state Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills are located?
Answer
Meghalaya.
VSAQ
24
Which two hills are located in the south-east of Eastern Ghats?
Answer
Javadi Hills and Shevroy Hills.
VSAQ
25
Which islands of India are called Coral Islands?
Answer
Lakshadweep.
VSAQ
26
Name the narrow gap in a mountain range providing access to the other side.
Answer
Pass.
VSAQ
27
Name the mountain range which bounds Central Highlands on the north west.
Answer
Aravalis.
VSAQ
28
Name the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats.
Answer
Mahendragiri is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats.
VSAQ
29
Name the highest peak of Western Ghats.
Answer
Anai Mudi (2695 metres).
VSAQ
30
Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
Answer
Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges.
VSAQ
31
Name the northern part of Eastern Coast of India?
Answer
Konkan Coast.
VSAQ
32
Give the name of the Southern half of the Eastern Coastal strip of India.
Answer
Coromondel Coast.
VSAQ
1
What are the three types of plate movements on the Earth?
Answer
• Coverage boundary: When some plates come towards each other, they form a convergent boundary.
• Divergent boundary: When some plates move away from each other they form a divergent boundary.
• Transform boundary: In the event of two plates coming together, they may either collide and crumble or may slide under the other and form the transform boundary.
SAQ
2
Define a 'Geosyncline'. What is the result of the upliftment of the sediments in the basin?
Answer
A narrow, shallow, elongated basin with a sinking bottom in which a considerable thickness of sediments was deposited by the river coming from Angara and Gondwanaland is called a 'Geosyncline'. The upliftment of the sediments in the basin resulted in the formation of Himalayas.
SAQ
3
Differentiate between convergent plates and divergent plates.
Answer
Convergent Plates:
• The tectonic plates move closer to each other in convergent plate boundaries.
• The two plates coming together may either collide or may slide under other.
• It may result into activity like earthquake.
Divergent Plates:
• The tectonic plates move away from each other in divergent plate boundaries.
• The two plates drift away from each other creating gap between them.
• It result in volcanic eruption.
SAQ
4
Classify the Himalayas on the basis of regions from the West to East.
Answer
This division of the Himalayas is demarcated by the river valleys.
• Punjab Himalayas: This part of the Himalayas lies between the rivers Indus and Satluj. It is also known as Kashmir and the Himachal Himalayas.
• Kumaon Himalayas: This part of the Himalayas lies between Satluj and Kali rivers.
• Nepal Himalayas: This part of the Himalayas lies between Kali and Teesta rivers.
SAQ
5
How are riverine islands formed?
Answer
The rivers coming from the northern mountains carry alluvium with them and do the depositional work. In the lower course, due to gentle slope, the velocity of the river decreases which results in the formation of riverine islands.
SAQ
6
Why are the Shiwalik ranges prone to landslides and earthquakes ? Give reasons.
Answer
• Shiwalik is the Southern range of the Himalayas. It is a discontinuous range as it disappears in the east.
• This region is made of loose unconsolidated deposits brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges.
• The region is prone to widespread erosion landslides and earthquakes.
SAQ
7
Classify the Northern Plains on the basis of its location.
Answer
The Northern Plains are broadly divided into three sections:
• Punjab Plains: The western part of the Northern Plain is called the Punjab Plains. It is formed by the river Indus and its tributaries.
• Ganga Plains: It extends between Ghaggar and Teesta rivers. It is spread over the states of North India, i.e., Delhi, Haryana, UP, Bihar and parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Brahmaputra Plains: To the east of the Ganga plain lies the Brahmaputra Plain. They cover the areas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
SAQ
8
Which part of the Himalayas form the Purvanchal? State any two characteristics of the Purvanchal.
Answer
Beyond the Dihang Gorge, the Himalayas bend sharply to the south and spread along the eastern boundary of India, are known as the Purvanchal. Characteristics :
• Mostly composed of strong sedimentary rocks.
• It is covered with dense forests which mostly run parallel ranges and valleys.
SAQ
9
Write any three characteristics of the Central Highlands.
Answer
• They stretch from the north-west with the Aravalis, further merging with the sandy and rocky desert of Rajasthan.
• They are wider in the West but narrower in the east.
• The eastward extension of this plateau is locally known as 'Bundelkhand' and 'Baghelkhand'.
SAQ
10
Which part of the Himalayas form the Purvanchal? State any two characteristics of the Purvanchal.
Answer
Beyond the Dihang Gorge, the Himalayas bend sharply to the south and spread along the eastern boundary of India, are known as the Purvanchal.
Characteristics :
• Mostly composed of strong sedimentary rocks.
• It is covered with dense forests which mostly run parallel ranges and valleys.
• It consists of the Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, the Manipur and the Mizo Hills.
SAQ
11
Describe any three features of the Shivalik Range.
Answer
• The outermost range of the Himalayas is called the Outer Himalayas or Shiwaliks.
• They extend over a width of 10-15 km. Their altitude varies between 900-1100 metres.
• They are discontinuous ranges and are composed of unconsolidated sediments, gravel and alluvium.
SAQ
12
Which range of Himalayas lies between Himadri and Shiwaliks? Mention any two features of this range of Himalayas.
Answer
The range that lies between Himadri and Shiwaliks is Himachal
Features:
• Composed of highly compressed and altered rocks.
• Pirpanjal is the longest and the most important range.
• Consists of famous valley of the Kangra and Kullu which is known for hill stations.
SAQ
13
Why are the Northern Plains agriculturally productive parts of India? Explain.
Answer
• It has a rich and fertile alluvial soil cover.
• Adequate water supply.
• Favourable climate.
SAQ
14
Name the part of the Northern Plains formed of newer, younger deposits of the flood plains in India. Mention any two characteristics of it.
Answer
This part is known as Khadar.
Characteristics :
• It lies in flood plains.
• It is renewed almost every year.
• It is very fertile.
SAQ
15
Write three difference between Bhangar and Khadar.
Answer
Bhangar:
• Formed of older alluvium.
• Lies above flood plains.
• Less Fertile
Khadar:
• Formed of newer alluvium.
• New and younger deposit of flood plains.
• More Fertile.
SAQ
16
Compare the Shiwalik and the Himachal Mountain ranges on the basis of composition and attitude.
Answer
Himachal Ranges
• The range lying to the south of Himadri forms the most rugged mountain system and is known as Himachal Ranges.
• The altitude varies between 3700 and 4500 metres.
• The ranges are mainly composed of highly compressed and altered rocks.
Shiwalik Ranges:
• The outermost range of the Himalayas is called the Shiwaliks.
• They have an altitude varying between 900 and 1100 metres.
• These ranges are composed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges.
SAQ
17
Name the Island group located in the Arabian Sea? State any two features of these Islands.
Answer
Lakshadweep Islands group is located in the Arabian Sea.
Features:
• This group of Islands is made up of small corals.
• Earlier they were known as Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi.
SAQ
18
Describe any three features of coastal plains of India.
Answer
• The Peninsular Plateau is flanked by a strip of narrow coastal strips running along the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east.
• The western coast sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is a narrow plain. It consists of three sections. The northern part of the coast is called the Konkan (Mumbai – Goa), the central stretch is called the Kannad Plain while the southern stretch is referred to as the Malabar coast.
• The plains along the Bay of Bengal are wide and level.
SAQ
1
Name the major physiographic divisions of India and describe any two points of significance of the Himalayas and the Northern Plains each.
Answer
Major physiographic divisions of India are:
• The Himalayan Mountains
• The Northern Plains
• The Peninsular Plateau
• The Indian Desert
• The Coastal Plains
• The Islands
Significance of Himalayas :
• Himalayas are the major source of water and forest wealth.
• It has beautiful valleys which attracts a lot of tourists.
Significance of Northern Plains :
• It is agriculturally a very productive part of India due to availability of alluvial soil and favourable climate.
• It is flat and levelled land.
LAQ
2
What are Duns ? Differentiate between the inner Himalayas and the lesser Himalayas.
Answer
The longitudinal valley lying between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks are known as Duns.
• The northern most range is known as the greater or inner Himalayas or the Himadri.
• It is the most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peak with an average height of 6000 mt.
• It contains all the prominent Himalayan peaks.
• The range lying to the south of the Himadari is the most rugged mountain system and is known as Himachal or the Lesser Himalayas.
• Continuous altered rocks with altitude between 3,700 and 4,500 mt.
• This range consists of the famous valley of Kashmir, the Kangra and Kulu.
LAQ
3
Explain which two forces are responsible for shaping the present geographic features of India. Which continents of today were parts of Gondwanaland?
Answer
• Divergent and convergent movements are the two forces that are responsible for two continental plates to fracture and fold.
• The position and size of the continents have been changed due to the movements of these crustal plates over millions of years. The present landform features and reliefs of India are the part of this process. The Gondwanaland included Asia, Australia, South America, South Africa and Antarctica.
LAQ
4
Give an account of the four divisions of Himalayas from West to East along with Purvanchal hills respectively.
Answer
• Punjab Himalayas: It lie between Indus and Satluj rivers
• Kumaon Himalayas : It lie between Satluj and Kali rivers
• Nepal Himalayas : It lie between Kali and Tista rivers
• Assam Himalyas : It lie between Tista and Dihang rivers.
• Purvanchal Hills : It is north- eastern extension of the Himalayas.
LAQ
5
Which three river systems form the Northern Plains? Explain the diverse relief features of the Northern Plains.
Answer
The Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems form the Northern Plains. Diverse relief features of the Northern Plains are:
• Bhangar: The largest part of the Northern Plain is formed of older alluvium and has terrace like features.
• Khadar: The newer younger deposits of the flood plains are called Khadar. They are renewed every year and are highly fertile.
• Bhabar : The river after descending from the mountains deposits pebbles in a narrow belt of 8 to 16 km parallel to the Shiwaliks.
• Terai : All streams disappear in this belt. In the south portion of this belt the streams and rivers re-emerge and create a wet swampy marshy region known as Terai.
LAQ
6
Differentiate between Bhabar and Terai.
Answer
Bhabar:
• It lies to the south of the Shiwalik range.
• The width ranges between 8 to 16 km.
• The area is highly coarse in nature due to many pebbles and kankars found here.
• Vegetation is very less in this region.
• Main feature: rivers disappears in this region because of big pores present.
Terai:
• The belt exist to the south of Bhabar area.
• It is almost parallel to the bhabar.
• The area has highly fine sediments due to deposition made by several streams.
• Very dense vegetation.
• Since the river re-emerge back and make area highly swampy and marshy.
LAQ
7
Explain any five characteristics of the Peninsular Plateau.
Answer
• It is a tableland composed of the old crystalline, igneous and metamorphic rocks.
• It is formed due to the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land.
• It has broad and shallow valleys and rounded hills.
• It consists of two broad divisions, namely, the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
• The Central Highlands are wider in the west but narrower in the East.
• The Deccan Plateau is higher in the west and slopes gently eastwards.
LAQ
8
Give five features of the Deccan Plateau.
Answer
• The Deccan Plateau is a triangular landmass that lies to the south of the river Narmada.
• The Satpura range flanks its broad base in the north while the Mahadev, the Kaimur hills and the Maikal range form its eastward extension.
• It is higher in the west and slopes gently eastwards.
• Its north-east extension is locally known as the Meghalaya and Karbi-Anglong plateau and North Cachar Hills. It is separated by a fault from the Chota Nagpur plateau.
• Three prominent hill ranges from the west to east are the Garo, Khasi and laintia hills.
LAQ
9
Explain the characteristics of the Indian Desert.
Answer
• Lies towards the western margins of the Aravallis.
• Undulating sandy plain covered with sand dunes.
• Receives low rainfall, below 150 mm per year.
• Low vegetation cover because of arid climate.
• Rain fed streams appear but soon disappear into the sand as there is inadequate water.
• River Luni is the only large river.
LAQ
10
Which coastal plain lies along the Arabian Sea? State four features of it.
Answer
The Western Coastal plain lies along the Arabian Sea. Features of the western coast:
• The western coast lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
• It is a narrow plain.
• The coastal plain consists of three sections.
• The northern part of the coast is the Konkan Coast (Mumbai – Goa). The central stretch is called the Kannad Plain, while the southern stretch is referred to as the Malabar Coast.
LAQ
11
Name two coastal plains of India and describe any two features of each.
Answer
The two coastal plains of India are:
• The Western Coastal plain sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
• The Easter Coastal Plain lying between, the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.
Western Coastal Plain:
• It consists of three sections that is Konkan Coast, Kannad plains and Malbar plains.
• The coastal strip is narrow. Eastern Coastal Plain:
• Northern Circar and Coromandel Coast are its two sections.
• The coastal strip is wider.
LAQ
1
Why are Himalayas called young fold mountains? Mention any three features of the great Himalayan range.
Answer
• Himalayas are called young fold mountains as they are formed by folding process and still process of folding is going on.
• They got folded into three parallel range—The greater Himalayas, the lesser Himalayas and the Shiwalika.
• They have all prominent peaks which are snow covered almost throughout the year.
HOTS
2
The diverse physical features of India are of universal value. Justify the statement by giving five suitable examples.
Answer
• The northern mountains are the major sources of water and forest wealth.
• The northern plains are the granaries of the country. They provide the base for early civilizations.
• The plateau is a storehouse of minerals which has played a crucial role in the industrialization of the country.
• The coastal region and island groups provide sites for fishing and port activities.
• The deserts are the storehouse of solar energy.
VBQ