CBSE Class 9 Geography Important Questions Chapter 2 Physical Features of India

1. Identify the passes and glaciers found in the Great Himalayas.

Ans:

Glaciers:

• Siachen Glacier: Located in the eastern Karakoram range, it is one of the largest glaciers in the world outside the polar regions.

• Gangotri Glacier: Originates the Ganges River and is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

• Yamunotri Glacier: Located in the Uttarkashi district, it is the source of the Yamuna River.

Passes:

• Zoji La Pass: Located in Jammu and Kashmir, it connects Srinagar with Leh.

• Nathu La Pass: Situated in Sikkim, it connects India with Tibet (China).

• Khardung La Pass: One of the highest motorable passes in the world, it connects Leh with the Shyok and Nubra valleys.

2. Which states in India are home to the country's tallest peaks?

Ans:

The highest peaks of India are located in the following states:

1. Uttarakhand: Home to Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), the second-highest peak in India.

2. Himachal Pradesh: Includes Indira Col (6,310 meters), one of the highest peaks.

3. Jammu and Kashmir: Contains Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters), the highest peak in India and the third highest in the world, though it's primarily located in Sikkim.

4. Sikkim: Houses Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India.

3. Identify the state that includes Ranikhet, Nainital, and Mussoorie.

Ans:

Mussoorie, Nainital, and Ranikhet are all located in the state of Uttarakhand.

4. Describe the primary reason why rocks shift.

Ans:

The main cause of rock displacement is tectonic activity. This involves the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates, which can cause rocks to shift or be displaced.

5. Jot down a brief note about "Tectonic Plates."

Ans:

Tectonic Plates are massive slabs of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other on the planet's surface. They are integral to understanding Earth's geology and play a crucial role in shaping the planet’s surface.

6. What does a baby mean? Give a brief explanation.

Ans:

The Bhabar is a distinctive geomorphological region in northern India, located at the base of the Siwalik Hills and the southern edge of the Himalayan foothills. It is part of the larger alluvial plain that stretches across parts of India and Nepal.

7. Which plateau is sandwiched between the Vindhyan and Aravali mountain ranges?

Ans:

The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges.

8. Describe how tectonic plates that are divergent and convergent differ from one another.

Ans:

Converging Plates:

• Definition: Converging plates are tectonic plates that move toward each other.

• Types of Boundaries:

• Subduction Zones: One plate is forced beneath another into the mantle. This often creates deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs (e.g., the Pacific Plate subducting beneath the North American Plate).

• Collision Zones: When two continental plates converge, they create mountain ranges (e.g., the Himalayas formed by the collision of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate).

• Geological Features:

• Mountains: Formed by the collision and folding of plates.

• Volcanoes: Associated with subduction zones, where magma rises through the crust.

• Earthquakes: Common in these zones due to intense pressure and friction.

Diverging Plates:

• Definition: Diverging plates are tectonic plates that move away from each other.

• Types of Boundaries:

• Mid-Ocean Ridges: Diverging plates in the ocean create mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed as magma rises from the mantle (e.g., the Mid-Atlantic Ridge).

• Rift Valleys: On land, diverging plates create rift valleys where the crust is pulled apart (e.g., the East African Rift).

• Geological Features:

• Ocean Basins: Expanded by the creation of a new seafloor at mid-ocean ridges.

• Volcanic Activity: Associated with mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys where magma rises to the surface.

• Earthquakes: Occur along these boundaries as the crust is stretched and fractured.

9. Tell the difference between Khadar and Bhangar.

Ans:

Bhangar:

• Location: Bhangar is found in the older alluvial deposits of the river plains, typically situated on the higher and older terraces.

• Soil Type: It is composed of clayey soil and is often less fertile compared to Khadar.

• Characteristics:

• Texture: It has a coarser texture with more clay and less silt.

• Color: It generally appears as a reddish or brownish soil due to the presence of iron oxides.

• Fertility: Lower fertility due to leaching and older deposits.

• Drainage: Better drainage because it is higher up and less prone to waterlogging.

Khadar:

• Location: Khadar is found in the newer alluvial deposits, typically in the lower, flood-prone areas near riverbeds.

• Soil Type: It consists of finer, more recent deposits and is usually more fertile.

• Characteristics:

• Texture: It has a finer texture with more silt and sand, making it more suitable for agriculture.

• Colour: It is often lighter in colour, such as grey or yellowish, due to its relatively recent formation.

• Fertility: Higher fertility because it is enriched with nutrients deposited by river floods.

• Drainage: Poorer drainage as it is in lower-lying areas and more prone to waterlogging.

10. What are India's principal physiographic divisions? Compare the relief of the Peninsular plateau with that of the Himalayan region.

Ans:

India's major physiographic divisions include:

1. The Himalayas

2. The Northern Plains

3. The Peninsular Plateau

4. The Coastal Plains

5. The Islands

Contrasting the Relief of the Himalayan Region with the Peninsular Plateau

Himalayan Region:

• Relief: The Himalayan region features some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. It is characterised by rugged, young mountains with sharp peaks, deep valleys, and extensive glaciers.

• Geological Age: It is a relatively young mountain range, formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.

• Topography: This region includes three distinct ranges: the Great Himalayas (Himadri), the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and the Outer Himalayas (Shivaliks). It has dramatic elevation changes with steep slopes and deep gorges.

• Climate: The climate varies from temperate in the lower altitudes to arctic conditions at higher elevations, with heavy snowfall in the winter and monsoon rains in the summer.

Peninsular Plateau:

• Relief: The Peninsular Plateau is an older, stable landform characterised by its flat-topped hills, plateau regions, and gently sloping terrain. It includes several major plateaus, such as the Deccan Plateau.

• Geological Age: It is an ancient landmass, with its rocks dating back to the Precambrian era, making it geologically older than the Himalayas.

• Topography: The plateau features a more even and less rugged topography with rounded hills and extensive plateaus. It is intersected by various rivers and is less prone to extreme elevation changes compared to the Himalayas.

• Climate: The climate varies from tropical in the lowlands to temperate in the higher regions, with a significant monsoon season. The plateau experiences less snowfall and more moderate temperatures compared to the Himalayan region.

11. Recognise the differences between the Eastern and Western Ghats.

Ans:

Western Ghats

• Location: The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India, stretching from Gujarat in the north down to Tamil Nadu in the south.

• Geographical Extent: They extend approximately 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) from the Gujarat-Maharashtra border to the southern tip of India.

• Elevation: The Western Ghats are generally higher, with peaks rising to 2,640 meters (8,661 feet) at Anamudi in Kerala. They have an average elevation of about 1,200 to 1,500 meters (3,937 to 4,921 feet).

• Topography: This range features steep slopes and a rugged terrain with deep valleys. It is characterised by several high peaks, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls.

• Climate: The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall due to their proximity to the Arabian Sea. They experience a tropical climate with significant monsoon rains.

• Biodiversity: They are one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, rich in flora and fauna, including many endemic species. They play a crucial role in influencing the regional climate and water cycles.

Eastern Ghats

• Location: The Eastern Ghats run parallel to the eastern coast of India, extending from West Bengal down to Tamil Nadu.

• Geographical Extent: They extend approximately 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.

• Elevation: The Eastern Ghats are generally lower than the Western Ghats, with their highest peak being Mahendragiri, which rises to about 1,501 meters (4,928 feet). The average elevation is around 600 to 1,000 meters (1,969 to 3,281 feet).

• Topography: The Eastern Ghats have a more subdued and eroded landscape with gentler slopes and less rugged terrain compared to the Western Ghats. They feature scattered hills and plateaus rather than continuous peaks.

• Climate: The Eastern Ghats receive less rainfall than the Western Ghats and have a more moderate climate. They are not as influential in shaping regional weather patterns.

• Biodiversity: While still rich in biodiversity, the Eastern Ghats do not match the Western Ghats in terms of the variety and concentration of endemic species.

12. Identify the Indian island group that originated from coral.

Ans:

The island group of India that has a coral origin is the Lakshadweep Islands.

These islands are located in the Arabian Sea, southwest of the Indian mainland. They are formed from coral reefs and atolls, which are built up by the growth of coral polyps over thousands of years.

13. Describe India's Northern Plains.

Ans:

• The Northern Plains of India, extending from the Punjab region in the northwest to the Brahmaputra Valley in the east, are a vast and fertile expanse formed by the deposition of alluvial soil from major rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra. 

• This region, characterised by its flat terrain and fertile loamy soil, supports intensive agriculture, making it one of the most productive agricultural areas in India, with crops such as wheat, rice, and sugarcane. 

• The climate varies from subtropical to tropical, with hot, dry summers mild winters, and a monsoon season that is crucial for farming. 

• Densely populated and economically significant, the Northern Plains houses major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata, and play a central role in India's agriculture, economy, and cultural heritage.

14. Compose a little essay about the Indian Desert.

Ans:

• The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, stretches across the northwestern part of India, primarily in the state of Rajasthan, and extends into parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.

• This arid region is characterised by its vast dunes, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperatures, with scorching hot summers and chilly winters.

• Despite its harsh climate, the Thar Desert supports a variety of flora and fauna adapted to dry conditions, including species such as the desert fox and the chinkara.

• The desert is also known for its unique cultural heritage, with vibrant traditional practices and festivals celebrated by its inhabitants. Major rivers, such as the Luni, flow through the desert, but the region relies heavily on irrigation for agriculture.

15. Compose a brief essay about India's island groups.

Ans:

• India is home to two major island groups: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of about 572 islands, with the Nicobar Islands located to the south of the Andaman group. They are known for their diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves. The islands are strategically important due to their location and are renowned for their unique indigenous tribes, such as the Great Andamanese and the Jarwas.

• Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 coral islands, is located off the southwestern coast of India. It is famous for its clear blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and marine life. Lakshadweep is a popular destination for tourism and water sports, offering stunning beaches and a serene environment.

16. Mahendragiri is the tallest peak in the Eastern Ghats. Is it true or false?

Ans:

True. The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri, which reaches an elevation of about 1,501 meters (4,925 feet).

17. Konkan refers to the western coastal stretch south of Goa. Is it true or false?

Ans:

False. The western coastal strip south of Goa is referred to as the Malabar Coast. The Konkan Coast extends from the Gujarat-Maharashtra border down to Goa.

18. Describe Barchans. Describe.

Ans:

Barchans are crescent-shaped dunes that form in arid or desert regions with a predominant wind direction. They have the following characteristics:

• Shape and Formation: Barchans have a curved or crescent shape, with the open side facing the direction of the prevailing wind. They form when the wind blows consistently from one direction, causing sand to accumulate on the leeward side of an obstacle or in a region where the wind's speed decreases.

• Movement: Barchans migrate slowly across the desert as the wind continually moves sand from the windward side to the leeward side. The movement is gradual and can lead to the shifting of these dunes over time.

• Size and Scale: Barchans can vary in size from small hills to large dunes. Their size and shape are influenced by the availability of sand and the intensity of the wind.

19. Describe the causes of the Shiwalik Ranges' vulnerability to earthquakes and landslides.

Ans:

The Shiwalik Ranges are particularly prone to landslides and earthquakes due to several factors:

• Tectonic Activity: The Shiwalik Ranges lie at the boundary between the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Himalayan foothills. This region is tectonically active due to the ongoing collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which causes significant seismic activity. The tectonic movements and fault lines in this region increase the likelihood of earthquakes.

• Geological Composition: The Shiwalik Ranges are composed of loose, unconsolidated sediments and debris. This loose material is less stable compared to solid rock, making it more susceptible to erosion and landslides, especially during heavy rains or seismic activity.

• Steep Slopes: The steep gradients and rugged terrain of the Shiwalik Ranges exacerbate the risk of landslides. Rainfall can cause the soil to become saturated, increasing its weight and reducing stability, leading to landslides.

• Human Activities: Deforestation, construction, and other human activities in the region disturb the natural stability of the slopes. These activities can weaken the ground and trigger landslides, particularly in areas where the natural vegetation has been removed.

20. How did the Himalayan Mountains form? Describe.

Ans:

The Himalayas were formed through a process known as continental collision. Here’s a brief explanation:

• Tectonic Plates Collision: The Himalayas were created by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. Around 50 million years ago, the Indian Plate began moving northward towards the Eurasian Plate. The immense pressure from this collision caused the Earth's crust to fold and uplift, leading to the formation of the mountain range.

• Folding and Uplift: The collision resulted in the folding of sedimentary rock layers that were previously part of the Tethys Ocean. These folds were pushed upwards to form the high peaks and ridges of the Himalayas. The continuous movement of the plates keeps the range growing taller, although at a slow rate.

• Ongoing Activity: The Himalayas are still tectonically active. The Indian Plate continues to push into the Eurasian Plate, which means the region experiences frequent earthquakes and ongoing geological activity. This process contributes to the gradual rise of the Himalayas.

21. Which peak in the Eastern Ghats is the highest?

(a) Anai Mudi

(b) Doda Betta

(c) Ooty

(d) Mahendragiri

Ans:

(d) Mahendragiri

22. A continent called _____ has the sea on three of its sides.

(a) Coast

(b) Island

(c) Peninsula

(d) None of the above

Ans:

(c) Peninsula

Important Topics of Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Important Questions and Answers

Physical Features of India Class 9 Important Questions and Answers cover topics such as India's major physical features, including mountain ranges, plateaus, plains, deserts, and river systems.

Benefits of Learning with Physical Features of India Class 9 Important Questions and Answers PDF

Studying Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Important Questions and Answers offers students several benefits.

• It provides a structured overview of India's geographical features, enhancing understanding of how these features impact climate, agriculture, and human activities. 

• By focusing on key questions, students can quickly grasp essential concepts, making study sessions more efficient. 

• This resource also aids in developing a clear mental map of India's diverse landscapes, which is important for academic success and real-world applications. 

• Overall, the PDF serves as a valuable tool for comprehensive exam preparation and a deeper appreciation of India's physical geography.

Conclusion

The Physical Features of India Important Questions are fundamental to understanding the country’s diverse geography and its impact on human life and natural processes. The chapter offers insights into major landforms such as the Himalayas, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Deccan Plateau, the Ghats, and the Thar Desert. This knowledge not only aids in academic assessments but also enriches one's comprehension of how geographical factors shape regional climates, agriculture, and settlement patterns. Understanding these concepts through focused study aids students in developing a well-rounded perspective on India’s physical landscape, contributing to both academic success and practical geographical awareness.

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