-
Physical Features of India
- India has varied landforms including:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
- India has varied landforms including:
-
The Himalayan Mountains
- Stretch over northern borders, running west-east from Indus to Brahmaputra.
- Composed of three parallel ranges:
- Great or Inner Himalayas (Himadri)
- Lesser Himalayas
- Shiwaliks
- Highest peaks include Mt. Everest (8848 m) and Kanchenjunga (8598 m).
-
The Northern Plains
- Formed by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
- Divided into three sections:
- Punjab Plains (Indus and tributaries)
- Ganga Plain (between Ghaggar and Teesta)
- Brahmaputra Plain (in Assam)
- Characterized by alluvial soil and fertile land.
-
The Peninsular Plateau
- Composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- Features include:
- Deccan Trap (black soil area)
- Aravali Hills
-
The Indian Desert
- Located in the western margins of the Aravali Hills.
- Characterized by low rainfall and sandy plains.
- Luni is the only large river in this region.
-
The Coastal Plains
- Stretch along Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
- Divided into:
- Konkan Coast (north)
- Kannad Plain (central)
- Malabar Coast (south)
-
The Islands
- Includes Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep Islands.
- Andaman and Nicobar are of strategic importance and have diverse flora and fauna.
Physical Features of India
Summary
Learning Objectives
- Identify and describe the major physiographic divisions of India.
- Explain the characteristics and significance of the Himalayan Mountains.
- Analyze the formation and features of the Northern Plains.
- Discuss the geological composition of the Peninsular Plateau.
- Evaluate the climatic conditions and biodiversity of the Indian Desert.
- Compare and contrast the Coastal Plains of India with the Northern Plains.
- Describe the characteristics and strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Explain the formation and types of coral reefs.
Detailed Notes
Physical Features of India
India is characterized by a diverse range of physical features, which can be categorized into the following major divisions:
1. The Himalayan Mountains
- Geological Age: Young, structurally fold mountains.
- Extent: Stretches over 2,400 km from the Indus to the Brahmaputra.
- Width: Varies from 400 km in Kashmir to 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Ranges: Consists of three parallel ranges:
- Great Himalayas (Himadri): Contains the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 meters.
- Lesser Himalayas: Composed of strong sandstones.
- Shiwaliks: The southernmost range.
2. The Northern Plains
- Formation: Formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.
- Sections:
- Punjab Plains: Formed by the Indus and its tributaries.
- Ganga Plain: Extends between Ghaggar and Teesta rivers.
- Brahmaputra Plain: Located in Assam.
- Characteristics: Fertile, densely populated, and rich in agriculture.
3. The Peninsular Plateau
- Composition: Made of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- Features: Gently rising hills and wide valleys, with black soil areas known as Deccan Trap.
4. The Indian Desert
- Location: Western margins of the Aravali Hills.
- Climate: Arid, with low vegetation and rainfall below 150 mm per year.
- Key River: Luni, the only large river in the region.
5. The Coastal Plains
- Division: Flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east.
- Sections:
- Konkan Coast: Northern part (Mumbai - Goa).
- Kannad Plain: Central stretch.
- Malabar Coast: Southern stretch.
6. The Islands
- Major Groups: Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, and Lakshadweep Islands near the Malabar coast.
- Characteristics: Rich in biodiversity and strategic importance.
Important Features
- Corals: Coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate, forming reefs (barrier, fringing, atolls).
- Rivers: Major rivers include Indus, Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, which play a crucial role in shaping the landscape.
Summary of Key Points
- India has a vast array of physical features including mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coastal areas, and islands.
- Each region has unique characteristics that contribute to the country's diversity.
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
- Common Mistakes & Exam Tips
- Misunderstanding Terminology:
- Students often confuse terms like 'doab' and 'bhabar'.
- Tip: Remember that 'doab' refers to land between two rivers, while 'bhabar' is the area where rivers disappear into the sand.
- Geographical Features:
- Failing to identify the correct geographical features and their locations, such as the difference between the Western and Eastern Ghats.
- Tip: Familiarize yourself with maps and practice identifying features by their regional names.
- River Systems:
- Confusion regarding the major river systems and their tributaries, especially in the context of the Northern Plains.
- Tip: Create a chart of the major rivers and their tributaries to visualize their relationships.
- Plateau Characteristics:
- Overlooking the differences between the Peninsular Plateau and the Central Highlands.
- Tip: Note the geological composition and elevation differences between these regions.
- Island Groups:
- Misidentifying the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and their characteristics.
- Tip: Study the location, size, and ecological significance of each island group.
- Exam Format:
- Not being aware of the exam format, such as multiple-choice questions versus descriptive answers.
- Tip: Review past exam papers to understand the question types and format.
- Misunderstanding Terminology:
Practice & Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
A.
Ganga
B.
Luni
C.
Yamuna
D.
Narmada
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Luni is the only large river in the Indian Desert, as described in the excerpt.
A.
Minicoy
B.
Kavaratti
C.
Pitti
D.
Agatti
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Kavaratti is the administrative headquarters of the Lakshadweep Islands.
A.
It is a fertile plain ideal for agriculture.
B.
It is a narrow belt where streams disappear, lying parallel to the Shiwaliks.
C.
It is a coastal region known for its fishing industry.
D.
It is a desert region with low vegetation cover.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The 'bhabar' is a narrow belt of about 8 to 16 km in width lying parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks, where streams disappear due to the porous alluvial deposits.
A.
Lakshadweep
B.
Andaman and Nicobar
C.
Sundarbans
D.
Rameswaram
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for having India's only active volcano on Barren Island.
A.
They are located near major sea routes in the Indian Ocean.
B.
They are the largest producers of spices in India.
C.
They have the highest peaks in the Eastern Ghats.
D.
They are the only region in India with a temperate climate.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically important because they are located near major sea routes in the Indian Ocean, providing India with a strategic maritime advantage.
A.
They are lower in elevation than the Eastern Ghats.
B.
They are continuous and cause orographic rain by forcing moist winds to rise.
C.
They are discontinuous and irregular, dissected by rivers.
D.
They are primarily composed of sedimentary rocks.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Western Ghats are continuous and cause orographic rain by forcing the rain-bearing moist winds to rise along their western slopes, affecting the climate of the region.
A.
Indus
B.
Luni
C.
Godavari
D.
Sutluj
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Godavari river forms an extensive delta on the eastern coast of India.
A.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
B.
Lakshadweep Islands
C.
Sundarbans
D.
Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Lakshadweep Islands are known for their coral origin.
A.
Anai Mudi
B.
Mahendragiri
C.
Kanchenjunga
D.
Khasi
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mahendragiri is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats.
A.
Deposition of volcanic ash over millions of years.
B.
Erosion of the Himalayan mountains.
C.
Deposition of alluvial soil by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
D.
Tectonic uplift of the Indian subcontinent.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Northern Plains of India are primarily formed by the deposition of alluvial soil by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
A.
They are volcanic islands formed by the accumulation of lava.
B.
They are coral islands formed by the accumulation of coral polyps.
C.
They are sedimentary islands formed by river deposits.
D.
They are tectonic islands formed by the movement of Earth's plates.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Lakshadweep Islands are coral islands formed by the accumulation of coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to form coral deposits.
A.
Arid climate
B.
Temperate climate
C.
Equatorial climate
D.
Tundra climate
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands experience an equatorial climate, as they lie close to the equator.
A.
The Western Ghats are formed by volcanic activity.
B.
The Western Ghats receive more rainfall, leading to greater erosion and elevation.
C.
The Western Ghats are geologically older and more stable.
D.
The Western Ghats are continuous and face the rain-bearing moist winds.
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The Western Ghats are higher because they are continuous and face the rain-bearing moist winds, causing orographic rain and thus maintaining higher elevations.
A.
They are located in the Arabian Sea.
B.
They are composed primarily of coral islands.
C.
They are an elevated portion of submarine mountains.
D.
They are known for their desert climate.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to be an elevated portion of submarine mountains, as mentioned in the excerpt.
A.
They are formed by coral deposits.
B.
They are an elevated portion of submarine mountains.
C.
They are formed by volcanic activity.
D.
They are a result of sediment deposition from major rivers.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to be an elevated portion of submarine mountains, as mentioned in the text.
A.
They are discontinuous and irregular.
B.
They are lower in elevation than the Eastern Ghats.
C.
They are known for orographic rain.
D.
They stretch from the Mahanadi Valley to the Nigiris.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Western Ghats cause orographic rain by facing the rain-bearing moist winds.
A.
Ganga
B.
Yamuna
C.
Damodar
D.
Brahmaputra
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Damodar river drains the Chotanagpur plateau.
A.
They are composed of volcanic rocks.
B.
They are formed by the deposition of alluvium.
C.
They have a high elevation above sea level.
D.
They are primarily covered with sand dunes.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Northern Plains are formed by the deposition of alluvium brought by major river systems.
A.
Convectional rainfall
B.
Cyclonic rainfall
C.
Orographic rainfall
D.
Frontal rainfall
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Western Ghats cause orographic rain by forcing moist winds to rise along their slopes.
A.
Anai Mudi
B.
Mahendragiri
C.
Kanchenjunga
D.
Doda Betta
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mahendragiri, at 1,501 meters, is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats.
A.
Alluvial soil
B.
Igneous rocks
C.
Sand dunes
D.
Coral reefs
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Peninsular Plateau is characterized by igneous and metamorphic rocks.
A.
It is composed of sedimentary rocks formed by river deposits.
B.
It is a tableland composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
C.
It is formed by the deposition of alluvial soil by major rivers.
D.
It is primarily a volcanic region formed by recent lava flows.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Peninsular Plateau is a tableland composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, making it one of the oldest landmasses.
A.
It is an area of sedimentary rocks formed by river deposition.
B.
It is a volcanic region characterized by black soil.
C.
It is a coral reef formation along the western coast.
D.
It is a desert region with sand dunes.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Deccan Trap is a volcanic region characterized by black soil, as the rocks are of volcanic origin and have denuded over time, forming black soil.
A.
Ganga
B.
Yamuna
C.
Luni
D.
Brahmaputra
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Luni is the only large river in the Indian Desert.
A.
Ganga
B.
Brahmaputra
C.
Indus
D.
Godavari
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The Godavari River is not part of the Northern Plains' river systems, which include the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
A.
They are discontinuous and dissected by rivers.
B.
They lie parallel to the eastern coast of India.
C.
They are continuous and can be crossed through passes only.
D.
They are lower in elevation compared to the Eastern Ghats.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Western Ghats are continuous mountain ranges that lie parallel to the western coast and can be crossed through specific passes.
A.
Coast
B.
Island
C.
Peninsula
D.
None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
A peninsula is a landmass bounded by sea on three sides.
A.
Bundelkhand
B.
Baghelkhand
C.
Chotanagpur Plateau
D.
Meghalaya Plateau
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The eastern extension of the Deccan Plateau is locally known as the Meghalaya Plateau.
A.
They are elevated portions of submarine mountains.
B.
They are formed by volcanic activity.
C.
They are coral islands formed by polyps.
D.
They are sand dunes formed by wind deposition.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to be elevated portions of submarine mountains, as mentioned in the provided excerpts.
A.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
B.
Lakshadweep Islands
C.
Sri Lanka
D.
Maldives
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Lakshadweep Islands are known for their coral origin, consisting of small coral islands.
A.
They are formed by the deposition of volcanic lava.
B.
They are formed by the deposition of alluvial soil by rivers.
C.
They are formed by tectonic activities leading to mountain formation.
D.
They are formed by coral reef deposits.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Northern Plains of India are formed by the deposition of alluvial soil by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems, making them fertile and agriculturally productive.
A.
600 metres
B.
900-1600 metres
C.
2000 metres
D.
3000 metres
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Western Ghats have an average elevation of 900-1600 metres.
A.
Coromandel
B.
Kannad
C.
Konkan
D.
Northern Circar
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The coastal plain south of Goa is referred to as the Kannad.
A.
Indus
B.
Ganga
C.
Godavari
D.
Narmada
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Godavari, along with other rivers like the Mahanadi, Krishna, and Kaveri, forms extensive deltas on the eastern coast of India.
A.
Coromandel Coast
B.
Kannad Plain
C.
Konkan Coast
D.
Malabar Coast
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The narrow coastal strip along the western coast of India is called the Konkan Coast.
A.
Tropical monsoon
B.
Equatorial
C.
Desert
D.
Mediterranean
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands experience an equatorial climate.
A.
Lakshadweep
B.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
C.
Sri Lanka
D.
Maldives
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their strategic importance and diversity of flora and fauna.
A.
Ganga
B.
Brahmaputra
C.
Indus
D.
Yamuna
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Majuli, located in the Brahmaputra River, is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world.
A.
Chotanagpur Plateau
B.
Malwa Plateau
C.
Deccan Plateau
D.
Central Highlands
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges.
A.
Kumaon Himalayas
B.
Nepal Himalayas
C.
Punjab Himalayas
D.
Assam Himalayas
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The part of the Himalayas lying between the Indus and Satluj rivers is known as the Punjab Himalayas.
A.
Kavaratti
B.
Pitti
C.
Minicoy
D.
Agatti
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Pitti Island in the Lakshadweep group is uninhabited and has a bird sanctuary.
A.
It is composed of sedimentary rocks.
B.
It is a region of active volcanic activity.
C.
It is composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
D.
It is the most recent landform in India.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Peninsular Plateau is a tableland composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, making it one of the oldest landmasses in India.
A.
They are composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
B.
They are formed by the deposition of alluvium from major river systems.
C.
They have a high elevation with rugged terrain.
D.
They are primarily desert regions with sand dunes.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Northern Plains of India are formed by the deposition of alluvium from the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems, making them a fertile and densely populated region.
A.
Himachal
B.
Purvachal
C.
Uttarakhand
D.
Vindhya
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Purvachal mountain range forms the boundary between India and Myanmar.
A.
Alluvial soil
B.
Sedimentary rocks
C.
Igneous and metamorphic rocks
D.
Coral deposits
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Peninsular Plateau is composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
A.
Bhabar
B.
Kankar
C.
Khadar
D.
Bhangar
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Khadar refers to the newer, younger deposits of the floodplains, which are fertile.
A.
Deccan Plateau
B.
Chotanagpur Plateau
C.
Malwa Plateau
D.
Meghalaya Plateau
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges, forming part of the Central Highlands of India.
True or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Indian Desert lies towards the western margins of the Aravali Hills.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Lakshadweep Islands are indeed composed of small coral islands and are located near the Malabar coast of Kerala.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Lakshadweep Islands were previously known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive Islands before being renamed in 1973.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are indeed located in the Bay of Bengal and experience an equatorial climate due to their proximity to the equator.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Himalayas are geologically young mountains, whereas the Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landmasses.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, not the Arabian Sea.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, not the Arabian Sea.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Indian Desert receives very low rainfall, below 150 mm per year.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is indeed home to India's only active volcano.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Western Ghats have an average elevation of 900-1600 metres, which is higher than the Eastern Ghats' average elevation of 600 metres.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Lakshadweep Islands were formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive until they were renamed in 1973.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Western Ghats have an average elevation of 900-1600 metres, which is higher than the Eastern Ghats' average elevation of 600 metres.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Northern Plains are formed by the deposition of alluvial soil from the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Indian Desert receives very low rainfall, below 150 mm per year, making it an arid region.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Peninsular Plateau is indeed composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, making it part of the oldest landmass.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Peninsular Plateau is composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are indeed located in the Bay of Bengal, extending from north to south.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The Lakshadweep Islands are composed of small coral islands, not volcanic rocks.