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  • Chapter 2 – Physical Features of India – 5

    • Physical Features of India - Questions Page

      Physical Features of India

      Q44. Give an account of the Deccan Plateau.

      Ans. Deccan Plateau

                                i.        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 eastern extensions.

                              ii.        The Deccan Plateau is higher in the west and slopes gently eastwards.

                             iii.        An extension of the Plateau is also visible in the northeast– locally known as the Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong Plateau and North Cachar Hills.

                             iv.        It is separated by a fault from the Chotanagpur Plateau. Three Prominent hill ranges from the west to east are the Garo, the Khasi and the Jaintia Hills.

                             v.        The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats mark the western and the eastern edges of the Deccan Plateau respectively.

                            vi.        Western Ghats lie parallel to the western coast and Eastern Ghats lie parallel to the eastern coast.

       

      Q45. Distinguish between Bhabar and Terai.

      Ans. Difference between Bhabar and Terai

      Bhabar

      Terai

      1. It lies to the south of Shiwalik range.

      1. The belt exist to the south of Bhabar area.

      2. Vegetation found here is very less.

      2. Very dense vegetation is found in Terai region.

      3. The width ranges between 8 to 16 km.

      3. It is almost parallel to the Bhabar.

      4. Main feature is that river disappears in the Bhabar region because big pores present in it.

      4. Since the river re-emerges back in this region, the area becomes highly swampy and marshy.

      5. The area is highly coarse in nature due to many pebbles and ‘kankars’ found over here.

      5. The area has got highly fine sediments due to the deposition made by several streams.

       

      Q46. Differentiate between Himadri and Shiwalik range.

      Ans. Difference between Himadri and Shiwalik range

      Himadri range

      Shiwalik range

      1. The northern most range is known as the Greator Inner Himalayas or the ‘Himadri’.

      1. The outer most range of the Himalayas is called the Shiwaliks.

      2. It is the most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres.

      2. They extend over a width of 10-50 Km and have an altitude varying between 900 and 1100 metres.

      3. The core of this part of Himalayas is composed of granite.

      3. These ranges are composed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers.

      4. It is perennially snow bound, and a number of glaciers descend from this range.

      4. The longitudinal valley lying between lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks are known as Duns. Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun and Patli Dun are some of the well-known Duns.

       

      Q47. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.

      Ans. Northern Plains

                               i.        The northern plain has been formed by the interplay of the three major river systems, namely– the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra along with their tributaries. This plain is formed of alluvial soil.

                              ii.        The plain being about 2400 Km long and 240 to 320 Km broad, is a densely populated physiographic division.

                             iii.        With a rich soil cover combined with adequate water supply and favourable climate it is agriculturally a very productive part of India.

                             iv.        The Northern Plain is broadly divided into three sections:

      a.   Punjab Plains

      b.   Ganga plain

      c.   Brahmaputra plain

                             v.        According to the variations in relief features, the Northern plains can be divided into four regions:

      a.   Bhabar

      b.   Terai

      c.   Bhangar

      d.   Khadar

       

      Q48. Describe the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas.
      Or
      What are the parallel ranges of Himalayas? Explain.
      Or
      Explain the three longitudinal divisions of the Himalayas.

      Ans. The Himalaya consists of three parallel ranges in its longitudinal extent.

      Great or Inner Himalayas or the ‘Himadri’

      The northern most range is known as the Great or Inner Himalayas or the ‘Himadri’. It is the most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres. It contains all the prominent Himalayan peaks.

      Lesser Himalayas or Himachal

      The range lying to the south of the Himadri forms the most rugged mountain system and is known as Himachal or lesser Himalaya. The ranges are mainly composed of highly compressed and altered rocks. The altitude varies between 3,700 and 4,500 metres and the average width is of 50 Km.

      Shiwaliks or outer Himalayas

      The outer most range of the Himalayas is called the Shiwaliks. They extend over a width of 10-50 Km and 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 located farther north.


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