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SST Grade 9 > Physical Features Of India > Flashcards

Physical Features Of India Flashcards

1
Q

What are the six major physiographic divisions of India?

A
  1. The Himalayan Mountains
  2. The Northern Plains
  3. The Peninsular Plateau
  4. The Indian Desert
  5. The Coastal Plains
  6. The Islands
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2
Q

What is the geological significance of the Peninsular Plateau?

A

It is one of the oldest landmasses on Earth; it was formed from the ancient Gondwana land; it is composed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks and is relatively stable.

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3
Q

How were the Northern Plains formed?

A

They were formed by alluvial deposits from the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems over millions of years.

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4
Q

Which three major rivers contribute to the formation of the Northern Plains?

A

The Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra, along with their tributaries.

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5
Q

What are the three sections of the Northern Plains?

A
  1. Punjab Plains; 2. Ganga Plains; 3. Brahmaputra Plains
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6
Q

What are the three major ranges of the Himalayas?

A
  1. Himadri (Great Himalayas); 2. Himachal (Lesser Himalayas); 3. Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas)
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7
Q

Which mountain range in the Himalayas contains the highest peaks?

A

The Himadri (Great Himalayas).

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8
Q

Name four famous Himalayan peaks in India.

A
  1. Kanchenjunga
  2. Nanda Devi
  3. Namcha Barwa
  4. Nanga Parbat
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9
Q

Which range is known as the Middle Himalayas? Name 3 important ranges in this range and two prominent valleys.

A

The Himachal range, which includes ranges such as Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Mahabharat.
Kashmir, Kullu valley and the Kangra are some famous valleys.

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10
Q

What are duns, and can you provide an example?

A

Duns are longitudinal valleys found between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks. For example, Dehra Dun.

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11
Q

What are the four subdivisions of the Northern Plains?

A
  1. Bhabar; 2. Terai; 3. Bhangar; 4. Khadar
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12
Q

What is the difference between the Bhabar and the Terai regions?

A

Bhabar is a narrow, pebbly belt where rivers disappear into the foothills, while the Terai is a marshy, swampy land where rivers re-emerge.

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13
Q

What are doabs?

A

A doab is a tract of land located between two converging rivers – for example, the land between the Ganga and the Yamuna.

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14
Q

Why is the Khadar region particularly important for agriculture?

A

Because it consists of newer, fertile alluvial deposits that are replenished annually by floods, making it highly productive.

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15
Q

Which part of the Northern Plains is considered the most fertile?

A

The Khadar region.

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16
Q

What are the two major divisions of the Peninsular Plateau?

A
  1. Central Highlands; 2. Deccan Plateau
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17
Q

Which plateau is located between the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges?

A

The Malwa Plateau.

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18
Q

Which river divides the Peninsular Plateau into two distinct parts?

A

The Narmada River.

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19
Q

What is the highest peak in the Western Ghats?

A

Anai Mudi (2,695 m).

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20
Q

Which region of the Peninsular Plateau is famous for its rich mineral deposits?

A

The Chotanagpur Plateau.

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21
Q

What are the two main coastal plains of India?

A
  1. Western Coastal Plains; 2. Eastern Coastal Plains
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22
Q

What are the three sections of the Western Coastal Plains?

A
  1. Konkan Coast (Mumbai-Goa); 2. Kannad Coast; 3. Malabar Coast
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23
Q

Which Indian lake is the largest saltwater lake?

A

Chilika Lake in Odisha.

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24
Q

Which coastal plain features more river deltas?

A

The Eastern Coastal Plain.

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25
Q

Where is the Indian Desert located?

A

Primarily in Rajasthan, lying to the west of the Aravali Hills.

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26
Q

Why is the Indian Desert characterized as arid?

A

It receives very low rainfall (often less than 150mm per year) and experiences high temperatures.

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27
Q

Which river flows through the Indian Desert?

A

The Luni River.

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28
Q

What are barchans?

A

They are crescent-shaped sand dunes commonly found in the Indian Desert.

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29
Q

What are the two main island groups of India?

A
  1. Lakshadweep Islands; 2. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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30
Q

Which Indian island is home to an active volcano?

A

Barren Island in the Andaman & Nicobar group.

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31
Q

What is the origin of the Lakshadweep Islands?

A

They are of coral origin.

32
Q

What are atolls?

A

Atolls are circular or horseshoe-shaped coral reefs that surround lagoons.

33
Q

How do the Eastern and Western Ghats differ?

A

Western Ghats are higher (900-1600 m), form a continuous range, and cause orographic rainfall; Eastern Ghats are lower (around 600 m), discontinuous, and are more dissected by rivers.

34
Q

Which physiographic division of India is often called the ‘granary of the country’?

A

The Northern Plains, due to their fertile alluvial soils and high agricultural productivity.

35
Q

Why are the Himalayas considered a climatic barrier?

A

They block cold winds from Central Asia and trap monsoon winds, leading to heavy rainfall on the southern slopes.

36
Q

What is the significance of the coastal regions for India?

A

They support the fishing industry, host major ports for trade, attract tourism, and are crucial for agriculture in river deltas.

37
Q

Which Indian state is unique for having both the Eastern and Western Ghats?

A

Tamil Nadu.

38
Q

Why is the Deccan Trap notable?

A

It is a vast volcanic plateau covered with black soil, ideal for cotton cultivation.

39
Q

Which mountain range extends from Gujarat to Delhi?

A

The Aravali Range.

40
Q

What is the oldest mountain range in India?

A

The Aravali Range.

41
Q

What role do the Vindhya and Satpura ranges play in India’s geography?

A

They act as a natural divide between North and South India.

42
Q

Why is the Brahmaputra River known for its meandering course and flooding?

A

It carries a heavy sediment load and frequently changes its course, which often leads to floods.

43
Q

Which is the longest river in India?

A

The Ganga River.

44
Q

What are coral reefs and where can they be found in India?

A

Coral reefs are marine structures formed by coral polyps. In India, they are found around Lakshadweep, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and near the Gulf of Mannar.

45
Q

Why are the Himalayas prone to earthquakes?

A

They lie in a tectonically active zone where the Indian Plate is colliding with the Eurasian Plate.

46
Q

Which desert feature is particularly common in Rajasthan?

A

Sand dunes, including barchans and longitudinal dunes.

47
Q

Why is the Indian Peninsula considered geologically stable?

A

Because it is part of the ancient Gondwana landmass and is composed of hard, crystalline rock formations.

48
Q

How do the geological histories of the Himalayas and the Peninsular Plateau differ?

A

The Himalayas are relatively young, formed by the collision of tectonic plates, while the Peninsular Plateau is very old and formed from ancient volcanic and metamorphic activity.

49
Q

What is the significance of the Himalayan rivers for the subcontinent?

A

They are the source of major rivers, support diverse ecosystems, and provide water for agriculture, hydropower, and daily use.

50
Q

How does the formation of the Northern Plains influence agriculture?

A

The continuous deposition of fertile alluvium makes the soil extremely suitable for growing a wide variety of crops.

51
Q

What climatic effect does the Western Ghats have on the region?

A

They intercept the moist monsoon winds, causing heavy orographic rainfall on the windward side and creating a rain shadow region on the leeward side.

52
Q

How does the Eastern Coastal Plain differ from the Western Coastal Plain in terms of topography?

A

The Eastern Coastal Plain is broader and features several deltas, whereas the Western Coastal Plain is narrow and characterized by a rugged coastline with many inlets.

53
Q

What is the role of the Narmada River in shaping the Peninsular Plateau?

A

It serves as a natural divider, splitting the plateau into northern and southern regions.

54
Q

How do the coastal plains contribute to India’s economy?

A

They facilitate maritime trade through numerous ports, support fishing, and boost tourism along the scenic coastlines.

55
Q

What impact do tectonic movements have on the Himalayan region?

A

They lead to frequent earthquakes, rapid uplift of mountains, and continuous changes in river courses.

56
Q

Why is the Deccan region particularly suited for cotton cultivation?

A

The region has black soil (regur soil) derived from ancient lava flows, which retains moisture and nutrients ideal for cotton farming.

57
Q

How do the physiographic features of India affect its biodiversity?

A

The diverse landforms create a range of climates and habitats, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species.

58
Q

What are some challenges associated with agriculture in the Indian Desert?

A

Limited water availability, extreme temperatures, and poor soil conditions make agriculture challenging in the desert.

59
Q

How does the formation of doabs benefit agriculture?

A

Doabs are fertile regions between rivers that receive nutrient-rich alluvial deposits, making them ideal for farming.

60
Q

Why are atolls important from an ecological standpoint?

A

They provide unique habitats for marine life and help protect coastal areas from wave erosion.

61
Q

How do the geological formations of the Indian Peninsula influence its natural resources?

A

The ancient rock formations are rich in minerals and ores, supporting extensive mining industries.

62
Q

Which factors make the Himalayas a natural barrier besides climate?

A

Their high elevation, steep slopes, and rugged terrain also act as physical barriers to movement and weather patterns.

63
Q

What is the significance of the term ‘alluvium’ in the context of the Northern Plains?

A

Alluvium refers to the sediments deposited by rivers, which create fertile soils ideal for agriculture.

64
Q

How do seasonal floods affect the Khadar region?

A

Floods deposit fresh layers of alluvial soil, renewing the fertility of the Khadar region each year.

65
Q

Why is understanding India’s physiographic divisions important for regional planning?

A

It helps in resource allocation, disaster management, agricultural planning, and infrastructure development tailored to each region’s unique characteristics.

66
Q
A
67
Q

Describe the Northern Plains in detail.

A
  1. Formed by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.\n2. Alluvial soil, highly fertile, densely populated.\n3. Three divisions:\n a. Punjab Plains - Formed by Indus and its tributaries.\n b. Ganga Plains - Covers U.P., Bihar, West Bengal.\n c. Brahmaputra Plains - Located in Assam.\n4. Features:\n a. Bhabar - Pebbly belt where rivers disappear.\n b. Terai - Marshy land where rivers re-emerge.\n c. Bhangar - Older alluvium, terrace-like land.\n d. Khadar - Newer alluvium, highly fertile.
68
Q

Explain the significance of the Himalayas for India.

A
  1. Acts as a natural barrier, protecting from cold winds and invasions.\n2. Source of perennial rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra.\n3. Supports diverse flora and fauna.\n4. Home to many hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Darjeeling.\n5. Provides hydroelectric power potential.
69
Q

Differentiate between the Western and Eastern Ghats.

A

Western Ghats:\n1. Continuous range along the western coast.\n2. Higher elevation (900-1600m), causes orographic rainfall.\n3. Includes Anai Mudi (2695m) and Doda Betta (2637m).\n\nEastern Ghats:\n1. Discontinuous range along the eastern coast.\n2. Lower elevation (~600m), dissected by rivers.\n3. Includes Mahendragiri (1501m).

70
Q

Describe the features of the Peninsular Plateau.

A
  1. One of the oldest landmasses, composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.\n2. Broad valleys and rounded hills.\n3. Two divisions:\n a. Central Highlands - Includes Malwa Plateau, bounded by Vindhyas and Aravalis.\n b. Deccan Plateau - South of Narmada, flanked by Satpura and Mahadev ranges.\n4. Features:\n a. Chotanagpur Plateau - Rich in minerals, drained by Damodar River.\n b. Meghalaya Plateau - Includes Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills.
71
Q

Describe the Indian Desert.

A
  1. Located in Rajasthan, west of the Aravali Hills.\n2. Sandy terrain with sand dunes.\n3. Arid climate, receives less than 150mm rainfall per year.\n4. Only major river: Luni River.\n5. Barchans and longitudinal dunes are common features.
72
Q

Describe the Coastal Plains of India.

A
  1. Western Coastal Plain:\n a. Narrow strip between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea.\n b. Three sections: Konkan, Kannad, Malabar Coast.\n2. Eastern Coastal Plain:\n a. Broader plain along the Bay of Bengal.\n b. Two sections: Northern Circar, Coromandel Coast.\n c. Includes deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri rivers.\n3. Chilika Lake is a significant feature in Odisha.
73
Q

Describe the island groups of India.

A
  1. Lakshadweep Islands:\n a. Coral origin, located in Arabian Sea.\n b. Kavaratti is the administrative headquarters.\n2. Andaman & Nicobar Islands:\n a. Located in Bay of Bengal.\n b. Divided into Andaman (north) and Nicobar (south).\n c. Includes India’s only active volcano at Barren Island.
74
Q

What is the role of physiographic features in India’s development?

A
  1. Himalayas provide water resources and act as a climatic barrier.\n2. Northern Plains support agriculture and dense population.\n3. Peninsular Plateau provides minerals for industries.\n4. Coastal plains enable fishing and trade through ports.\n5. Islands support biodiversity and strategic security.
75
Q

What are coral reefs and their types?

A
  1. Coral reefs are formed by coral polyps secreting calcium carbonate.\n2. They thrive in shallow, warm, mud-free waters.\n3. Types of coral reefs:\n a. Barrier Reef (e.g., Great Barrier Reef, Australia)\n b. Fringing Reef\n c. Atolls (e.g., Lakshadweep Islands).
76
Q

Name two Highest peaks in nepal in Himalaya

A
  1. Mt. Everest
  2. Makalu
  3. Dhaulagiri
  4. Anna Purna

SST Grade 9 (6 decks)

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