The

Geography
and Ecology
Compendium
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 CONTENTS
GEOGRAPHY
1. Nature and Scope G-1-G-6

Introduction; Modern Geography; Branches of Geography;

2. Universe and Our Planet Earth G-7-G-32

Introduction; Galaxy; Stars; Planets; Moon; Asteroids; Earth

3. Hydrosphere G-33-G-54
Introduction; Hydrological cycle; Components of Hydrosphere

4. Atmosphere G-55-G-76

Introduction; Composition; Structure; Atmospheric Pressure; Winds; Air mass

5. World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-77-G-106

Introduction; Asia; Africa; North America; South America; Australia And Oceania; Europe;

Antarctica

6. World Geography (Social Aspect) G-107-G-112

Introduction; Race; Population; Migration

7. World Geography (Economic Aspect) G-113-G-124

Introduction; Primary; Activties; Secondary; Activities; Tertiary Activities;

8. Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-125-G-154

Introduction; Location - Area – Extent; Physical Features; Climate; Drainage

9. Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-155-G-188

Introduction; Description and Composition; Soil Formation; Major Soils

10. Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-189-G-208

Introduction; Mineral Resource of India; Agro-Based; Cotton Textiles; Woolen Textile;

Jute Textiles; Sugar; Silk; Metallurgical; Iron And Steel; Aluminium Smelting; Engineering;

Automobile; Fertilizer; Aircraft; Cement; Glass Industry

 ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
1. Ecology and Environment EE-1-EE-22

Ecosystem; Abiotic Components; Biotic Components Environment; Population

2. Biodiversity EE-23-EE-40

Levels of Biodiversity; Biodiversity of India; Loss & Conversation

3. Environmental Issues EE-41-EE-72

Global Warming; Green House Effect; Ozone Depletion; Deforestation; Air; Water; Sound

Pollutions; Agro-chemical effects; Acid Rain; Solid Waste Management; Radioactive Waste

Management; Plastic Waste Management; Mercury Pollution; ECO Sensitive Zones; COP;

Environmental Acts
 GEOGRAPHY

NATURE AND SCOPE

1
Chapter

Geography

Nature and Scope

Universe World Geography Indian Geography

Galaxies/Milky A. Physical
way Galaxy Physical Aspect Social Aspect Economic Aspect Land
Continents Race Water
Climate
Extent Contineatwise
Constellations/Stars Racial Distribution B. Social
Regional Divisions
Population Race India
Physical Divisions States
Density Human Development India
Solar System (The Sun) Climate
Factors affecting (Se/ST, Rurallsion) States
Drainage Distribution of
Population Religion India
P 1 Mercury Lithosphere Natural Vegetation States
L Trends in
2 Venus Migration
A Population
Growth C. Economic
N Earth Hydrosphere
3 Natural Resources
E Migration
T 4 Mass Human Resources
Economic Activitiy
S Atmosphere Agriculture
steroids Irrigation
Primary Secondary Tertiary
Industries
5 Jupiter Transport

6 Communications
Saturn

7 Uranus

8 Neptun
G-2 Nature and Scope

GEOGRAPHY
Geography is that branch of knowledge which links the study 4. Carl Ritter (1779-1859) A German geographer is
of natural world to that of society. It is the frame work of considered the founder of modern geographic study. He
various fields of study which cover origin and development of stressed the importance of using all the sciences in the
universe, land scapes and its natural environment and pressure study of geography.
created over them, the global and local changes in the world His most important work Die Erdkunde (Earth Science)
and how and upto what extent the society is contributing in emphasized the influence of physical environment on
these changes. In this section we are going to cover all these human activity. He divided the Earth into natural regions
above mentioned aspects in details. and showed each unit as a whole interrelated complex of
Greek Scholar Eratosthenes is first man to discuss about elements. His plan of study became the model for regional
study and presentation.
Geography. It’s the combination of two greek words and Geo
means earth and graphy” means write. Thus geography means 5. Ellsworth Huntington (1876-1947), an American
geographer and explorer, was noted particularly for his
to write about the Earth or “earth descriptions”.
study of the effects of climate on human heredity and
Various other geographers defined Geography as follows: civilization. The human aspect was neglected to a great
extent. His approach to geographic study is known as
In Classical Period determinism in which humans are passive agents while
(i) Pythagoras, a great Greek philosopher and mathematician, the physical environment is active.
was the first to say that the Earth is spherical and revolves 6. Vidal de la Blache advocated the opposite theory of
around the sun. determinism, which is sometimes known as possiblism,
in which humans are active agents, at liberty to choose
(ii) Herodotus Greek historian is known as the “Father of
between a wide range in environmental possibilities.
history”. He explained the deposition of silt in the Nile
delta.
(iii) Aristotle (384 - 322 B.C.) another Greek philosopher
Branches of Geography
explained the eclipses. During the 20th century, more attention has been paid to
(iv) Eratosthenes (276 - 194 B.C) a Greek poet, mathematician systematic studies of geographical data. Phenomena have
observing the angle of the noon day Sun at Syene and at combined to make geography one of the first disciplines to fulfil
Alexandria. a bridging function between the natural and social science. As
(v) Hipparchus (190 - 120 B.C.) was perhaps the greatest of a result, the branches of geographical inquiry fall into three
the Greek astronomers. major areas, studies associated with the regional concept, the
(vi) Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.). He wrote the book major systematic branches of human geography, and physical
‘Geography’ and he described system of latitudes and geography.
longitudes. He was a cartographer and he evolved the
science of map-making. Physical Geography
This is the most important branch of geography. The
Modern Geography superstructure of the discipline of geography is built upon it. It
studies relief, soil and structure of the Earth.
1. Bernhardus Varenius (1622-1650) first recognised the
need for organisation of geographical knowledge. He It is divided into a number of branches making the subject
matter of geography more comprehensive.
wrote Geographia Generalis, the most highly regarded
(i) Geomorphology studies the Earth’s structure, the rocks
treatise on geography for more than a century into two
that make up the Earth, relief features like mountains and
- part - general (now called systematic) and special (also
plains and their evolution.
called regional) which identified regions according to the
interactions between human and environmental processes. (ii) Geology is the science of the study of rocks, and is helpful
in the study of glaciers.
2. Immanual Kant (1724-1804) was also a German
philosopher, is considered by many to be one of most (iii) Glaciology is concerned with the study of glaciers.
influential thinkers of modern times. He tried to find a (iv) Seismology is the study of earthquakes and their bearings
foundation for geography within the framework of other on the internal structure of the Earth.
science. According to him, all knowledge can be organised (v) Hydrology is the study of the characteristics of rivers,
into three groups according to the object of study. lakes fluvial morphology, fluctuation of water table and
3. Baron Alexander Von Humboldt (1769-1859) a German underground water resources, development and change of
naturalist and explorer, moulded the substance of coastal features.
geography into a scientific form. He was interested in (vi) Oceanography is the branch of hydrology. It is the study
all aspects of natural history and has been described by of the ocean, tides waves and the ocean floor.
Charles Darwin as “the greatest scientific traveller that (vii) Climatology studies the causes and distribution of
ever lived”. temperature and winds, rainfall and runoff weather and
* He invented the “isotherms” to compare temperatures. climate.
Nature and Scope G-3

(viii) Pedology is the study of soil science. Soil, which is Systematic and Regional Geography
formed due to the result of complex physical and chemical
reaction of parent rock materials, needs the support of Systematic Geography
other sciences like chemistry, geology and biology. Systematic Geography, we choose any geographical factor and
(ix) Biogeography studies the distribution of flora (plant) and study its distribution for the whole world. Relief, drainage,
fauna (animal) in different parts of the world. climate, vegetation, soil, minerals wealth, agriculture, industry,
(x) Paleography is the study of physical geography in the transport, trade and commerce and population are some of the
past geological ages. It studies the distribution of land and important geographical elements. These elements are studied
sea through successive geological times. separately with reference to a particular area. This method of
studying geography is also known as ‘Topical approach’. This
Human Geography is known as General Geography also.
Human geography, also known as a branch of the modern Regional Geography
geography, deals with the evolution of human beings i.e,
Regional Geography area as a whole first aims at identifying
changing distribution and spacial organsation of a variety
geographical factors or components of any area. Regional
of human characteristics, ranging form great urban centres
geography helps us in identifying the region. For example,
built by man to geographical diffusion of specific technical
innovations in agriculture. By applying geographical methods if we take Ganga plain, Chhota Nagpur Platiau. or Assam
and techniques of analysis to such feature the knowledge Velley, rather than taking whole of India and study their
accumulated in other social studies - history, politics, location, relief, drainage, climate, soils, vegetation mineral
economics, and sociology - may be seen in a new light and wealth, agriculture, industry, transport, trade, population. In
often extended considerably. It is accepted that it is not the regional geography, the main emphasis is on the region.
physical environment alone that determines human ability to
make the best use of the natural sources.
Advantages of Regional Geography
It is divided into following sub fields to make the study more (i) Study becomes easy and effective.
comprehensive : (ii) Basic principle becomes easy to understand.
(i) Economic Geography : It deals with man’s activities in (iii) It describes relation between man and environment.
improving his material through economic production, (iv) We come to know the economic disparities among various
exchange distribution and consumption of useful goods regions.
and services, that human groups and their members need. (v) The study is intense because the area is limited.
(ii) Cultural Geography : This is also known as social The above discussion makes it clear that both systematic
geography. It deals with the cultural aspects of human’s
and regional geography are essential to comprehend the
habitat, clothing, food, shelter, skills, tools, language,
geographical knowledge.
religions, social organisation and his outlook.
(iii) Historical Geography : It describes geographical Features of Systematic Geography
picture of a region or area. It gives us important clues in
•• Systematic geography studies a particular element over
understanding of the regions as it is viewed at present.
the earth or a part thereof.
(iv) Anthrogeography : Discuses the distribution of human
communities on the Earth in contence of their geographical •• It presents an the integrated form of the area. It is based
environment. on political units.
(v) Demography : Studies the different aspects of population •• The study presents the facts about any particular region
like birth rate, death rate, age composition. It also deals on the earth surface.
with the socio-economic composition of the population •• In the systematic, study types and sub-types are determined
and sex composition. on one particular factor.
(vi) Settlement Geography : It studies about the size, form •• It presents isolated form of the area, and it is based on
and function of settlement of human beings and define geographical units.
their historic growth. •• This study examines the man-environment relationship.
(vii) Agricultural Geography : Studies about farms and
farming systems have developed in particular areas Cartography
and how they are different or similar too the farms and
farming systems of other areas. It is the science and art of drawing maps and charts on selected
scale.
(viii) Urban Geography : Study of urban Geography is based
on the concepts of location interaction and accessibility as Mathematical Geography
well as distribution and movements of populations. It is almost similar of maps and interpretation and also describes
(ix) Political Geography : In study about the government statical data.
states and countries. It studies human social activities Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS)
which is concerned to the location and boundaries of The techniques of remote sensing and GIS plays an important
cities, nations and groups of nations. role in the study of geographic problems.
G-4 Nature and Scope

1. Who was the first man to discuss about geography? 16. The study of the distribution of human communities on
(a) Pythagoras (b) Eratosthenes the Earth in contence of their geographical environment
(c) Aristotle (d) None of these is called
2. Who was the first man to say that the Earth is spherical (a) Biogeography (b) Paleography
and revolves around the sun? (c) Anthropogeography (d) Climatology
(a) Aristotle (b) Hipparchus 17. Who wrote the five volume book ‘Kosmos’?
(c) Pythagoras (d) None of these (a) Pythagoras (b) Humboldt
3. Which of these was great astronomer? (c) Carl Ritter (d) Aristotle
(a) Hipparchus (b) Herodotus 18. Who evolved the science of map making?
(c) Ptolemy (d) Carl Ritter (a) Ptolemy (b) Hipparchus
4. Who wrote ‘Geographia Generalis’? (c) Herodotus (d) Huntington
(a) Ptolemy (b) Bernhardus Varenius 19. Who wrote the book ‘Geography’?
(c) Herodotus (d) None of these (a) Carl Ritter (b) Blanche
5. Who is considered the founder of modern geographic (c) Ptolemy (d) Humboldt
study? 20. The study of the atmosphere that focuses on weather
(a) Humboldt (b) Hipparchus process and forcasting is called
(c) Carl Ritter (d) None of these (a) Biogeography (b) Glaciology
6. Who invented the Isotherms? (c) Meteorology (d) Hydrology
(a) Pythagoras (b) Homboldt 21. Chain of roughly adjacent metropolitan areas are called
(c) Aristotle (d) Herodotus (a) Global city (b) Megalopolis
7. Who advocated the opposite theory of determinism? (c) Metropolis (d) None of these
(a) Vidal de la Blache (b) Huntington 22. General geography was written by
(c) Ptolemy (d) None of these (a) Bernhardus Varenius (b) Ptolemy
8. The study of earth’s structure and the rocks that make up (c) Blanche (d) None of these
the earth is called 23. Select the correct sequence in the chronological order
(a) Geology (b) Glaciology of the following Greeks who have contributed vastly to
(c) Hydrology (d) Geomorphology the evolution of geographical thought during the ancient
9. The study of earthquakes and their bearings on the period:
internal structure of the Earth is called (a) Aristotle-Eratosthenes-Anaximander-Ptolemy
(a) Glaciology (b) Seismology (b) Eratosthenes-Anaximander-Ptolemy-Aristotle
(c) Geology (d) None of these (c) Anaximander-Aristotle-Eratosthenes-Ptolemy
10. The study of soil science is called (d) Ptolemy-Anaximander-Aristotle-Eratosthenes
(a) Climatology (b) Geology 24. Which one of the following is a key concept in humanistic
(c) Pedology (d) Biogeography geography?
11. Oceanography is the branch of (a) Development and quality of life
(a) Geomorphology (b) Geology (b) Spatial location
(c) Hydrology (d) Pedology (c) Spatial concentration
12. Human geography is also known as (d) Geographical distribution
(a) Economic geography 25. Which one of the following scholars was the first to
(b) Demography divide the world landmass into three continents : Europe,
(c) Urban geography Asia and Libya (Africa) ? :
(d) Cultural geography (a) Anaximander (b) Hecataeus
13. The study of physical geography in the past geological (c) Herodotus (d) Eratosthenes
ages is called 26. An early statement of Geography as Chorology was
(a) Biogeography (b) Paleography provided by
(c) Climatology (d) Geology (a) Kant (b) Humboldt
14. The science and art of drawing maps and charts on (c) Ritter (d) Varenius
selected scale is called 27. Ratzel’s work was based on the concept
(a) Hydrology (b) Geology (a) There is a dichotomy between physical and cultural
(c) Pedology (d) Cartography aspects of geography
15. The approach of ‘Determinism’ is related with (b) Geography is a scientific discipline
(a) Huntington (b) Aristotle (c) Physical environment controlled human activities
(c) Herodotus (d) Hipparchus (d) Geography is necessarily descriptive
Nature and Scope G-5

28. Huntington is noted for describing (c) man’s behaviour as a function of the environment
(a) man as a product of the earth’s surface (d) reality as is perceived by individuals]
(b) the evolution of landforms 30. Which one of the following concepts is associated with
(c) the effects of climate on human life Vidal de La Blache?
(d) the historical-ecological study of the cultural (a) Determinism
landscape
(b) Possibilism
29. The behavioural environment is meant by
(c) Environmentalism
(a) reality as it exists in nature
(b) the decisions based on reasoned thought (d) Probabilism

Statement Based MCQ 4. Assertion (A): In contemporary geography, there is an

increasing awareness of the need for an interdisciplinary
1. With reference to the sub-tropical high pressure belt, approach to the regional problems.
consider the following statements Reason (R): Groups of scholars with diverse backgrounds
1. It is affected by Earth’s rotation and descent of and skills focus on specific sets of regional problems
winds from higher altitudes more comprehensively and scientifically.
2. It dynamically induced and characterized with (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the
anti-cyclonic conditions. Which of the statement/ correct explanation of A
statements given above is/are correct (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only correct explanation of A
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) A is true but R is false
2. Consider the following rivers : (d) A is false but R is true
1. Barak 2. Lohit 5. Consider the following statements:
3. Subansiri 1. Human Geography covers all those aspects of
Geography which are not directly concerned with
Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal
Physical Geography.
Pradesh?
2. Human Geography is the study of interrelationship
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
between human beings and their
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 environment.
3. With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, 3. Human Geography deals with the description and
consider the following statements : explanation of human phenomena
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand. around the variable earth surface.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool. 4. Human Geography does not cover technical matters
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. of Cartography.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Only 3 (d) 1,2,3 & 4
G-6 Nature and Scope

EXERCISE-1 EXERCISE-2

1 (b)
2 (c) 3 (b) 4 (b) 5 (c) 1. (c)
2. (b) Rivers Lohit and Subansiri flow through Arunachal
6 (b) 7 (a) 8 (d) 9 (b) 10 (c) Pradesh. River Barak flows in south Assam.
11 (c) 12 (d) 13 (b) 14 (d) 15 (a) 3. (b) The Changpa are a semi-nomadic Tibetan ethnic
group found mainly in Zanskar region of Jammu
16 (c) 17 (b) 18 (a) 19 (c) 20 (c) and Kashmir. They rear the Pashmina goats that
21 (b) 22 (a) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (c) yield a fine wool. They are kept inthe category of
Scheduled Tribes.
26. (b) 27. (c) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (b) 4. (a) 5. (c)
 UNIVERSE AND OUR
2
PLANET EARTH Chapter

Introduction
Astronomy is a science that asks fundamental questions about the very basic of things, the universe. The Universe is all of
time and space and its contents. The Universe includes planets, stars galaxies, the contents of intergalactic space, the smallest
subatomic particles, and all matter and energy. The observable universe is about 28 billion parsecs (91 billion light-years) in
diameter at the present time. The size of the whole Universe is not known and may be either finite or infinite. Observations and
the development of physical theories have led to inferences about the composition and evolution of the Universe.

UNIVERSE

Basic facts Galaxy Stars Planets Moon Asteroids, Earth

Meteorites,
Detailed Comets
Birth Constellations Sun Information
to
Death

Origin Important Size Motion Longitudes Eclipses Evolution Movement Minerals Rocks Landforms
Statistics & & &
Shape Latitudes Composition
Igneous Sedimentary Metanorphic
Rotation Revolution Solar Lunar Volcanism Earthquakes

Mountain Plateau Plains Fluvial

Causes Waves Belts Zones

UNIVERSE
•• Everything that exists, from the Galactic Megaclusters to the tiniest subatomic particles, comprises the Universe.
•• As for the age of Universe, scientists agree that it is about 13.79 billion years old as 2015.
•• The universe comprises of a number of galaxies.
•• Optical and radio telescope studies indicate the existence of about 100 billion galaxies in the visible universe.
•• The Big Bang Theory is most accepted for the origin of Universe in comparison to the Steady State and the Pulsating
Universe Theory.
G-8 Universe and Our Planet Earth

GALAXY
•• Galaxy is a collection of millions or billions of stars and •• It is spiral in shape.
planets that are held together by gravitational pull. •• We call it Akash Ganga.
•• Milky Way is one such galaxy. The earth lies in this galaxy. •• The nearest galaxy to Milky Way is Andromeda.
It is called Milky Way, because it looks like a river of Andromeda is a spiral galaxy and approximately 2.5
milky light flowing from one corner to another of the sky. million light-years from the earth.

STARS
•• Luminous heavenly bodies which have their own light and Sun
other radiant energy are called star.
•• They are made of extremely hot burning gases. • It is a star made up of extremely hot gases, particularly
by hydrogen (70%), Helium (26.5%) and others (3.5%)
•• Star reflects Looks - Red with low temperature, Yellow
gases.
with higher and blue with very high temperature.
• It is 109 times bigger than the earth and weighs 2 × 1027
tonnes, and accounts for 99.83% of mass of the solar
Star (Birth to Death) system.
• Star starts its life as clouds of dust and gas known as • It is 150 million km away from the earth. The sun light
Nebula. takes 8 minutes to reach the earth’s surface.
• The gaseous matter of Nebula further contracts to make • It has immense gravitational pull which keeps the planets
dense region named Proto Star. fixed in their orbit, revolving round the sun.
• The Proto Star further condenses to a critical stage of • It continuously gives off energy in the form of visible
mass where nuclear fusion begins and star finally comes light, infra red, ultra violet, X-rays, gamma rays, radio
into existence. waves and plasma gas.
• When all the hydrogens of a star are used up then its • The period of revolution of the sun around the galactic
helium begins fusing into carbon. At a stage helium’s centre is 250 million year. This period is called as cosmic
fusion and energy production inside the star stops. As a or galactic year.
result stars core contracts under its own weight to a very • Sudden flash of brightness observed near the sun’s
high density to make a white Dwarf star. surface which is a collection of magnetic energy including
• White Dwarf star becomes dark balls of matter on cooling electrons, protons and nuclei is called as solar flares.
to make Black Dwarf Star. They are consized particles and are harmful for satellite
• The mass of white Dwarf Star is less than 1.44 times the communication.
mass of the Sun named as Chandrasekhar Limiting Mass. • The layers of sun are divided according to their brightness
level which is represented in the write features of each
• White Dwarf Star is a dead star because of the end of
layer shown in the figure.
fusion reaction and energy production.
• It shines by radiating its stored heat.
• Giant star expands into Red Supergiant after consuming
its fuel (H & He). At a stage, it explodes as Supernova or Corona (2000,000°C)
changes into Neutron or Black Holes. Chromosphere (4,320°C)
• The nearest star to the Earth is the Sun followed by
Proxima and Alpha Centauri and radiant energy. (4.35 Photosphere (6000°C)
light years) Convection zone (2000,000°C)

Constellations Core (15000,000°C)

• A Constellation is a group of stars that makes an imaginary

shape in the sky at night. Fig. Layers of the Sun
• It helps in navigation of sea vessel during night as they are • The core of the sun consists of hydrogen atoms which fuse
seen in a fixed direction at a particular period of time in a together due to compression and creates helium. This is
year. called as nuclear fusion.
• Orian, Big Dipper, Great Bear, Cassiopeia are some • Nuclear fusion produces huge amount of energy. It is
examples of constellations. radiated outward to the surface, atmosphere and beyond.
• Orion or Mriga can be seen in the late evening during winter; • Convection zone is the next to the core of the sun. Here
Cassiopeia in the Northern Sky is seen during winter. the temperature drops to 2 million degree C.
• Great Bear consists of Ussa Minor (Laghu Saptarishi) and • Photosphere’s temperature is 6,000°C.
Ussa Major (Vrihat Saptarishi), and can be seen in early • Atmosphere of the sun consists of chromosphere and
night during summer. corona.
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-9

• Corona is seen in a form of spectral lines emitted by iron, • These auroral display in the northern hemisphere is called
calcium and nickle ions. Ionization of these elements as Aurora Borealis (the Northern light) and when occurs
increases temperature of corona. in southern hemisphere is called as Aurora Australis (the
• Recently coronal heating puzzle has been related to Southern lights)
magnetic carpet found in corona. • Sun-spots are dark appearing areas present in photosphere
from where solar flares originate . They are relatively
• The solar flare (wind) is a stream of charged particles
a region cooler than its surrounding. It appears and
released from upper atmosphere of the sun. These changed disappears after every 11 years. This period is called Sun-
particles when get trapped by earth’s magnetic field while spot Cycle.
entering in the upper atmosphere of the earth results in • Plage is a brighter region in the chromosphere near to
auroral (light) display. sunspot.

PLANETS
• Planets means ‘wanderers’. There are eight planets in (2) Jovian Planets : The outer planets which are
our solar system (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, gigantic in size and are gaseous in composition with
Saturn, Uranus and Neptune). large satellite are called as Jovian planets. These
• All these planets move around the sun in a fix orbit. have similar features to that of Jupiter, thus called
Which is elongated in shape (elliptical). as Jupiter like planets.
• A new planet 2003 UB 313 has been included recently in Pluto, the Dwarf Planet
solar system. It is bigger than Pluto and farthest from the
•• Pluto was known as the smallest planet in the solar
Sun.
system and the ninth planet from the sun.
• International Astronomical Union (IAU) recognized five
•• Today Pluto is called a “dwarf planet”.
dwarf planets such as : Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake,
and Seden. •• On owerage, Pluto is more than 3.6 billion miles away
from the sun.
• The planets are grouped into two :
•• Pluto is in a region called the kwpes Belt. One day on
(1) Terrestrial planets: These are dense rocky bodies Pluto is about 61/2 days on Earth.
and are called as earth like planets. Mercury, Venus, •• It has five moons. Its largest moon is named charon
Earth, and Mars are included in it. They are also pluto’s four other moons are named kerberos, styx, Nix
called as inner planets. and Hydra.
Detail Information About The Planets
Planets/Features Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune
Equatorial &
4,878 12,104 12,756 6,792 142,984 120,536 51,118 49,528
Diameter (km)
Mass (kg) 3.28×1023 4.867×1024 5.972×1024 6.39×1023 1.8913×1027 5.683×1026 8.681×1025 1.024×1026
Orbital Period
88 225 365 687 4,333 10,756 30,687 60,190
(in days)
Inclination to Sun’s
3.38° 3.86° 7.25° 5.65° 6.07° 5.51° 6.48° 6.43°
Equator
Rotational Period
58.64 –243.02 1 1.03 0.41 0.43 –0.72 0.67
(in days) and
East to West West to East East to West East to West East to West East to West West to East East to West
Direction
Distance from Sun
57.91×106 10.82×107 14.96×107 22.79×107 77.85×107 14.33×108 28.77×108 44.98×108
(km)
Gravity (m/s2) 3.7 8.89 9.78 3.71 24.79 10.44 8.69 11.5
No. of Moons 0 0 1 2 67 62 27 14
Axis Tilt 0.04° 177.36° 23.44° 25.19° 3.13° 26.73° 97.77° 28.32°
Mean density
5.43 5.25 5.52 3.93 1.33 0.71 1.27 1.67
(g/cm3)
Rings no no no no yes yes yes yes
G-10 Universe and Our Planet Earth

Mercury Mars
•• Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system - only •• Mars is the fourth planet from the sun at a distance of
slightly larger than the Earth’s moon. about 228 million km (142 million miles) or 1.52 AU.
•• It is the closest planet to the sun at a distance of about 58 •• One day on Mars takes just a little over 24 hours (the time
million km (36 million miles) or 0.39 AU. it takes for Mars to rotate or spin once).
•• One day on Mercury takes 59 Earth days. •• Mars is a rocky planet, also known as a terrestrial planet.
•• Mercury is a rocky planet, also know as a terrestrial Mars’ solid surface has been altered by volcanoes, impacts,
planet. crustal movement and movement and atmospheric effects
•• Mercury’s thin atmosphere, or exosphere, is composed such as dust storms.
mostly of oxygen (O2), sodium (Na), hydrogen (H2), •• Mars has a thin atmosphere made up mostly of carbon
helium (He), and potassium (K). Atoms that are blasted
dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and argon (Ar).
off the surface by the solar wind and micrometeoroid
impacts create Mercury’s exosphere. •• Mars has two moons named Phobos and Deimos.
•• Only two missions have visited this rocky planet: Mariner •• Several missions have visited this planet, from flybys and
10 in 1974-5 and MESSENGER, which flew past Mercury orbiters to rovers on the surface of the Red Planet. The
three times before going into orbit around Mercury in first true Mars mission success was Mariner 4 in 1965.
2011. At this time in the planet’s history, Mars’ surface cannot
•• Daytime Temperatures can reach 430° Celsius (800° support life as we know it. Current missions exploring
Fahrenheit) and drop to -180° Celsius (-290° Fahrenheit) Mars on the surface and from orbit are determining Mars’
at night. past and future potential for life.
•• Mars is known as the Red Planet because iron minerals in
Venus the Martian soil oxidize, or rust, causing the soil and the
dusty atmosphere to look red.
•• Venus is only a little smaller than the Earth.
•• Venus is the second closest planet to the sun at a distance
of about 108 million km (67 million miles) or 0.72 AU. Jupiter
•• One day on Venus lasts as long as 243 Earth days (the •• About 1,300 Earths could fit inside Jupiter.
time it takes for Venus to rotate or spin once). •• Jupiter is the fifth planet from the sun at a distance of about
•• Venus is a rocky planet, also known as terrestrial planet. 778 million km (484 million miles) or 5.2 Astronomical
Venus’ solid surface is a created and volcanic landscape.
Units (AU). Earth is one AU from the sun.
•• Venus’ thick and toxic atmosphere is made up mostly of
carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2), with clouds of •• One day on Jupiter takes about 10 hours (the time it takes
sulfuric acid (H2SO4) droplets. for Jupiter to rotate or spin once).
•• More than 40 spacecraft have explored Venus. The •• Jupiter is a gas-giant planet and therefore does not have a
Magellan mission in the early 1990s mapped 98% of the solid surface. Jupiter may have a solid, inner core about
planet’s surface. the size of the Earth.
•• The planet’s extreme high temperatures of almost 480° •• Jupiter’s atmosphere is made up mostly of hydrogen (H2)
Celsius (900° Fahrenheit) made it seem an unlikely place and helium (He).
for life as we know it. •• Jupiter has 50 known moons, with an additional 17 moons
•• Venus spins backwards (retrograde rotation) when
awaiting confirmation of their discovery, that is a total of
compared to the other planets. This means that the sun
67 moons.
rises in the west and sets in the east on Venus.
•• Jupiter has a faint ring system that was discovered in 1979
Earth by the Voyager-1 mission. All four giant planets in our
solar system have ring systems.
•• Earth is the third planet from the sun at a distance of •• Many missions have visited Jupiter and its system of
about 150 million km (93 million miles). That’s one
moons. The Juno mission will arrive at Jupiter in 2016.
Astronomical Unit (AU).
•• A day on Earth is 24 hours (the time it takes the Earth to •• Jupiter cannot support life as we know it. However, some
rotate or spin once). of Jupiter’s moons have oceans underneath their crusts
•• Earth’s atmosphere is 78% nitrogen (N2), 21% oxygen that might support life.
(O2) and 1% other ingredients - the perfect balance for
Earthlings to breathe and live. Many planets in our solar Saturn
system have atmospheres, but only Earth is breathable.
•• Earth has one moon. Another name for a moon is natural •• Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun at a distance of
satellite. about 1.4 billion km (886 million miles) or 9.5 AU.
•• Earth is the perfect place for life as we know it. •• One day on Saturn takes 10.7 hours (the time it takes for
•• Our atmosphere protects us from incoming meteoroids, Saturn to rotate or spin once).
most of which break up in our atmosphere before they can •• Saturn is a gas-giant planet and therefore does not have a
strike the surface as meteorites. solid surface.
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-11

•• Saturn’s atmosphere is made up mostly of hydrogen (H2) Moon

and helium (He).
•• Saturn has 53 known moons with an additional nine •• The moon is Earth’s natural satellite and orbits the Earth
at a distance of about 384 thousand km (239 thousand
moons awaiting confirmation of their discovery, that is a
miles) or 0.00257 AU.
total of 62 moons.
•• The moon makes a complete orbit around Earth in 27
•• Saturn has the most spectacular ring system, which is
Earth days and rotates or spins at that same rate, or in
made up of seven rings with several gaps and divisions
that same amount of time. This causes the moon to keep
between them.
the same side or face towards Earth during the course of
•• Only a few missions have visited Saturn: Pioneer 11,
its orbit.
Voyager 1 and 2 and Cassini-Huygens. Since 2004,
•• The moon is a rocky, solid-surface body, with much of its
Cassini has been exploring Saturn, its moons and rings.
surface cratered and pitted from impacts.
•• Fact: When Galileo Galilei was observing the planet
•• The moon has a very thin and tenuous (weak) atmosphere,
Saturn in the 1600s, he noticed strange objects on each
called an exosphere.
side of the planet and drew in his notes a triple-bodied
planet system and later a planet with arms or handles. •• More than 100 spacecrafts have been launched to explore
These “handles” were in fact the rings of Saturn. the moon. It is the only celestial body beyond Earth that
has been visited by human beings.
Uranus •• Twelve human beings have walked on the surface of the
moon.
•• Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun at a
distance of about 2.9 billion km (1.8 billion miles) or Asteroids
19.19 AU.
•• One day on Uranus takes about 17 hours (the time it takes •• Asteroids are minor planets especially those of the inner
for Uranus to rotate or spin once). solar system.
•• Asteroids orbit our sun in a region of space between the
•• Uranus is an ice giant. Most (80 % or more) of the
orbits of Mars and Jupiter known as the Asteroid Belt.
planet’s mass is made up of a hot dense fluid of “icy”
materials – water (H2O), methane (CH4), and ammonia •• Asteroids are solid, rocky and irregular bodies.
(NH3) – above a small rocky core. •• Asteroids do not have atmospheres.
•• Uranus has an atmosphere which is mostly made up of •• More than 150 asteroids are known to have a small
hydrogen (H2) and helium (He), with a small amount of companion moon (some have two moons). The first
methane (CH4). discovery of an asteroid-moon system was of asteroid Ida
•• Uranus has 27 moons. Uranus’ moons are named after and its moon Dactyl in 1993.
characters from the works of William Shakespeare and •• Asteroids do not have rings.
Alexander Pope. •• NASA space missions have flown by and observed
•• Uranus has 13 known rings. The inner rings are narrow asteroids, and one spacecraft (NEAR Shoemaker) even
and dark and the outer rings are brightly colored. landed on an asteroid (Eros). The Dawn mission is the
•• Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited Uranus. first mission to orbit (2011) a main belt asteroid (Vesta).
•• Uranus cannot support life as we know it. •• Asteroids cannot support life as we know it.
•• Ceres, the first and largest asteroid to be discovered (1801
•• Unlike any of the other planets, Uranus rotates on its
by Giuseppe Piazzi), encompasses over one-third of the
side, which means it spins horizontally.
estimated total mass of all the asteroids in the asteroid
belt.
Neptune
•• Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the sun at Meteorites
a distance of about 4.5 billion km (2.8 billion miles) or
•• Meteorites may vary in size from tiny grains to large
30.07 AU.
boulders. One of the largest meteorite found on Earth is
•• One day on Neptune takes about 16 hours (the time it
the Hoba meteorite from southwest Africa, which weighs
takes for Neptune to rotate or spin once).
roughly 54,000 kg (119,000 pounds).
•• Neptune is a sister ice giant to Uranus.
•• Meteor showers are usually named after a star or
•• Neptune’s atmosphere is made up mostly of hydrogen constellation which is close to the radiant. Meteors and
(H2), helium (He) and methane (CH4). meteorites begin as meteoroids, which are little chunks of
•• Neptune has 13 moons. Neptune’s moons are named after rock and debris in space.
various sea gods and nymphs in Greek mythology. •• Most meteorites are either iron, stony or stony-iron.
•• Neptune has six rings. •• Leonid MAC (an airborne mission that took flight
•• Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited Neptune. during the years 1998 - 2002) studied the interaction of
•• Neptune cannot support life as we know it. meteoroids with the Earth’s atmosphere.
G-12 Universe and Our Planet Earth

•• Meteoroids, meteors and meteorites cannot support life. It is a short period comet visible from Earth every 75-76
However, they may have provided the Earth with a source years. Halley last appeared in the inner part of the solar
of amino acids: the building blocks of life. system in 1986 and will next appear in mid - 2061.
•• Meteoroids become meteors or shooting stars when they Who is Called What
interact with a planet’s atmosphere and cause a streak of
light in the sky. Debris that makes it to the surface of a Brightest Planet Venus
planet from meteoroids are called meteorites. Evening Star Venus
•• Meteorites may look very much like Earth rocks, or they
may have a burned appearance. Some may have depression Morning Star Venus
(thumbprint-like), roughened or smooth exteriors. Hottest Planet Venus
•• Many of the meteor showers are associated with comets.
Nearest Planet to Earth Venus
The Leonids are associated with comet Tempel-Tuttle;
Aquarids and Orionids with comet Halley, and the Taurids Earth’s twin Venus
with comet Encke. Fastest rotation in solar system Jupiter

Comets Slowest rotation in solar system Venus

•• Comets are cosmic snowballs of frozen gases, rock and Green Planet Uranus
dust. Blue Planet Earth
•• A comet warms up as it comes near the sun and develops Red Planet Mars
an atmosphere, or coma. The coma may be hundreds of
thousands of kilometers in diameter. Smallest Planet Mercury
•• Comets do not have moons. Biggest Planet Jupiter
•• Comets do not have rings. Fastest revolution in Solar System Mercury
•• Several missions have visited, impacted and even collected
samples from comets. Two recent missions are Stardust- Slowest revolution in Solar System Neptune
NExT and Deep Impact EPOXI. Coldest Planet Neptune
•• When comets come around the sun, they leave a dusty
Closest star to the Sun Proxima Centauri
tail. Every year the Earth passes through the comet tails,
which allows the debris to enter our atmosphere where it Densest Planet Earth
burns up and creates fiery and colorful streaks (meteors) Least dense Planet Saturn
in the sky.
•• Comets may not be able to support life themselves, but Only satellite with an atmosphere Titan
they may have brought water and organic compounds, like Earth
i.e., the building blocks of life -- through collisions with Smallest satellite Deimos
the Earth and other bodies in our solar system.
Biggest Satellite Gannymede
•• Comet Halley makes an appearance in the Bayeux tapestry
from the year 1066, which chronicles the overthrow of Venus is the hottest planet even though Mercury is the closest
King Harold by William the Conqueror at the Battle of planet to the Sun. The reason behind it is that Venus has
Hastings. atmosphere made of carbon dioxide.

BLUE PLANET : THE EARTH

The Earth is the only known planet where life exists. Its surface •• Laplace gave Nebular hypothesis in 1786.
area is covered with two-third of water that is why we call it •• Tidal hypothesis was given by James Jeans in 1929 and
blue planet. it was modified by Jeffrey and was called as Collision
Earth is the third planet from the sun, the densest planet in the hypothesis.
solar system, the largest of the solar system’s four terrestrial
•• Big Bang theory was proposed by Georges Lemaitre
planets. (1927).
•• According to Big Bang theory billion years ago cosmic
Origin of the Earth matters were in highly compressed state. The expansion
•• A number of theories have been proposed by different started with premordial explosion. It resulted in formation
philosophers. of superdensed balls which travelled at a speed of
•• Immanuel Kant gave gaseous hypothesis based on thousands mile per second and gave rise to galaxies.
Newtonian law related to gravitation and rotatory motion •• The expansion of universe means increase in space
in 1755. between galaxies and formation of new galaxies.
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-13

Earth Statistics
• Age of The Earth : 4.5 to 4.6 billion years
• Water-land Ratio : 70.8% Water & 29.2 % Land
• Earth’s Circumference at the Equator : 24,901.55 miles (40,075.16 km)
• Earth’s Circumference between the North and South Poles : 24,859.82 miles (40,008 km)
• Earth’s Diameter at the Equator : 7,926.41 miles (12,756.32 km)
• Average Distance from the Earth to the Sun : 92,9555,802 miles (149,579.870 km)
• Average Distance from the Earth to the Moon : 238,855 miles (384,400.1 km)
• Highest Elevation on Earth : Mt. Everest, Asia : 29,035 feet (8848 m)
• Tallest Mountain on Earth from Base to Peak : Mauna Kea. Hawaii: 33,480 feet, i.e 10204 m (rising to 13796
feet above sea level) (10204 m, 4205 m)
• Point Farthest from the Center of the Earth : The peak of the volcano chimborazo in Ecoador at 20561 feet
(6269 m) is farthest from the center of the Earth due to its
location near the equator and the oblateness of the Earth.
• Lowest Elevation on Land : Dead Sea: 1369 feet below sea level (417 m)
• Deepest Point in he Ocean : Challenger Deep (Mariana Trench) in Western Pacific Ocean:
36,740 feet (11022 m)
• Highest Temperature Recorded : 136.8°F - AL Aziziyah, Libya, Sep. 13,1922 (58.4°C)
• Lowest Temperature Recorded : –128.6°F - Vostok, Antarction. July 21, 1983 (–89.2°C)
• Atmosphere content : 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% traces of argon, carbon
dioxide and water.
• Rotation on Axis : 23 hours and 56 minutes and 04.09053 second. But, it takes
an additional four minutes for the earth to revolve to the same
position as the day before relative to the sun (i.e. 24 hours)
• Revolution Around Sun : 365 . 2425 day
• Chemical Composition of the Earth : 32.1% Iron, 30.1% Oxygen, 15.1% Silicon, 13.9%, Magnesium,
2.9% Sulfur, 1.8% Nickel, 1.5% Calcium and 2.6% other.
• Standard Time zones : 24

Size and Shape of the Earth the phenomenon we see as normal occurrences: night and day,
changing of the seasons, and different climates in different
•• Shape of the Earth is called “geoid” regions. With a globe ball properly mounted and rotating on
•• The sciences of earth measurement is called “Geodes its axis, the movements of the Earth around the Sun may be
•• “ellipsoid” - reference to the Earth shape. illustrated accurately.

Rotation
b = semiminor axis The Earth spins on its axis from West to East (counter-clockwise).
(polar radius) It takes the Earth 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09 seconds to
complete one full turn. Day and night are produced by the rotation
f =(a-b)/a - flattening of the Earth. The speed of rotation at any point upon the equator
1/298.26 for is at the rate of approximately 1,038 miles per hour, decreasing
GRS 1980, and to zero at the poles.
1/294.98 for Clarke 1866 N

a = semimajor axis
(equatorial radius)
The geoid bulges at the North Pole and is depressed at the
South Pole
•• Earth shape is affected by two main facts:
•• It bulges in midriff, because of pliability of Earth’s
lithosphere;
•• Its shape is therefore an oblate spheroid.
•• It has topographical irregularities.

Motions of the Earth

The Earth is constantly in motion, revolving around the Sun S
and rotating on its axis. These motions account for many of
G-14 Universe and Our Planet Earth

•• How rotation periods are calculated: The period of the summer season at this time and the southern hemisphere
rotation is calculated with reference to a star and with experiences winter now. Also the days are longer than the
reference to the sun. When it is calculated with reference nights in the northern hemisphere at this time.
to a star, it is called a sidereal day and when it is calculated 4. Winter solstice: On December 22, the position of
with reference to the sun, it is called a solar day. the earth with respect to the sun is such that the south
•• Solar days and sidereal days: The solar day is a time period pole is inclined at its maximum towards the sun and the
of 24 hours, and the duration of a sidereal day is 23 hours Tropic of Cancer receives the vertical rays of the sun.
56 minutes. This difference of four minutes between a This position is called the winter solstice when the sun
solar day and a sidereal day is due to the fact that the shines continuously in the south polar region and it is a
position of the Earth keeps changing with reference to the long continuous night at the north pole. This is the winter
sun due to the revolution around it; while with reference season in the northern hemisphere and the summer in the
to a star at infinity, it will remain unchanged. Thus, a southern hemisphere. During the winter solstice, the days
sidereal day is the actual time taken by the planet for a are longer than the nights in the southern hemisphere.
rotation of exactly 360 degrees on its axis.
•• Thus, the variation in the duration of day and night and the
Revolution change of seasons are due to the earth’s revolution and the
inclination of the axis of the earth. Also the seasons are
While the Earth is spinning on its axis, it is revolving around
reversed from the northern to the southern hemisphere.
the Sun in a counter-clockwise direction. It takes the Earth one
full year to complete one full revolution around the Sun. This
path is known as the Earth’s orbit. It is very near a circle. The Longitudes and Latitudes
mean distance of the Earth from the Sun is about 93 milling Together, longitudes and latitudes form the Earth’s
miles and the distance varies by 3 million miles, forming a geographical coordinates, and represent the angular distance
slightly oval path. of any location on the Earth from the Earth’s Equator. Both
The revolution of the Earth around the Sun traverse a distance latitudes and longitudes are measured in degrees.
of 595 million miles in 365 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes and 9.5 Longitude and Latitude
seconds. This means a speed of 18 miles a second (or 66,000
Prime Meridian
miles per hour) while at the same time rotating once each North Pole 90°N
Arctic Circle
twenty-four hours. Parallels 66°34'N
of latitude

N
Sun Tropic of Cancer
23°26'N
Northern
Hemisphere
S
Equatpr 0°
Earth rotates in an elliptical orbit around the Sun
The orbit of the Earth around the sun is elliptical and not Tropic of Capricorn
23°26'S
circular. Due to this, the distance between the Earth and the Southern
Hemisphere
sun keeps changing.
•• When this distance is minimum, the Earth is said to be in Antarctic Circle
66°34'S
perihelion (around January 3). Meridians
of longitude
•• When the distance is the maximum, it is said to be in South Pole 90° S
Time and Date
aphelion (around July 4).
The Earth’s axis points constantly to the same point (the polar
star) in the celestial sphere. As a consequence the latitude on The Equator
the surface of the earth at which the sun’s rays fall vertically The Earth is (almost, but not quite) a sphere that rotates around
keeps changing as the earth moves it its orbit around the its axis. If we draw a line passing through the center of the
sun. Due to this the earth attains four critical positions with Earth along its rotational axis, the line would pass through the
reference to the sun. North and the South Pole.
1. The equinoxes: On 21st March, the Earth is so positioned The Equator is an imaginary line perpendicular to this axis. It
with reference to the sun that the sun’s rays are vertical is equidistant from the two poles, and divides the globe into the
at the equator and the entire world experiences equal day Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.
and night. Most locations on the Equator experience consistently high
2. The autumnal equinox: A similar situation occurs on temperatures throughout the year. They also experience almost
September 23. 12 hours of daylight every day during the year. On the Equinoxes
3. Summer solstice: On 21st of June the sun’s rays are –50 autumnand spring – the sun is directly overhead the Equator,
vertical over the Tropic of Cancer as the north pole of the resulting in exactly 12 hour days and 12 hour nights.
Earth is inclined at its maximum towards the sun. At this
time, the north pole experiences a long continuous day Latitudes
and the south pole a long continuous night (ergo, what we •• Latitudes are imaginary circles drawn parallel to the
know as summer solstice). The northern hemisphere has Equator.
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-15

•• They are defined by the angle created by a line connecting Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
the latitude and the center of the Earth, and the line The line at 0° longitude is called Greenwich Mean Time. It is
connecting the Equator and the center of the Earth, and
based on local time of the meridian passing through Greenwich
are named by the angle. Latitudes specify the North-South
position of a location on the globe. near London.
•• When looking at a map, latitude lines run horizontally. Indian Standard Time
Latitude lines are also known as parallels since they are
parallel and are an equal distant from each other It is fixed on the mean of 82°30°E. Meridian, a place near
Allahabad. It is 5½ hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Longitudes
•• Longitudes are geographical positioning markers that run
Solstice and Equinoxes
from the geographical North to the geographical South Equinox
Pole, intersecting the Equator. They meet at both Poles, It is a day of the year when the duration of day and night
and specify the East-West position of a location. is equal and the position of the sun is in its zenith. In year
•• Longitudes are therefore imaginary circles that intersect equinoxes occurs twice.
the North and South Poles, and the Equator. Half of a
longitudinal circle is known as a Meridian. Meridians are Solstice
perpendicular to every latitude.
Like equinoxes solstice also occur twice a year. This is the time
•• Unlike, latitudes, there is no obvious central longitude. when the sun riches either its highest are lowest point at noon.
However, in order to measure the position of a location
It leads to the result of longest and shortest day of the year.
based on the longitude, cartographers and geographers
over the course of history have designated different •• June solstice (approximately June 20-21). This day
locations as the main longitudinal reference point. begins summer in the Northern hemisphere and winter
Today, the meridian line through Greenwich, England is in the Southern hemisphere. This day is the Longest in
considered as the reference point for longitudes. This line the year. In the Northern Hemisphere and shortest. In
is also known as the Prime Meridian the Southern hemisphere. On this day, the Sun is directly
•• The Prime Meridian is set as 0° longitude and it divides overhead the tropic of Cancer (23.5 degree at moon).
the Earth into the Eastern and the Western Hemisphere. •• September Equinox (approximately September 22-
All the other longitudes are measured, and named after 23): This dry begins fall in the Northern hemisphere and
the angle they make with respect to the center of the Earth spring in the Southern hemisphere. There are 12 hours
from the intersection of the Meridian and the Equator. of dry light and 12 hours of darkness at all points on the
•• Since a sphere has 360 degrees, the Earth is divided into 360 Earth’s surface on the two equinoxes. Sunrise is at 60 m.
longitudes. The meridian right opposite the Prime Meridian
and sunset is at 6 pm.
(on the other side of the Earth) is the 180° longitude.
•• December Solstice (Approximately December 21-22):
•• Modern timekeeping systems use longitudes as references
to keep time. Time zones are defined by the Prime This dry begins summer in the Southern hemisphere and
Meridian and the longitudes. is the longest dry in the Southern hemisphere. It begins
winter day in Northern hemisphere and is the shortest day
Time and Longitudes of the year in the Northern hemisphere. The Sun is directly
Local Time overhead the Tropic of capricorn on the December.
Local time of any place is 12 noon when the Sun is exactly •• March Equinox (Approximately March 21-21): Spring
overhead. solstice equinox this day begins tell in the Southern
hemisphere and spring in the Norther hemisphere. There
Standard Time are 12 hours of day light and 12 hours of darkness at all
It is the uniform time fixed by each country. It is fixed in the the points on the Earth’s surface on the two equinoxes.
relation to mean time of a certain meridian which generally Sunrise is at 6 a.m. and Sunset is at 6 pm. local (so far)
passes through it. time zone most points on the Earth’s surface.

ECLIPSES
When the light of the Sun or the Moon is blocked by another Type of Solar Eclipses
body, the sun or Moon is said to be in eclipse. The Sun, Earth • Total Eclipse : Occurs when the Sun is completely
and Moon are in a straight line Eclipses of the Sun is a solar obscured from rich. Instead, the Sun intense light is
eclipse and the Moon is a inner eclipse. replaced by dark silhouette of the Moon that is outlined
by the Sun’s corona (the super heated plasma extending
Solar Eclipse out from the Sun.
It is caused when the moon Revolving around the Earth comes • Annular Eclipse: Occurs when the Sun and Moon are
in between the Earth and the Sun, thus making a part or whole exactly in line but Moon appears smaller than the Sun.
of the sun invisible from a particular part of the Earth thus, the During on annular eclipse, the Sun appears as a bright
eclipse can be partial or complete. It occurs during the day. ring around the Moon.
G-16 Universe and Our Planet Earth

• Partial Eclipse: Occurs when the Sun and Moon are not were formed out of a cloud of material associated with a
completely aligned and the Sun is partially obscured. youthful sun, which was slowly rotating. Latter in 1980,
• Hybrid Eclipse: is a combination of total and annular Chamberlin and Moulton considered that a wandering star
eclipse that takes place when a total eclipse changes to an approached the sun. As a result, a cigar-shaped extension
annular eclipse or vice-versa along different sections of of material was separated from the solar surface, AS the
the eclipse’s path. passing star moved away, the material separated from
the solar surface continued to revolve around the sun and
Lunar Eclipse it slowly condensed into planets. Sir James Jeans and
•• When the Earth comes between the Moon and the Sun, later Sir Harold Jeffrey supported this argument. AT
the shadow cast by the Earth on the Moon results in a a later date, the arguments considered of a companion
lunar eclipse. It is occur at night. to the sun to have been consisting. These arguments are
called binary hypothesis. In 1950, Otto Schmidt in Russia
Earth Theory and Carl Weizasear in Germany somewhat revised the
•• A large number of hypothesis were put forth by different ‘nebular’ hypothesis.
philosophers and scientists regarding the origin of the • Modern Theories : The most popular argument regarding
earth. One of the earlier and popular arguments was by the origin of the universe is the Big Bang theory. It is also
German philosopher Immanuel Kant. Mathematician called expanding universe hypothesis. Edwin Hubble, in
Laplace revised it in 1796. It is known as Nebular 1920, provided evidence that the universe is expanding.
Hypothesis. The hypothesis considered that the planets As time passes, galaxies move further and further apart.

EVOLUTION OF THE EARTH

Continental Drift theory lithosphere lies the asthenosphere, which is the inner part
of the upper mantle. Asthenosphere is in semi fluid state.
•• It was proposed by Wegener in 1912. Lithosphere floats on the asthenosphere and is broken up
•• According to the theory billion years ago all continents into lithospheric plates.
were joined together into one big landmass called as •• Plate Tectonics theory defined a tectonic plate or lithospheric
Pangaea. On the other hand all ocean joined together were plate as a massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock,
called as Panthalassa. composed of both continental and oceanic lithosphere. The
•• Pangaea floated over Panthalassa. plates move horizontally over the asthenosphere as rigid
•• Pangaea broke into two parts due to gravitational force units. Lithosphere is divided into seven major and some
and buoyancy. minor plates. The 7 major plates are: (i) Antarctica plate,
•• The northern part was known as Laurasia and southern (ii) North American plate, (iii) South American plate,
part was known as Gondwanaland. These landmass were (iv) Pacific plate, (v) India-Australia-New Zealand plate,
further splitted into smaller landmass forming different (vi) Africa plate and (vii) Eurasian plate. Also there
continents. are minor plates like (i) Cocos plate, (ii) Nazca plate,
•• Tethys sea was formed when Pangaea first splitted into (iii) Arabian plate, (iv) Philippine plate, (v) Caroline plate
Laurasia and Gondwanaland. and (vi) Fuji plate.
•• Jig-saw fit conventional current theory and plate tectonic •• Three types of plate boundaries are found :
theory supports it. 1. Transform boundaries occur where the plates slide
or grind with each other (San Andreas fault).
2. Divergent boundaries occur were two plates slides
Plate Tectonic theory apart from each other (Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
•• It was argued that the outermost part of the earth’s interior 3. Convergent boundaries occur where two plates slide
consists of two layers: the lithosphere consists of crust, towards each other. Found near pacific boundary.
and the solidified uppermost part of the mantle. Below the North and South America.
Geological Time Scale
Age/years Before
Eons Era Period Epoch Life/Major Events
Present
Quaternary Holocene 0 - 10,000 Modern Man
Pleistocene 10,000 - 2 million Homo Sapiens
Cainozoic (From Tertiary Pliocene 2 - 5 million Early Human Ancestor
65 million years Miocene 5 - 24 million Ape : Flowering Plants and Treees
to the present Anthropoid Ape
times) Oligocene 24-37 Million Rabbits and Hare
Eocene 37 - 58 Million Small Mannals :
Palaeocene 57 - 65 Million Rats - Mice
Mesozoic Cretaceous 65 - 144 Million Extinction of Dinosaurs
65 - 245 Million Jurassic 144 - 208 Million Age of Dinosaurs
Mammals Trjassic 208 - 245 Million Frogs and turtles
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-17

Permian 245-286 Million Reptile dominate-replace

amphibians
Carboniferous 286-360 Million First Reptiles:
Vertebrates : Coal beds
Palaeozolc Devonian 360-408 Million Amphibians
245-570 Million Silurian 408-438 Million First trace of life on land: plants
First Fish
Ordovician 438-505 Million No terrestrial Life:
Cambrian 505-570 Million Marine Invertebrate
Proterozolc 570-2,500 Million Soft-bodied arthropods
Archean 2,500-3,800 Million Blue green Algae;
Hadean Pre-Cambrian Unicellular Bacteria
570 Million 4,800 3,800 - 4,800 Million Oceans and Continents
Million form - Ocean and
Atmosphere are rich in Carbon
dioxide
Origin 5,000 Million Origin of the sun
of Stars 5,000-13,700
Supernova Million 12,000 Million Origin of the universe
Big Bang 13,700 Million
Composition of the earth •• The upper part of the mantle is in solid state as compared
to its lower part.
Earth’s Interior •• There is sudden change in the composition and structure
•• Interior of the earth is composed of non-uniform of the interior of the earth at mantle core boundary. This
material. Velocity of seismic waves proves that the zone of change in average density (5.5 to 10) is called as
earth’s interior consists of three different layers; Wichert-Guttenberg discontinuity.
(i) crust (ii) mantle and (iii) core. These layers are
distinguished on the basis of their (i) physical and chemical Core
properties, (ii) thickness, (iii) density, (iv) temperature, •• Core is the inner most layer of the earth’s interior.
(v) metallic content and (vi) rocks. •• Its density at the boundary of mantle is 10.3 and increases
with increase in depth.
Crust •• It contains 32 percent of the total mass of the earth.
The Outermost layer of the earth is called crust. Thickness of •• It occupies 16 percent of the total volume of the earth.
earths crust varies from 8 to 60 km. It is divided into upper •• It is divided into two sub-zones. Outer core and inner core.
and lower crust. •• The line dividing core into inner and outer core is at 5150
•• Upper crust has the density of 2.8. km of depth from earth’s crust.
•• Lower crust has the density of 3.0. •• The outer case is mainly a liquid layer of nickel and iron.
•• The upper crust has lower density due to the presence of The inner care is in solid state mainly consiting of iron
lower density minerals than in lower crust. nickel alloy.
•• It composed of variety of igneous, metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks.
•• Most common rock found in earth’s crust is igneous
rocks. It covers 90% of the earth crust’s volume.
•• The temperature of crust increases with depth. Near
mantle its temperature is recorded between 200°C to
400°C.
•• It consists of different minerals like oxygen (46.6%), silicon
(27.7%), aluminium (8.1%), iron (5%), others (12.6 %).
•• The continent crust is thicker than the oceanic crust.
•• The boundary between crust and mantle shows sudden
increase in density and velocity of sesmic wave which is
called as moho-discontinuity.
Mantle
•• The second of the interior of the earth.
•• It extends form 60 km to 2900 km. depth.
•• Divided into two layers : upper mantle (60 – 1000 km)
and lower mantle (1000 – 2900 km)
•• Silica and magnesium are the dominant minerals found Section through Earth
alongwith iron. (Relation between Density, Section and Depth)
G-18 Universe and Our Planet Earth

EARTH MOVEMENT
Movement in earth causes vast changes. The forces affecting Atlantic stretching 11,300 km. The Hekla volcanic
earth, crust is divided into two on the basis of their origin: mountain of Iceland makes Iceland world’s largest
1. Endogenetic forces volcanic Island.
2. Exogenetic forces (4) Intra-Plate volcanoes : The massive eruption that occurs
•• Endogenetic forces result in sudden movement or in north-western part of North America, Indian Peninsula,
diastrophic movement. Parana, of Barazil and Paraguay sometimes in past are
•• Sudden movement results in volcanic eruption and part of intra-plate volcanoes.
earthquake.
Types of Volcanoes
•• Diastrophic movement results in tensional and
(1) Active Volcanoes : The volcanoes which have at least
compressional forces.
erupted one’s in past 10,000 years. Etna (Sicily), Hekla
•• Cracks and faulting is the result of tensional force.
(Iceland), Erta Ale (Ethiopia) Bromo (Java), Nevado del
•• Warping and folding is associated to compressional force. Ruiz (Colombia) etc. are in active state.
•• Rift valley is formed due to tensional and compressional (2) Dormant Volcanoes : They are active volcanoes but are
force. not erupting at present Mt. Fuji (Japan) and Mt. St. Helen
•• Wave like bends in crustal rocks due to tangential (Washington) are such examples.
compression force resulting in horizontal movement is (3) Extinct Volcanoes : They are those volcanoes which have
called as fold. not erupted at least for 10,000 years and are not expected
•• There are five major types of folds : symmetrical, to erupt in future. Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Mt.
asymmetrical, monoclinal, isoclinal and recumbent folds. Buninyong Australia are examples of extinct volcanoes.
•• Fracture in the crustal rock causing displacement of rock 2. Classification based on periodicity of eruptions
is called as fault. (a) Active volcano: Such volcanoes erupt frequently or
•• There are four types of faults : Normal faults, Reverse at least have erupted in recent periods like barren
faults, Lateral or strike-ship faults and Step faults. islands in India and Mt Stromboli in Italy (Lighthouse
•• Exogenetic forces are generated form the atmosphere due of mediterranean sea).
to varying combination of temperature and moisture. (b) Dormant volcano: They are known to have erupted
•• Exogenetic forces result in denudational processes and show signs of possible eruption in future like Mt
(denudation = weathering + erosion) Kilimanjaro.
(c) Extinct volcano: They have stopped erupting but
Volcanism retain the features of volcanoes.
Movement of the heated material from the interior of the earth
to a towards the surface is called as volcanism. Volcano is a Earthquakes
vent opening through which these heated material like gases, • An earthquake is basically the vibration of earth produced
water, liquid lava and fragment of rocks are ejected causing by the rapid release of energy. This energy radiates in
widespread of devastation. all directions from the source, in the form of waves. It is
accompanied by a rumbling sound and tremors. The place
Distribution of Volcanic activity in world of origin of an earthquake is its focus. The point on the
(1) Circum-Pacific belt earth’s surface vertically above the focus is the epicenter.
(2) Mid-continental belt Intensity of vibrations is the maximum near the epicenter.
(3) Mid-Atlantic belt • Seismic sensors, located throughout the world can record
(4) Intra-plate volconoes the event.
(1) Circum-Pacific belt: The ‘Ring of Fire’, the belt starts • The magnitude or intensity of energy released by an
from Erebus Mountain of Antarctica, running through earthquake is measured by the Richter scale. It ranges
Andes and Rockies mountains reaches Alaska from where between 0 and 9.
it enters Asiatic coast turning eastward spreading over • Elastic Rebound theory explains the mode and cause of
volcanoes of Island arc (Sakhaline, Kamchatka, Japan, earthquake.
Hawaii and Aloutin etc.) It is the subduction zone.
(2) Mid-Continental belt : Convergent zone of continental Causes of Earthquake
plates. This belt includes the volcanoes of the Alpine • Most of the earthquakes are related with compressional
mountain chain alongwith Mediterranean sea and reaches or tenssional stresses built up at margins of the moving
the fault zone of Africa in the east. It is formed due to lithospheric plates.
collision of Eurasian plates with African and Indian plates. • Plates are dynamic and often push into one another or are
(3) Mid-Atlantic belts : It is a zone of divergent where two pulled apart at times they even slide over each other. When
plates split and form new landmass. Here volcanoes of the stress is too much these rocks break and the beings
fissure eruption are found. It runs across whole of mid- shake causing earthquake. The process of volcanicity,
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-19

faulting and elastic rebounding, hydrostatic pressure • They are generally confined to the weaker zones of the
alongwith anthropogenic and plate tectonic results in earth’s crust.
earthquake occurrence. Sometimes, the tremendous energy • These weaker zones are represented by faults or fractures
released by atomic explosions or by volcanic eruptions can within the earth’s crust and are generally less intense than
also produce earthquakes, but these events are usually too the ones found near the plate margins.
weak and infrequent. • One such zone of in-plate seismicity is the Narmada-Son
lineament, cutting across the northern plane.
Earthquake Waves
• The earthquake of January 26, 2001 of Gujarat was also
Earthquakes generate pulses of energy which are called seismic caused by the growing ‘in-plate stress’ : whole Kutch is a
waves that can pass through the entire Earth. There are three fault. Bhuj, lies close to the Allah bund fault.
major types seismic waves.
• Hence, in-plate seismicity is due to the reactivation of
• Primary (P) waves, of short wavelength and high concealed shields (stable parts of the Earth) and release of
frequency, are longitudinal waves which travel not only energy.
through the solid crust and mantle but also through the
liquid part of the earth’s core. This is compression wave. The Earthquake Zones in India
Its speed is highest so it reaches first at earth surface. On the basis of intensity of the earthquakes a map of India
• Secondary (S) waves, of short wavelength and high has been published by the Meteorological Department in
frequency, are transverse waves which travel through all collaboration of the Indian Standard Institution. The map
the solid parts of the Earth but not the liquid part of the shows the five seismic zones based on modified Mercalli
core. It is also called distortional wave and shear wave. scale.
• Long (L) Waves, of long wavelength and low frequency, Zone I - Intensity V or below (feeble, slight, moderate rather
are confined to the skin of the earth’s crust, thereby, strong)
causing most of the earthquakes structural damage. Long Zone II - Intensity VI (strong)
(L) Wave is also called Long period wave. These waves Zone III - Intensity VII (very strong)
cover the longest distance of all seismic waves.
Zone IV - Intensity VIII (Destructive Zone)
Distribution of Earthquakes belts in World Zone V - Intensity more than VIII (Disastrous, Catastrophic)
I. Circum Pacific Belt accounts for 68% of total earthquakes. Zone I - Comprises some parts of Punjab and Haryana,
Circum Pacific belt runs through the west coasts of North plains of Uttar Pradesh, Coastal plains of Maharashta and
and South America, Aleutian Islands and the island group Kerala.
along the eastern coast of Asia. Zone II - Includes Southern Punjab and Haryana, certain
II. Mid-Atlantic Belt causes 21% of total earthquakes. parts of Plains of Uttar Pradesh, Eastern Rajasthan, Coastal
This range causes mid-atlantic Ridge and several islands areas of Odisha and Tamilnadu. This is the low damage rests
nearer the ridge. Earthquake even here are of moderate to zone.
shallow magnitude. Zone III: Covers Southern and South Eastern parts of
III. Mid Continental Belt causes 11% of total earthquakes. Rajasthan, larger parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Mid-continental mountain belt runs through the middle of Karnataka, Jharkhand and Northern and North-Western
Asia from east to west and goes beyond the Mediterranean parts of Orissa.
Sea. Its axis lies along the mountain belt of the Himalayas, Zone IV: Covers Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Caucasus, and the Alps. Northern parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Eastern Uttar
• The Himalayas, making the great mountain wall of the Pradesh, Tasai and Bhabhat regions, the Himalayan areas of
north, also happen to form the northern margin of the Uttaranchal, Bihar and Sikkim
Indian plate and hence are marked by frequent and severe Zone V: Covers certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir,
earthquakes. Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal, Monghy, and Darbhanga
IV. Others districts of Bihar, Northern part of India and Kutchh region
• Seismicity may also occur away from such regions. Such of Gujarat.
seismic activities, located within the plates away from the Some specific areas where the waves are not reported, such
plate margins, are called in-plate seismicity. zone is called the ‘shadow zone’.

MINERALS
Earth is composed of various elements. These are in a solid to form various substances. These substances are known as
state in the outer layer of the earth and in molten state in the minerals. Quartz, for example, has two elements, silicon and
interior. About 98% of the total crust of the earth is composed oxygen, united together form a compound known as carbonate
of eight elements like oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, of lime. The basic source of all minerals is the hot magma in
calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium. Out of these, the interior of the earth. When magma cools down, crystals of
silicates carbonates and oxides make up a large group of them. minerals appear and a systematic series of minerals are formed
Elements in the earth’s crust are combined with other elements in sequence so as to form rocks.
G-20 Universe and Our Planet Earth

ROCKS
The earth is composed of rocks. A rock is an aggregate of Sedimentary Rocks
one or more minerals. There are three types of rocks on the
basis of their formation. (1) Igneous, (2) Sedimentary and (3) The word ‘sedimentary’ is derived from the Latin word
Metamorphic rocks. sedimentum, meaning settling. These are formed by the
sediments brought by rivers, wind and glaciers. Rocks of the
earth’s surface are exposed to denudational agents, and are
Igneous Rocks broken into smaller fragments. Such fragments are transported
• Igneous Rock is derived from latin word ‘ignis’ meaning by different exogenous agencies and deposited. These deposits
fire. due to pressure and compression turn into rocks. Sedimentary
• It is formed when magma cools and solidifies either on the rocks are sandstone, shale and conglomerates. These are also
surface of the earth or inside the earth. formed from organic matter derived from plants or animal
remains and thus are called as fossil rocks. Coal and limestone
• Igneous rocks have been forming since the earth was are such sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks are classified
born. into three major groups:
• Out of three kinds of rock – igneous, sedimentary and (i) Mechanically formed – Sandstone, Conglomerate,
metamorphic- they were first to be formed and hence they limestone, shale, loess.
are called Primary Rocks and even parent rock. (ii) Organically formed – e.g. geyserite, chalk, limestone,
• It is characterised by hardness which leads to no coal etc.
percolation of water resulting in no chemical weathering. (iii) Chemically formed – like chalk, limestone, halite, potash etc.
But the grains of igneous rocks are affected by mechanical
on physical weathering. Metamorphic Rocks
• No fossil is formed and is associated with volcanic • Metamorphic means ‘change of form’. Metamorphism
activities. covers all the processes by which rocks are altered in
• Igneous rocks are classified into (1) extrusive – it is their mineralogy, texture and internal structure owing
formed when lava gets solidified on reaching the surface of to external sources of heat, pressure and introduction
the earth and (2) intrusive – it is formed by solidification of new chemical substances. Due to metamorphism,
of magma at moderate depths beneath the earth’s surface igneous and sedimentary rocks get totally changed in their
and its rate of cooling is slow. physical state, chemical composition and crystallization of
minerals. Granite is converted into gneiss, clay and shale
• Intrusive rocks are of two types such as plutonic rocks and
are transformed into slate, and coal is transformed into
hypabyssal rocks.
graphite, limestone changes into marble. Gneiss, slate,
•. Plutonic rocks are magmas which cooled deep inside the schist and marble are examples of metamorphic rocks.
earth with a slow speed as temperature over there is high. Four types of metamorphic rocks are recognized on the basis
These rocks are of coarse grained like granite. of its composition:
• Hypabyssal rocks are volcanic magma which cools (1) Contact or thermal metamorphism (due to heat)
and solidifies in cracks, pores and hollows beneath the (2) Dynamic and regional metamorphism (due to pressure)
earth’s surface, pores, batholiths, lopoliths, phacoliths, (3) Hydro-metamorphism (due to hydro-static pressure)
laccoliths, sills and dykes are its examples. (4) Hydro-thermal metamorphism (due to water and heat)

LANDFORMS
• Oceans and continents are first order of relief. •• Mountain Chain – Which have several parallel, long and
• Mountains, plains and plateau are second order of relief. narrow mountains belonging to different periods.
• When the agent of erosion acts on these second order of •• Mountain Group – Consists of several unsystematic
relief the third order of relief is formed land forms formed patterns of different mountain system.
by agents like river, wind and glacier etc. •• Mountain System – Consists of different mountain ranges
belonging to the same period.
Mountain •• Classification based on mode of origin
1. Structural or Tectonic Mountain: These mountains
•• Mountains are significant relief features of the second come into existence due to tectonic forces. They are of
order on the earth’s surface. A mountain may have three types.
several forms.
(a) Fold Mountains: These are created by compressive
•• Mountain Ridge – a system of long, narrow and high hills. forces. Fold mountains are of three types:
•• Mountain Range – a system of mountain and hills with (i) Young Fold mountain : Some young fold
several ridges. mountain are Alps in Europe, the Rockies of
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-21

North America, the Andes of South America, plateaus of denudation because areas which were
the Himalayas of Asia and Atlas of North Africa. formerly high have now been reduced in elevation
These young fold mountains are still rising under by various agents of erosion. e.g. Appalachian
the influence of the earth’s tectonic forces. plateau, Patagonien plateau (Argentina).
(ii) Matured Fold mountain : The Urals, the (iii) Dome Plateau : Formed when land mass is uplifted
Appalachians, the Tien Shan and the Nan e.g. Ozark Plateau (USA), Chotanagapur plateau
Shan were formed during an earlier mountain- (Jharkhand)
building period. (iv) Lava Plateau : Formed due to accumulation of thick
(iii) Old Fold mountain : Folded mountains layers of basaltic lava e.g. Columbia plateau (USA),
which have originated before tertiary period Mahabaleshwar plateau, Panchgani tableland.
are called old fold mountain e.g. – Caledonian (v) Continental Plateau : They rise abruptly from the
and Hercynian, Vindhyachal, Aravalis. These lowlands or from the sea. e.g. Deccan plateau of
are also called relict fold mountain because of India, Ranchi plateau, Shillong plateau, Columbia
denudation. plateau (USA), Mexican plateau etc.
(b) Block Mountains: Originated by tensile forces (vi) Coastal Plateau : e.g. Coromandel coastal upland
leading to the formation of rift valleys e.g. Wasatch of India.
range in Utah (USA), Vosges and Black forest (vii) Desert Plateau : Arabian Plateau.
mountain (Europe), Salt Range (Pakistan) and Sierra
(viii)Humid Plateau : e.g. Shillong Plateau, Assam
Nevada mountain (USA). They are known as fault
Plateau, Mahabaleshwar Plateau etc.
black mountains.
(c) Dome Mountains: Originated by magnatic intrusions (ix) Young Plateau : e.g. Idaho Plateau (USA), Colorado
and upwraping of the crustal surface e.g. Normal Plateau (USA), Mahabaleshwar Plateau, Khandala
domes, Lava domes, Laccolithic domes, Salt domes Upland (Maharashtra).
etc. (x) Mature Plateau : e.g. Ranchi Plateau, Hazaribagh
2. Mountain of accumulation or volcanic mountain : Plateau (Jharkhand), Appalachian Plateau (USA).
Formed due to accumulation of volcanic material. Mount (xi) Rejuvenated Plateau: e.g. Missouri Plateau (USA).
Mauna Loa in Hawai islands, Mt. Fuji Yoma of Japan
and Mt. Popa in Central Myanmar are some of examples. Plains
3. Erosional or Relict Mountain : These are formed due to •• A plain is a relatively flat and low-lying land surface with
the erosion of the earlier mountains. Its examples are the least difference between its highest and lowest points.
Vindhyanchal range, Aravalis, Satpura, Eastern Ghats, They are formed by endogenetic forces, erosion and
and Western Ghats in India. exogenetic deposition.
Plains have been divided into:
Plateau (1) Structural Plains
•• Plateaus are extensive area characterized by flat and (2) Erosional Plains
rough top surface, steep sidewalls which rise above the (3) Depositional Plains
neighbouring ground surface at least for 300 metres.
•• Causes about 33% of the total earth’s area. Structural Plains
• These plains are uplift of a part of the sea floor usually
Classification of plateau bordering a continent, that is, the continental shelf.
1. Plateau formed by exogenetic processes • Depressed areas which make up very extensive lowlands
(i) Glacial Plateau, e.g. Garhwal plateau, Greenland, on the earth.
Antarctica.
• The underlying horizontal beds of rocks are relatively
(ii) Fluvial Plateau e.g. Kaimur plateau, Bhander
undisturbed by the earth’s crustal movements.
plateau, Rewa Plateau, Rohtas Plateau.
• Such plains include the great plains of Russian platform,
(iii) Aeolian Plateau e.g. Potwar Plateau (Pak), Loess
the great plains of USA and the Central lowlands of
plateau (China)
Australia.
2. Plateau formed by endogenetic processes
(i) Intermontane Plateau : The plateaus which are • The coastal plain lying between the Appalachian Piedmont
partly or fully enclosed by mountains are known as Plateau and the Atlantic coast of south-eastern United
intermontane plateaus. These are the results of the States is an example of an uplifted coastal plain.
mountain-building process which was accompanied
Erosional Plains
by a vertical uplift of the adjoining enclosed lands.
e.g. Tibetan plateau, Bolivian plateau, Péruvien •• These are formed when an elevated tract of land, for
plateau, Columbian plateau and Mexican plateau. instance, a mountain, a hill or a plateau is worn down to
(ii) Piedmont Plateau : Situated at the foot of a a plain by the process of erosion.
mountain, they are bounded on the opposite side •• The surface almost smooth is termed as a peneplain river,
by a plain or an ocean. These are also called the ice and wind eroded regions.
G-22 Universe and Our Planet Earth

•• The plain formed by wind action is called as pediplain. They are fertile and economic, importance is dependent on the
•• Northern Canada, northern Europe and west Siberia are type of sediments brought by agents of denudation.
examples of such ice-eroded plains. 1. Solution/Corrosion : It is a type of chemical weathering
•• Parts of Sahara in Africa are wind-eroded plain surface. in which most of the salts are removed from the bedrocks
•• The rivers by widening their banks and lowering the higher through the process of carbonation.
land between them have eroded parts of the Amazon basin 2. Abrasion/Corrosion : Involve the removal of loosened
into streameroded type of plains. material of the rock of valley walls and floor by actions of
erosional tools.
Depositional Plains 3. Attrition : Wear and tear of transported material when
•• The plain formed by deposition of sediments occurs due they roll and collide with each other.
to the actions of rivers, glaciers, wind, sea wave etc. 4. Hydraulic Action : It involves breakdown of rocks of
Different types of depositional plains are: valley sides due to the impact of water currents. It is both
1. River Plain : These are formed by the alluvium brought mechanical and chemical process.
down by the rivers. The Indo-Gangetic plain in Indian
subcontinent, Hwang-ho plain of north China and Povalley River Land Forms
in North Italy are some examples of alluvial plain. (1) I. Upper Course landforms : V-shaped valley, gorges,
Food plain (2) Deltaic plain (3) Pediment plain canyons, rapids and water fall these are mostly erosional
2. Lacustrine plain : A plain that originally formed in a plain of river. The river is at youth stage when it is at
lacustrine environment. It is a lake basin Valley. Kashmir upper course.
is its example. II. Middle Course landforms: Alluvial far and cone, meanders
3. Lava Plain : It is formed due to volcanic eruption. and oxbow lake are formed in the middle course of a
river. The river achieves maturity stage in this course.
4. Loess Plain : Formed due to wind deposition. Plains of
Depositional features are formed in this course.
N. China and Russian Turkistan is formed due to it.
III. Lower Course landforms : Delta is formed at the lower
5. Marine Plain : Develops near coast of shallow sea coastal course of the river. It is also known as old stage for a
areas of Netherlands Germany, Denmark and the Gulf of river.
Mexico in U.S.A.
6. Galacial Plain : Formed due to deposition of galacial and Delta
debris.
(a) Till plain (b) Morainic plain (c) Out wash plain •• Depositional feature of triangular shape at the mouth of
a river debouching either into a lake or a sea is called a
delta.
Fluvial Landforms
•• Running water is the most important agent of denudation. Types of Delta
Flow of a river or a stream is very strong. River action (a) Bird’s foot delta, Ex-Mississippi delta
includes weathering and mass wasting causes fluvial (b) Arccuate delta, Ex-Nile, Ganga, Mekong.
denudation. (c) Estuarine delta : Amazon, Ob, Vistula, and Tapi.
Erosion by rivers It is performed in two ways mechanical Their fertility and economic importance is dependent on the
erosion and chemical erosion type of sediments brought by agents of denudation.
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-23

1.
Exercise - 1
In order of their distances from the Sun, which of the 11. In the following diagram, an eclipse is represented.
following planets lie between Mars and Uranus? Which statement is correct about it ?
(a) Earth and Jupiter (b) Jupiter and Saturn •••• • • • •
(c) Saturn and Earth (d) Saturn and Neptune SUN
•• • • •••• •• • •
• • ••• •••••• •
•••••
•• •••••• ••••••••
•
•••• • • •
••• • • •• • •••••• • •
• •• • • • • • •
•••• • •• • • •
2. Which one of the following planets has largest number of A
B

natural satellites or moons?

(a) Jupiter (b) Mars (a) The diagram represents a lunar eclipse, A is the
moon and B is the earth
(c) Saturn (d) Venus
(b) The diagram represents a solar eclipse, A is the
3. Which one of the following statements is correct with
earth and B is the moon
reference to our solar system?
(c) The diagram represents a lunar eclipse, A is the
(a) The earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar
earth and B is the moon
system (d) The diagram represents a total solar eclipse
(b) The predominant element in the composition of 12. What can be the maximum duration of totality for a solar
earth is silicon eclipse?
(c) The sun contains 75 percent of the mass of the solar (a) 12.5 minutes
system (b) 7 minutes 40 seconds
(d) The diameter of the sun is 190 times that of the earth (c) 1 hour 42 minutes
4. The group of small pieces of rock revolving round the (d) There is no maximum duration
sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter are called 13. That the earth is a sphere is not proved by
(a) meteors (b) comets (a) the sunrise not being visible from all places at the
(c) meteorites (d) asteroids same time
5. In the earth’s direction of rotation is reversed, what (b) the position of polaris as one travels from equator to
should be the IST when it is noon at the International North Pole
Date Line? (c) the circular shadow of earth at the time of solar
(a) 06.30 hrs (b) 05.30 hrs eclipse
(c) 18.30 hrs (d) 17.30 hrs (d) modern navigation methods
6. Which one of the following conditions is most relevant 14. Which of the following statements with regard to the
for the presence of life on Mars? term ‘great circle’ is not correct ?
(a) Atmospheric composition (a) Equator is a great circle.
(b) Thermal conditions (b) A ship can save fuel and time by following the great
(c) Occurrence of ice caps and frozen water circle arc between two points.
(d) Occurrence of ozone (c) Only one great circle can be drawn on a sphere.
7. A meteor is (d) A great circle results when a plane passes through
(a) a rapidly moving star the centre of a sphere.
(b) a piece of mater which has entered the earth’s 15. The solar eclipse achieves totality only in limited
atmosphere from outer space
geographical regions because
(c) part of a constellation
(a) The size of the shadow of the moon on the earth is
(d) a comet without a tail
small as compared to the cross section of the earth
8. Diamond ring is a phenomenon observed:
(b) The earth is not smooth flat surface, but has
(a) at the start of a total solar eclipse
elevations and depressions
(b) at the end of a total solar eclipse
(c) only along the peripheral regions of the totality trail (c) The trajectories of the earth around the sun and the
(d) only in the central regions of the totality trail moon around the earth are not perfect circles
9. An instrument to measure the amount of brightness of (d) Sun rays can reach most of the peripheral regions of
sunshine received at a point on Earth’s surface is shadow of the moon due to atmospheric refraction
(a) Sun-dial 16. The axis of rotation of the earth is tilted by 23.5° to
(b) Sunshine recorder the plane of revolution around the sun. The latitude of
(c) Campbell - Stoke’s recorder Mumbai is less than 23.5° whereas the latitude of Delhi is
(d) All of the above more than 23.5°. Which one of the following statements
10. Which would you record the maximum angle of incidence in this regard is correct?
of the sun’s rays at the North pole ? (a) The sun can come overhead at both these places
(a) March 21 (b) The sun will never come overhead at either of these
(b) September 21 places
(c) When the sun’s rays fall vertically on the Tropic of (c) At Mumbai the sun can come overhead, but it will
Cancer never do so at Delhi
(d) When the sun’s rays fall vertically on the Tropic of (d) At Delhi, the sun can come overhead but it will
Capricorn never do so at Mumbai
G-24 Universe and Our Planet Earth

17. The sidereal month may be defined as (a) continental drift theory
(a) the period in which the moon completes an orbit (b) tetrahedral theory
around the Earth. (c) Kant’s theory
(b) the period in which the moon completes an orbit (d) Ritter’s theory
around the Earth and returns to the same position in 26. When there is noon at I.S.T. meridian people another
the sky. place of the Earth are taking their 6 O’ clock morning
(c) the period of rotation of moon tea. The longitude of the place is
(d) None of these (a) 17°30’ E (b) 7°30’ W .
18. Isostasy is (c) 172°30’ E (d) 90° W
(a) the property of the continental and oceanic crust, 27. When it is 12 Noon at Allahabad, the time at Wellington
that they have the ability to rise and sink. (New Zealand) would be close to which one of the
(b) due to which crust floats on top of the mantle like ice following?
cubes in water. (a) 4:30 pm of the same day
(c) the phenomenon when the earth’s crust gains weight (b) 4:30 pm of the previous day
due to mountain building or glaciation, it deforms (c) 6:30 pm of the same day
and sinks deeper into the mantle. (d) 6:30 pm of the previous day
(d) All are correct 28. The correct sequence of the earth’s location on its orbit
19. Magma that is more granitic tends to be very explosive around the sun is
because (a) autumnal equinox, vernal equinox, summer solstice,
(a) of relatively higher water content winter solstice
(b) of relatively higher gases content (b) vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumnal equinox,
(c) of relatively lower water content winter solstice
(d) of relatively lower gases content (c) summer solstice, vernal equinox, winter solstice,
20. Which of the statements does not prove the spherical autumnal equinox
shape of the earth? (d) winter solstice, summer solstice, autumnal equinox,
(a) If the earth were flat one would come across some vernal equinox
sharp edges 29. Beirut time is two hours ahead and Lima time is five
(b) The sunrise is not visible from all places at the same hours behind GMT. The longitudes of Beirut and Lima
time are respectively:
(c) The shadow of the earth at the time of the solar (a) 75° West and 30° East
eclipse is circular (b) 70° East and 35° West
(d) The altitude of the stars from various points on the (c) 30° East and 75° West
earth’s surface varies (d) 35° West and 70° East
21. One Astronomical Unit is the average distance between 30. If there are four place on the same meridian 500 km apart
(a) Earth and the Sun (b) Earth and the Moon and the local time at one place is 12.00 noon, what will
(c) Jupiter and the Sun (d) Pluto and the Sun be the time at the three other places?
22. On the surface of the moon, the (a) 12.00 noon
(a) mass and weight become lesser (b) 1.00 pm
(b) mass remains constant and only the weight is lesser (c) 2.00 pm
(c) only the mass is lesser (d) Different time at different places
(d) mass and weight both remain unchanged 31. Which one of the following is the time required for the
23. We always see the same face of the moon because earth to return to a given point in its orbit with reference
(a) it is smaller than the earth. to fixed stars called ?
(b) it revolves on its axis in a direction opposite to that (a) Lunar year (b) Solar year
of the earth. (c) Tropical year (d) Sidereal year
(c) it takes equal time for both revolution around the 32. Which one among the following explains the earthquakes
earth and rotation on its own axis. of the eastern margins of Asia?
(d) it rotates at the same speed as the earth around the sun. (a) Subduction of Pacific plate under Asiatic plate
24. In which region can the phenomenon of midnight sun be (b) Subduction of African plate below European plate
observed? (c) Subduction of Indian plate under Asiatic plate
(a) In the tropical zone (d) Subduction of American plate under the Pacific plate
(b) In warm temperate regions 33. Unlike other Meridians International Date Line is drawn
(c) In the Arctic and Antarctic regions zigzag in order to
(d) Anywhere at the time of solar eclipse (a) permit certain land areas and groups of islands to
25. The theory suggesting that the continents of South have the same calendar day
America and Africa were once joined together was the (b) facilitate the sailors to adjust time in their watch
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-25

(c) adjust the day in calendar while sailing from east to (c) when four full moons appear in two consecutive
west and vice versa months of the same calendar year.
(d) make 180°E and 180°W coterminous (d) None of the above
34. The latitude is the angular distance of a point of the Earth 45. During the Venus transit, the planet appeared as a tiny
surface, North or South, of the equator as measured from black circle moving on the Sun. The black colour on the
the Sun is because the planet :
(a) Centre of the Earth (a) Obstructed all light from the Sun.
(b) Equator (b) Is black in colour.
(c) Tropic of Cancer or Capricorn (c) Was invisible due to bright rays from the Sun.
(d) Poles (d) Behaved as a black hole during its transit.
35. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly 46. Scientists have determined the temperature near the
matched? Earth’s centre 1,000°C hotter than was reported in an
Month Position of Sun experiment run 20 years ago at
(a) June Midday Sun overhead at (a) 6,000° Celsius
Tropic of Cancer
(b) 5,000° Celsius
(b) December Midday Sun overhead at
(c) 4,000° Celsius
Tropic of Capricorn
(d) None of these
(c) March Midday Sun overhead on
47. Space between Earth and Moon is known as
Equator
(a) Cislunar (b) Fulalunar
(d) September Midday Sun overhead at
Arctic Circle (c) Nebula (d) None of these
36. The colour of the star is an indication of its 48. Which of the following stars is known as Fossil star?
(a) Distance from the earth (a) Protostar (b) Dog Star
(b) Distance from the sun (c) Red Giant (d) White Dwarf
(c) Temperature 49. The energy of sun is produced by
(d) Luminosity (a) Nuclear fission (b) Ionisation
37. The group of stars arranged in a definite pattern is called (c) Nuclear fusion (d) Oxidation
(a) Milky way (b) Constellation 50. Which one of the following conditions is most relevant
(c) Andromeda (d) Solar system for the presence of life on mars?
38. Which one of the following is the largest satellite in solar (a) Atmospheric composition
system? (b) Thermal conditions
(a) Ganymede (b) Titan (c) Occurrence of ice cap and frozen water
(c) Europa (d) Triton (d) Occurrence of ozone
39. The principle of Black hole was enunciated by 51. Lunar eclipse occurs
(a) C.V. Raman (a) When moon lies between earth and sun
(b) H.J. Bhabha (b) When earth lies between sun and moon
(c) S. Chandrashekhar (c) When sun lies between earth and moon
(d) H. Khurana (d) None of these
40. The distance of Moon from the Earth is 52. By how much degree the earth is inclined on its own Axis
(a) 364 thousand kms. (a) 231/2 (b) 661/2
(b) 300 thousand kms.
(c) 241/2 (d) 691/2
(c) 350 thousand kms.
53. Which of the following elements occurs the most
(d) 446 thousand kms.
abundantly in our universe?
41. Which planet was named after the Roman God Zeus?
(a) Hydrogen (b) Oxygen
(a) Earth (b) Mars
(c) Venus (d) Jupiter (c) Nitrogen (d) Helium
42. The approximate diameter of Earth is 54. The black part of the moon is always calm and dark
(a) 4200 km (b) 6400 km which is called
(c) 3400 km (d) 12800 km (a) Sea of tranquility (b) Ocean of storms
43. What is the time taken by the Earth to complete one (c) Area of storms (d) None of these
rotation on its axis? 55. Variations in the length of daytime and nighttime from
(a) 23 hr 52 min 4 sec (b) 23 hr 56 min 4 sec season to season are due to
(c) 24 hr 53 min 2 sec (d) 24 hr 12 min 6 sec (a) the earth’s rotation on its axis
44. The Blue Moon phenomenon occurs (b) the earth’s revolution round the sun in an elliptical
(a) when two full moons occur in the same month. manner
(b) when two full moons appear in the same month (c) latitudinal position of the place
thrice in a calendar year. (d) revolution of the earth on a tilted axis.
G-26 Universe and Our Planet Earth

56. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the 58. Which of the following statements regarding the duration
large scale motions of Earth’s lithosphere. Which one of day and night is correct?
among the following statements regarding Plate tectonics (a) Difference is least near the Equator and progressively
is not correct? increases away from it
(a) Tectonic plates are composed of Oceanic lithosphere (b) Difference is maximum at the Equator and
progressively decreases away from it
and thicker Continental lithosphere
(c) Difference is least at the Tropics and progressively
(b) Tectonic plates are able to move because the Earth’s
increases towards the Equator and Poles
lithosphere has a higher strength than the underlying
(d) Difference is maximum at the Tropics and
asthenosphere progressively decreases towards the Equator and
(c) The Earth’s lithosphere is broken up into Tectonic Poles
Plates 59. Which one of the following is depositional landform ?
(d) Along divergent plate boundaries, subduction (a) Stalagmite (b) Lapis
carries plates into the mantle (c) Sinkhole (d) Cave
57. Albedo effect would be relatively higher in 60. What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-
(a) early morning and late evening current? [CSAT 2015 - I]
(b) early morning only (a) The Earth’s rotation on its axis
(c) noon (b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents
(d) late evening only (c) Difference in salinity of water
(d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-27

Exercise - 2 2. Glacier surges

Statement Based MCQ 3. Tsunamis causing damage and shoreline changes
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
1. A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 only
including those from India created the heaviest anti- (c) 1 and 2 (d) 1 and 3
matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/ 7. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
implications of the creation of anti-matter? 1. All stars and planets in the universe shine by the
1. It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration reflected light of the sun.
easier and cheaper. 2. Sun is believed to be formed of condensation of
2. It will help probe the possibility of the existence of gases.
stars and galaxies made of anti-matter. 3. The sun has a surface temperature of about
3. It will help understand the evolution of the universe. 20 million °C.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below : 4. Sun is about 30,000 times as big as the earth.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2
2. About 95 per cent of active volcanoes occur at the (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
1. plate subduction zones 8. If the earth’s axis had not been inclined,
2. transform faults 1. temperature distribution would have been uniform.
3. island arcs 2. days and nights would not have occurred.
4. mid-oceanic ridges 3. seasons would not have occurred.
Choose your answer from the following codes. 4. poles would not have continuous day.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 only (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 4 (d) All of the above (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
3. Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists 9. The permanent tilt of the earth’s axis and the revolution
as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of of the earth in its orbit together cause
universe? 1. deflection of winds and ocean currents.
1. Detection of microwaves in space. 2. differences in time between places on different
2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space. meridians.
3. Movement of asteroids in space. 3. varying lengths of day and night at different times of
4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space. the year.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below : 4. changes in the altitude of the mid-day sun at different
(a) 1 and 2 times of the year.
(b) 2 only (a) 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above can be cited as evidence 10. Which of the following are true with respect to fold
4. Consider the following statements: mountains?
1. The Axis of the earth’s magnetic field is inclined at 1. Their tops are often buried beneath snow and ice.
23 and half to the geographic axis of the earth. 2. They form rugged peaks.
2. The earth’s magnetic pole in the Northern 3. They are caused by contraction of the earth’s crust.
Hemisphere is located on a Peninsula in Northern 4. They contain a core composed of metamorphic and
Canada.
igneous rocks.
3. The earth’s magnetic equator passes through
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4
Thumba in South India.
(c) 1 and 2 (d) 1 and 4
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
11. On which days do the spring tides occur?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 2 only (d) 3 only 1. new moon
5. Lithosphere covers 2. first quarter of the moon
1. Continental crust 3. third quarter of the moon
2. Oceanic crust 4. full moon
3 Upper solid part of mantle (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4
4. Upper liquid part of mantle (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
Select the correct answer from the codes given below. 12. Arrange the planets correctly in descending order in
(a) 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 3 terms of number of their satellites.
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 1. Uranus 2. Jupiter
6. Earthquakes are important in landform studies because 3. Saturn 4. Mars
they can trigger catastrophic events like (a) 2, 3, 1, 4 (b) 4, 2, 3, 1
1. Landslides and mudflows (c) 2, 3, 4, 1 (d) 3, 2, 1, 4
G-28 Universe and Our Planet Earth

13. The standard time of the following countries is ahead 2. The major constituent mineral of sandstone rock is
of behind Greenwich Mean Time depending on whether feldspar.
they are East or West of the longitude passing through 3. The major constituent mineral of limestone rock is
Greenwich. dolomite.
1. Cuba 2. Greece Select the correct answer using the code given below:
3. Iraq 4. Costa Rica (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 only
5. Japan (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3
Which one of the following sequential orders gives the 21. Which of the following phenomenon is/are the effect of
correct arrangement of the countries according to their the rotation of the Earth?
standard time from ahead to behind GMT ? 1. Apparent movement of the Sun, the Moon and the
(a) 5, 3, 2, 1, 4 (b) 2, 4, 1, 3, 5 Stars.
(c) 4, 1, 3, 2, 5 (d) 3, 5, 4, 1, 2 2. Flatness of the poles and bulge at the equator.
14. Consider the following statements : 3. Occurrence of sunrise, noon and sunset.
1. As a rock, graphite is formed from coal by thermal 4. Magnetic field of the Earth.
metamorphism. Select the correct answer by using the codes given below:
2. Gypsum is an example of sedimentary rock. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
Which of these statements is/are correct ? (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 22. Consider the following statements:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Our solar system is located in the orion arm of the
15. Consider the following statement: Milky way galaxy, about two-third of the way out
1. Mechanical weathering takes place only in sedimentary from the centre.
rocks. 2. The solar system formed from an interstellar cloud
2. The rain-water reacts with rocks to form new of dust and gas or nebulla about 4.6 billion years
chemical substances. ago.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
16. Which one of the following statements is/are correct with 23. Consider the following pairs:
regard to lines of latitude? 1. Electromagnetic radiation
1. They are concentric circles numbered from 0° to 2. Geothermal energy
90°. 3. Gravitational force
2. They are circles on a globe which are parallel to the 4. Plate movements
Equator and which are to the North and South of the 5. Rotation of the earth
Equator. 6. Revolution of the earth
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only changes on the surface of the earth?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
17. Which one of the following statements is/ are correct (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
with regard to Milky Way? (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
1. It is a spiral galaxy. (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
2. The solar system resides in one of its spiral arms. 24. Which of the following phenomena might have influenced
Select the correct answer using the code given below: the evolution of organisms? (CSAT - 2014)
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. Continental drift
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Glacial cycles
18. Consider the following statements. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1. The tropical year is shorter than the sidereal year. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. The solar day is longer than the sidereal day. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 25. Which of the following is/are direct source(s) of
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only information about the interior of the Earth?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Earthquake wave 2. Volcano
19. Which of the following statements regarding the Deccan
3. Gravitational force 4. Earth magnetism
Traps is/are correct?
1. Intense volcanic activity in the form of fissure Select the correct answer using the codes given below
eruption took place towards the end of Cretaceous (a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
period. (c) 3 and 4 (d) All of these
2. The volcanic lava spread out in horizontal sheets. 26. Statement I : Sideral day is shorter than Solar day.
3. The regur soil found here is rich in nitrogen. Statement II : The motion of the Earth in its orbit around
Select the correct answer using the codes given below the Sun is termed as revolution. [CSAT 2015-I]
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3 (a) Both the statements are individually true and
(c) 3 only (d) 1 only Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
20. Which of the following statements is/ are correct? (b) Both the statements are individually true but
1. The major constituent mineral of granite rock is Statement II is not the correct explanation of
quartz. Statement I
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-29

(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false (c) A – 3 ; B – 2 ; C – 4 ; D – 1

(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true (d) A – 4 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 1
27. Arrange the following features formed by rivers in its 30. List-I List-II
course starting from upstream: [CSAT 2015-I] (Volcanoes of the world) (Countries)
1. Meanders 2. Falls (A) Catapoxi (1) Indonesia
3. Delta 4. Oxbow Lake (B) Kilimanjaro (2) Kenya
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (C) Visuvius (3) Japan
(a) 2 – 1 – 3 – 4 (b) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3 (D) Krakatau (4) Italy
(c) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 (d) 1 – 4 – 2 – 3 (5) Canada
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (a) A - 3; B - 1; C - 4; D - 2
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) A - 5; B - 2; C - 3 ; D - 1
(c) A - 3; B - 2; C - 4 ; D - 1
Matching Based MCQ (d) A - 5; B - 1; C - 3 ; D - 2
31. List-I (Volcano) List-II (Country)
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 28 to 32) : Match List-I with List-II and (A) Semeru (1) Indonesia
select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (B) Cotopaxi (2) Equador
28. List I (Special List II (C) Etna (3) Italy
(Characteristic) (Name of planet) (D) Kilimanjaro (4) Kenya
(A) Smallest planet (1) Mercury (5) India
of the solar system (a) A - 1; B - 2; C - 3; D - 4
(B) Largest planet of (2) Venus (b) A - 3; B - 4; C - 5; D - 2
the solar system (c) A - 1; B - 4; C - 3; D - 2
(C) Planet second from (3) Jupiter (d) A - 3; B - 2; C - 5; D - 4
the Sun in the solar 32. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer
system using the code given below the Lists :
(D) Planet nearest to (4) Pluto List I List II
the Sun (5) Saturn (Phenomenon) (Date)
(a) A – 2 ; B – 3 ; C – 5 ; D – 1 A. Summer solstice 1. 21st June
(b) A – 3 ; B – 5 ; C – 1 ; D – 2 B. Winter solstice 2. 22nd December
(c) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 3 C. Vernal Equinox 3. 23rd September
(d) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1 D. Autumnal 4. 21st March
29. List I List II Equinox
(A) Piedmont plateau (1) Antrim plateau Code :
(B) Continental plateau (2) Potwas plateau A B C D
(C) Intermontane plateau (3) Bolivia plateau (a) 1 4 2 3
(D) Lava plateau (4) Patagonia plateau (b) 1 2 4 3
(a) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 3 ; D – 2 (c) 3 2 4 1
(b) A – 3 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 2 (d) 3 4 2 1
G-30 Universe and Our Planet Earth

EXERCISE-1
1. (b) Jupiter and Saturn are located between Mars and
Uranus.
2. (a) Jupiter has 63 moons and Saturn has 61.
3. (a) The earth is the densest of all the planet. Density of
Earth is 5.52, Venus–5.50, Mercury 5.27, Mars –
3.95, Jupiter and Saturn – 0.69, Uranus – 11.70.
4. (d) The asteroids are group of small pieces of rock
revolving round the sun between the orbit of Mars
and Jupiter. They are approximately 40,000 in
number.
5. (a) India is a large country spanning over 30° of
longitude. It is unusual in having a single time zone
all over the country, 5½ hours fast.
If the direction of rotation of earth is reversed then
Indian Standard Time will be – 5½ hr.
When it is noon the time is 12:00; that will be 6:30
A.M.in place of 17:30 P.M. or 5:30 P.M.
6. (c) Mars is the only planet with similar day time 36. (c) The colour of the star is an indication of its
temperatures and an atmosphere similar to earth. temperature. The glowing is caused by something
The most relevant condition for presence of life on
called Black-Body radiation, which has to do with
Mars is occurrence of ice caps and frozen water.
7. (b) Meteor is a small celestial body which has entered the heat energy trying to radiate away in more and
the earth’s atmosphere by the gravitational force of more energetic wavelengths. Red stars are relatively
earth, when they pass close to it. Meteors typically cool at only a few thousand degrees Celsius, white
occurs in the mesosphere, and most range in altitude stars are hot at about ten thousand degrees, and blue
from 75 km to 100 km. stars are the hottest.
8. (c) Diamond ring is observed during solar eclipse, only 37. (b) The group of stars arranged in a definite pattern
along the peripheral regions of the totality trail. is called constellation. In modern astronomy, a
9. (c) 10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (b) 13. (c) constellation is an internationally defined area of
14. (c) 15. (a) 16. (c) 17. (b) 18. (d) the celestial sphere. These areas are grouped around
19. (a) asterisms, which are patterns formed by prominent
20. (c) At the time of the solar eclipse it is not the shadow stars within apparent proximity to one another on
of the earth that is visible on the surface of the sun. Earth’s night sky.
The solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes 38. (a) Ganymede is the largest satellite in solar system.
between the sun and the earth. The shadow of the Ganymede is a satellite of Jupiter and the largest
earth is visible during the lunar eclipse. moon in the Solar System. It is the seventh moon
21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (c) 24. (c) and third Galilean satellite outward from Jupiter.
25. (a) 26. (b) 27. (c)
Completing an orbit in roughly seven days,
28. (b) These sequence occurred in this sequence : 21
Ganymede participates in a 1:2:4 orbital resonance
March, 21 June, 23 Sept. and 21 December.
29. (a) Beirut is in the east of G..M.T. and Lima is five with the moons Europa and Io, respectively. It has
hours behind the G.M.T. a diameter of 5,268 km (3,273 mi), 8% larger than
We know that 1° is equal to four minutes i.e., 2 that of the planet Mercury, but has only 45% of the
hours = 30° East and Beirut is 75° West of G.M.T. latter’s mass.
30. (a) 31. (d) 39. (c) The principle of Black hole was enunciated by
32. (a) In 1906, Montessus de Bailore described the S. Chandrashekhar. A Black Hole is a region of
earthquakes and their characteristics within a space-time from which gravity prevents anything,
specific region. It generally occurs by subduction including light, from escaping. The theory of
of pacific plate under Asiatic plate and triggered a general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact
series of devastating Tsunamis. mass will deform spacetime to form a black hole.
33. (a) The International Date line is an imaginary line Around a black hole, there is a mathematically
which go through the North pole to the South pole. defined surface called an event horizon that marks
It is 180º away from the Greenwich Meridian. the point of no return. The hole is called “black”
34. (b) because it absorbs all the light that hits the horizon,
35. (d) The parallel at which the sun is overhead at midday reflecting nothing, just like a perfect black body in
is shown in the following diagram : thermodynamics.
Universe and Our Planet Earth G-31

40. (a) The distance of moon from the Earth is 364 57. (a) Albedo also varies according to the angle of incidence
thousands kms. The Moon is the only natural of the Sun Raysbeing higher for slating rays and
satellite of the Earth and the fifth largest moon in lower for vertical or nearly vertical rays. From this
the Solar System. It is the largest natural satellite of we can derive that albedo will be relatively higher
a planet in the Solar System relative to the size of during early morning and late evening because at
its primary, having 27% the diameter and 60% the both times, Sun rays are slanting.
density of Earth, resulting in 1⁄ 81 its mass. 58. (a) On the equator, the day and night stay approximately
41. (d) Jupiter was named on the Roman God Zeus. Zeus the same length all year round.
is the “Father of Gods and Men” who rules the 59. (a) Stalagmite is a onical mineral deposit, usually calcite
Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father rules the or aragonite, built up on the floor of a cavern,formed
family according to the ancient Greek religion. He from the dripping of mineral-rich water.
is the God of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. 60. (a) The Earth’s rotation on its axis explains the eastward
Zeus is etymologically cognate with and, under flow of the equatorial counter-current. The earth
Hellenic influence, became particularly closely would have been rotating east to west, the piled
identified with Roman Jupiter.
up water would have come down on the west side.
42. (d) The approximately diameter of Earth is 12800 km.
Therefore, essentially it’s the earth’s rotation that
The rotation of the planet has slightly flattened it
explains the eastward flow of equatorial counter
out, so it has a larger diameter at the equator than
current.
at the poles. The equatorial diameter of Earth is
12,756 km, its polar diameter is 12,713 km, and its EXERCISE-2
average diameter, which is referred to in common
1. (b) It will help probe the possibility of the existence of
usage, is 12,742 km or 7,926 miles.
stars and galaxies made of anti-mater. It will also
43. (b) The time taken by the Earth to complete one rotation
help in understanding the evolution of the universe.
on its axis is 23 hr-56 min 4 sec.
2. (c)
44. (a) 45. (d) 46. (a)
3. (a) Only 1st and 2nd are correct.
47. (a) Space between Earth and Moon is known as
Cislunar. Pertaining to the space between the earth 4. (b)
and the orbit of the moon. 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (c)
48. (d) White Dwarf is known as Fossil star. They are 10. (a) 11. (c) 12. (a)
supported by electron degeneracy pressure. It 13. (a) Greenwich Mean Time is the standard time for
amplifies the contrast with red giants. They are time assessment in different countries of earth. The
both very hot and very small. They are the opposite countries which lies east of the Greenwich line is
of black holes. They are the end-products of small, ahead of Greenwich Mean Time while the countries
low-mass stars. which lies west of Greenwich has their standard time
49. (c) 50. (c) 51. (b) 52. (a) 53. (a) behind the Greenwich Mean Time. So, the correct
54. (a) The black part of the moon is called sea of sequence of the countries are Japan, Iraq, Greece,
tranquility. Sea of tranquility is not an actual sea but Cuba and Costa Rica.
rather the point at which Apollo 11 first landed on
14. (c) 15. (b)
when it reached the moon. It is a lunar mare which
16. (c) The latitude of a place defined as the arc, measured
mainly consists of basalt rock and is located on the
Tranquilitatis basin which is on the Moon. The mare in degree, north or south of the meridian between
has a tint which is slightly blue in colour and stands the place and the equator. The equator is given the
out from the rest of the moon. value of 0º. The latitudes thus range from 0º at the
55. (b) Rotation of earth on its axis causes day and night but equator to 90° north or south at the poles.
the revolution of earth in an elliptical manner around 17. (c) The Milky Way galaxy is the home of our solar
the sun causes seasons, equinoxes and solstices. system. It is very difficult to study this glaxy because
56. (d) Tectonic plates are composed of oceanic lithosphere the solar system is located within it. It seems to be a
and thicker continental lithosphere, each topped by spiral galaxy.
its own kind of crust. Tectonic plates are able to 18. (a) 1 Sidereal year = 365.2564 days;
move because the Earth’s lithosphere has greater 1 Tropical year = 365.2422 days;
strength than the underlying asthenosphere. The So difference is 0.0142 days.
outer shell of the earth, the lithosphere is broken up 19. (b)
into tectonic plates. The seven major plates are the 20. (c) Limestone is composed of mineral calcite and
African plate, Antarctic plate, Eurasian plate, Indo- aragonite which are different forms of calcium
Australian plate, North American plate, Pacific carbonate. Limestones may be formed from skeletons
plate and South American plate. Along convergent of corals and foraminifera. It is a sedimentary rock
boundaries,subduction carries plates into the mantle. easily soluble in water.
G-32 Universe and Our Planet Earth

21. (d) All the given phenomena are the effect of the rotation 26. (b) The sidereal day is the time it takes for the Earth
of the earth. The Earth rotates from the west towards to complete one rotation about its axis with respect
the east. As viewed from the North Star or polestar to the ‘fixed’ stars. By fixed, we mean that we treat
Polaris, the Earth turns counter-clockwise. the stars as if they were attached to an imaginary
22. (c) Our solar system is located in the orion arm of the celestial sphere at a very large distance from the
milky way galaxy, about two-third of the way out from Earth. A measurement of the sidereal day is made
the centre. The sun is about 26,000 light-years from by noting the time at which a particular star passes
the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, which is about the celestial meridian (i.e. directly overhead) on
80,000 to 120,000 light-years across (and less than two successive nights. On Earth, a sidereal day lasts
7,000 light-years thick). We are located on one of for 23 hours 56 minutes 4.091 seconds, which is
slightly shorter than the solar day measured from
its spiral arms, out towards the edge. It takes the sun
noon to noon. At the same time that the Earth spins
(and our solar system) roughly 200-250 million years
on its axis, it also orbits or revolves around the Sun.
to orbit once around the Milky Way. In this orbit, we
This movement is called revolution.
(and the rest of the Solar System) are traveling at a
27. (b) Falls are possible only when a river is losing
velocity of about 155 miles/sec (250 km/sec).
height suddenly. Next comes meanders. When a
23. (d) From electromagnetic radiation to revolution of the
earth, everything is responsible for bringing dynamic river reaches flatter land,flow is slowed down and
changes on the surface of the earth. For example: meanders are formed through erosion of the river
Electromagnetic radiation brings changes in the banks and deposition on the inside of bends.
field of microwaves, wavelengths of radio, UV rays, Oxbow lake is formed when a wide meander is cut
infra red rays, X rays and gamma rays. Geothermal off from the main river, creating a free-standing
energy is the heat received from the earth’s core. body of water.
This heat continuously flows outward. It transfers Delta is formed at the mouth of a river, where the
to the surrounding layers of rock, the mantle. When river flows into an ocean, sea, estuary, lake, or
temperature and pressure becomes very high some
reservoir.
mantle rocks melt becoming magma. It then either
comes out as lava or heat up the nearby rocks and 28. (d) A. The smallest planet of the solar system is–Pluto
water which comes out as hot springs or geysers. B. The largest planet of the solar system is–Jupiter
Gravitational force is constantly working on all C. The planet second from the Sun in the solar
physical bodies. It is giving weights to objects with system is–Venus
mass and causes them to fall to the ground when D. Planet nearest to the Sun is – Mercury.
dropped. Plate movement is a dynamic change on 29. (d) 30. (c)
the surface of the earth. It explains many aspects 31. (a) A. Semeru Volcano is situated in Indonesia.
of the interrelationship of volcanoes, earthquakes, B. Cotopaxi Volcano is situated in Equador.
climate change, and the evolution of life itself. C. Etma Voplcano is situated in Italy.
Everything about our planet is related either directly D. Kilomanjaro Vaolcano is situated in Kenya.
or indirectly to plate tectonic. Rotation causes day 32. (b) The correct match is as follows:
and night. Revolution causes seasons, change in the
Summer Solstice- 21st June
length of day and night.
24. (c) Continental Drift and Glacial Cycles have influenced Winter solstice- 22nd December
the evolution of organisms. Continental drift is the Vernal Equinox- 21st March
movement of the Earth’s continents relative to each Autumnal Equinox- 23rd September
other by appearing to drift across the ocean bed. A June 21 is called the summer solstice in the Northern
glacial period is an interval of time within an ice age Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the
that is marked by glacier advances. winter solstice occurs either December 21 or 22.
25 (a) Earthquake waves are propagating vibrations that Vernal Equinox is the time when the sun crosses the
carry energy from the source of the shaking outward plane of the earth’s equator,making night and day
in all directions. It is of four types: of approximately equal length all over the earth and
P (for primary) S (for secondary) occurring about March 21. The Autumn Equinox
Love Rayleigh is the first day of the autumn season and occurs
A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a when the sun passes the equator moving from the
pool of molten rock below the surface of the earth. northern to the southern hemisphere. It occurs on 23
When pressure builds up, eruptions occur. September.
HYDROSPHERE
3
Chapter

Introduction
Hydrosphere refers to the total amount of water present on or under the surface of a planet. Around 70% of the earth surface is
covered by water and it is present in all the three state of matter, i.e. solid as glaciers and ice caps, liquid in the form of oceans,
seas, lakes and rivers and gas in the form of cloud, and water vapour. Hydrosphere plays significant role in the biosphere as :
• It has the ability to dissolve almost everything.
• It has the potential to store heat for quite a long period of time.
• It nourishes the organism.
• It helps to maintain the flow of elements in the biosphere.

Hydrosphere

Hydrological Components
Cycle of Hydrosphere

Surface Water Ground Water

Ocean Sea Lake River (other landforms

Gulf, Bay, Straits
Wetlands Estuaries, etc

Ground Water

Ocean Structure Ocean Temperature Salinity of Ocean Marine

Relief of ocean ocean todes Reformer

Contineatal Continental Deep Sea Ocean

Shelf Slope Plain Deep
Abyssal plain
G-34 Hydrosphere

HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE
Commonly known as the water cycle. It is the circular flow Interception is the precipitation trapped by vegetation instead
of water within earth’s atmosphere, involving all the three of falling on ground.
forms of matter such as solid, liquid and gaseous forms. It also Run off is the movement of water on the earth, surface through
refers to the continuous exchange of water from the one form different channels such as river, streams, etc.
to another with the application of external energy. Through Subsurface Flow is the movement of water within the earth’s
various process of physical action such as evaporation, crust after infiltration which eventually either come up through
condensation, precipitation, interception, infiltration, runoff, artesian well or seep to the ocean.
surface flow. Fishes are the important members of there community. They
Evaporation is the process of transformation of water from are further categorised into
the water bodies to water vapour in the atmosphere. Pelagic fish - who leaves neither too close to share nor to the
Condensation is the process of changing the state from water bottom.
vapour to water in the upper air. It generally takes the form Demersal fish - On the contrary these fishes occupy the bottom
of cloud. area of the sea.
Precipitation is the downpour of condensed cloud mostly in Other than fishes this community is also famous for marine
the form of rainfall, and sometimes as snow, hails, fog, drop, mammals which are again divided into two categories
etc. The mammals who can stay both in water and land for example
Infiltration is the process of penetration of water into seal
underground strata of earth’s crust. The second category of mammals spend their entire life in side the sea.

COMPONENTS OF HYDROSPHERE
There are four major components of Hydrosphere. Ocean Structure
•• Oceans •• 39.3% of the northern hemisphere comprises of landmass
•• Fresh water and 60.7% is covered by sea and oceans. This share in
•• Glacial water the southern hemisphere is of 19.1% and 80.9% between
•• Atmospheric water vapour land and water.
(a) Surface water •• Ocean has been divided into two main groups:
(b) Ground water
(i) the ocean
(a) Surface water: Oceans, seas, lakes, ponds, rivers and
streams are main examples of surface water. (ii) the sea.
(b) Ground water: Ground water is found in soil pores, •• Ocean contains more than 97% of total water on earth.
rocks, aquifers and springs. The water percolates through •• Ocean has the average depth of about 4 km.
pores in rock and soil filling all the available spaces. •• Geographically ocean has been divided into (i) the Pacific
(ii) the Atlantic (iii) the Indian (iv) the Arctic.
Distribution of water through different Sources
(in %) •• Pacific Ocean is the largest and oldest followed by Atlantic
(25%), Indian (21%) and Arctic (2.83).
Oceans 97.3 Saline Water
•• Arctic is strictly not an ocean and not navigable.
Ice-cap and glaciers 2.05
Ground water 0.68 Ocean Relief
Fresh water lake 0.009 Fresh Water
Inland sea and salt lakes 0.009 Ocean floor is characterized by four relief zone which are as
Atmosphere 0.0019 follows:
Rivers 0.0001 1. Continental Shelf
2. Continental Slope
Oceans 3. Deep Sea Plain / Abyssal Plain
As major portion of Earth’s Hydrosphere is covered by ocean 4. Ocean Deep
we are now going to discuss. Ocean and its various features.
An ocean (from Ancient Greek Okeanos,) is a body of saline
water that composes much of a planet’s hydrosphere. One
Earth, an ocean is one of the major conventional divisions
of the world Ocean, which covers almost 71% of its surface.
These are, in descending order by area, the pacific, Atlantic,
Indian, Southern and Arctic Oceans. The word sea is often
used interchangeably with “ocean” in American English but,
strictly speaking, a sea is a body of saline water (generally a
division of the world ocean) partly or fully enclosed by land.
Hydrosphere G-35

1. Continental Shelf (i) Glacially eroded and

The continental shelf is margin of continent are submerged (ii) Non-glacial eroded
under ocean water upto 100 fathoms (600 feet). Continental Rise
• Its slope varies from 1° to 3°. It is a depositional feature made up of thick sequences of
• It is determined by the coastal reliefs. Narrow shelf is continental material that accumulate between the continental
found where a high mountain runs parallel to coast. slope and the abyssal plain.
• In Atlantic Ocean it is 2 km to 80 km wide. The Sea Mount
continental shelf in Pacific Ocean varies between 160 Mountain within ocean does not reaches the water surface is
km to 1600 km of width. called sea mount. When the top of this mount is eroded by
• On an average continental shelf of Indian ocean in the
currents making its top flat, it is known as guyot.
west is 640 km wide and in the east near Java and
Sumatra is as narrow as 160 km and further narrower Ocean Ridge
along the coast of Antarctic. It is a continuous submarine mountain chain extending to
• The point where a mark increase in slope angle occurs thousands of kilometers. The ridges rise from depths near 5
is called as shelf break. km (3 miles) to an essentially uniform depth of about 2.6 km
• About 20% of oil and gas production is extracted from (1.6 miles) and are roughly symmetrical in cross section. It is
them. formed across transform faults within fracture zones.
• They support productive fishing ground and are good
source of marine food (Dogger bank, Grand bank). Major Trenches and Ridges in World
Origin •• Mariana Trench 
• Marine waves and currents erode the continental The cavity located near the Mariana Islands, where the
margin continuously. Pacific Plate and the Philippine Plate converge; it is the
• Prolong deposition of detritus brought by rivers is world’s deepest trench (about 36,000 feet).
found only in the region where sea is calm.
•• Puerto Rico Trench
• The compression force acting as thermal convective
current formed beneath continental and oceanic plates. It is located off the coast of Puerto Rico, on the boundary
• Generation of parallel faults along the continental between the South American and Caribbean plates; it
plates features the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean (27,493
• Rise and fall in sea level due to glaciations. feet).
• Submergence and emergence of the continent. •• Peru-Chile Trench
2. Continental Slope The trench (26,460 feet) borders South America and
it is the world’s longest trench (3,700 mi), located on
• Continental slope has a steep slope, beyond continental
the boundary between the Nazca Plate and the South
shelf towards ocean.
American Plate.
• Its slope varies from 2° to 5°.
• Depth of water is 200 m to 2,000 m. •• Pacific-Antarctic Ridge
• Occupies 8.5% of the total area of ocean basin Mountain range separating the Pacific and Antarctic
Origin plates; it joins the eastern Pacific Ridge off the coast of
Continental slope is formed due to erosion, tectonic South America.
and aggradations (increase in land elevation). •• East Pacific Ridge
3. Deep Sea Plain / Abyssal Plain Ridge that marks the boundary between the Pacific and
Cocos Islands plates to the north, and the Pacific and
• It is most extensive relief, covering 75.9% of the total
Nazca plates to the south.
area of ocean basin.
• It is flat and rolling submarine. •• Aleutian Trench
• Its depth varies between 3000 m to 6000 m. Trench (25,600 feet) extending from Alaska to the
Kamchatka Peninsula; it results from the Pacific Plate
4. Ocean Deep sliding beneath the North American Plate.
• It is made of depression and trenches. •• North America
• It runs parallel to coast generally. Its area (9.3 million sq. mi) represents about 16% of
• Grouped into two according to size the world’s land; the Central American isthmus is an
(i) Deep – It has great depth and is less extensive extension of North America.
depression.
•• Mid-Indian Ridge
(ii) Trenches – It is a long and narrow linear
depression. Mountain range in the middle of the Indian Ocean that
separates the African and Australian-Indian plates.
Submarine Canyon •• Southwest Indian Ridge
It is long, narrow and very deep valley or trenches. It is located Ridge separating the African and Antarctic plates; it joins
on the continent shelf and slope with vertical walls. It is at the Mid-Indian and Southeast Indian ridges off the coast
maximum 16 km long. Morphogenetic classification: of Madagascar.
G-36 Hydrosphere

•• South America •• Sky condition, stability or instability of air and stratification

Represents about 12% of the world’s land and is linked to of seawater decides daily range of temperature.
North America by Central America; its features include •• The minimum and maximum temperature is recorded at 5
the Andes in the west and plains and plateaus in east and a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.
central regions. Annual Range of Temperature
•• Mid-Atlantic Ridge •• Maximum temperature is recorded in the month of August
Ridge about 7,000 miles long, located in the middle of the and minimum in the month of February in northern
Atlantic Ocean; some of its mountains reach the surface, hemisphere.
forming islands such as Iceland. •• Variation in the temperature is mainly due to insolation,
•• Ryukyu Trench nature of sea, prevailing and location of sea, etc.
Trench (24,629 feet) located near the Ryukyu Islands; it Mean Annual Temperature of Water
marks the boundary between the Philippine Plate and the
Ocean Mean Temperature (in oC)
Eurasian Plate.
Pacific 19.1
•• Japan Trench
Trench (27,929 feet) located east of Japan, on the boundary Atlantic 16.9
between the Pacific Plate and the Eurasian Plate; this zone Indian 17.0
is marked by intense seismic activity. Average 17.4
•• Kuril Trench
Factors affecting Distribution of Temperature
Trench (34,587 feet) located northeast of Japan; it results •• Latitude
from the Pacific Plate sliding beneath the Eurasian Plate.
•• Unequal distribution of land and sea.
•• Philippine Trench
•• Prevailing wind
Trench bordering the eastern Philippines, reaching depths
of 34,578 feet; it results from the Philippine Plate sinking •• Ocean current
beneath the Eurasian Plate. Minor factors include: Submarine ridges, local weather,
•• Kermadec-Tonga Trench location and shape of sea.
Cavity located north of New Zealand, where the Pacific Horizontal distribution
Plate meets the Australian-Indian Plate; it reaches depths •• Average temperature of the ocean is 26.7°C
of 35,702 feet. •• Gradual decrease from equator towards poles is 0.5° F
•• Southeast Indian Ridge per latitude.
Ridge separating the Antarctic Plate from the Australian- •• Variation of temperature in the northern and southern
Indian Plate; its topography is more regular than the hemispheres is mainly due to unequal distribution of land
topography of the Southwest Indian and Mid-Indian and ocean water.
ridges. Vertical Distribution
•• Java Trench •• Surface of ocean has highest temperature due to insolation
Trench located south of Indonesia, between the Australian- and heat transmitted from below through conduction
Indian and the Eurasian Plates; it is the deepest point in process.
the Indian Ocean (24,440 ft). •• Solar energy effectively penetrates 20m and seldomly
reaches beyond 200 m depth.
Temperature of Ocean
•• Increase in depth decrease the temperature. Rapid fall in
•• Temperature of the ocean is important for both marine
temperature upto 200 m.
organisms and coastal animals as it affects coastal climate.
•• 200 m divides the ocean floor into two vertically-
•• Standard thermometer with accuracy upto ± 0.02°C is
used for its measurement. (i) Photic/ Euphotic zone is the upper surface upto the
depth of 200 m and receives solar radiation.
•• Ocean is divided into three layers according to temperature.
(ii) Alphatic zone goes beyond 200 m depth to the bottom
(i) Epilimnion Layer is the first layer which is upto 500 m
and receives no solar ray.
from top having temperature of 20° - 25°C.
(ii) Thermocline Layer is below 500 m to 1000 m where Density of Ocean
temperature decreases at a rapid rate with the increase
• Amount of mass per unit volume of substance, measured
in depth.
in g/cm3 is called as density of ocean water.
(iii) Hypolimnion Layer is the third layer, very cold in
nature and extend upto deep ocean floor from 1000 m. • Density of pure water is 1 g/cm3 at 4°C and of ocean
Only Polar region has this layer starting from surface water is 1.0278 g/cm3 (2-3% higher than water) at 4°C.
to deep ocean form. • It increases with lowering of temperature of ocean.
Daily Range of temperature is the difference of maximum Highest density is recorded at -1.3°C.
and minimum temperature of a day Factors controlling density
•• At low latitudes it is usually 0.3°C and 0.2° to 0.3°C at Temperature is inversely proportional to density, whereas
higher latitudes. pressure and salinity are directly related to it.
Hydrosphere G-37

Density stratification of Ocean Distribution

• Density wise Ocean is a three layered structure •• Latitudinal decline in salinity is seen with the increase in
i) Surface layer, ii) Pychocline layer and iii) Deep layer distance from equator.
(i) Surface layer •• The equator does not have highest salinity due to heavy
It has lowest density, having thickness of 100 to 200 rainfall, through temperature and evaporation are high.
m and is called as photic zone. Only 2% of seawater is •• Middle latitudes between 20° to 40° N and 10° to 30°S
found there. The zone is important for the growth of has high temperature and evaporation but low rainfall.
phytoplankton through the process of photosynthesis. •• The zone between 40° - 60° latitude in both hemisphere
Phytoplankton is eaten by zooplankton, it initiates record low salinity 31% and 35% respectively in Northern
food chain process. and Southern hemisphere.
(ii) Pycocline layer •• Sub-polar and polar zone has minimum salinity whereas
It is a transition zone characterized by rapid change tropics (20°-30°) has maximum.
of density. It is found between 300 m - 1000 m depth •• Low salinity of the northern part of Caspian is 14% due to
of ocean water. 18% of the total volume of the ocean the influx of water brought by rivers (Volga, Ural, etc.).
water lies in this zone. On the other hand there is high salinity in the southern
(iii) Deep layer part near Gulf of Karabugas (170%). Red sea has 220%,
It has high density. Water mass beyond 1000 m Lake Van has 330% and Dead sea has 238% of salinity.
depth to the ocean floor contain 80% of the total Ocean Deposits
volume of ocean water. It denotes high density and
•• Loose materials in the form of sediments derived from
low temperature.
various sources, found at ocean floor are called as ocean
Salinity of the Ocean deposits.
•• It consists of both organic and inorganic matters.
•• Ratio between the weight of dissolve matter and sample
•• Weathering and erosion of continental rocks are
sea water (part of salt per thousand part of water) is called
transported by river and wind.
as salinity of ocean water.
•• Volcanic eruption, decay and decomposition of marine
•• Average salinity of ocean water is 35%. organisms also contribute to ocean deposits.
•• Salinity of ocean water is affected by marine organism,
plant community and physical properties of ocean such as Sources and Types of Marine Deposits
temperature, density, waves, pressure and currents. On the basis of origin Marine deposits can be classified into the
•• Highest salinity is observed between 20° - 40° N (36%). following groups:
•• Boiling point of saline water is higher than pure water. (1) Terrigenous deposits
•• The instrument used for measurement of salinity of water (2) Volcanic deposits
is called salinometer. (3) Biotic matter/ Organic deposits
•• The line with same salinity is joined by Isohalines. (4) Abiotic matter/ Inorganic deposits
•• Halocline indicates sharp increase in salinity. (1) Terrigenous deposits
•• Salts brought by rivers are the main source of salinity. It • They have continental origin and due to weathering and
erosional factors fine to coarse grains are formed.
contains 60% of calcium sulphate, 2% of sodium chloride.
• They consist of gravel, sound, silt, clay and mud (blue
(Salts in Ocean Water) mud, green mud, red mud).
Name of Salts In % • Gravel range from 2 mm to 256 mm, and mud, clay
and silt has the diameter of 1/32 mm to 1/8192 mm.
Sodium Chloride 77.8 Mud is the finest with 1/ 8192 mm of diametric.
Magnesium Chloride 10.9 (2) Volcanic deposits
Magnesium Sulphate 04.7 Derived from two sources:
Calcium Sulphate 03.6 (i) Volcanic eruption on level (land) and
Potassium Sulphate 02.5 (ii) Volcanic eruption in the ocean.
Calcium Carbonate 00.3 (3) Organic deposits
Skeleton of marine organism divided into two:
Magnesium Bromide 00.2
(i) Neretic matter: Skeletons of organism.
Factors controlling salinity (ii) Pelagic matter: Remains of algae found in liquid
• Evaporation is positively related to the salinity level. mud, generally called as ooze.
• Precipitation has a negative relation with it. Oozes are divided into two
• Influx of river water has inverse relation with salinity (a) Calcareous oozes contain lime and are of two types:
level. (i) Pteropod oozes are formed of floating shells of
• Atmospheric pressure and wind are of directional help in pteropod molluscs. These shells are conical in shape
the redistribution of water salinity. and ½ inches in diameter. Contain 80% of calcium
• Circulation of ocean water is the controlling factor of and found in tropics at depth of 300-1000 fathoms of
salinity in a region. water and disappears at 2000 fathoms.
G-38 Hydrosphere

(ii) Globigerina oozes are formed from the shells of (ii) Barrier Reef
foraminifera. They contain 64% of calcium, 1.64% • It is the largest, highest and widest of all reefs.
of silica and 3.3% of mineral. Usually found in • It runs parallel to coastal platform.
topics and temperate zone of Atlantic Ocean, west • It has average slope of 45° but on an average it has 15°
coast of Indian Ocean and in eastern Pacific oceans to 25° slope.
continental shelves. • Shallow lagoons are formed in between land and
(b) Siliceous oozes: Derive from a group of protozoa barrier reef.
or radiolarian and benthic animals (sponges). These Great Barrier rief located parallel to the east coast of
oozes do not dissolve unlike calcareous oozes. They Africa is the largest barrier reef.
are found in both warm and cold water at great depth (iii) Atoll
and are of two types such as: • A ring of narrow corals growing in a form of rim
(i) Radiolarian oozes are formed by shells of radiolarian encircling a lagoon partially or completely.
and foraminifera. Silica dominates and lime content • It is horseshoe shape.
increases with increasing depth. 2000 to 5000 • Atoll are found in Antilles sea, red sea, China sea
fathoms is the depth between which they are found. Australian sea, Indonesian sea.
(ii) Diatom oozes are formed of shells of very • Fun futti Atoll of Ellice Island is the world famous at
microscopic plants rich in silica. They are blue near all
land and yellow or cream away from land. Some Famous Coral Reefs in the World
(4) Inorganic deposits
• They come from land by various agencies which The Great Barrier Reef
include dolomites, amorphous silica, iron, manganese It is the large coral reef in the world. It is located in eastern
oxide, phosphate, barite, glauconitic, phosphorite, coast of Queensland in Australia. It has 2,900 individual reefs,
feldspar phillipsite and clay. and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers within an
area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers.
Coral Reefs and Atoll
• They are accumulated and compact skeleton of lime The Belize Barrier Reef
secreting organisms known as coral polyps, confined The coastal area of Belize consists of the largest barrier reef
between 25°N - 25°S latitude. in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred
• They line on lime and in colony form. sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries.
• Corals are called as rain forests of the oceans. It is habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles,
manatees and the American marine crocodile.
Condition for Growth
• High mean annual temperature between 68°F to 70°F The Red Sea Reef
(20°C - 21°C) is required for their growth. It is found on the coast of Red sea and is the northern most
• Do not survive in deep water, i.e. should not be more than reef found in Indian ocean, extending 2,000 km. Fringing reef
250 feet (60-77 m). systems is developed enormously over here.
• Oxygen and sunlight is required for their growth.
The Pulley Reef
• Sediment free water is needed.
• Fresh water is harmful for corals. It is located on the coast of Florida, USA. The corals Agaricia
• Very high oceanic salinity is injurious for the growth of sp. is found here in tan-brown shade largely.
coral. Coral Bleaching
• Ocean current and waves are good for the growth of coral Scientifically it is the process of loss of intracellular
as they bring food for them and determine their shape. endosymbionts or zoonanthellae either through expulsion
• They grow in open sea. or lost of algae pigmentation. In general it can be viewed
• Extensive submarine platforms are required for the as the indicative death of corals with the increase in ocean
development of coral colonies. temperature the coral starts expelling the algae living in their
• Human economic activity like deforestation and tissue and as a result the corals get completely white.
industrialization, etc. cause global warming which Causes
adversely affect corals growth. Global warming which leads to increase in the temperature
Types of Coral Reef of ocean water.
The submarine reefs are classified on the basis of nature, shape Near share corals bleach due to storm generated precipitation
and mode of occurrence: (i) fringing reef, (ii) barrier reef, and which carry pollutants and contaminate ocean water.
(iii) atoll. Over exposure to sunlight leads to the increase in temperature
(i) Fringing Reef of ocean water and hence result into coral bleaching.
• Develops along the continents in shallow water. Expocure to air due to extreame lowtides.
• It has steep slope on seaward side and gentle slope land
ward side. Ocean Tide
Fringing Reefs are found in Sakau island southern florida, • The periodic rise and fall of sea water than the average sea
mehetia island, etc. level is a tide.
Hydrosphere G-39

•• The fall of seawater and movement towards sea is called • When the sun, the moon and the earth are in sequential
ebb. This generates low water level and called as low tide. order in a straight line is called as conjunction. It is
•• The difference between high and low tide is called as tidal when solar eclipse occurs. It occurs on new or full
range. moon day.
• When the earth is in between the moon and the sun are
•• The variation in the height of both low and high tide can
called as opposition. It occurs on new or full moon day.
be seen from place to place.
Types of Tide
•• This variation depends on depth of ocean water
•• Configuration of sea coasts and coastlines and openness or
closeness of the sea.
Interchanging position of Sun, moon
and earth and the associated tides

(ii) Neap tide

Origin It is a quadrature position between the earth, the sun
•• Primarily occurs due to gravitational forces of the sun and the moon on seventh or eighth day of the fortnight.
During this time the forces of the sun and the moon acts
and moon.
in opposite direction. It is 20% lower than normal tide.
•• The revolution of the earth around the sun in an elliptical Tides clear the sediments brought by rivers, retarding the
path and that of moon around earth from west to east. development of delta and clean the coast.
There is change in distance between earth and moon (iii) Perigean and Apogean Tides
during different time in every month. When the moon is nearest to the earth in its orbit (at
•• The period of the farthest distance between the moon perigee), its tide-producing power is greater than average,
and the earth (407,000 km) is called as apogee and when resulting in perigean tides. These are 15-20% greater
nearest distance (356,000 km) is called as perigee. than average. When the moon is farthest from the earth
The tidal force of moon is maximum during perigee as the (apogee), the tides are called apogean tide, which are
distance is less. The resultant tide is known as perigean tide about 15-20% less than average. Coincidence of spring
which is 15-20%. higher than normal tides. and perigean tides results in an abnormally great tidal
range, while when neap and apogean tides coincide the
On the contrary during Apoge, due to maximum distance of
range is abnormally small.
moon from earth the tidal force is less hence resulting into
(iv) Tropical and Equatorial Tides
Apogean tides 20% lesser than normal tides.
Like the sun moon also undergoes the process of north and
Types of Tide southward declination and to complete it. Moon requires
(i) Spring Tide 27.5 days of time, which is known as synodie month.
(ii) Neap tide During mainmum declination the moon rays are vertical
(iii) Apogean and Pengean tide on the tide centre and results into formation of spring tides
(iv) Tropical and Equatorial tide near Tropic of cancer in northward position and tropic of
(v) Daily and semi durinal tide Capricorn in southward position.
(vi) Equenoctical tide When the moon is vertical on the equator there is no
Apogean & Perigean Tides such diurnal change between the neap and spring tides in
(i) Spring tide terms of their height. These types of tides are called as
When the sun, the moon and the earth are in the same Equatorial tides.
line, there is formation of spring tide. (v) Daily & Semi-diurnal Tides
• The position when all three are in a straight line is The tides only variy in terms of time duration Daily tides
called syzygy. occure in an interval of 24 hrs and 52 min where on semi-
• When the sun, moon and earth are in one side of diurnal tides occur in 12 hours and 26 min.
the earth in a straight line, this position is called
(vi) Equinoctical Spring tides
conjuction (solar eclipse).
• When they are placed at 90°, the position is called These are forms of spring tides which occurs in a time
quadrature. interval of 6 months.
G-40 Hydrosphere

Ocean Currents (i) Kuroshio Current

The movement of a mass of oceanic water parallel to the coast (ii) Kuroshio extension
is called as ocean current. (iii) North Pacific Drift
Currents are of two types on the basis of temperature. (iv) Tsushima Current
(i) Warm current (v) Counter Kuroshio Current
(ii) Cold current 5. Oyashio Current (Cold)
On the bases of velocity, dimension and direction. 6. California Current (Cold)
Drift : It is slow movement of the ocean current under the 7. Peru Current (Cold)
influence of prevailing wind. 8. El Nino or Counter Current (warm)
Current : Movement or circulation of ocean water in a definite 9. Eastern Australian Current (warm)
path having great velocity. 10. West Wind Drift (Cold)
Stream : Movement of ocean water involving large volume Indian Ocean
in a definite direction with velocity. It is a continuous 1. North-east Monsoon Current (warm)
flow. 2. Indian Counter Current (warm)
3. South West Monsoon (warm)
Origin
4. Indian Equatorial Current (warm)
Origin of ocean current occurs due to following factors: 5. Mozambiqe Current (warm)
(i) Rotation of earth 6. West Wind Drift (cold)
(ii) Temperature difference in ocean
(iii) Salinity difference in ocean Seas of Ocean
(iv) Density Difference
Pacific ocean
(v) Air pressure and wind
(vi) Rainfall and Evaporation Arafura sea, Bering sea, Celebes sea, Coral sea, java sea,
(vii) Direction, shape and configuration of coast Gulf of Carpentria, Yellow sea, Japan sea, Bohol sea, Gulf of
(viii) Bottom relief Alaska, Molucca sea and South China sea.
(ix) Seasonal variation Indian ocean
Distribution of Currents
Arabian sea, Andaman sea, Bay of Bengal, Timor sea, Red
Atlantic Ocean sea, Laccadive sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Mozambique
North Equatorial Current (warm) Channel.
South Equatorial Current (warm) Atlantic ocean
Counter Equatorial Current (warm)
Caribbean sea, Celtic sea, Labrador sea, Marmara sea,
Gulf stream (warm)
Norwegian sea, Bothnia sea, Gulf of Finlang, Bay of Fundy,
Gulf stream Barents sea, Beaufort sea, Amunden sea, Baffin Bay, Laptev
North Atlantic Current sea, White sea, Pechora sea, Kara sea, East Siberian sea,
Canary Current (Cold) Greenland sea, Prince Gustav Adolf sea.
Labrador Current (Cold)
Brazil Current (warm) Inland Seas
Falkland Current (Cold) Caspian sea, Aral sea, Salton sea, Dead sea and Black sea.
South Atlantic Drift (Cold) Strait is a narrow passage of water connecting two seas or
Benguela Current (Cold) two other large areas of water.
Pacific Ocean Strait of Malacca is a funnel-shaped narrow waterway of
1. North Equatorial Current (Warm) 800 km long that connects the South China & Andaman Sea.
2. South Equatorial Current (Warm) Bass strait is the widest (240 km). The narrowest strait
3. Counter Equatorial Current (Warm) in world used for international navigation, the Bosporus
4. Kuroshio System (warm) connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

Major Strait of the World

Name Joins Location
Malacca Strait Andaman Sea & South China Sea Indonesia - Malaysia
Palk Strait Palk Bay & Bay of Bengal India-Sri Lanka
Sunda Strait Java Sea & Indian Ocean Indonesia
Yucatan Strait Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea Mexico-Cuba
Messina Strait Mediterranean Sea Italy-Sicily
Otranto Strait Adriatic Sea & Ionian Sea Italy-Albania
Hydrosphere G-41

Bab-el-Mandeb Strait Red Sea & Gulf of Aden Yemen-Djibouti

Cook Strait South Pacific Ocean New Zealand (N & S islands)
Mozambique Strait Indian Ocean Mozambique - Malagasy
North Channel Irish Sea & Atlantic Ocean Ireland-England
Taurus Strait Arafura Sea & Gulf of Papua Papua New Guinea - Australia
Bass strait Tasman Sea & South Sea Australia
Bering Strait Bering Sea & Chukchi Sea Alaska-Russia
Bonne-Fasio Strait Mediterranean Sea Corsika-Sardinia
Bosphorus Strait Black Sea and Marmara Sea Turkey
Dardanelle Strait Marmara Sea and Aegean Sea Turkey
Davis strait Baffin Bay & Atlantic Ocean Greenland-Canada
Denmark strait North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean Greenland-Iceland
Dover strait English Channel & North Sea England-France
Florida Strait Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean USA-Cuba
Hormuz strait Gulf of Persia & Gulf of Oman Oman-Iran
Hudson strait Gulf of Hudson & Atlantic Ocean Canada
Gibraltar Strait Mediterranean Sea & Atlantic Ocean Spain-Morocco
Magellan strait Pacific and South Atlantic Ocean Chile
Makassar Strait Java Sea & Celebeze Sea Indonesia
Tsugaru Strait Japan Sea and Pacific Ocean Japan (Hokkaido-Honshu island)
Tatar Strait Japan Sea & Okhotsk Sea Russia (E Russia-Sakhalin Island)
Gulf Coastal Plain
A large area of a sea or ocean partially enclosed by land, Melting of snow in past rose the sea level as the stream
especially a long landlocked portion of sea opening through and rivers got flooded with water. The Chesapeake Bay in
a strait. Gulf and Bay are of economic importance as they
Maryland and Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island are examples
serve as excellent harbor in most of the cases. Many important
of such estuaries that were once river valleys.
trading centers are located on gulfs. It forms a good fishing
ground and oil deposits. Bar-built
• The Gulf of Mexico, bordering United States, Mexico,
Sandbars or barrier islands built up by ocean currents and waves
and the island nation of Cuba, is the world’s largest gulf.
It has a coastline of about 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles). in coastal areas created a protected area fed by small streams
• The Persian Gulf in Arabian Sea borders Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, or rivers. The barrier islands off the Atlantic coastline of North
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Carolina and Massachusetts enclose bar-built estuaries.
and Oman. There a vast deposit of petroleum is found. Delta system
• The Gulf of Carpentaria, on northeast coast of Australia,
is an inlet of the Arafura Sea. Deltas are formed at the mouths of large rivers from
sediment and silt depositing. When the river flow is restricted
Bay by the delta, an estuary may form. The Nile River in Egypt
A bay is a small body of water or a broad inlet that is set off from and the Mississippi River in Louisiana forms delta systems
a larger body of water generally where the land curves inward. estuaries.
Examples of bays include the Bay of Pigs (Cuba), Hudson Bay
(Canada), Chesapeake Bay (Maryland and Virginia), and Bay Tectonic
of Bengal (near India). it is created when a major crack or a large landmass sink, often
When a body of water such as a strait is capable of being caused by earthquakes, produced a basin below sea level that
blocked or even closed in order to control transportation fills with water. This type of estuaries usually occurs along
routes, the body is called a “choke point.”
fault lines. San Francisco Bay in California is an example of
Estuaries an estuary created by tectonics.
Estuaries are bodies of water and their surrounding coastal
Fjords
habitats typically found where rivers meet the sea. It becomes
the home of numerous unique plant and animal communities Advancing glaciers ground out long, narrow valleys with steep
because their waters are brackish. Brackish is a mixture of sides. Then when glaciers melted, seawater flooded in. Glacier
fresh water draining from the land and salty seawater. Bay in Alaska is an example of a fjord.
G-42 Hydrosphere

Major Gulfs and their Location Gulf of Genoa inside the Ligurian Sea on the northwestern
Gulf of Aden of the southwestern corner of the Arabian coast of Italy
Peninsula Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of
Gulf of Alaska in the Pacific Ocean south of the state of Equatorial Africa
Alaska Gulf of İzmir in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and
Amundsen Gulf in the Arctic Ocean northwest of Canada Greece. It was formerly called the Gulf of Smyrna
Gulf of Aqaba in the northern end of the Red Sea, leading Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea, formerly known as
to Israel and Jordan the Gulf of Cambay
Gulf of Bahrain, part of the Persian Gulf Gulf of Kutch in the Arabian Sea
Gulf of Bothnia, part of the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Lingayen Gulf off western Luzon, the Philippines, in the
Finland South China Sea
Gulf of Cádiz, part of the Atlantic Ocean off the southern Gulf of Lion, a bay on the Mediterranean coastline of
border of Spain and Portugal Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence in France
Gulf of California in the Pacific Ocean in northwestern Gulf of Maine, off the State of Maine, New Brunswick, and
Mexico Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Ocean
Gulf of Carpentaria a large bay off northern Australia Gulf of Mannar, between India and Sri Lanka
Gulf of Mexico, between Mexico, the United States, and
Gulf of Cazones a large gulf in southern Cuba Cuba
Gulf of Corinth, which extends into Greece from the Gulf of Morbihan, a natural harbor on the coast of the
Mediterranean Département of Morbihan in the south of Brittany
Davao Gulf in the Philippines Gulf of Nicoya, in Costa Rica. Central America.
Gulf of the Farallones, westward from the opening of the Gulf of Oman, between the southeastern Arabian Peninsula,
San Francisco Bay and Drakes Bay to the Farallon Islands Iran, Pakistan and Arabian Sea.
Gulf of Finland, between the southern coast of Finland and Gulf of Oristano, near Oristano on the Western Sardinian
the northern coast of Estonia in the Baltic Sea. coast
Hydrosphere G-43

Gulf of Panama in the Pacific Ocean south of Panama red tide. They are eaten by zooplanktons. Zooplanktons act
Persian Gulf between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula as a bridge between marine pasture of phytoplankton of photic
zone and large sea animals.
Gulf of Roses, the most northeastern bay on the Catalan
The zooplanktons are divided into three types
coast
(i) Herbivore zooplanktons
Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the world’s largest estuary and the (ii) Carnivore zooplanktons
outlet of the Saint Lawrence River into the Atlantic Ocean (iii) Detrivore zooplanktons
Gulf St Vincent, Separated from Spencer Gulf by the Yorke
Peninsula Nekton Community
Gulf of Sidra, just north of Libya in the Mediterranean It is the collection of actively swimming aquatic organisms in
Spencer Gulf, near Port Lincoln, South Australia a body of water which are independently moveable without the
Gulf of Suez in the northern end of the Red Sea, leading to help of water currents. Most of the animal of this community
the Suez Canal are vertebrate. Sea fishes are divided into groups:
Gulf of Thailand just south of Thailand in the Indian Ocean Fishes are the important members of these community. They
are further categorised into –
Gulf of Tonkin just east of North Vietnam in the Pacific
Pelagie fish - who leaves neither too close to share nor to the
Ocean
bottom.
Gulf of Tunis in the Mediterranean off the coast of Tunisia Demersal fish - On the contrary these fishes occupy the bottom
area of the sea.
Marine Resources Other than fishes of this community is also famous for marine
The biotic and abiotic resources found in the oceanic water mammals which are again divided into two categories :
and bolloms are called as Marine resources. It includes marine (i) The manmals who can stay both in water and land for
water, inherent energy in ocean water (e.g. wave and tidal example seal.
energy) biotic life (plants and animals), marine deposits and (ii) The second category of mammals who spend their entire
abiotic elements (minerals, fossils fuels, etc). life in the sea.

Marine Zone Benthos Community

(i) Territoral Sea It includes the plants and animals which live on the sea bottoms
It is a region lying between base line and 12 nautical right from littoral marine biomes to the open sea biome.
miles towards sea. 12 nautical mile is the seaward limit Benthos includes worms, clams, crabs, lobsters, sharks,
of territoral sea and called as contiguous zone. sponges, and other tiny organisms that live in the bottom
(ii) Exclusive Economic Zone sediments. Remineralization of organic matter is an important
This zone extends upto a 200 nautical miles from the base source of nutrients to the ocean which is done by benthos
line. The coastal state has the right of survey, exploitation, community as they pump a large amount of water through their
conservation and management of mineral resources of body thus distributing the organic matter and sediments of the
ocean deposits, ocean floor, marine water energy, water ocean floor.
and ocean organisms with exclusive economic zone. No Marine food resources
other country can venture without the permission of the
According to the uses marine food resources are divided into
concern state.
two types:
(iii) High Sea
(i) Protein rich food resources for the use as food for
It extends beyond sea limit of the exclusive economic
human being: Fishes are the rich source of protein and
zone and includes the vast ocean area.
aminoacid along with vitamin B12 and small amount of
Marine Biological Resources saturated fat and cholesterol. It helps in reducing high
blood pressure and heart diseases.
Those marine - related biological resources such as flora, fauna
(ii) Animal feed mainly for domesticated animals: Fishes
and micro organism whose inter-community behaviour and
are used for feeding other animals also.
action affect or get affected by the piece of marine ecosystem
they are living in. Fishing Zone of the World
Plankton Community A large share of world’s annual income comes from trade
and transport of fishes. 90% of world’s total fish catches are
Planktons are floating and drifting micro plants and animals
of Fin fishes and remaining 10% is contributed by whales,
in photic zone. These are divided into phytoplankton (plant
lobster, molluscs and several invertebrate animals. There are
planktons) and zooplanktons (animal planktons). Phytoplankton
five major fishing regions in the world according to the degree
produces food through the process of photosynthesis with the
of development of fishing areas.
help of sunlight, water and atmosphere. Algae and Diatoms are
most important member of this community. This community North-east Pacific region
grows very fast and covers the large sea surface in no time. This region extends from Aleutians and crossing Russia, China,
This cover of algae and diatom are called as marine pasture. S. Korea, Japan reaches south Philippines. Most of the catches
The over production of red – gray microscopic plant produces include salmon, crab, herring, Pollock, halibut and cod.
G-44 Hydrosphere

North-east Atlantic region Minerals dissolved in Sea water

This region extends along the European coasts from Iceland to Minerals such as salt, bromine, gold, zinc, uranium and thorium,
Portugal. Herring and haddock are the important catches from etc. are present in sea water in soluble form. Approximately
this region. percent of salt dissolved in sea water constituted by sodium and
chloride. The salt can be separated from sea water and thus it
North-west Atlantic region can be transformed into fresh water like salt all other minerals
It includes the New England region of USA, Newbrunswick, can be separated through different methods. The commercial
Novascotia and Newfoundland of Canada, Grand Bank and value of such minerals depend upon the cost of refinement and
George Bank. Cod is the major catch here. real market place.
South-east Pacific region Minerals of sea Deposits
Peruvian and Chilean coastal area are included in this region. Location plays a vital role in categorizing the nature of mineral
West central Pacific region deposits which can be further divided into 3 categories:
this region extends from Philippines to eastern coast of (1) Mineral deposits of continental shelves
Australia. Major catches here are mackerel, tuna, mullet, (2) Mineral deposits of deep sea bottom
redfish, bass, oyster, crab etc. (3) Sub surface minerals
(1) Mineral deposits on continental shelves are zircon,
Conservation of Marine Resources
monazite, magnetite, gold places, diamond, platinum,
Marine conservation focuses on limiting human-caused damage sulphur, phosphorite and several types of building
to marine ecosystems, and on restoring damaged marine material.
ecosystems. Marine conservation also focuses on preserving
(2) Minerals deposits on deep sea bottom : Pacific ocean
vulnerable marine species. Marine resources conservation is the
is considered to have the largest deposits of manganese
protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas.
which is present upto a depth of 4000 m. Other than
It is the need of an hour to lay down step for the exploitation,
manganese many mineral such as nickel, copper, cobalt,
utilization, conservation and preservation. Strategies and
techniques for marine conservation combine theoretical lead, zine, iron, silicon, iron are found in deep sea
disciplines (population biology with practical conservation bottom.
strategies) such as setting up protected areas, as with marine (3) Subsurface Deposits: The mineral stored in oceanic
protected areas (MPAs) or Voluntary Marine Conservation crust of continental shelves are mineral oils and natural
Areas. National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration gas. They are the most developed mineral resources
(NOAA) created the Damage Assessment, Remediation and and contribute around 90% of all marine resources.
Restoration Program (DARRP) to carry out the three steps such They provide sample of apportunity to the economic
as Preliminary Assessment, Injury Assessment/Restoration development of any country of shore oil field have
Planning and Restoration Implementation developed in the continental shelves of mexican gulf,
North sea, North Alaska, Mexico, South California
Restoration actions fall into following categories: Arctic, Sea, India, Brazil, Australia, Taiwan and Japan.
• Primary restoration returns the impacted resources to the
condition that would have existed if the incident had not Marine Energy Resources
occurred. Like minerals Ocean is also considered as the supplier of
• Compensatory restoration addresses losses from the date huge amount of energy resources, both renewable and non
of injury until recovery is completed. While the resource renewable.The non renewable sources of energy are petroleum
is impaired, it is unable to provide services on which other and natural gas whereas the renewable sources are tide, wave
parts of the ecosystem and the public rely (such as fish and biomass.
nursery habitat or recreational use). Restoration projects The main sources of generation of electricity from ocean tide,
address the period from injury until recovery. sea waves and thermal variation between upper warm surface
• Emergency restoration includes actions taken prior to of sea and lower cold water mass, etc. Tidal energy is produced
the completion of the damage assessment and restoration in two sources firstly by tidal current and the other by tidal
planning process to prevent or reduce continuing natural range. Sea waves energy is processed by three methods
resource impacts and prevent potential irreversible loss of (i) vertical displacement methods,
natural resources.
(ii) salter device, and
• Early restoration is a form of compensatory restoration.
If the responsible party agrees, it can be implemented (iii) dam atoll method.
prior to the completion of the Natural Resource Damage
Assessment (NRDA) process to achieve restoration more
Marine Resources Depletion
quickly. Along with other resources marine resources are also in the
impact zone of depletion. Which leads to many catastrophic
Marine Mineral Resources consequences such as extinction of major species, imbalance
Marine ecosystem is the store house of variety of minerals in marine ecosystems, etc. As oceans are the largest source of
both metallic and non-metallic which generally found in two water on the earth surface its depletion is also quite noticeable.
form, mineral dissolved in sea water and minerals deposited on Increasing human activities play a major role in the polluting
different landforms of sea. marine environment and the possible cares of marine pollution
Hydrosphere G-45

are spreading of harmful substances such as oil, plastics, bacteria depletes oxygen levels. It may result in the death by
industrial and agricultural wastes, etc. The impact of such oxygen starvation of large numbers of other organisms such
degradation can be felt through various environmental prospect as fish.
such as damage of estuaries due to human interventions,
negative impacts on coral reef which leads to its continuous Ocean acidification
decay. These issues are gaining concerns of environmentalists The amount of carbon dioxide in atmosphere has rise
as the loss once done can not be recovered with due course of dramatically mainly due to human activities. Increase in
time. carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will result in higher levels of
dissolved CO2 in seawater. Recent discovery reveals that even
Causes of Marine Depletion small changes in water pH can have big impacts on marine
The threat to marine depletion are the result of variety of factor biology. Ocean acidification is a worldwide issue, but as CO2
such as: is more soluble in colder water, it is of particular concern in
Over exploitation of Marine species New Zealand’s temperate oceans. It is difficult to predict the
overall impact on the marine ecosystem but many scientists
The intensity and the magnitude of marine resource exploitation fear that ocean acidification has the potential to decrease
have increased the pressure due to over population. Some marine biodiversity on a very large scale.
marine biological resources (fishes) are over exploited while
abiotic (physical) resources (mineral, energy, building Excessive Human Interference.
material) still await their exploitation. Some of the fishing The interference of Human being due to coastal tourism and
regions have shown decreases in the Fish population due to industrial development has been increased to a great extent.
over fishing. Most mammals, birds and reptiles in estuaries It contributes to the degradation of local marine ecosystem in
were depleted by 1900 and declined further by 1950 as a result number of countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, etc.
of the ineresinag demand for food, oil, and luxury items (such Medical Researches also added to the list of major polluting
as furs, feathers and ivory). Among fish, the highly desirable agent. These kind of researches focuses on the major ingredients
and easily accessible salmon and sturgeon were depleted first, of sea for possible cures of various desease of Sponges,
followed by tuna and sharks, cod and halibut, and herring raft corals and tunicates are used extensively for producing
and sardines. Oysters were the first invertebrate resource to medicine to some of the rare diseases. The researches are
degrade because of their value and accessibility as well as otherwise known as bio- prospecting which has started using
destructive harvesting methods. coral reef of eastern Africa which is a store house of such
Accurate estimate and prediction of future demand of fishes for species.
human food and animal feed. Proper arrangement of canning Various Ocean Development Programmes in
and refrigeration for storage of fishes as it’s a perishable good. India
This would to some extent reduce the catches. In New Zealand,
Department of Ocean Development (DOD) was created as a
fisheries are managed by a quota system that sets catch limits
nodal and independent department in July 1981 for organising,
for commercially important species and aims at sustainable
co-ordinating and promoting ocean development activities.
management of our fish stocks. The Ocean Policy Statement is primarily aimed at utilising the
Pollution marine living and non-living resources for societal benefits in
a sustainable manner.
Water bodies have been used as the universal dumping ground
Salient features of the Policy Statement and thrust areas
since ages be it lake, pond, river, sea or ocean. Land waste
include:
brought to ocean including sewage, industrial run-off and
• Exploratory survey, assessment and sustainable utilisation/
chemicals. The accident occurs due to Oil spilling in oceans harnessing of the ocean resources.
threatens marine life at all levels. Indirect pollutants brought • Technological Development to gear utilisation and
via storms and rivers also affect them. Some effects may not preservation. Technology relating to instrumentation,
be immediately obvious, for example, bioaccumulation, and diving systems, position fixing, materials development,
levels of toxic chemicals in organisms increase with successive oceanic data collecting devices, submersibles, etc.
trophic level in the food web. Marine pollution has the potential • Developmental activities related to integrated coastal
to seriously damage marine habitats and life there. and marine area management and coastal community
development.
Eutrophication • Establishment of an ocean related information system
Eutrophication is the result of a particular type of marine using indigenous and foreign sources; International
pollution. It is caused by the release of excess nutrients cooperation in Ocean Science and Technology.
into coastal areas via streams and rivers. These nutrients • Development of technologies relating to seabed mining,
come from fertilizers used in intensive farming practices on extractive metallurgy and conducting Environmental
land. Additional nutrients in the sea can lead to excessive Impact Assessment studies.
phytoplankton growth which results in “blooms”. Death of • Contribution towards basic and applied research in Ocean
these over populated phytoplankton leads to the sharp increase Science and Technology, Human Resource Management,
creation of Centers of Excellence in academic institutions
in decomposition of the dead organisms by oxygen-using
and public awareness on the potential and uses of ocean.
G-46 Hydrosphere

Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences,
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development Government of India (1981). The program gained global
(UNCED) in 1992, adopted the Agenda 21 which emphasized acceptance with India’s signing of the Antarctic Treaty and
on the need to adopt the concept of Integrated Coastal Zone subsequent construction of the Dakshin Gangotri Antarctic
Management (ICZM) for sustainable utilisation of coastal and research base in 1983. Maitri is India’s second permanent
marine resources and prevention of degradation of marine research station in Antarctica. It was built in 1989. Larsemann
environment. The Ministry of Earth Sciences established it on hill area became India’s third station under the XXX Antarctic
2 January, 1998 at Chennai with following objectives: Treaty in 2007.
• Developing capacity towards accomplishing the coastal Indian Tsunami Warning System was established in
and ocean related objectives of UNCED and 2006 by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT),
• To carry out R&D on application of scientific tools Chennai, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. It
and techniques which are helpful in the development of
comprises of Data Buoys with Bottom Pressure Recorders
integrated management solutions to address the issues and
in the deep seabed and Acoustic Tide Gauge Network in
problems prevalent in the coastal marine areas.
It has established a strong database system related to coastal the coastal areas. For Tsunami monitoring applications India
and marine resources and prevention of degradation of marine uses Acoustic Tide Gauge.
environment.
Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System Wetlands
Extensive monitoring of marine pollution along the coastal •• Wetlands are lands which, due to geological or ecological
waters was carried out at 70 locations and it has been found factors, have a natural supply of water – either from tidal
that the disposal of untreated sewage from towns, cities and flows, flooding rivers, connections with groundwater, or
villages cause decrease of dissolved oxygen and increase of because they are perched above aquifers.
nitrate and pathogenic bacteria in the sea close to the shore. •• Wetlands are coverd or soaked for at least a part, and
The study also concluded that – often all, of the year and thus are intermediaries between
From 120 class I and class A cites toward of coastal areas terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
rearly 6835 ml of waste water being generated out of which on •• The periodicity of water level fluctuations is termed as
1492 ml undergoes the process of various level of treatment hydroperiod and it is the key factor that determines the
The solid waste generated by these 120 coastal cities are not productivity and species composition of the wetland
that much harmful as they can be used as dumping material in community.
large dumping ground. •• Generally low lying areas, covered by shallow water and
In case of coastal agriculture suspended solid and nutrient have charachteristic soils and water tolerant vegetation.
contents are causing harmful effect to coast. •• Wetlands occupy only 2% of the surface area of earth and
Model to predict the movement of oil during oil spills has they are estimatted to contain 10 to 14% of carbon.
been developed for the coasts of Mumbai and Chennai. Works
•• They may be either freshwater or salt water (coastal).
to develop similar models for the coasts of Goa, Kerala and
Visakhapatnam have been undertaken. •• Man made wetlands : paddy fields, fishery ponds, Trapa
and Euryale cultivation ponds and other aquaculture
The National Institute of Ocean Technology habitats.
(NIOT)
Significance of Wetlands
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was
•• Nutrient rich and have high primary productivity.
established in November 1993 as an autonomous society
under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. •• Since they have both aquatic and semi-aquatic environmental
The major aim of NIOT is to develop reliable indigenous conditions to support specialized vegetation and fauna. Often
technology to solve the various engineering problems a prime breeding habitat for waterfowl, many migratory birds
associated with harvesting of non-living and living resources and other aquatic or semi aquatic vertebrates.
in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which are
about two-thirds of the land area of India.
• To develop world class technologies and their applications
for sustainable utilization of ocean resources.
• To provide competitive, value added technical services
and solutions to organizations working in the oceans. •• Helps in controlling flood by holding excess water, and
• To develop a knowledge base and institutional capabilities the flood water stored in wetlands then drains slowly
in India for management of ocean resources and back into the rivers, providing a steady flow of water
environment. throughout the year.
•• Serve as groundwater recharging areas.
Indian Antarctic Program •• Provide important commercial products, including wild
The Indian Antarctic Program is a multi-disciplinary, multi- rice and various types of berries (such as black berries,
institutional program under the control of the National Centre blue berries, etc.).
Hydrosphere G-47

•• Hold sediments and accumulate soils along the shoreline. of acidic peat deposits build up in bogs of either origin. The
•• National Wetland Conservation Programme(NWCP) has unique and demanding physical and chemical characteristics of
been initiated for indentified wetland which are at present bogs result in the presence of plant and animal communities that
66 covering 21 states. demonstrate many special adaptations to low nutrient levels,
waterlogged conditions, and acidic waters, such as carnivorous
Types of Wetland plants. Nevertheless, bogs support a number of species of plants
in addition to the characteristic Sphagnum Moss, including Cotton
(i) Marshes Grass, Cranberry, Blueberry, Pine, Labrador Tea and Tamarack.
Marshes are defined as palustrine wetlands because they are Moose, deer, and lynx are a few of the animals that can be found
often or continually inundated with water, characterized by in northern bogs. The Greater Sand hill Crane, the Sora Rail,
emergent soft-stemmed vegetation adapted to saturated soil and the Great Gray Owl depend on bogs for survival.
conditions. Nutrients are plentiful and the pH is usually
neutral to alkaline. We have divided marshes into two primary (iv) Fens
categories: non-tidal and tidal. Fens are peat-forming wetlands that receive nutrients from
Non-Tidal marshes are highly organic, and mineral rich soils sources other than precipitation, usually from upslope sources
of sand, silt, and clay underlie these wetlands. It provides through drainage from surrounding mineral soils and from
excellent habitat for waterfowl and other small mammals, groundwater movement. As fens are less acidic and have higher
such as Red-winged Blackbirds, Great Blue Herons, otters and nutrient levels than blog it supports diverse plant and animal
muskrats. Prairie potholes, playa lakes, vernal pools and wet community. These systems are often covered by grasses,
sedges, rushes and wildflowers. Some fens are characterized
meadows are all examples of non-tidal marshes.
by parallel ridges of vegetation separated by less productive
Tidal marshes are saline. The lower marsh is normally
hollows. The ridges of these patterned fens form perpendicular
covered and exposed daily by the tide. The saline marsh is
to the down slope direction of water movement. Over time,
characterized by Short Smooth Cord grass, Spike Grass and peat may build up and separate the fen from its groundwater
Salt meadow Rush (Juncus gerardii). Saline marshes support supply. When this happens, the fen receives fewer nutrients
a highly specialized set of life adapted for saline conditions. and may become a bog.
These marshes generally harbour great biological diversity
Distribution of Wetlands in World
(ii) Swamp
Swamps are the low lying uncultivated ground which generally Major Wetland Regions of the World
collect water. There are many different kinds of swamps, South America
ranging from the forested Red Maple, (Acer rubrum), swamps
(i) The Orinoco River delta of Venezuela
of the Northeast to the extensive bottomland hardwood forests
It is dominated by brackish shoreline mangrove forests.
found along the sluggish rivers of the Southeast. Swamps
are characterized by saturated soils during the growing (ii) The Llanos
season and standing water during certain times of the year. It is located on the western part of the Orinoco River found
The highly organic soils of swamps form a thick, black, in western Venezuela and northern Colombia. It’s one of
nutrient-rich environment for the growth of water-tolerant the largest inland wetland areas of South America. Here
trees such as Cypress (Taxodium spp.), Atlantic White Cedar winters are wet (yearly flood occurs) and summers are
(Chamaecyparis thyoides), and Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica). Some dry. It is dominated by savanna grasslands and scattered
swamps are dominated by shrubs, such as Buttonbush or Smooth palms. It is important wading-bird habitat and is rich with
Alder. Plants, birds, fish, and invertebrates such as freshwater caiman and red piranha.
shrimp, crayfish, and clams require the habitats provided by (iii) The Amazon River
swamps. Many rare species, such as the endangered American It is 3,000 km long and floods 5-15 meters high every
Crocodile, depend on these ecosystems as well. Swamps may year. It is world’s largest river, with a flow that results
be divided into two major classes, depending on the type of in about one-sixth to one-fifth of all the fresh water in the
vegetation present: shrub swamps and forested swamps. world. It creates its own weather patterns.
(iv) The Pantonal
(iii) Bogs
One of the largest wetlands in world located in southwestern
Bogs are most distinctive kinds of wetlands. They are characterized Brazil. It covers four times the size of the Florida
by spongy peat deposits, acidic waters and a floor covered by a Everglades, with about 131,000 km2 of that area flooded
thick carpet of sphagnum moss. Bogs receive all or most of their annually. It’s a haven for 650 to 700 species of birds.
water from precipitation rather than from runoff, groundwater
or streams. As a result, bogs are low in the nutrients needed for Europe
plant growth, a condition that is enhanced by acid forming peat (i) Mediterranean Sea Deltas
mosses. Bogs develop primary in two ways: as sphagnum moss The Rhone River Delta created France’s most important
grows over a lake or pond and slowly fills it (terrestrialization), wetland, the Camargue. It is highly affected by a hot, dry
or as sphagnum moss blankets dry land and prevents water summer and cool, wet winters. It is home to world’s 25
from leaving the surface (paludification). Over time, many feet major flamingo nesting sites.
G-48 Hydrosphere

(ii) Coastal Marshes of Northern Europe

Major Wetland of the world as ranked by
Extensive salt marshes and mud flats are found along the
Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea coastlines of Europe.
World Heritage Site
Most of the grasses are of type marshes. Rhine River Country Wetland Name Area
Delta is a major transportation artery in Europe. Much of Canada Wood Buffalo National Park 44,807 km2
the Netherlands is on the Rhine River Delta. USA Everglades National Park 6,110 km2
(iii) Peatlands USA Olympic National Park 3,734 km²
Northern boreal and subarctic are peat land. It is more USA Yellowstone National Park 8,983 km²
than half of the world wetlands. Predominately found in
Bulgaria Srébarna Nature Reserve 6 km²
Ireland, Scandinavia, Finland, and Russia. It is mostly
made up of decomposed sphagnum moss. Romania and Danube Delta 4,152 km2
Ukraine
Africa Russian Lake Baikal 31,722 km²
An abundance of wetlands is found in sub-Saharan Africa such Federation
as the Congo River Swamps, inner Niger Delta, Sudd of the Russian Volcanoes of Kamchatka 43781 km²
Upper Nile, and the Okavango Delta. Federation
(i) Northern Africa
Spain Doñana National Park 543 km²
Sudd of the Upper Nile: Rainforest where the Blue and
White Nile meet in the southern Sudan. Tunisia Ichkeul National Park 85 km²
Nile Delta: It is used to be a huge delta; the land has been Malawi Lake Malawi National Park 94 km²
converted to farm land, no longer affected by floods due Senegal Djoudj National Bird 160 km²
to Aswan Dam. Sanctuary
(ii) Okavango Delta Dem. Republic Virunga National Park 7,800 km²
A vast number of rivers, channels, island and lagoons are of Congo
diverted to the Okavango Delta. Along the coast there India Kaziranga National Park 430 km²
are many mangrove forests. Zambezi River system and India Keoladeo National Park 28 km²
Etosha Pan in Angola are also included in it.
India Manas National Park 950 km²
(iii) Zaire and Congo Rivers and Floodplains of the Senegal,
Australia Fraser Island 1,840 km²
Nile, Lake Chad; in arid Sahel.
Australia Kakadu National Park 19,804 km²
Australia New Zealand Te Wahipounamu 26000 km²
Wetlands are distinctive due to seasonal dryness from high Honduras Río Platano Biosphere 5250 km²
evaporation rates and low rainfall. Saline wetlands and lakes Reserve
are common as a result of the high evaporation rates.
New Zealand: One location in North Island has all seven Mexico Sian Ka’an 3,157 km²
types of wetlands. It has lost 90% of its wetlands. South Panama Darien National Parks 720 km²
Island receives 2-10 meters annually of rain, several types of Colombia Los Katios National Parks 5,970 km²
wetlands.
PERU Manu National Park 17,163 km²
Asia
(i) Northern Asia Lakes
Ob-Irtysh basin, mountains of N. Central Asia (Lake Lakes are static bodies of water on the land surface which is
Baikal), Tundra and internally drained seas: Caspian, surrounded by land on all side. They are always located to
Aral. land surface. They are variable and changes with time and can
(ii) South and Southeast Asia: be found at heights also (Tso Sekuru lake). Some of the lakes
have greater depth (Baykal lake). It can be of varying size.
South and Southeast Asia has the biggest wetlands. Some
of the major rivers are the Indus, Ganges, Chao Praya Types of Lakes
and Mekong. The Mekong begins at the Tibet Plateau On the basis of salinity there are two types of lakes
and runs through China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (i) Fresh water lake
draining 625,000 km2. It is estimated that 20 million (ii) Saline water lake
people receive their protein from fishing in these areas. On the basis of Origin there are following types of lakes:
(iii) China 1. Tectonic lake is formed by uplifting of marine sediments
and is often large and shallow such Lake Okeechobee,
It has approximately 650,000 km2 of wetlands, Pearl, Lake Baikal, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Tahoe, Pyramid
and Yangtze River Deltas. Of that 250,000 km2 have Lake (Nevada), Lake Ohrid (Yugoslavia), Dead Sea,
been reserved, and 400,000 km2 have been used for rice Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), Abert Lake, Lake Kioga,
paddies, fish ponds, and other functions. Lake Victoria, Reelfoot Lake.
Hydrosphere G-49

2. Volcanic lake is formed due to volcanic eruption. Crater original streams independent of the original relief of the
lake is the most common type of lake found. Crater land.
Lake, Tagus Lake, Eifel Lake District (Black Forest of •• Resequent Streams flow along side the original stream but
Germany) and Lake Kivu are the few examples of this the level is lower than the original slope. These streams
type of lake. are generally known as the tributaries of subsequent
3. Diastrophic lake is formed by landslides, mudflow and stream.
slump of land, e.g. Quake Lake, Yellowstone.
•• Obsequent Streams : Generally flow in the opposite
4. Aeoline lake formed when the low-lying land among the
direction of consequent stream.
dunes in the desert is lower than the groundwater level,
the water gathers there and forms the aeolian lake, e.g. •• Insequent Stream : Don’t have any fixed pattern hence
Ghost lake. they form dendrite pattern of drainage. They are generally
5. Fluvial lake results from development of river and river independent of original slope of the surface its structure,
course. or type of rock.
6. Glacier lake formed by glaciers and ice movement like Types of Rivers
cirque lake and rock-basin lake. The Great Slave Lake,
Laurentian Great Lakes, Finger Lakes and Lake Mendota (i) Seasonal Rivers
are examples such lake. The rivers which have water in them at a particular
8. Shoreline lake is associated with on-shores lakes. It is period of the year and are rainfed (Godavari, Krishna,
large lake. It is of two types: deltaic lake and coastal Cauveri, Narmada, Tapi and Tungabhadra)
lake. Deltaic lake is formed by sedimentation as river (ii) Perennial Rivers
currents slow when they enter a large lake or the ocean The rivers which have water throughout the year.
e.g. Wax Lake. Coastal lake is related to movement It is usually glacier fed (Indus, Sutlej, Ganga and
of sand in spits and bars may enclose basins, e.g. Lake Brahmaputra).
Eyre. Drainage Pattern of the river
9. Lakes formed by falling of meteor, e.g. Chubb Crater.
Rivers when flow, form a pattern which are generally divided
10. Anthropogenic lake it is formed by man and even is
into following:
called as man-made lake, e.g. Kopalińskie Lake.
(i) Trellis Drainage Pattern: As the river flows along a
Lakes facts: strike valley, smaller tributaries feed into it from the
Plitvice Lakes (Croatia): Sixteen Lakes interconnected by steep slopes on the sides of mountains. They are formed
Spectacular Waterfalls. by consequent stream which follows regional slope and
Boiling Lake (Dominica): A Flooded Fumarole. geological structure. Trellis drainage is characteristic of
Red Lagoon (Bolivia): Red (algae) + White (borax). folded mountains, such as the Appalachian Mountains in
North America and in the north part of Trinidad.
Five-Flower Lake (China): Beautiful Multi-Coloured Lake
with Fallen Tree Trunks.
Dead Sea (Israel and Jordan): Lowest Point on Earth.
Lake Baikal (Russia): Deepest and Oldest Lake in the
World.
Lake Titicaca (Bolivia and Peru): World’s Highest
Navigable Lake.
Caspian Sea (Russia): World’s Largest Lake.
Crater Lake (USA): Its water is considered one of the
World’s most clearest.
Lake Karachay (Russia): Most Polluted Spot on the Earth.
Trellis Drainage Pattern
Rivers
It’s running water which usually empties itself into a sea or
ocean, generally flowing with respect to the slope. According
to the adjustment to the geological structure the streams or river
drainage pattern has been divided into two categories such as:
Generic Classification of Stream
On the basis of the course through which streams generally
flow, they can be divided into five basic types.
•• Consequent stream having a direct consequence of the
original slope of the surface on which it is flowing.
•• Subsequent Stream has a head word erosion along the
weak strata of the bed rock. They generally flow along Dendritic Drainage Pattern
G-50 Hydrosphere

(ii) Dendritic Drainage Pattern: The tree like pattern (iv) Radial Drainage Pattern: When the streams radiate
formed by the river as they flow is called as dendritic outwards from a central high point they form radial
drainage pattern. drainage pattern.
(iii) Rectangular Drainage Pattern: This type of pattern (v) Centripetal Drainage Pattern: When the streams flow
is formed when streams from two directions of joining towards a common depression they form centripetal
at approximately right angles. Rectangular drainage force. This pattern is opposite of radial pattern.
develops on rocks that are of approximately uniform (vi) Annular Drainage Pattern: The tributaries of consequent
resistance to erosion. stream develop in a form of circle. This pattern is found
over a mature and dissected dome mountain characterized
by soft and hard rock alternatively. Angles of the streams
meeting are both more and less than 90 degrees.
(vii) Barbed Drainage Pattern: It is formed when the
tributaries of a river runs in the opposite direction to its
master steam.
(viii) Herringbone Drainage Pattern: It is also known as
rib pattern. It resembles the rib bones of human being
Rectangular Drainage Pattern (upper Jhelum, Tamar Kosi, upper Rapti and left bank of
Gandak).
(ix) Parallel Drainage Pattern: It follows the regional
slope and develops on uniformly sloping landmass.
The western coastal plain of India has such type of
pattern.

Radial Drainage Pattern

Hydrosphere G-51

Exercise - 1
1. Which one of the following factors is responsible for the 11. The Red Sea is an example of a
change in the regular direction of the ocean currents in the (a) folded structure (b) faulted structure
Indian Ocean? (c) lava structure (d) residual structure
(a) Indian Ocean is half an ocean 12. What is the triangular landmass that forms at its mouth
(b) Indian Ocean has monsoon drift when a river splits into several branches just before
(c) Indian Ocean is a land-locked ocean entering the sea?
(d) Indian Ocean has greater variation in salinity (a) Cape (b) Island
2. Maximum thickness of sediments is found over (c) Estuary (d) Delta
(a) Abyssal floor 13. From west to east, what are the three main island groups
(b) Continental shelves and slopes in the Pacific called ?
(c) Continental slopes and rises (a) Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia
(d) Oceanic ridges (b) Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia
3. Which one of the following ocean currents is associated (c) Melanesia Polynesia and Micronesia
with the ‘EL NINO’ Phenomenon? (d) Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia
(a) Humboldt (b) Benguela 14. What is the difference between a lake and a tank?
(c) Canaries (d) Kurushio (a) A lake is small and a tank is big
4. A submarine mountain or peak rising more than 1000 m (b) A lake has flowing water, a tank has still water
above the ocean floor is known as (c) A lake is a geographical feature, a tank is not
(a) Guyots (b) Seamounts (d) Both are land-enclosed water bodies, but the latter is
(c) Abyssal hills (d) Trenches manmade.
5. Dolphin Challenger Ridge is located in 15. The direction of ocean currents is reversed with season in
(a) Atlantic Ocean (b) Pacific Ocean
(a) the Indian Ocean (b) the Pacific Ocean
(c) Arctic Ocean (d) Indian Ocean
(c) the Atlantic Ocean (d) no area on earth
6. When water freezes in the polar seas the salts
16. The term ‘Apogee’ refers to which one of the following?
(a) form a layer on top
(a) A point in the orbit of the moon at which it is farthest
(b) remain in the sub-surface water that does not freeze
from the earth.
(c) sink to the bottom
(b) A point in the orbit of the moon at which it is nearest
(d) partly freeze and partly sink to the bottom
to the earth.
7. The winter temperatures of north-western Europe are higher
(c) Portion of surface of the moon opposite to the earth.
than those of eastern Europe in the same latitudinal zone
(d) Portion of surface of the moon facing the earth.
because
(a) it is on the western side of the continent 17. Where is the ocean current called the ‘Gulf Stream’
(b) it is near the sea found?
(c) it receives only light falls of snow (a) Atlantic Ocean (b) Indian Ocean
(d) it lies under westerly winds which blow over the (c) North Pacific Ocean (d) South Pacific Ocean
Gulf Stream Drift 18. Sunda Trench lies in
8. Arrange parts of ocean floor according to increasing (a) Atlantic Ocean (b) Pacific Ocean
distance from the coast. (c) Indian Ocean (d) Antarctic Ocean
(a) continental slope, continental shelf, continental rise, 19. The exceptionally high and low tides that occur at the
deep sea plain time of the new moon or the full moon when the Sun, the
(b) continental shelf, continental rise, deep sea plain, Moon and the Earth are approximately aligned is called
continental slope (a) Spring (b) Fall
(c) continental shelf, continental slope, continental rise, (c) Neap (d) Diurnal
deep sea plain 20. The current produced by upwelling of cold water off the
(d) continental rise, continental shelf, continental slope, coast of Chile and Peru is known as
deep sea plain (a) EI Nino (b) Humboldt current
9. What is Gulf Stream? (c) Agulhas current (d) Canary current
(a) A cold current in the Atlantic Ocean 21. On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice
(b) A cold current in the Pacific Ocean caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the
(c) A warm current in the Atlantic Ocean largest proportion
(d) A warm current in the Pacific Ocean (a) is found in atmosphere as moisture and clouds
10. One of the warm currents in the Indian Ocean is the (b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
(a) Labrador Current (b) Agulhas Current (c) exists as groundwater
(c) Curoshio Current (d) Humboldt Current (d) exists as soil moisture
G-52 Hydrosphere

22. Consider the following statements : Code :

1. The Labrador current is a cold current in the North (a) A-4; B-3; C-1; D-2 (b) A-2; B-3; C-1; D-4
Atlantic Ocean. (c) A-2; B-1; C-3; D-4 (d) A-4; B-1; C-3; D-2
2. The Falkland current is a warm current that flows 26. The most important fishing grounds of the world are
along the Chile coast of South Pacific Ocean. found in the regions where
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) warm and cold atmospheric currents meet
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (b) rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 sea
23. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (c) warm and cold oceanic currents meet
(a) Kuroshio : Warm ocean current (d) continental shelf is undulating
(b) Labrador : Warm ocean current 27. Read the following statements and select the correct
(c) Benguela : Cold ocean current answer from the codes given below:
(d) Oyashio : Cold ocean current 1. Corals are mainly found in the tropical oceans.
24. Which one among the following is a sea without having a 2. Corals need clean sediment free water.
coastline?
3. Corals are mainly found in deeper parts of the ocean.
(a) North sea (b) Sargasso sea
(c) Baltic sea (d) Bering sea 4. Rain water promotes the growth of corals.
25. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer Codes:
using the code given below the Lists : (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
List I (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
(Ocean current) 28. The horizontal distribution of temperature of ocean water
A. Guinea current is largely affected by
B. Oyashio current 1. Depth of water in the ocean
C. Canaries current 2. Ocean current
D. Kuroshio current 3. Prevailing winds
List II 4. Latitudes
(Location in Map) Which of the following is correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
29. Which one of the following is correctly matched?
(a) Gulf of Carpentaria — Italy
(b) Gulf of Sidra — Libya
(c) Gulf of Po hai — Thailand
(d) Gulf of Tonking — Malaysia
Hydrosphere G-53

Exercise - 2
2. Such areas cause the water to become well-aerated.
Statement Based MCQ
3. the warm current brings the right temperature for
marine life.
1. Consider the following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Annual range of temperature is greater in the Pacific (c) 1, and 2 (d) 1, 2, and 3
Ocean than that in the Atlantic Ocean. 7. Which among the following statements about the North
2. Annual range of temperature is greater in the Northern Atlantic Drift is/are correct?
Hemisphere than that in the Southern Hemisphere. 1. It keeps the west coast of Northern Europe ice free.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It is responsible for the warm air mass which interacts
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only with the cold air mass from the Polar region and causes
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 rainfall in Western Europe.
2. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in 3. It meets the Labrador current near Vancouver Island
the news. In this context, consider the following state­ments: and causes dense fog.
1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific Ocean Select the correct answer using the code given below
whereas El Nino Modoki forms in Eastern Pacific Ocean (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3
the Atlantic Ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a 8. Consider the following statements :
greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency. 1. The Labrador current is a cold current in the North
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Atlantic Ocean.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. The Falkland current is a warm current that flows along
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 the Chile coast of South Pacific Ocean.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. Consider the following statements:
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
1. Tides are of great help in navigation and fishing. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. High tide enables big ships to enter or leave the harbour
safely. Matching Based MCQ
3. Tide prevents siltation in the harbours.
4. Kandla and Diamond Harbour are tidal ports. DIRECTIONS (Q. 9 to 10) : Match List-I with List-II and
Which of these statements are correct? select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists.
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4 List-I (Current)
9. List-II (Ocean)
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (A) Agulhas (1) North Atlantic
4. Consider the following statements: (B) Aleutian (2) South Pacific
1. Ocean crusts are denser than the continental crust. (C) Canaries (3) South Indian
2. Oceanic crusts are made up of granitic rocks whose (D) Humboldt (4) North Pacific
composition is silicon and aluminium. (a) A - 2; B - 1; C - 4; D - 3
3. Granitic rocks are lighter in colour than basaltic. (b) A - 2; B - 4; C - 1; D - 3
(c) A - 3; B - 1; C - 4; D - 2
4. Crust extends upto 70 km under mountains, in contrast (d) A - 3; B - 4; C - 1; D - 2
to oceans which are about 5 km. 10.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
Which of the above statements are true? using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 4 List-I List-II
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Current) (Feature)
5. Which of the following conditions for the survival of corals A. Kuroshio current 1. Warm current in
are correct? Atlantic Ocean
1. The water temperature must not fall below 20°C B. Peru 2. Cold current in the
2. The depth of water should not exceed 30 fathoms current Atlantic Ocean
3. The salinity should be less than 10% C. Labrador 3. Warm current in the
4. The water should be free from sediments current Pacific Ocean
Select the correct answer from the codes given below: D. Florida current 4. Cold current in
the Pacific Ocean
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 Codes:
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 4 A B C D
6. The chief fishing grounds of the world occur where cold (a) 3 4 2 1
and warm currents meet. This is because. (b) 3 2 4 1
1. cold currents are rich in nitrates and phosphates which (c) 1 4 2 3
feed plankton. (d) 1 2 4 3
G-54 Hydrosphere

EXERCISE-1 like body and an opening encircled by stinging tentacles

called cnidae. The coral polyp uses calcium carbonate
1. (b) Due to the monsoon drift of Indian ocean, its regular
from seawater to build itself a hard skeleton and it is this
direction of the ocean currents changes twice an year. limestone skeleton that protects the soft coral polyp.
2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (b) 28. (c) The horizontal distribution of temperature of ocean water
7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (b) 11. (b) is largely affected by ocean current, prevailing winds and
12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (a) latitudes.
17. (a) 18. (c) 29. (b) Gulf of Carpentaria – Australia
19. (a) Spring tides occur when the sun and moon are Gulf of Sidra – Libya
directly in line with the earth and their gravitational Gulf of Po hai – China
pulls reinforce each other, consequently a great flood Gulf of Tonking – Vietnam
or rush as of emotion.
All these are names of gulfs associated with the following
20. (a) El Nino is a cold water current which runs along the
countries.
coast of Peru and Chile. It is also a climate pattern
which occurs every five years. EXERCISE-2
21. (c) The percentage of freshwater that exists on earth is
1. (b) Climates in the Southern Hemisphere tends to be
3% out of which almost 70% is icecaps and glaciers.
milder than those in the Northern Hemisphere.
And the remaining 30% is the ground water. Lakes,
Southern Hemisphere has significantly more ocean
rivers and swamps are approximately 10% of that
and less land. The water heats up and cools down
30% of ground water.
more slowly than land.
22. (a) The Falkand current is a cold current. It flows along
2. (b) Normal El Nino forms in south–eastern Pacific
the Argentina’s coast in South Atlantic Ocean.
whereas as El Nino Modoki forms in central Pacific
23. (b) The Labrador Current is a cold current in the North
and causes greater number of hurricanes.
Atlantic Ocean.
3. (b) Statement ‘1’ is wrong because tides are not good
24. (b) While all other seas in the world are defined at
for navigation. Tide may cause sinking of boats
least in part by land boundaries, the Sargasso Sea
and ships. High tide helps ships for enter or leave
is defined only by ocean currents. The Sargasso Sea
the harbour safely. Kandla and Diamond harbour
does not have a coastline as it is located in the middle
are tidal ports, Diamond harbour is located on river
of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hugli, whereas Kandla port is at the eastern part of
25. (b) A- 2, B- 3, C- 1, D- 4
Gulf of Kutch, which is a natural port.
The Guinea Current is a slow warm water current
4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (c)
that flows to the east along the Guinea coast of West
7. (b) The North Atlantic current or Drift or sea movement
Africa. Oyashio Current is a cold subarctic ocean
is a powerful warm ocean current that continues the
current that flows south and circulates counter-
gulf stream northeast, which stretches from Florida
clockwise in the western North Pacific Ocean. The
to north- western Europe. It moderates the chilled
Canary Current is a wind-driven surface current that
climate of western Europe.
is part of the North Atlantic Gyre. The Kuroshio is a
8. (a) The Falkand current is a cold current. It flows along the
north-flowing ocean current on the west side of the
Argentina’s coast in South Atlantic Ocean.
North Pacific Ocean.
26. (c) The mixing of warm and cold current in the region 9. (d) There are ocean currents which are found in given
where planktons are found, is food for fishes. The ocean. Agulhas is the warm current, Humboldt is
temperature is just right for them to survive. cold current and Kanaries is cold current.
10. (a) A. Kuroshio current - warm Pacific current
The temperature is just right for the growth of firsh
B. Peru current - cold current in Pacific ocean
food called planktons.
C. Labrador current - cold current in Atlantic ocean
27. (a) Corals are mainly found in the tropical oceans. Corals
need clean sediment free water. A coral polyp has a sack D. Florida current - Warm current in Atlantic ocean
 ATMOSPHERE
4
Chapter

Introduction
Atmosphere is a gaseous envelope surrounding the earth extending thousands of kilometers above the earth’s surface. Life on
earth exists at the bottom of the atmosphere where it meets with the lithosphere and the hydrosphere. The atmosphere directly
or indirectly influences the vegetation pattern, soil type and topography of earth .Of the total mass of the atmosphere, 99% is
found within 32 km from earth’s surface. The atmosphere is held close to earth because of the earth’s gravity and is energized
by the sun.

Atmosphere

Composition of Insolation Atmospheric Winds Airmass

Atmospheres Distribution of Insolation Pressures Classification
Structure of Type of of Airmass
Atmosphere Form of Heat transfer
Heat Budget Horizontal Distribution winds Fronts
of Pressure and Types of fronts
Regional Distribution
Major Pressure Belt Cyclones
of temperature
• Life cycle
of Cyclone
• Anticyclones

Humidity Precipitation Clouds and its type World Climatic zone

Forms Types

COMPOSITION OF THE ATMOSPHERE

•• Atmosphere is a mixture of gases containing huge amount •• Oxygen combines well with all other in the atmosphere
of solid and liquid particles collectively known as aerosols. elements. It is easily combustible.
Pure dry air consists of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon •• Carbon dioxide exists in a very small percentage in the
dioxide, hydrogen, helium and ozone. Besides them, atmosphere.
water vapour, dust particles, smoke, salts, etc. are also
present in the air. •• It absorbs most of radiant energy emitted by earth
and reradiates it back to the earth, creating green
•• Nitrogen and oxygen comprise 99% of the total volume
of the atmosphere. Nitrogen does not form a chemical house effect. This increased the temperature of lower
union with other substances. It is an agent of dilution and atmosphere.
regulates combustion. •• It is also called as green house gas effect.
G-56 Atmosphere

•• The percentage of carbon dioxide in atmosphere increased Component Percent by Volume

due to burning of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum and natural
Nitrogen 78.08 %
gas) and deforestation.
Oxygen 20.94 %
•• Water vapour and dust particles are crucial to weather
and climate. They create condensation and absorb the heat Argon 0.93%
received from the sun and radiated from the earth. Water Carbon dioxide 0.03%
vapour comprises 3-4% of the total volume of air. Neon 0.0018%
•• The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere Helium 0.0005%
decreases from the equator towards the poles. Nearly
Ozone 0.00006%
90% of the total water vapour lies below 6 km of the
atmosphere. Hydrogen 0.00005%

STRUCTURE OF THE ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere consists of concentric layers of gases, with • Bacteria is found to be surviving here. This is
varying density and temperature. On the basis of chemical mainly due to presence of ozone (15-35 km) in lower
composition, the atmosphere is divided into: Homosphere and stratosphere.
Heterosphere. • Ozone is blue irritating gas with pungent odour.
km • Upper limit of stratosphere is called as stratopause.
180 • Commercial airlines cruise in lower stratosphere
B mostly due to low temperature, which results in
160 optimum fuel burn and low density of air reduces
Heterosphere

140 parasitic drag on airframe. This layer even provide

120 ere smooth movement as this layer has very less weather
osph turbulence.
100 Therm
80 Mesopause (c) Mesosphere
• It lies above the stratopause.
Homosphere

60 Mesosphere • Mesosphere extends to 50-80 km.

40 Stratopause • The upper limit is called mesopause.
20 Tropopause Stratopause • Temperature decreases with height and reaches a
Troposphere minimum of –110°C at 80-90 km in the mesopause.
0
-200 -100 0 100 200
TEMPERATURE °C 2. Heterosphere
1. Homosphere Proportions of gases are not constant in this layer.
This extends up to the height of 90 km and is characterized (a) Thermosphere
by uniformity in chemical composition. It consists of three It lies beyond 80 km above mesopause. Here the
thermal layers – troposphere, stratosphere and mesosphere. temperature increases rapidly with increase in height.
The gases become very light due to extremely low
(a) Troposphere density.
Lowest layer of the atmosphere. It divides into two layers: inosphere and exosphere.
• Height of troposphere is 16 km at the equator and 10 (i) Ionosphere lies between 80 km to 640 km above
km at the poles. the sea level. There are number of ionic layers in
• Temperature decreases with height in this layer the sphere, e.g. D layer, E layer, F layer and G layer.
roughly at the rate of 1°C per 165 metres, which is – D layer disappears with sunset as it is associated with
known as normal lapse rate. solar radiation.
• Upper limit of the troposphere is called tropopause. – E layer is known as Kennelly-Heaviside, confined to
the height between 99 km - 130 km.
• All weather phenomena are restricted to troposphere.
– It reflects the medium and high frequency radiowaves.
(b) Stratosphere – F2 layer is called as appleton layer, lying between
150 km-380 km.
• It lies above tropopause between 25-30 kms on an F1 and F2 area the two sub layers of E2 layer
average over middle latitutde. 50 km is considered to combinedly known as Appleton Layer.
be its upper limit on an average. – G layer is beyond 400 km.
• At 50 km of altitude the temperature becomes 0°C. (ii) Exosphere lies between 640 km above the sea
• Stratosphere is more or less devoid of major weather level. Density becomes extremely low here and the
phenomena but there is circulation of feable winds atmosphere resembles as nebula because it is highly
and cirrus cloud in its lower layer. rarefied.
Atmosphere G-57

INSOLATION
•• There are three major sources of heat energy through •• Polar zone between 66° to 90° latitudes in both the
which earth is warmed up, i.e. hemisphere receives maximum and minimum insolation
(i) Solar radiation once a year only. No direct ray of the sun is received
(ii) Gravity beyond 66° latitude throughout the year.
(iii) Endogenetic
Factors affecting the Distribution of Insolation
•• Out of these three sources of heat enterergy solar radiation
is the most significant source of terresterial heat energy. The variation in the amount of insolation received by the
earth’s surface is mostly due to following factors:
•• The radiant energy received from the sun is transmitted in
the form of short waves. It travels at the rate of 1,86,000 (i) Angle of inclination of the sun’s rays depends on the
miles per second and is called as (insolation) or Incoming latitude of a place. Higher the latitude less is the angle it
Solar radiation makes with the surface of the earth causing slanting rays.
•• Solar energy received in the form of solar radiation heats The area covered by slanting rays is larger than vertical
the earth’s surface and the atmosphere, resulting in change rays. The energy is distributed over a larger area. The net
of pressure gradient. It initiating hydrological cycle, energy received per unit area decreases. Also slanted rays
recycle nutrients and chemical elements in biosphere. pass through a greater depth of the atmosphere resulting
•• There are two basic laws which govern the nature and in more absorption, scattering and diffusion.
flow of radiation such as (ii) Length of the day : During summer days are longer than
(i) Wien’s displacement law: According to this law nights. The situation is reversed with winter. Longer the
wave length of the radiation is inversely proportional day, greater will be the insolation.
to the absolute temperature of the emitting body. (iii) Distance between the earth and the sun: The distance
(ii) Stefan-Boltzman law: This law states that flow or between the earth and the sun is not uniform throughout
influx, of radiation is proportional to the fourth the year. It is nearest to the sun (147 million km) on 3rd
power of the absolute temperature of radiating body. January and farthest (152 million km) on 4th July. The
•• Continuous emission of photons from the sun causes reason behind this is mainly to the orbit of the earth which
bonds of radiations with certain wavelength. is elliptical in shape. When the earth is nearest to the sun
it is called as perihelion and when farthest is called as
•• The radiation is mostly emitted in the form of electromagnetic
aphelion.
waves and is known as electromagnetic radiation.
•• The electromagnetic radiation radiated from the outer (iv) Sunspots: Sunspots created on the outer surface due
surface of the sun, consisting of four spectrums which to periodic disturbance and explosions. The number of
are as follows: sunspots varies from year to year. Its cycle is completed
in 11 years. The energy radiated from the sun increases.
(i) The first spectrum includes, gama rays, hard
When the number of sunspots increases and therefore the
x-rays, soft x-rays and ultra violet rays. Measured in
amount of insolation received by the earth surface is also
angstrom (10–8 cm) and have short wave lengths.
increases.
(ii) The second spectrum consists of visible rays. It is
measured in micron and ranges between 0.4 to 0.07 (v) Effect of the Atmosphere: The amount of heat energy
micron. absorbed by the atmosphere while on its way to earth’s
surface. This absorption depends on the composition of
(iii) The third spectrum of electromagnetic waves
gases present in atmosphere. Scattering of solar radiation
covers infrared spectrum. It ranges between 0.7 to
takes place during sunrise and sunset. The oblique rays
300 microns.
pass through the longest path of the atmosphere.
(iv) The fourth spectrum consists of longwaves which
include micro-waves, radar waves and radiowaves.
These waves are measured in cm and m. Forms of transfer of heat
Radiation
Distribution of Insolation The process of heat transfer in the form of emitted
•• The amount of insolation received at the earth’s surface electromagnetic waves is known as thermal radiation. The
decreases from equator towards poles. process of radiation of heat energy back from ground is known
•• There are also temporal variation of insolation received at as ground radiation.
different latitudes at different period of a year. When part of ground radiation is radiated back to earth after
•• There is very little variation of insolation during winter getting absorbed by earth’s atmosphere is known as counter-
and summer season from equator upto tropics. radiation.
•• At middle latitude (23.5° to 66° latitudes), both the
hemisphere receive maximum sunlight during summer Convection
solstice (in northern hemisphere) and winter solstice (in The transfer of heat energy from one place to another through a
southern hemisphere). medium of fluids as gaseous substances is known as convection.
G-58 Atmosphere

Conduction Regional Distribution of

The transfer of heat through molecules of an object is known Temperature
as conduction. Which can be accomplished via two ways:
The three major heat zones of the Earth are temperate zone,
1. From one part of the body to another part of the same body.
the torrid zone and the frigid zone. These are based on the
2. From one body to the other body.
distance they have from Equator.
Advection Torrid Zone (Tropical Zone)
Advection is the lateral or horizontal transfer of heat. It
This is the hottest zone of the Earth. The region that lies from the
generally takes place in the ocean in the form of currents.
Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N), across Equator (0°) to the Tropic
of Capricorn (23.5°S) is considered the torrid zone (Tropical
Heat Budget Zone). The Sun’s ray falls directly at least once a year.
•• The earth as a unit does not accumulate or loose heat.
It maintains its temperature. This is so as the amount of Frigid Zone
heat received as insolation equals the amount lost through This is the coldest zone of the Earth. This area lies to the north
terrestrial radiation. This is the heat budget of the earth. of Arctic circle (66.6°N) and to the south of the Antarctic
•• It is estimated that out of 100 units of incoming solar circle (66.5°S) and is permanently frozen. There is no sunlight
energy. The 35 units received at the outer limit of the for most of the months is of the year in this zone.
atmosphere is reflected and scattered back into space by
Temperate Zone
clouds (27 units), dust particles (6 units) and by surface of
Frigid Zone
the earth (4 units) in its original short wave form.
•• Remaining 65 units enters atmosphere out of which 51 Temperate 66.5° N
units are received by the earth’s surface and 14 units are Zone
23.5° N
absorbed by atmospheric gases alongwith water vapour.
0°
•• The 51 units which are received by the earth surface are
received through direct radiation (34 unit) and rest 17 23.5° S
Temperate
units is received as diffuse day light. This is called as heat Zone 66.5° S
budget of earth.
•• 34 units are returned to atmosphere in the form of Frigid Zone
outgoing terresterial radiation (long wave) out of which
6 unit absorbed by the atmosphere, 9 units are spent in •• This is the habitable heat zone of the Earth. There are two
convection and turbulance and 19 units are spent through temperate zones lie in between in both 23½° to 66½° the
evaporation. hemisphere.
•• Heat budget of atmosphere includes absorption of incoming •• These regions have moderate, tolerable temperature.
solar radiation (14 units) and heat received from terresterial
radiation (34 units). This is equal to 48 units together. Importance of the Heat Zones
•• The energy sent back to space = 35 units (through direct This division of the Earth into different heat zones helps in
radiation) + 17 units (through radiation from earth) + 48 understanding the climate changes and to study weather
units (through radiation from the atmosphere) conditions acners the world.

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Air pressure is defined as total weight of a mass of column of Major Pressure Belts
air above per unit area at sea level. Air pressure is maximum
•• At the equator heated air rises creating a low-pressure area
at sea level. Pressure exerted by air at a particular point is at the surface. This is called the equatorial low pressure.
determined by temperature and density. It is also known as doldrums. Reaching the troposphere
There is inverse relation between temperature and pressure. the warm air bends towards the pole and descends at 30-
35° latitude or the tropics creating a belt of sub-tropical
Air pressure is measured as a force per unit area. The
high pressure.
unit of air pressure is milibar or mb measured by a
•• Subtropical high pressure zone is also known as horse
barometer. latitude. Sub-tropical highs are the source of air moving
The distribution of atmospheric pressure is shown on a map by along the surface towards the poles.
isobars. An isobar is an imaginary line drawn through points •• At 60-65° latitudes surface air streams coming from polar
of equal atmospheric pressure at the sea level. The spacing of high pressure and sub-tropical high pressure converge and
move up. This upward movement of air creates a low
isobars expresses the rate and direction of pressure change and
pressure system at the surface which is the sub-polar low
is called pressure gradients. pressure.
Atmosphere G-59

•• At the poles, the low temperature makes air contract and Gradient Wind
creates a zone of high pressure. This thermally created
high pressure system is called polar high pressure. This Wind above the earth’s surface do not travel in straight lines.
dense cold air flows equator-wards away from the area of The winds blow along the curved isobars of a high (anticyclone)
high pressure. or low (cyclone) pressure center. A wind that blows around
High Pressure curved isobars above the level of friction is called a gradient
Polar wind.
Winds
Low Pressure 60º

Westerlies Types of Winds

High Pressure 30º
Trade Wind ••
Winds can occur on a large scale.
(N E)
••
On the bases of their area of influence they are divided
Low Pressure 0º into two types:
Trade Winds
(1) Planetary winds:
(S E) (i) Trade wind
High Pressure 30º (ii) Westerlies
Westerlies
(iii) Polar wind
Low Pressure 60º (2) Periodic winds:
(i) Seasonal wind
The planetary System of Pressure and Winds at the Equlnoxes (ii) Local wind
(iii) Land and sea breeze
Shifting of Pressure Belts
Local Winds
By late June, sun is overhead at the tropic of cancer. The
Nature Nature Region
doldrum (low pressure belt) moves northward from the equator
with other belts also shifting in the northern hemisphere. In Fohn Warm Alps
late December, when the sun is overhead at the tropic of Chinook Warm Rockies
Capricorn, the belts move southwards in the same way.
(snow eater)
Kalbaisakhi Warm North India
WIND
Berg Warm S. Africa
Wind is air in motion which can be in any direction. Wind is Zonda Warm Andes
caused by spatial differences in atmospheric pressure and flows
from areas of high pressure to those of low pressure. These Loo Warm Indian
differences are caused by uneven absorption of solar radiation subcontinent
at earth’s surface. Wind speed is at its greatest during daytime Santa Ana Warm Coastal
when the greatest spatial extremes in atmospheric temperature Southern
and pressure exist. Wind direction is measured as the direction
California
from where a wind comes from.
•• Direction is measured by a wind vane. Wind speed can be Southerly Cold New South
measured using the Beaufort wind scale. Wales Burster
Khamsin Warm Egypt
Coriolis Force Harmattan Warm Guinea Coast
Rotation of Earth creates Coriolis force. The consequence (Doctor)
of Coriolis force is that the moving air changes direction. Mistral Cold S.E. France
Instead of wind blowing directly from high to low pressure,
rotation of the earth causes wind to deflect. In the northern Samun Warm Iran
hemisphere, wind is deflected to wards right, while in the Purga Cold Russia
southern hemisphere it is deflected towards left. Magnitude Levanter Cold France
of the Coriolis force varies with the velocity and the latitude Pampero Cold S. America
of the object. Coriolis force is absent at the equator but its
Norwester Warm, dry New Zealand
strength increases towards pole gradually.
Harmattan Warm, dry Eastern part of Sahara
Geostrophic Wind 1. Planetary Winds
Air under the influence of both the pressure gradient and They are a major part of general global circulation of
Coriolis force moves parallel to isobars in conditions where air. They occur due to temperature and pressure variance
friction is low (1000 meters above the surface of the earth) existing throughout the world. They are of following
and isobars are straight. Such winds are called geostrophic types :
winds. (i) Trade winds (ii) Westerlies (iii) Polar winds
G-60 Atmosphere

(i) Trade Winds continents begin cooling as long wave radiation is

Blowing from the subtropical highs or horse latitudes emitted to space. Ocean surface retains its heat longer
(between 30°N and 30°S) towards the equatorial low as water has high specific heat and subsurface mixing.
pressure are the trade wind. Winter monsoons bring clear dry weather and winds
• In the northern hemisphere, the trade wind blowing that flow from land to sea. It brings rain to A.P and
from the northeast and is known as the Northeast trade T.N as they pick moisture from Ocean.
wind in the southern hemisphere, the wind blowing l Monsoon Winds of SE Asia: Asiatic monsoon is
from the southeast and are called the southeast trade caused by a complex climatic interaction between
wind. distribution of land, water, topography, and tropical
(ii) Westerlies Winds and mid-latitudinal circulation.
l During summer, a low-pressure forms over
Prevailing wind in the middle latitudes between 35° and
65° latitude, blowing from high pressure area in the horse northern part of India and Southeast Asia because
latitudes towards the poles are called as Westerlies wind. of high solar insolation.
• The winds are predominantly from the southwest l Warm moist air is drawn into the thermal lows
in the northern hemisphere and from the northwest from air masses over the Indian Ocean.
in the southern hemisphere and bring extra-tropical l Summer heat creates a strong latitudinal pressure
cyclones with them. gradient and development of an easterly jet stream
• In southern hemisphere they are stronger and more (15 km) at the latitude of 25°N.
constant in direction than those of the northern l The jet stream enhances rainfall in Southeast Asia,
hemisphere because of the vast expanse of water. Arabian Sea, and South Africa. When autumn
• They are best developed between 40° and 65° south returns to Asia, thermal extremes between land
latitudes. These latitudes are hence often called and ocean decrease. Westerlies of the mid-latitudes
Roaring forties, furious fifties and shrieking sixties. move in. Easterly jet stream is replaced with
strong westerly winds in the upper atmosphere.
(iii) Polar Wind
Subsidence from an upper atmosphere cold low
Winds blowing in the arctic and the antarctic latitudes are above the Himalayas produces outflow that creates
polar winds. They blow from polar high pressure towards
a surface high-pressure system that dominates the
sub-polar low pressure belt. In the northern hemisphere,
weather in India and Southeast Asia.
they blow from north-east, and are called the north-east
polar winds. In the southern hemisphere, they blow from Besides, Asian continent, monsoon wind systems
south-east and are called south-east polar winds. As these exist in Australia, Africa, South America, and North
winds blow from ice-capped landmass, they are very cold. America.

2. Periodic Winds (ii) Local winds: Winds flow in comparatively small area
Land and sea breezes local and monsoon winds are and have special characteristics. They are generated by
periodic winds. They are of the following types: purely local factors (local temperature differences) and
their zone of influence is quite limited. They play an
(i) Seasonal Winds important role in the weather of a particular locality.
• Monsoon Winds: Monsoons are regional wind
systems that predictably change direction with the (iii) Land and Sea Breezes: Sometimes local conditions
passing of the seasons. Monsoons occur over distances may set air in continuous motion. Even in calm days in
of thousands of kilometers, and their two dominant summer, heated air rising from land surface may cause
patterns of wind flow act over an annual time scale. strong breezes to move in from over the cooler sea. By
• South-West Monsoon: During summers, monsoon night, land cools more rapidly than the sea, cool air may
winds blow from cooler ocean surfaces onto the
move seawards as land breeze, usually a gentle flow. In
warmer continents during April to September. The
continents become warmer than the oceans due to: some countries, if hot deserts border the seas, strong
(i) Specific heat differences between land and water. winds may develop. Sea breeze will be felt miles inland.
(ii) Greater evaporation over water surfaces. Jet Streams: These are strong, rapid and narrow air currents
(iii) Subsurface mixing in ocean basins, which circumpolar westerlies blowing in upper atmosphere or into
redistributes heat energy to a deeper layer. troposphere.
Precipitation is associated with summer monsoons. •• Blow from west to east spreading over a few hundred
Onshore winds blowing inland from the warm ocean have kilometers at the height of 7.5-14 km
very high in humidity. Upon cooling these air masses
causes condensation and rain. Some highland in Asia •• Found between poles and 20° latitude in both the
receives more than 10 meters of rain during the summers. hemisphere.
l North-West Monsoon: In the month of October and The minimum velocity is 108 km/hr and the average
November the wind patterns reverses, as ocean surfaces summer velocity is 130 km/hr and average winter velocity
are now warmer. With little solar energy available, is 65 km/hr. The maximum velocity is 480 km/hr.
Atmosphere G-61

AIR MASS, FRONTS, CYCLONE AND ANTI-CYCLONE

Air Mass (2) Cold front
An air mass is defined as a large body of air, relatively It can be defined as boundary between warm and cool
having similar physical properties (especially temperature and air masses wherein cold air displaces warm air. It has a
humidity) spreading over hundreds of kilometers. steep edge and move aggressively to invade the warm air
•• In order to acquire the similar physical properties air mass territory. As they are denser remain at the ground, forcing
must be stagnate for a longer period of time on the source the warm air to rise. The cold air mass is associated
region. with bad weather-thick clouds, heavy downpour with
•• The notable centre for the development is anticyclone area thunderstorms and lightning. At times it results in snowfall
which is characterised by high pressure and low pressure. and hailstorms. Clouds associated with this type of front
is Ci, Cs and Cb.
Classification of Air mass
(3) Occluded front
Generally the air mass is classified into 4 types:
(1) Polar Air mass (P) - It originates in polar region between When the cold front completely overtakes warm front,
60° N and S. displacing the warm air by cold air from the ground
(2) Tropical Air mass (T) - It originates between 25°N and system.
S upto equator. (4) Stationary front
(3) Continental Air mass (C) - It originates over continents
It is the stage when the two contrasting air masses become
(land mass) and is dry in nature.
parallel to each other and there is no ascenstet of air.
(4) Marine Air mass (M) - It originates over the oceans and
in moist in nature.
These four air masses are combined with one other to form
Cyclones
four principal air masses such as: Cyclone in centre of low pressure surrounded by closed isobars.
(1) Continental polar mass air (CP) - Cold, air and stable. The pressure increases outward and the air move inward as
(2) Maritime polar mass air (MP) - Cold, air and unstable. the centre has low pressure. In the northern hemisphere it
(3) Continental Tropical air mass air (CT) - hot, dry, stable has anticlockwise movement and clockwise in the southern
(at height) and at surface Instable. hemisphere.
(4) Maritime Tropical air mass air (MT) - warm, moist and It can be circular, elliptical or ‘V’ shape.
unstable. It is of two types
(1) Extratropical/Temperature cyclone
Front (2) Tropical cyclone
It is the transition zone between two air masses with different (1) Extratropical/Temperate cyclone
properties (temperature, humidity, density, pressure and
It is a simple depression or atmospheric disturbance
wind direction). An extensive transitional zone between two
having low pressure in the centre and pressure increases
converging air masses is called as frontal zone on frontal
surface. The process associated with the creation of new fronts outward. It is found in the middle latitude (35°-65°) in
or the regeneration decaying fronts is called frontogenesis. The both opposing air masses (warm, moist and light tropical
process of destruction or dying of fronts is called frontolysis. air mass, front is created where these two air masses
converge and lead to the development of temperate
Types of Fronts cyclone. The size of cyclones varies from 150 km to
Fronts are of four principal types on the basis of their different 3000 km. On an average vertical extent is 10-12 km. Its
characteristic features such as average summers velocity is 32 km per hours for winter it
(1) Warm front (2) Cold front is 48 km per hour.
Cold air

(3) Occluded front (4) Stationary front

(1) Warm front 0°F

It has gentle sloping frontal surface alongwith warm 10°F
and light air. As they are warm and light they rise up 20°F
slowly over cold and dense air. This warm air is cooled 30°F
adiabatically. It saturated and gets condensed resulting
m

40°F
in precipitation over a larger area for several hours.
War
air

The precipitation varies from moderate to gentle. It is Temperature cyclone in Northerm

associated with Ci, Cs, As, Ns, St and fog. hemisphere
G-62 Atmosphere

Life Cycle of Cyclone 3. Tropical Storm

The period of cyclone from its inception (cyclogenesis) to its Tropical storm is related with low pressure centre,
termination (eyclolysis) is called as life cycle of cyclone. There closed isobars which rushes towards the centre with the
are six stages in a life cyclone of a cyclone velocity ranging between 40 to 120 km/hr. It developes
1. First stage involves the convergence of two air masses of over Caribbean sea, near Philippines and Bay of Bengal
contrasting physical properties and direction. causing devastation of lives and properties.
2. Second stage is a stage when the warm and cold air 4. Hurricane or Typhoon
masses penetrate into the territories of one other, and a
It is a form of massive tropical cyclone surrounded by several
wave-life front is formed. It is also called incipient stage.
closed isobars. It moves with an average speed of 120 km/
3. Third stage is the mature stage when the cyclone is fully hr. Hurricane has more symmetrical and circular isobar. The
developed and the isobars are almost circular in shape.
pressure increases sharply from centre towards the outer
4. Fourth stage in this stage where warm air mass is margin, resulting in presure gradient. Heavy downpour
narrowed by the cold air mass. occurs, which is often uniformly distributed over a larger
5. Fifth stage is related with the starting of occlusion of area as compared to other types of tropical cyclones.
cyclone. Here, the cold front fully overtake the warm
front. Tropical Cyclones are known by different names :
6. Sixth stage warm sector completely disappears and occluded Hurricanes - Carbbean and Pacific coast of Mexico.
front is eliminated and ultimately cyclone dies out. Typhoons - Sea of China and Japan
Cyclones - India / Australia
(2) Tropical Cyclone Willy-Willies - North Australia
The development of the cyclone over the tropical region Tornado - South and Eastern USA.
lying between tropic of cancer to capricorn are called as Bagguio - Philippines
Tropical Cyclones.
Comparison between Temperature and Tropical
•• Its average diameter varies between 80 km to 300 km. At
cyclones.
times it is restricted to 50 km or even less in diameter.
•• Velocity varies between 32 km/hr to 180 km/hr or more Tropical Cyclone Extra-tropical cyclone
when it is coverted into a hurricane. The tropical cyclone have a Formed in middle or high
•• Tropical cyclone becomes more vigorous and move with thermal origin, exclusively latitudes, due to the development
high velocity over ocean but over land it becomes feeble over the tropical seas. of front (35°-65° N and S)
as it reaches interior portion of the continents. The size of the tropical cyclone It is much extensive size.
•• There are less number of isobars and are more or less in is 1/3 of temperate cyclone
circular shape. This results in rapid rush of wind towards Strongest winds of tropical Strongest winds of mid-latitude
the centre. cyclones take place at surface. cyclones are higher up in
•• Every year it occurs at a particular period of a year, atmosphere.
mainly during summer season. It is associated with single eye There is more than one place
•• It is not generated near equator as the coriolis force is where wind and rain is active.
negligible at equator. Wind velocity is very high It is low in comparison to
tropical cyclone.
Types of Tropical Cyclone Its relation with upper level It has a distinct relation with
Tropical cyclone are divided into 4 major types: air is not clear upper level of air.
(1) Tropical disturbance (2) Tropical depression
(3) Tropical storms (4) Hurricane or typhoon Anticyclones
1. Tropical disturbance The air mass in which pressure is high at the centre but
decreases outwards is anti-cyclone. Winds move in a clockwise
It is associated with easterly trade wind. The easterly
out-spiral in the northern hemisphre but in an anticlockwise
wave develops between 5° to 20° N latitude in the western
out-spiral in the southern hemisphere.
part of the oceans. It is associated with large amount of
cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud. These clouds bring •• They have a circular shape usually but at times assume
heavy to moderate rainfall. V shape.
•• They are larger in size than temperate cyclone. 75 times
2. Tropical Depression the size of temperate cyclone.
This region is the centre of low pressure and characterised •• It has the average velocity of 30-50 km/hour.
by closed isobars, which are small in size. The wind •• The high pressure at the centre causes the wind to move
velocity at the centre is 40-50 km/hr. It is usually outward.
influenced by summer weather of India and Australia. •• The wind descend from above at the centre and thus
Sometimes, it becomes strong and give heavy rainfall, weather becomes clear and rainless.
after resulting in floods. •• It has no fronts.
Atmosphere G-63

HUMIDITY
It is the amount of water vapour present in the air at a particular claim human and animal lives.
period of time and place. Humidity of a place can be expressed
in three ways: Snowfall
It is the fall of large snowflakes from clouds on the ground
Absolute Humidity
surface. The dew point should be below freezing point for
The measure of water vapour content of the atmosphere
which may be expressed as the actual quantity of water receiving snowfall. It is a result of sublimation.
vapour present in a given volume of air is called absolute Sleet
humidity. This is measured as gms per cubic meter air.
Absolute humidity changes with place and time. The capacity It is a mixture of snow and rain. It is a small pellets formed by
of air to hold water vapour depends on temperature. Warm freezing of raindrops or melting snowflakes.
air holds more moisture than cold air.
Rainfall
Specific Humidity
It is the most common form of precipitation. It is a process
Another way to express humidity as the mass of water
wherein warm air ascends, saturates and condenses. Adiabatic
vapour per unit weight of air or the proportion of the mass
of water vapour to the total mass of air is called the specific cooling takes place when the relative humidity becomes 100
humidity. Specific humidity is not affected by changes in per cent. The condensation of water vapour takes place where
pressure or temperature. large hygroscopic nuclei (salt and dust) is formed. Such
Relative Humidity droplets are called as cloud droplets shade. Rainfall occurs
This is a ratio expressed between actual quantity of water when cloud droplets change to raindrops which involves two
vapour present in the air at a given temperature absolute processes:
humidity and the maximum quantity of water vapour that the 1. The warm and moist air ascends to such a height that
atmosphere can hold at that temperature. Relative humidity the process of condensation beings below freezing point.
determines the amount and rate of evaporation. Both the waterdroplets and ice droplets are formed. The
•• Hygrometer is the instrument used for measuring relative condensation takes place as the water droplets evaporates
humidity. It comprises of wet and dry bulb thermometer. around ice droplets due to difference in vapour pressure.
These ice droplets become large and fall when finally they
Absolute humidity are not able to be held back in the condensed icedroplets.
Relative humidity = ×100
Humidity capacity 2. The suspended cloud droplets in the cloud are of varrying
•• Temperature and evaporation are directly proportional to sizes. They collide among themselves at different rate as
humidity. their size varies. They combine to form a large droplet. In
•• The process of transformation of liquid into gaseous form this process several cloud droplets are coalesced to form
is called as evaporation. raindrops. When these cloud droplets are large enough that
they are unable to hold by ascending air they being to fall.
•• Oceanic and coastal regions record higher humidity
capacity of air than the remote continental regions. Types of Rainfall
Rainfall can be classified into three types:
•• Humidity capacity decreases from equator to polewards
as the temperature also decreases. 1. Convectional Rainfall
•• The air having moisture content equal to its humidity 2. Orographic Rainfall
capacity is called as saturated air. 3. Cyclonic or Frontal Rainfall
It balances the energy flow of the earth in the form of clouds. 1. Convectional Rainfall
The process of evaporation and condensation are major The thermal heating of the ground surface through the
means by which transfer of energy takes place from earth to process of insolation leads to rise of air as they become
warm and light. The process of convectional rainfall
atmosphere, which is the basis of precipitation.
mainly depends on two factors.
(i) The supply of moisture through evaporation should
PRECIPITATION be abundant so that its relative humidity becomes
high.
Condensation of atmospheric water vapour that falls under the
(ii) There should be intense heating through insolation
gravity is called as precipitation. This could be in the form of process.
rain, snow or hail etc. Its form depend on the temperature at
The process of convectional rainfall involves intense heating of
which water vapour condenses. ground surface though solar radiation. As the warm air rises,
Forms of Precipitation the vacant shape is filled by surrounding air which too warm
up when come in contact with already warm air. Ascending
Hail warm and moist air cools according to dry adiabatic lapse
It is a form of solid precipitation consisting of large pellets rate (10°C per 1000 metres) increasing the relative humidity.
or spheres of ice balls with the diameter varing between 5 The moist air becomes saturated soon (relative humidity
to 50 mm. The falling of hail on the ground surface is called becomes 100 percent) and futher rising of saturated air causes
hailstorm. It is destructive as it destroys agricultural crops and condensation and cloud formation cumulo-nimbus clouds.
The air further rises and cools with moist adiabatic lapse rate
G-64 Atmosphere

(5°C per 1000 metre). When the air reaches the temperature mountain facing the wind is called as windward side and
of its surrounding cumulo-nimbus cloud is formed and there is the other side of that mountain is known as Leeward side.
instantaneous heavy rainfall. Windward side receives maximum rain and leeward side
•• It occurs daily in afternoon in the equatorial regions. receives no or little rain. The leeward side is also known
•• It is for short duration but point down heavily. as rainshadow region. This type of rainfall is called as
•• Occurs through thick dark and extensive cumulo-nimbus orographic rainfall.
clouds. • The mountain should be acting as a barrier across the
•• It is accompanied by number of thunder and lightning. wind direction.
• Mountain or hill should be running parallel to the
Cloud
coast.
• The height of the mountain too determines

Le
sid

ew
Warm ascending air ard

ard
w
Ground Surface ind

sid
Convectional Rainfall W

e
2. Orographic Rainfall
•• Orographic rainfall
When the warm and moist air is obstructed by any hill or
mountain, it starts ascending along the slope of the hill or the amount of orographic rainfall.
mountain and get saturated after reaching a height. As a 3. Cyclone or Frontal Rainfall
result condenses around hygroscopic nuclei. The presence Cyclonic or frontal rainfall occurs due to ascending of
of hill or mountain triggers the process of ascending of moist air and adiabatic cooling caused by convergence of
moist air, becoming cool and unstable. The slope of the two extensive air mass.

CLOUDS
They are mass of very fine water droplets, ice particles or l Altostratus : 
greyish, watery looking and a wool
mixture suspended in the atmosphere. Clouds are formed by pack cloud..
the adiabatic cooling of air when it is below its dew point. 3. Low clouds: below 2000 meters above sea level.
Cooling process is created by upward movement of light and
l Stratocumulus : Low rolling, bumpy clouds.
warm moist air which reduces pressure, expands and reaches
l Nimbostratus : Fog-like low cloud causes dull weather
its dew point. There is further cooling below dew point
with drizzle. It is also associated with
causing condensation. Adiabatic process involves change in
lightning thunder and hailstorm.
temperature of an ascending or descending air. The air which
l Stratus : These clouds are low, grey and layered,
ascends (due to expansion of volume) results in cooling of air,
almost fog-like in appearance, bring
whereas the air which descends results in warming a air at the
dull weather and often accompanied
rate of 10°C per 1000 meters. This rate of shade change is
by drizzle air or snowfall.
called as adiabatic lapse rate. 10° per 1000 meters change is
only before dew point (condensation level) and after dew point 4. Clouds of great Vertical extent: 1500 to 9000 m.
is achieved the rate of change in 5°C per 1000 m. l Cumulus : A round-topped and flat based cloud,
which form a whitish grey globular
Types of Cloud mass. It some times becomes thunder
cloud.
Usually clouds are classified in terms of their vertical l Cumulonimbus : Cumulus cloud which reaches
arrangement in the atmosphere of high, middle and low clouds. up to 9000 meters, often indicates
1. High clouds: 6000 to 12000 meters above sea level. convectional rain, lightning and
l Cirrus : Wispy, fibrous-looking cloud which thunder storm.
indicate fair weather.
l Cirrocumulus : A thin cloud, often globular and Distribution of precipitation across
rippled. different regions of world.
l Cirrostratus : Thin white sheet type which gives the
sun and moon their haloes. 1. Regions of Heavy Precipitation: Rainfall more than 150
2. Medium clouds : 2000 to 6000 meter above sea level. cm per year are:
l Altocumulus :  Globular, bumpy looking clouds with Equatorial regions: Amazon and Congo Basins,
(i)
a flat base covering entire sky.. Malaysia, Indonesia and New Guinea.
Atmosphere G-65

(ii) Tropical Monsoon regions: Parts of India, South- 3. Regions of very low rainfall (less than 25 cm.)
east Asia and South China. (i) Tropical deserts – Western margins of continents
(iii) Mid-latitude West Margin regions: Coastal regions in the trade wind belt, Californian desert (USA),
of British Columbia, North-west Europe, South Atacama (South America), Kalahari (Southern
Chile and South Island of New Zealand. Africa), Sahara, Arabian Desert and West Australian
2. Moderate rainfall (100 to 150 cm per year) desert.
(i) Eastern margins of continents in the trade-wind belt (ii) Mid-latitude desert – Interiors of large continents
e.g. eastern margin of China, U.S.A., Brazil, South like Asia and North America.
Africa and Australia. (iii) Polar Regions – Arctic and Antarctic.

WORLD CLIMATIC ZONES

1. Equatorial Climate or Tropical Climate
Rain Forest Climate •• This zone has distinct wet and dry season.
•• The mean temperature varies between 24°C to 27°C.
Location •• Annual precipitation of 100 cm to 150 cm is received
•• It is found between 5°N to 10°N and S of equator. From December to February there is no rainfall at all.
•• The equatorial climate is found in the following •• 80% to 90% of the rain occurs in rainy season only.
South America : Largest area is in the Amazon lowlands.
It also occurs along the coast of Guianas. Vegetation
Africa : Part of the Congo basin and Guinea •• Seasonal rains allow grass to grow. These are natural
coast Africa. grasslands. Rainfall is not sufficient to support tall trees
Southern Asia : Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea and but grass grows well. Elephant grass grows up to 4.5
parts of Philippines. metres. As we move towards the equator, trees grow
along the banks of the streams, are of broad-leaf and
Climate umbrella shaped.
•• It is warm round the year as the sun’s rays are always •• Fauna: Elephants, giraffe, zebra, rhinoceros along with
fall vertically. Annual average temperature is uniform at varieties of carnivores animals (lion, leopards, tiger,
27°C. The daily range of temperature is in between 10°C cheeta, hyena etc.) are found.
and 25°C. The annual range is less than 5°C.
•• This region has no dry season. Average annual rainfall 3. Hot Desert Climate
is 200 cm to 250 cm. The driest mouth in this region
receives 6 cm of rainfall. Location
•• Thermally included low pressure belt due to the uniform Arid deserts lie close to the tropic of cancer and tropic of
high temperature throughout the year. capricorn in the western margins of continents, between 15°-30°
•• Convection current is formed and results in rainfall in in both the hemisphere.
this zone. •• Sahara, Arabia, Thar, Mohave and Sonoran (U.S.A.),
•• The convergence of trade winds coming from sub-tropical Kalahari and Namib (Africa), Simpson, Gibson, Great
high pressure belt forms intertropical convergence (ITC). Sandy (Australia). These lie in western part of the
ITC is associated with atmospheric distribution (cyclone). continents.
Vegetation Climate
High temperature and year round rain produce most luxuriant
•• Climate is dominated by subsidence of air masses and sub
vegetation in the region which are tropical rainforest or Selvas
in South America. tropical anti cyclones.
•• Average summer temperature is between 30°C to 35°C.
2. Savanna or Sudan type of climate Mid-day temperature is recorded to be 40°C.
•• Daily range of temperature is great varrying between
Location
22°C to 28°C
This transitional type of climate is bounded between equatorial
rainforest and semi-arid and subtropical humid climate. This •• Annual range of temperature varies between 17°C to 22 °C.
lies between 5° to 20° north and south of equator. •• These areas are nearly rainless or receive lowest annual
• South America : Columbia and Venezuela. rainfall (Less than 12).
Africa : Sudan, parts of Senegal, Mali, Guinea,
Niger, Chad, Ghana, Togo, Kenya, Vegetation
Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Angola and Uganda. •• Normal vegetation is cactus, thorny plants, shrubs and
Australia : Queensland. herbs.
G-66 Atmosphere

4. Steppe (Temperate continental) 6. Sub-Tropical Humid Climate/

Climate Underline China type
Location Location
These are also called mid-latitude grasslands. They are far •• It is found in the eastern boundary of the continent
away from any influence of the sea as they are in the heart of between 25°C to 40° N and S latitude.
the continents. •• It is found in south-east China, PO Basin, Danube Basin,
Prairies (North America), Pampas (South America), South-east USA; south-east Brazil, Paraguay, Uraguay
Velds (South Africa), Canterbury (Newzeland), Downs and north-eastern Argentina and Africa alongwith the east
(Australia) and Steppes (Russia). coast of Africa.

Climate Climate
•• Their climate is continental with extremes of temperature. •• Mean annual summer temperature lies between 24°C to
Summers are very warm and winters are very cold. In 26° and during winter it is 6.6°C to 10°C.
northern hemisphere where as in southern hemisphere the •• The temperature do not varies spatially.
temperature variation is mild. •• Rainfall varies between 75 cm to 150 cm
•• These are dry lands as they are located in the deep interiors •• Rain decreases as we move inland from coast.
of large land masses away from the oceans. Temperature •• Tropical cyclone is found and results in rainfall. Even
in summer varies from 18°C to 24°C and in winter winter cyclones are found here as it is associated with
from – 4°C to 2°C. Such range of temperature is large. Westerlies.
Rain fall occurs in spring and early summer and varies
between 25 cm. and 75 cm. Rain is of convectional type Vegetation
and light. •• Dense evergreen forests are found alongwith decidoous
sparse forest and grassland. They have broad leaves.
Vegetation
Short grass grows everywhere. Trees are found only on 7. West European type Climate
mountain slopes.
Location
5. Mediterranean Climate •• The zone lies between 40° and 65° latitude in both the
hemisphere along the west coast of the continents.
Location •• North-Western Europe, British Columbia of Canada,
•• The zone lies between 30°-40°N and S latitudes on the Washington and Oregon states of the USA, south-west
western edge of the continents. coast of Chile, south-east coast of Australia and Tasmania
•• Mediterranean type of climate is found near the and New Zealand.
Mediterranean sea in the northern hemisphere (Portugal
to Turkey, Morocco, Northern Algeria, Tunissia and Climate
libya) alongwith southern California coast. •• Average temperature during summer ranges between
•• In the southern hemisphere central chile, Cape town area 15°C to 21°C.
of South America, South and Southwest coast of Australia. •• Polar front causes the development of temperate cyclone
•• Average winter temperature is 5°C to 10°C whereas that in this region under the influence of westerlies.
of summer it is 20°C to 27°C. •• Annual range of temperature varies between 50 cm to 75 cm.
•• Mean annual range of temperature is recorded to be
between 15°C to 17°C. Vegetation
•• The zone experiences season shift of pressure belt •• Broad-leaf deciduous forest (oak, birch, walnut, maple,
•• Winter rainfall is received through cyclonic storms. elm, chestnut, etc).
•• More than 75° of the rainfall is in winter season. •• Needle-leaf (coniferous) forest like pine, fir etc are found.
•• The mean annual rainfall varies between 37 cm to 65 cm. •• Mixed forest is also found here.
•• Summer winds are generally dry and hot.
8. Monsoon Climate
Vegetation
Location
•• Woodland, dwarf forest and scrubs are found in this
Monsoon region includes the eastern margins of continents
region.
which lies between 5° to 30° N and S latitude of equator.
•• The leaves are thick and shiny resisting moisture loss.
•• Eastern Brazil (S. America), Central American countries,
•• The trees like pine, oak, cedar, madrone, walnut and
Natal coast (S. Africa), Indian subcontinent, South East
chestnuts growhere.
Asia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, etc.
•• Citrus fruits are grown in this zone. Parts of East Africa including Malagasy, North Australia.
Atmosphere G-67

Climate •• Rainfall varies from 25 to 100 cm. There is more rainfall

•• Temperature variation results in season formation. near the coast.
•• During the months of summer (March to June) the average •• Most of the rain comes from cyclonic weather. It falls
temperature is ranging between 27°C to 32°C. throughout the year but maximum in summer as frequent
showers.
•• During the months of winter the average temperature
recorded is 10° to 27°C. •• In winter it is in the form of snow which remains on the
•• The temperature in this zone is controlled by nearness ground for 5 to 7 months.
or remotness of the sea, latitudinal and altitudinal also
Vegetation
influence it.
•• Vegetation in this climate type is softwood coniferous
•• The region receives cyclonic rainfall mostly alongwith
orographic rain. forests (Spruce, fir, pine).
•• On an average annual rainfall received in around 150 cm. •• Fauna like reindeer, deer, elk, moose and wild cat are
Rainfall shows temporal variation. found here.
•• 80% of the rainfall is received within 3 months (July,
August and September). 10. Tundra Climate
•• Some parts of Indian sub-continent receives winter Location
rainfall (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh) from north-
east monsoons. •• The northern most parts of Asia, Europe and North
America (include Alaska and Canadian Islands).
•• Monsoon rainfall is basically cyclonic in character.
•• Dry season is found here Climate
Vegetation •• Average annual temperature is – 12°C.
• Trees are mostly deciduous. The forests are open and •• Long, bitterly cold and severe winter are experienced.
less luxuriant. Most of the forests yield valuable timber •• Summers are short but cool.
like teak. Other kinds of timber are sal, acacia and •• Precipitation is below 40 cm and as snowfall.
eucalyptus.
Vegetation
9. Taiga /Boreal/ Sub-Arctic Climate •• Very short growing season.
•• Dwarf willows and birches grow here.
Location
•• Fauna like reindeer, polar bear, fox, musk, ox and arctic
This climate type is named after the coniferous forest cover hare are commonly found here.
found in the region.
•• This region lies between 55° and 70° in northern Isolines
hemisphere. It forms a continuous belt across southern It represents the equal value on the map.
Canada, northern Europe and Russia.
•• Isobar: A line representing points of equal atmospheric
•• South Alaska, Southern Canada, parts of Norway,
pressure.
Sweden, Finland, Northern Russia, Northern Siberia, and
•• Isobath: A line representing points of equal depths.
Sakhalin Island.
•• Isobathytherm: A line representing depth of water with
Climate equal temperature.
•• Winters are very cold and severe lasting for 6 to 7 months . •• Isocheim: A line representing points of equal mean winter
This region has Verkhoyansk the “cold pole” colder than temperature.
the arctic region. Summers are short lasting for 3 or 4 •• Isochrone: A line representing points of equal time-
months and days are long; at 60°N the sun shines for 18 distance from a point, such as the transportation time
hours. from a particular point.
G-68 Atmosphere

1.
Exercise - 1
Which one of the areas marked as A, B, C and D in the 8. Which of the following statements is not true of Trade
given figure of the cyclone, witnesses heavy torrential Winds?
short duration rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms? (a) They blow from the Horse latitudes to the Doldrums.
(b) They are deflected to the right to become South-East
Trades in the southern hemisphere.
(c) They are constant in strength and direction.
(d) The sometimes contain intense depression.
9. Perpendicular rays are usually more heating than oblique
rays. Therefore, south-facing slopes are warmer than
north-facing slopes in the summer
(a) A (b) B (a) in the northern hemisphere
(c) C (d) D (b) in the southern hemisphere
2. Which among the following represents the correct se- (c) everywhere
quence in increasing height, of different types of cloud (d) nowhere
formation? 10. Which of the following is wrongly matched?
(a) Cirrus, cumulonimbus, stratus, cumulus (a) Rainfall caused by mountain standing in the way of
(b) Stratus, cumulus, cirrus, cumulonimbus moisture-laden winds-relief rainfall.
(c) Cumulonimbus, cumulus, stratus, cirrus (b) Rain caused by vertical circulation of air currents-
(d) Cirrus, cumulus, cumulonimbus, stratus orographic rainfall.
3. Which of the following clouds are more commonly (c) Rain caused by a warm moist air mass moving upward
formed in the equatorial rainforests? over cold air mass- cyclonic rain-fall.
(a) Cumulonimbus (b) Stratocumulus (d) An area sheltered from rain bearing winds by a hill-
(c) Nimbostratus (d) Alto cumulus rain shadow area.
4. The tropical cyclones do not occur close to the equator 11. Some large lakes in temperate latitudes have a moderating
because of influence upon the climate of adjacent land surfaces. Such
(a) Excessive heat an influence may develop when
(b) Calm air (a) the water is shallow
(b) the lake is high above sea level
(c) Weak coriolis force
(c) prevailing outblowing winds cross the lake in water
(d) The winds are too wet and heavy
(d) the lake is a basin of inland drainage
5. As per Ferrel’s law
12. What causes snowfall?
(a) in the northern hemisphere, the north blowing winds (a) When condensation takes place below 0°C and
are deflected westward precipitation occurs in the form of flakes.
(b) in the southern hemisphere, the north blowing winds (b) When rain freezes into snow flakes while passing
are deflected eastward through the atmosphere.
(c) in the northern hemisphere, the south blowing winds (c) When condensation takes place in the form of fog
are deflected eastward and precipitation occurs as flakes.
(d) in the southern hemisphere the south blowing winds (d) When the air temperature is much lower than surface
are deflected eastward temperature.
6. Spring tides occur when 13. Heat gain through insolation and heat loss through
(a) the moon, the sun and the earth are in the same line terrestrial radiation are equal approximately at which
(b) the moon, the sun and the earth are the right angles, latitude ?
with the earth at the apex (a) 22½° North and South
(c) the moon is nearest to the earth (b) 40½° North and South
(d) the moon is farthest from the earth (c) 42½° North and South
7. Study the following diagram : (d) 66½° North and South
EARTH
SUN
14. Which of the following is the annual precipitation of an
area?
MOON

(a) All forms of precipitation converted to the quantity

of liquid water
The diagram represents (b) The total actual amount of rain, snow, hail and sleet
(a) high tide (c) The total amount of rain per year, irrespective of
(b) spring tide at new moon snow, hail and sleet
(c) spring tide at full moon (d) All forms of precipitation measure after conversion
(d) neap tide at half moon to equal quantity of ice
Atmosphere G-69

15. Although hot deserts have a very low annual rainfall, 24. The velocity of winds is governed by
occasional heavy rain storms do occur and these (a) pressure gradient (b) Farrel’s Law
sometimes produce steep-sided, flat-floored valleys called (c) rotation of the earth (d) temperature
(a) gorges (b) wadi 25. Over which region is the temperature the highest near the
(c) canyons (d) barchan tropopause?
16. Winter temperature ranging from –29°C to –40°C, summer (a) Around the equator
temperature about 10°C, total annual precipitation about (b) Over the Arctic region
25 cm, and low humidity. These characterise the ..... (c) Near the Tropic of Capricorn
climate. (d) Near the Tropic of Cancer
(a) Taiga (b) Tundra 26. Which of the following are not a planetary wind?
(a) Easterlies (b) Westerlies
(c) Mountain (d) West European
(c) Drainage winds (d) Trade winds
17. Atmosphere with excess of carbon dioxide as a result of
27. The water content in the atmosphere
pollution could result in
(a) is not dependent on temperature
(a) fall in temperature (b) increases as temperature increase
(b) rise in temperature (c) remains unchanged with change in temperature
(c) no change of temperature (d) cannot be measured
(d) excess of ultraviolet rays reaching the earth 28. What will happen if the temperature of water is lowered
18. Upto a height of 50 km from Earth, the atmosphere is from 8 °C to 3°C?
composed of (a) Water will freeze
(a) nitrogen, oxygen, argon, minor gases (b) Water will not change in volume
(b) only nitrogen and oxygen (c) The volume will first increase, then decrease
(c) only minor gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, (d) The volume will first decrease, then increase
neon, helium, methane, etc. 29. What is the importance of ozone in the atmosphere?
(d) None of these (a) It provides protection against ultraviolet radiation.
19. The order of the layers in the atmosphere, upwards from (b) It provides condensation nuclei.
below, is (c) It creates the greenhouse effect on earth.
(a) stratosphere, troposphere, ionosphere and (d) It helps scatter blue light.
exosphere. 30. Which one is an anticyclone?
(b) exosphere, ionosphere, troposphere and (a) Low pressure system with clockwise winds in the
stratosphere. northern hemisphere.
(b) High pressure system with clockwise winds in the
(c) troposphere, stratosphere, ionosphere and
northern hemisphere.
exosphere.
(c) Low pressure system with clockwise winds in
(d) troposphere, magnetosphere, stratosphere and exosphere.
southern hemisphere.
20. The most prominent gases in the atmosphere, in terms of
(d) High pressure system with clockwise winds in
volume, are
southern hemisphere.
(a) nitrogen and methane
31. The process of change of state of water from solid
(b) nitrogen and oxygen
directly into vapour is called
(c) oxygen and carbon dioxide
(a) condensation (b) snow fall
(d) hydrogen and nitrogen
(c) sublimation (d) precipitation
21. What is the name given to winds blowing from subtropical
high pressure regions, to the equator? 32. What is the vapour pressure?
(a) Westerlies (b) Tropical easterlies (a) The presence of vapour in air
(c) High latitude easterlies (d) Doldrums (b) Barometric pressure
22. ‘Horse latitudes’ is the term applied to the (c) Pressure only due to vapour in the air
(a) 0° – 5° Nand S latitudes (d) Pressure in the clouds
(b) polar circles 33. What is stated in terms of grams of water vapour per
(c) 30° – 40° Nand S latitudes kilogram of moist air?
(d) 40°– 60° Nand S latitudes (a) Specific humidity (b) Relative humidity
23. The stratosphere is said to be ideal for flying jet aircraft. (c) Vapour pressure (d) Absolute humidity
This is because 34. The temperature at which an air parcel will become
(a) this layer is rich in ozone which reduces fuel saturated with the present amount of water vapour is
consumption called
(b) the temperature is constant and ideal for aircraft (a) critical temperature (b) saturation point
engine efficiency (c) dew point (d) condensation point
(c) this layer is out of the firing range of anti-aircraft 35. The leeward side of a mountain which does not receive
guns rain is known as the
(d) of the absence of clouds and other weather (a) dry zone (b) desert area
phenomena (c) rain-shadow area (d) adiabatically dry area
G-70 Atmosphere

36. Dew is caused when (a) Troposphere (b) Mesosphere

(a) humid air condenses on cool surface (c) Stratosphere (d) Ionosphere
(b) the air is colder than the earth’s surface 45. Which of the following latitudinal extents relate to ‘horse
(c) the sky is overcast at night latitudes’?
(d) the wind is too dry to cause rainfall (a) 20° – 30° North and South
37. Which of the pedogenic regimes is associated with hot, (b) 30° – 40° North and South
dry climates? (c) 40° – 50° North and South
(a) Podzolisation (b) Gleisation (d) 50° – 60° North and South
(c) Laterisation (d) Calcification 46. Which region of the Earth’s surface is called doldrums?
38. With what type of climate is the pedogenic regime of (a) Equatorial low pressure belt
podzolisation associated? (b) Sub-tropical high pressure belt
(a) Hot and dry (b) Humid temperate (c) Between 10° to 23.5° North and South Latitudes
(c) Equatorial (d) Cool and dry (d) Sub-polar low pressure belt
39. Which of the following statement is/are correct? 47. Which one of the following is a low cloud?
(a) Halo is produced by diffraction in ice crystals. (a) Cirrocumulus (b) Cirrostratus
(b) Corona is produced by refraction by water droplets. (c) Altocumulus (d) Nimbostratus
(c) Halo is an indication of approaching bad weather. 48. Injurious ultraviolet radiations are mostly prevented from
(d) Though corona and halo is produced by different reaching the land surface as these are absorbed mostly by
phenomena, the colour sequence produced in them which one of the following?
remains the same. (a) Stratosphere (b) Troposphere
(c) Ionosphere (d) Mesosphere
40. Study the following diagrams, A and B.
A B 49. The earth’s reflectivity of solar radiation, termed albedo,
is highest in which one of the following?
High Low
(a) Cropland (b) Forest area
05
1020 10 (c) Sand desert (d) Snow area
1015
1015
50. Which one of the following regions on the surface of Earth
(a) A is cyclone in the southern hemisphere has Horse Latitudes?
(b) A is an anti-cyclone in the southern hemisphere (a) Equatorial low pressure belt
(c) B is a cyclone in the northern hemisphere (b) Sub-tropical high pressure belt
(d) B is an anti-cyclone in the northern hemisphere (c) Sub-polar low pressure belt
41. Of the main constituents, which of the following have great (d) Polar high pressure belt
influence in earth’s climatic conditions? 51. Which one of the following is produced by rain water action?
(a) Oxygen (b) Nitrogen (a) Gorge (b) Cliff
(c) Carbon dioxide (d) Water Vapour (c) Gully (d) Dome
42. Winter rains in North and North-West India are generally 52. What is the general direction of cyclones formed in the
associated with the phenomenon of : Bay of Bengal?
(a) retreating monsoon (a) East to West (b) West to East
(b) temperate cyclones (c) West to South (d) North to South
(c) local thunderstorms 53. Which one among the following statements relating to an
(d) shift in jet stream movement anticyclone is correct ?
43. Which one of the following characteristics is NOT found (a) Anticyclone is a wind system with a high pressure
in the Mediterranean climate ? centre
(a) Temperatures range from 21º C in summer to l0ºCl (b) In anticyclone the movement of wind is inward
or below in the winter (c) The contribution of an anticyclone towards
(b) Off-shore trade winds blow in the summer determining weather of an area is quite significant
(c) On-shore westerly winds blow in the winter bringing (d) The movement of wind is clockwise in an anticyclone
cyclonic rain of southern hemisphere
(d) The annual rainfall ranges from 1500 mm to 2000 54. Doldrums is a
mm (a) Tropical wind belt
44. The layers of the atmosphere are given in the figure. The (b) Tropical wind deflection belt
layer marked ‘A’ refers to : (c) Sub-tropical wind belt
(d) Tropical no-wind belt
55. The most important fishing grounds of the world are
found in the regions where
(a) warm and cold atmospheric currents meet
(b) rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the
sea
(c) warm and cold oceanic currents meet
(d) continental shelf is undulating
Atmosphere G-71

56. What is the term used to denote the temperature at which 62. Jet streams are usually found in the
the water vapour present in the atmosphere is sufficient (a) ozonosphere (b) mesosphere
to saturate? (c) tropopause (d) ionosphere
(a) Condensation point (b) Dew point 63. What is the general direction of cyclones formed in the
(c) Sublimation point (d) Saturation point Bay of Bengal?
57. Tropical cyclone of Philippines is termed as (a) East to West (b) West to East
(a) Typhoon (b) Willy-willy (c) West to South (d) North to South
(c) Hurricane (d) Baguio 64. Hot deserts like Sahara, Arabia, etc, receive very
58. Cloudy nights are warmer than clear nights because of negligible amount of rainfall. This is because they
(a) greenhouse effect (a) do not receive moisture-bearing wind from the
(b) depletion of ozone layer oceans
(c) insolation (b) are the most rocky and barren areas of the Earth
(d) terrestrial radiation (c) are located on the tropical high pressure belt of the
59. As we proceed from equator to poles, the daily range of atmosphere
temperature tends to (d) are not on the path of the monsoons
(a) decrease (b) increase 65. Sirocco is a name used to mean
(c) be constant (d) fluctuate (a) a local wind (b) a volcano
60. Doldrums are characterized by (c) an island (d) an ocean current
(a) uniform low pressure 66. The intensity of insolation depends on
(b) uniform high pressure (a) Altitude (b) Nature of terrain
(c) high wind velocity (c) Wind (d) Latitude
67. When the winds blow from all sides to the central low
(d) low humidity
in an anticlockwise direction, then this phenomenon is
61. Which of the following statements are correct?
known as
1. In a cyclone, the area of low pressure is at the centre
(a) anti-tropical cyclones of southern hemisphere
surrounded by the areas of high pressure
(b) temperate cyclones of northern hemisphere
2. In a cyclone, the areas of low pressure surround the
(c) tropical cyclones of northern hemisphere
area of high pressure
(d) tropical cyclones of southern hemisphere
3. In an anti-cyclone, the area of high pressure is
68. Chinook is a
surrounded by the areas of low pressure
(a) cold wind in Europe
4. In an anti-cyclone, the area of low pressure is
(b) tropical desert storm in West Asia
surrounded by the areas of high pressure (c) warm wind in North-America
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (d) depression to South Africa
Code: 69. Mist is a result of which one of the following
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1and 3 (a) Condensation (b) Evaporation
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 (c) Sublimation (d) Saturation
G-72 Atmosphere

Exercise - 2
Statement Based MCQ 3. The mean sea level pressure of atmosphere is 1013.2
bar.
4. We are normally not aware of atmosphere pressure
1. Consider the following statements regarding the
because it acts in all directions.
cumulonimbus clouds
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
1. This cloud is also referred to as thunder clouds. (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4
2. This brings convectional rain. (c) 3 only (d) None of these
3. This is frequently seen in tropical afternoons. 7. Consider the following statements:
4. These are woolly, bumpy clouds arranged in layers 1. Clouds generally reflects some of the sunlight in
appearing like waves in blue sky. different directions and the rest is absorbed.
Which of the above statements is/are not correct? 2. Nearly 90% of the water vapour lies below 12 km of
(a) 2 only (b) 3 only the atmosphere.
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 4 only 3. Water vapour does not exceed 3 percent to 4 percent
of total volume of air.
2. Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and
4. Nitrogen serves mainly as dilutant and dissolver.
persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why ?
Which of the above statements is/are not correct?
1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
to northern hemisphere. (c) 3 only (d) 3 and 4
2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as 8. Which of the following is/are correct?
compared to northern hemisphere. 1. The Northern Pacific is the deepest part of the Ocean.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 2. The South-West Pacific is devoid of marginal seas.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. The South-East Pacific has broad submarine ridges
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 and plateaus.
3. The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower 4. The ocean floor of the Pacific Ocean is fairly uniform
stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation ? with broad rises and depressions.
1. There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 1 and 4
stratosphere.
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 3 and 4
2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere. 9. The absence of which among the following causes the
Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this temperature of the atmosphere to decrease with ascent
context ? along with decreasing density of air ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. Vegetation 2. Water
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. Carbon dioxide 4. Oxygen
4. Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in 5. Nitrogen
height from the Earth’s surface, because (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
1. the atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the (c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 5
10. Land masses are heated and cooled much faster than water
Earth’s surface.
bodies. Identify the true statements in this regard.
2. there is more moisture in the upper atmosphere. 1. Land gets heated by conduction
3. the air is less dense in the upper atmosphere. 2. Water has a higher specific heat
Select the correct answer using the codes given below : 3. Only the surface layers of water are heated
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 4. Water gets heated by convection
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
5. A layer in the Earth’s atmosphere called ionosphere (c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 4
facilities radio communication. Why? 11. Which of the following are true with regard to temperature
1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio control of the atmosphere of a given place ?
waves to earth. 1. The major temperature contrasts on earth’s surface
are between land masses and oceans.
2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
2. During night, the water surface cools more rapidly
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
than the land surface.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. Temperature generally decreases with latitude on
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 either side of the equator.
6. Which of the following is/are not correct? 4. Temperature rises to a maximum during summer and
1. The unit of measurement of Sun’s radiation is falls to a minimum during winter.
Langley. (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4
2. The incoming solar radiation to earth is 2 cal/cm2-min. (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 and 4
Atmosphere G-73

12. Which of the following statements are true with regard to 18. Consider the following statements:
trophical monsoon climate? 1. The approach of a cyclone is characterised by a rise
1. Temperatures range from 32°C in the hot season to in baromenic reading.
about 15°C in the cool season. 2. In the cyclones of the southern hemisphere, the winds
2. Annual rainfall varies greatly. circulate in anticlockwise direction.
3. The climate is best developed in the southern continents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
4. It consists of three main seasons, i.e., cool, dry (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
season; hot, dry season; hot, wet season. (c) Both1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4 19. Consider the following statements:
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 4 1. In tropical grassland regions, rainfall mainly occurs
13. An anti-cyclone in the short summer season with a long dry season.
1. is an intense low pressure system. 2. In Mediterranean region, the winter rainfall is caused
2. has winds blowing clockwise in the southern hemisphere. by the passage of cyclones in the westerly wind belt
3. is accompanied by clear and settled weather which lies over this area.
conditions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
4. is more extensive, slower-moving and more persistent (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
than a depression. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4 20. Consider the following statements:
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 1. In a cyclone, the direction of wind flow is counter
14. Consider the diagrams below and say which one represents clockwise in the northern hemisphere.
neap tide : 2. The tropical cyclone fades away when it reaches land
Earth
Sun
because there is no large supply of warm moist air.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Moon

1.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Earth
Moon
Sun
21. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the
continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/
2.
are the reason/reasons?

Choose the correct option 1. Thermal difference between land and water
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. Presence of strong winds in the interior
15. Consider the following climatic characteristics: 4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts
1. Temperatures range from 21°C in the summer to Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
10°C or below in the winter. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
2. Off-shore trade winds blow during the summer. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
3. The summers are hot and dry; and winters are cool 22. Which among the following statements characterized EI
and moist. Nino?
4. The annual rainfall ranges from 500 mm to 760 mm. I. It occurs at irregular intervals
Select the correct climatic type which possesses the above II. It carriers warmer water
characteristics using the codes given below: III. It carries less saline water
(a) Tropical Monsoon (b) Mediterranean IV. Its atmospheric equivalent is southern oscillation.
(c) China type (d) West European type Select the correct, answer using the code given below
16. Consider the following statements : (a) I and II only (b) II and III only
1. Troposphere varies in its thickness between equator (c) III and IV only (d) I, II, III and IV
and poles. 23. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
2. Stratosphere does not experience Normal Lapse Rate. 1. Cyclone is a low pressure system.
3. Ozone layer occurs in the Mesosphere. 2. The wind movement is clockwise in the cyclone of
4. Ionosphere lies between Stratosphere and Mesosphere. northern hemisphere.
Which of these statements are correct ? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 4 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
17. Consider the following statements : 24. Which of the following statements regarding hurricanes
1. Half the water vapour in the air in atmosphere lies is/are correct?
below an altitude of 1000 m. 1. They develop over the ocean between 8° – 15° N.
2. The amount of precipitable water in the atmosphere 2. They are almost absent in the South Atlantic Ocean.
increases from the equator to the poles. 3. They do not develop close to the equator.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
G-74 Atmosphere

25. The diagram given below shows the schematic relations (B) Cloud (2) Condensation at a dew point which
of temperature and precipitation of tropical climatic type is at or below freezing point.
over land: (C) White Frost (3) Moisture deposited in the form of
water droplets on cooler surface of
Decreasing solid objects such as stones, grass
Temperature blades etc.
(D) Dew (4) A mass of minute droplets of water
1 2 3 4 formed by the condensation of
Increasing Precipitation water vapour in free air with its
Arrange the climatic types in the correct sequence from base at or near ground.
left to right: (a) A – 4 ; B – 2 ; C – 1 ; D – 3
1. Monsoon topics 2. Wet and dry tropics (b) A – 3 ; B – 2 ; C – 1 ; D – 4
3. Arid and semiarid 4. Rainy tropics (c) A – 3 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 4
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (d) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 3
(a) 1-4-3-3 (b) 4-3-2-1 27. List-I List-II
(c) 2-1-3-4 (d) 3-2-1-4 (A) Cloudiness and heavy (1) Equatorial region
precipitation unfavourble
(B) Westerlies throughout (2) Meditterranean region
Matching Based MCQ the year and mild winteres
(C) Famous for game park (3) Savanna region
land type of vegetation
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 26 to 27) : Match List-I with List-II and (D) Dry summers, wet (4) West Eurpoean region
select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. winters and orchard
26. List-I List-II farming
(A) Fog (1) A mass of minute droplets of water (a) A – 1 ; B – 4 ; C – 3 ; D – 2
or tiny crystals of ice formed by the (b) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 3 ; D – 2
condensation of water vapour in (c) A – 1 ; B – 4 ; C – 2 ; D – 3
free air at considerable elevations. (d) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 3
Atmosphere G-75

EXERCISE-1 55. (c) The temperature is just right for them to survive.
56. (b) Dew point is the temperature at which the air is fully
1. (b) In the given figure ‘B’ lies between two cyclone saturated and below which condensation normally
zone ‘A’ and ‘D’. At the ‘B’ marked region rainfall occurs, water vapour starts to condense to form
would be accompanied by thunder storms. water droplets.
2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (c) 57. (a) The tropical cyclone of Philippines is known as
5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (b)
Typhoon.
8. (b) They deflect to the left in the southern hemisphere.
58. (c) Cloudy nights are warmer than clear nights because
9. (a) 10. (b) 11. (c) 12. (a) 13. (b)
of insolation.
14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (a)
59. (a) The daily range of temperature decreases on
19. (c) 20. (b) 21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (d)
proceeding equator to poles.
24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (c) 27. (b) 28. (d)
60. (a) Doldrums is the name for the equatorial belt of
29. (a) 30. (b) 31. (c) 32. (c) 33. (a)
low pressure lying between 5° south and 5° North
34. (b) 35. (c) 36. (a) 37. (d) 38. (b)
39. (c) 40. (c) 41. (b) latitude.
42. (b) In the winter season temperature cyclon occured 61. (b) In a cyclone, the area of low pressure is at the centre
in Arabean sea. This phenomenon led a rain in the surrounded by the areas of high pressure. In an anti-
North-West India. cyclone, the area of high pressure is surrounded by
43. (d) The option (d) is incorrect. The annual rainfall the areas of high pressure.
ranges from 400-600 mm. not 1500-2000 mm. 62. (c) Jet streams are fast flowing, narrow air current
44. (c) Stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, found in the atmospheres of some planets including
extends to a height of 50 km above the earth. Earth. The main jet streams are located near the
45. (b) Two regions, found at latitude 30°-35° north and tropopause, the transition between the tropopause,
35°-30° south of the equator, where there is steady the transition between the troposphere and the
movement of air is known as horse latitudes. stratosphere.
46. (a) The air at the equator is generally rising. For this 63. (a) Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world. It
reason, there is little wind in the region. This region finds a triangle in a shape and its bordered mostly
of light shifting winds near the equator is called the by the eastern coast of India, Southern west of
doldrums. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma
47. (d) Low cloud group includes clouds occupying height and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the east.
of up to 2100 metres. This group consists the stratus, 64. (a)
the nimbostratus and the stratocumulus types. 65. (a) Sirocco is a local Mediterranean wind that comes
48. (a) Injurious ultraviolet radiations are mostly prevented from Sahara and can achieve Hurricane speed in
from reaching the land surface as these are mostly North Africa and Europe. Its Arabic name is Quibli.
absorbed by ozone which are formed in stratosphere. 66. (d) Insolation is the measure of solar radiation energy
49. (d) The percentage of radiant energy reflected back by recieved on a given surface area in a given time.
a surface is called the albedo. The total amount of Some of the solar radiation is absorbed and the rest
energy lost by scattering and reflection of various is reflected. Insolation is largest when the surface
kinds and returned to space is called earth’s albedo. faces the sun.
50. (b) Horse Latitudes are the subtropical belts of variable 67. (d)
winds and columns that is between the latitudes 68. (c) Chinook is a warm, dry, gusty, westerly wind that
25° and 35° south and north. They coincide blows down the Rocky Mountains in North America.
with sub-tropical high-pressure belts. 69. (a) Mist is a thin fog resulting from condensation in the
51. (c) air near the earth’s surface.
52. (a) Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world. It
finds a triangle in a shape and its bordered mostly EXERCISE-2
by the eastern coast of India, Southern west of 1. (d)
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma 2. (a) The higher speed and greater persistence of the
and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the east. westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are caused
53. (d) An anticyclone is a large scale circulation of by the difference in the atmospheric pressure
wind around a central region of high atmospheric patterns as well as its variation from that of the
pressure. It is clockwise in northern hemisphere but Northern hemisphere. The landmass in the southern
anticlockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. hemisphere is comparatively less and average
54. (d) Doldrums are noted for their calm periods when annual pressure decreases much more rapidly on the
winds disappear totally. They are a low pressure pole ward side of the high pressure belt. Statement
area around the equator. 1 is correct. As far as coriolis force is concerned,
G-76 Atmosphere

it is strongest in the polar regions and zero at the direction in the northern hemisphere and clock-wise
equator. At the intermediate levels it varies directly in the southern hemisphere. Cyclones are divided as -
as the sine of the latitude. 1. Extra tropical cyclones or temperate cyclones
3. (b) The idea is to optimize fuel burn reason is the low air 2. Tropical cyclones
density that reduces parasitic drag on the airframe. 21. (a) The first statement is correct as we all know.
It also allows them to stay above any hard weather One major factor affecting the distribution of the
(extreme turbulence). Air flow in the stratosphere temperature of Earth is distribution of Land and
is much lesser turbulent than in the troposphere and Oceans. Since there is more land in Northern
this is the reason that jet aircraft like to cruise at Hemisphere and more waters in Southern
stratospheric altitudes for, the flight is less “bumpy.” hemisphere and there is a big difference between
So statement 2 is correct. Majority of clouds form the specific heat of land and water; the loss
in the Earth’s troposphere, but there are occasions of heat from the continents is bigger than the
where clouds in the stratosphere and mesosphere are oceans. The continents get heated faster and get
formed and have been observed. The statement 1 cooled faster in comparison to the Oceans. This
which says that There are no clouds or water vapour is the reason that the temperatures of the Oceans are
in the lower stratosphere, is not a correct statement, moderate while that of continents is extreme. The
to the extent that it does not explain the flight of jets moderating effect on temperature of the land due to
in lower stratosphere. proximity of the seas is called Maritime influence.
4. (c) 1. The atmosphere can be heated upwards only from The increasing effect on temperature of the land
the Earth’s surface. at interior of the continents is called Continental
2. There is more moisture in the upper atmosphere. Influence.
3. The air is less dense in the upper atmosphere. 22. (d) EL Nino, an unusual warning of surface ocean
waters in the eastern tropical Pacific is the part of
5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (c)
southern oscillation. Scientists do not know exactly
10. (d) 11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (c) 14. (d)
how El Nino forms. It is said that El Nino may
15. (b) 16. (a) have contributed to the 1993 Mississipi and 1995
17. (d) Half of the water vapour in the air in atmosphere lies California floods. The average period length of EL
below an altitude of 2 kilometer and 90 per cent of Nino is 5 years.
water vapour lies below an altitude of 5 kilometer. 23. (a) Cyclones are moving bodies of air in an enclosed
Amount of precipitable water in atmosphere area rotating in the same direction as earth. The
increases from the poles to the equator. air inside the cyclone moves anticlockwise in the
18. (c) Cyclone is a mass of air whose isobars form an oval Northern Hemisphere.
or circular shape, with low pressure at the centre. 24. (a) Hurricanes develop over the oceans between 8°-15°
The air converge at the centre and rises to disposed N. The term “tropical” refers to the geographical
off. In a dipression, the winds rotate anticlockwise origin of these systems, which usually form over the
in northern hemisphere. While in the southern tropical oceans. The term “cyclone” refers to their
hemisphere, the circular movement of winds is in cyclonic nature, with wind blowing counterclockwise
clockwise direction. in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the
19. (c) Tropical grassland located mainly in the continental Southern Hemisphere. The opposite direction of
areas of tropical latitudes where rains fall during the circulation is due to the Coriolis force. Depending
summer season which lasts for about five months. on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone is
In Mediterranean region, the winter rainfall due to referred to by names such as hurricane, typhoon,
middle latitude fronts and cyclones. tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression
20. (c) Cyclone is the synonym of Hurricane. The air and simply cyclone.
moves in the cyclone inwards in an anti-clock wise 25. (d) 26. (d) 27. (c)
WORLD GEOGRAPHY 5
(PHYSICAL ASPECT) Chapter

Introduction
In the previous chapters we have discussed the basic elements of Geography which in general deals with nature and scope of
Geography, the Universe, the solar system, and its various branches of Geography. In this special branch of Geography we
have also discussed development of earth, its lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere in details.
Moving on to next important branch of Geography, we are now going to discuss Regional Geography which deals with the
studies of the world’s regions. In general it is called as World Geography which can be further categorised into three important
segments such as physical segment dealing with unique characteristics of earth’s relief, their spatial extent, drainage, climate,
natural vegetation; social segment that deals with human development, their race and ethnicity and the relationship with their
own physical environment; and finally the economic segment which deals with the natural resources, livelihood, transport,
communications, etc. Let’s start with physical segment.

World Geography-Physical

Introduction Asia Africa South Antarctica

America Europe
Location
Climate
Extent Regions Ph. Natural
Divisions Vegetation North Australia
Africa
Climate
Vegetation Climate Ph. Location Size
Divisions
N. Climate Ph. Regions Extent
Vegetation Divisions

N. Climate Ph. Extent

Vegetation Divisions
Extent Regions Ph. Climate
Divisions and
N. Vegetation
Extent Ph. Climate N.
Divisions Vegetation
G-78 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

World Geography Physical Great Plains of China

On the basis of major physical characteristics the earth can be It is contributed by two major rivers of China, Hwang Ho and
divided into large continuous land masses known as Continents Yangtze river which covers an area of 158,000 square miles
and the surrounding water bodies known as Ocean. Major approx.
continents of the world are Asia, Africa, Europe, North Tigris-Euphrates plains
America, South America, Antarctica, and Australia.
These are formed by river Ganga 984,000 sq. miles approx.
ASIA 2. The Central Mountains
These are the prominent and extensive mountain ranges which
Extent covers the parts of Central Asia. They consist of Pamir and Tian
Asia is the world largest continent, having an area of 44,444,100 Shan ranges, and extending across portions of Afghanistan,
sq km. It covers 8.8% of the Earth’s total surface area with China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
the population of 4.4 billion which is 60 % of the world’s total These mountain ranges are designated as biodiversity hot spot
population. It is a continent of contrast in relief, temperature, by Conservation International which covers several montane
vegetation and people also. Asia is to the east of the Suez and alpine ecoregions of Central Asia. It encompasses several
Canal, the Ural River, and the Ural Mountains, and south of habitat types, including montane grasslands and shrublands,
the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian and Black Seas. It is temperate coniferous forests, and alpine tundra.
bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the
A mountain knot is a junction of two or more mountain ranges.
Indian Ocean and on the north by the Arctic Ocean.
The two main mountain knots in Asia are:
Regional Divisions • The Pamir Knot is the junction of five mountain ranges
they are the Sulaiman, the Hindu Kush, the Kunlun, the
Asia can be divided into six physiographic divisions: Karakoram and the Himalayan ranges. Mount Everest, the
1. Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
highest peak in the world in the Himalayan range.
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
2. Eastern Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, North Korea, • The Armenian Knot is connected to the Pamir Knot by
South Korea, Macau, Mongolia, Taiwan the Elburz and the Zagros Ranges that originate in the
Northern Asia: Russia Armenian Knot. The Tien Shan and the Altai are other
3. South-eastern Asia: Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, mountain ranges in Asia.
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam. 3. The Central and Southern Plateaus
4. Southern Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Plateaus are the land areas having a relatively that surface
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. considerably raised above adjoining land on at least one side,
5. Western Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijana, Bahrain, Cyprus,
and often cut by deep canyon.
Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon,
Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Major Plateaus of Asian Continent
Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
Plateau Location Types
Ladakh Between Karakoram and Intermontane
Major Physical Divisions Himalaya mountain ranges
The major physical divisions of Asian continent are: Tibet Between Kulun and Himalayan Intermontane
1. The Northern Lowlands Mountain range
2. The Central Mountains
3. The Central and Southern Plateaus Yunan Situated on the south east of Piedmont
4. The Peninsulas, the Deserts the Tibet Plateau and separated
5. The Great River Plains, the Island Groups from Szechuan Basin extensive
1. The Northern Lowlands fertile land by the range of
Mountains
The Northern Lowlands are the extensive plain areas which
comprise of several patch of lowlands of this large continent. Pamir Well connected to the Intermontane
The major lowlands are: range of mountains such as
Himalayas with the Tian Shan,
­­Great Siberian plain Karakoram, Kunlun, and
It extends between the Ural Mountains in the west and river Hindu Kush ranges on all sides
Lena in the east. It is the largest lowland in the world covering Armenian Present in between Caspian Piedmont
an area of 1,200,000 square miles approx. and Black Sea
Iranian Present in between Zagros Piedmont
Manchurian Plain Mountains, Caspian Sea,
It is the area adjoining Amur river and its tributaries of northern Turkmen-Khorasan Mountain
part of China with an area of 135,000 square miles approx. Range
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-79

Mongolian Surrounded by the Greater Intermontane Arabian Sea, Banda Sea, Barents Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea,
Hinggan Mountains in the Caspian Sea, East Siberian Sea, Java Sea, Kara Sea, Laccadive
east, the Yin Mountains to the Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk. South China Sea and
south, the Altai Mountains to Yellow Sea.
the west, and the Sayan and Lakes
Khentii mountains to the north
Major lakes of Asia are Lake Baikal, Onega, Ladoga, and
Shan Stretched in the Pegu Yoma Intermontane
Peipus in Russia; Lake Akan, Mashu, Biwa, Shikotsu in Japan;
and Arkan Yoma in the eastern
Qinghai Lake, Lake Khanka in China; Dal Lake, Chilka,
part of Myanmar,
Vembanada, Pullicat and Sukhna in India; Lake Matano and
Deccan Extended in between the Intermontane
Toba in Indonesia, etc.
Western Ghats in west and
the Eastern Ghats in the east
of Indian Subcontinent , it Climate
almost touches the southern tip As a land of Contrast Asia is characterized by varied climatic
of India and in north covered type on the basis of the temperature and rainfall condition. The
by the Satpura and Vindhya rainfall across the continent is highly influenced by Monsoon
Ranges winds the Asia can be divided into three major climatic zones
Anatoilan Enclosed between Pontic Volcanic such as:
mountain ranges in the South
and and Taurus in the south Monsoon Climate
west The Monsoon Asia is the zone including south and south east
Asia and east Asia where the effect of monsoon is prominent.
4. Peninsulas Deserts Hence the climatic condition varies according to monsoonal
A peninsula is a mass of land surrounded by water, but wind flow. After the onset the wind starts moving in the north
attached to the mainland. The Deccan plateau region is also west direction, hence causing rain over the eastern coast of
a peninsula. The major peninsulas of Arabia, India and Malay Indian subcontinent, and parts of south east and east Asia.
are in southern Asia. The Kamchatka peninsula lies in north- Moreover the summer spell in India is very hot and dry which
eastern Asia.
trigger the occurrence of additional heavy precipitation owing
Asia has some big deserts such as the Gobi, the Takla Makan,
to tropical cyclones.
the Thar, the Kara-kum and the Rub-al-Khali Deserts.
In winters the central land mass of Asia gets cool more rapidly
5. (a) Islands of Asia than the surrounding ocean. This climatic phenomenon starts
Asia also has a cluster of islands, also called an archipelago. the flow of cold descending air current in the central Asia
An archipelago sometimes called an island group or island which results into generation of high pressure in the heart of
chain, which are formed close to each other in large clusters. Asia. The high pressure starts chasing the low pressure zone
Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, Andaman and Nicobar are some present over Indian and Pacific Ocean due to comparatively
examples of archipelagos. high temperature. This is called as retreating monsoon or
season of winter monsoon. As a result of these phenomena of
5. (b) Drainage of Asia both onset and retreat of monsoon there is marked difference in
The drainage of Asia consists of mighty oceans, extensive the climate of Northern and Southern part of Asia.
seas, lengthy rivers and their tributaries and distributaries,
major lakes, etc. Dry Climate
Oceans: Asian continent is surrounded by three major ocean The Dry Asia consists of South West Asia, Central Asia and
from three sides such as Mongolia. Latitudinally it varies from tropical desert of
• The Pacific Ocean Arabian Peninsular to subtropical steppe in Afghanistan and
It covers the eastern part of Asia where major rivers of
further to mid latitude steppe and desert of Mongolia and
eastern Asia drain, such as Menam Mekong, Xi Jiang,
Northern China. As compared to other parts of the continent
Chang Xiang, Huang Ho and Amur.
• The Indian Ocean the rainfall is also very less, i.e. 2.5 cms to 20 cms and it
It covers the southern part of Asia and the major rivers is very unpredictable throughout the region. Moreover a
flow into Indian Ocean are Tigris, Euprates, the Indus, Mediterannean climate is experienced over the coastal region
the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween. which receives winter rainfall.
• The Arctic Ocean Cold Climate
It covers the Noth east part of Asia and consists of three
major rivers such as Ob, Yenisey and Lena. The Cold Asia is experienced in maximum part of Russia as an
influence of sub-arctic climate. The summer is comparatively
Seas mild and lasts for only for four month. The rainfall is also less
As the continent is covered by sea from its three sides, It has as compared to other parts of the continent. The annual rainfall
also characterised by long stretch of bay and gulf. Major seas accounts for only 50 cms in the coastal areas whereas towards
contributing Asian Drainage are Sea of Galilee, Andaman Sea, interior, it decreases up to 25 cms.
G-80 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Natural Vegetation Malaysia and Indonesia, southern Sri Lanka and Java have
such vegetation. Plantation tea, rubber, coffee, cocoa, etc. are
There are various types of vegetation found in Asia. For found here.
examples:
Tundra Mountainous Vegetation
Vegetation in the Mountain area is found on southern and
The Tundra extends to 70°N and with further south extensions
eastern Asia. The higher elevated part is snow covered by
on high altitudes (Chersk, Verkhoyansk and Kamachatka
meadows. Lower parts are covered by broad-leafed deciduous
mountains). The region is covered by cold, treeless plains with
forests, and on higher ground the coniferous trees occur.
permanently frozen subsoil.
Peaks of Asia
The Taiga • Mount Everest (8848 m), Nepal-Tibet, China border
The Taiga found in south of tundra is a belt of coniferous • K2 (8,61,1 m), Pakistan-China
forests running across whole of Siberia from west to east • Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), Nepal-Sikkim (India).
reaching Pacific and northern part of Japan. The trees have • Lhotse (8,516 m), Nepal-Tibet, China
small leaves, deep roots and thick bark. The species (pine, • Makalu (8,462 m), Nepal-Tibet, China
spruce and fir, etc.) are growing successfully in cold and dry • Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Nepal-Tibet, China
environment. • Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Nepal

Temperate Grasslands AFRICA

Temperate Grasslands
Extent
These are elongated, unbroken stretch of the Steppes from
Ukraine to Manchuria, which further stretches to several Africa is the second largest continent in area (30,330,000
thousand miles in southern Siberia. Region gets low sq Km) which covers 6% of Earth’s total surface area and
precipitation although cold winters with warm summer. High 20.4 % of its total land area. Algeria is Africa’s largest country
elevated mountains here are covered with forests. by area, and Nigeria by population. Separated from Europe by
the Mediterranean Sea, it is joined with Asia at its northeast
Mediterranean Scrubland is an area of dry extreme end by the Isthmus of Suez 163 Km wide. It is
land with small bushes and trees bounded by Red Sea along the Sinai Peninsula to the northeast,
the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean
In this region summers are hot and dry; the winters mild to the west. With fully recognized 54 sovereign states, nine
and moist. Thus vegetations grown here are of small size, territories and two de facto independent states.
short leaves, deep roots, and thick barks to retain moisture.
It includes countries of Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and the Regional Divisions
plateaus of Turkey and Iran.
The physiographic divisions of Africa are into the following
Desert Vegetation six regions:
Desert Vegetation types are found in the Arabian Peninsula, Northern Africa
the deserts of Tibet, Mongolia, and the desert-like steppe-lands
It extends from Algeria in the north, through, Canary Islands,
bordering the Caspian Sea. The region is sparsely populated by
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Ceuta, Egypt, Libya, Madeira,
vegetation. Moisture-combating plants, waxy, deep-rooted or
Melilla, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia, It reaches upto Western
thorny shrubs and sporadic stunted trees grow here.
Sahara.
Monsoon Vegetation Northeast Africa
Monsoon Region vegetation varies with the amount of annual It is also called the horn of Africa which extends several
rainfall each year in this region. The average range of rainfall hundred kilometers into the Arabian Sea and lies along the
varies between 40 inches and 80 inches annually. Mostly, southern side of the Gulf of Aden. It contains countries such as
tropical deciduous (shedding leaves seasonally) forests, and Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
those which receive less than 40 inches have savanna and
Eastern Africa
steppe-like vegetation are seen. The monsoon lands have
been extensively modified by human settlement and put to The extensive area stretches from Red Sea and horn of
cultivation, and little trace of the original vegetation survives. Africa to Mozambique including Burundi, Comoros, Kenya,
Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mozambique,
Tropical Rainforest Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Sudan, Tanzania,
Tropical Rainforest is the region where evergreen, broad- Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
leafed tall and high-crowned trees are found in this region. Central Africa
Several species having a dense canopy above the floor due to It is the large land mass situated exactly in the middle of the
the heavy rainfall received all round the year. The savannas continent covering Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic,
and deciduous trees cover the ground, the subequatorial and Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
the areas that lie in the rain shadow on the leeward slopes. Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe.
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-81

Southern Africa Ruwenzori Mountains

It is the southern most part of the continent and covers the • Stretching over an area of 240 sq. miles the range borders
countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda and Congo (Kinshasa) and thought to be the
and Swaziland. “Mountains of the Moon.
• Mount Stanley at Margherita Peak (5,119 m is the highest
Western Africa
pick of this mountain system.
It is situated roughly at 100° E longitude covering countries • It is a gigantic horst of six separate glaciated masses which
like Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, falls steeply westward to the Western Rift Valley.
Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger,
Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Mount Elgon:
• It is an extinct volcanic mountain situated at the north east
Major Physical Divisions part of lake Victoria on the Uganda – Kenya border.
The major physical divisions of African continent are: • The height is about 4,321 km from the mean sea level.
The Plateau • As a volcanic mountain it has a crater which is 610 m deep
The Fold Mountains and 8 km across.
Deserts The Tibesti Mountains
Islands
• These are mostly situated in the northern part of Chad and
Rivers
spread west into northern Niger and the Southern border
The Plateaus area of Libya.
The vast African continents are famous for its saucer shaped • They have a volcanic origin.
and steep edged plateaus which are facing towards the coast • The highest peak is 3,415 m. from mean sea level.
and extending from Guinea coast to Somali Land and north
Ahaggar Mountains
Sahara to the Cape Province. These are divided into three
groups: • The Ahaggar Mountains, also known as the Hoggar, are a
highland region in central Sahara, or southern Algeria near
South African plateau
the Tropic of Cancer. They are located about 1,500 km south
• The South African plateau as far as about 12°S, bounded of the capital , Algiers. Mount Tahat is the highest peak
east, west and south by bands of high ground which fall (2, 918 m).
steeply to the coasts. The South African plateau is connected • It has a volcanic formation.
towards the north-east with the East African plateau.
The Drakensberg
East African plateau
These mountains are the highest in Southern Africa rising up at
• The East African plateau, with probably a slightly greater Thabana Ntlenyana at 3,482 m (11,422 ft) in height. They are
average elevation, and marked by some distinct features. located in the eastern part of South Africa, running from some
It is formed by a widening out of the eastern axis of high 1,000 km. The highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana at 3,482 m
ground, which becomes subdivided into a number of zones (11,422 ft). It is also the highest peak of Lesotho.
running north and south and consisting in turn of ranges,
tablelands and depressions. Mount Kenya
Ethiopian Highlands Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya, and the second
highest in Africa (after Mount Kilimanjaro). The highest peaks
• The third division of the higher region of Africa is formed of the mountain are Batian (5,199m - 17,058 ft), Nelion
by the Ethiopian Highlands, a rugged mass of mountains
(5, 188m - 17,022 ft) and Lenana (4,958 - 16,355 ft). Mount
forming the largest continuous area of its altitude in the
Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator,
whole continent.
around 150 km (95 miles) north-northeast of Nairobi.
The Fold Mountains
Kilimanjaro
Africa is famous for its newly formed folded mountains.
Kilimanjaro with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawensi and
Prominent mountain ranges with some of the very high raised
mountain peaks are the specialty of African Continents. Some Shira, is an inactive stratovolcano in north-eastern Tanzania.
of the well known mountain ranges are: Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain rise in the world
rising 4,600 m (15,100 ft) from its base, and includes the highest
Atlas Mountains peak in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft).
• It is situated on the north western part of the continent
stretching over an area of 2400 km towards the south west The Deserts
direction across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. • The Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world, stretches
• The range is again sub divided into high , medium and Anti across the entire width of North Africa. It covers an area
– Atlas group. The Jebel Toubkal is among such highlands of approx. 3,320,000 sq. miles. The major countries
or mountain whose height is 4165 m from sea level. contributing their lead to Sahara deserts are Libya,
• It is a physical separator between the extensive coasts of Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Chad, Morocco, Eritea, Niger,
Mediterranean and Atlantic Sea and the Sahara Desert. Mauritania, Mali and Sudan.
G-82 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

• The Kalahari Desert lies in the south and the Namib Desert • It rises from the Fouta Djllon Mountain quite close to the
is along the south-west shore of Africa. It covers an area sea but flows north and then turns south again to form a
of 3,50,000 sq. miles and eneroachig parts of Botswana, wide arc.
Namibia, Zambia, Angola and Zimbabwe. • Finally it joins the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Nubian Desert is the eastern region of the Sahara River Zambezi
desert, between the Nile and the Red Sea. There is virtually
• River Zambezi flows into the Indian Ocean.
no rainfall here, and there are no oases. It is in Egypt. It
• The famous Victoria Falls at the head of a long gorge is
covers an area of 1,54,000 sq. miles approx.
on this river.
Karoo : The Karoo is a semi-desert region of South River Limpopo
Africa. It has two main sub-regions - The Great Karoo River Limpopo also flows into the Indian Oceans, which
in the north and the Little Karoo in the south. The crosses the Tropic of Capricorn twice.
Great Karoo has an area of more than 400,000 sq. Km. River Orange
Currently sheep farming is the economic backbone of This flows from the Drakensberg Mountains into the
the Karoo, with other forms of agriculture established in Atlantic Ocean.
areas where irrigation is possible. Lately game farms and
tourism have also started to make an economic impact. The Lakes of Africa
The Little Karoo is the smaller (and more southerly) of • Lake Victoria is the second largest fresh water lake in the
the two Karoo sub-regions. Locally, it is usually called world. It is the largest lake of Africa. It is situated on the
the Klein Karoo Geographically it is a fertile valley. block mountain between the two branches of the Great Rift
Valley. The Equator passes through it. It is the source of
The Islands white Nile.
• There are very few islands near Africa. • The lakes of the rift valley. There is a string of lakes in the
• Madagascar (Malagasay) in the Indian Ocean is the largest rift valley. Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa (Malawi)
island in Africa. are the larger ones.
• To the north-west, in the Atlantic Ocean are the Canary • Lake Tana is on the Ethiopian Plateau. It is the source of
Islands. Blue Nile.
• West of Africa in the South Atlantic Ocean is the island • Lake Chad at the southern edge in the Sahara Desert is
of Saint Helena where Napoleon died in exile. in a region of inland drainage. Streams start from the sur-
• Zanzibar belongs to Tanzania and is closer to the Indian rounding hills and flow into this lake instead of the sea.
Ocean. River Charl is the largest river of this area.
• Lake Nasser is on river Nile. It is a man made lake located
The Rivers of Africa between Egypt and Sudan
The most important ones are the Nile, the Congo, the Niger • Lake Kariba is situated on the southern most part of Africa
and the Zambezi. an Zambezi river. It is one of the biggest look man-made
like and it is the largest producer of hydro electricity in
River Nile Africa.
• This is the longest river in the world. • Lake Assal is situated in Djibouti and the lowest point in
• It starts from many streams in the equatorial rainforest of Africa
the Lake Victoria and Ruwenzori Mountain (the mountains Famous Lakes of Africa
of the moon) region.
Lake Elevation Lake Type
• From Lake Albert, it flows as the White Nile.
• At Khartoum, it is joined by the Blue Nile which starts Victoria 11.33 m Tropical Lake
from Lake Tana on the Ethiopian Highlands. Trnganyika 773 m Rift Valley Lake
• The Nile flows from 3,000 kilometres through the dry Malawi — African Rift Valley
Sahara Desert of Egypt and enters the Mediterranean Sea. Turkana 360 m Alkaline Lake
• Egypt is called the gift of the Nile because without the Lake Albert 615 m Western Rift
river it would have been a desert. Lake Edward 912 m Drain North into Lake Albert
River Congo or Zaire Lake Kivu 1460 m Ruzizi River
• The Congo is the second longest river of Africa. Important Dams and Waterfalls
• It starts from the south-west of Lake Tanganyika and flows Dam/Falls River Country
into the Atlantic Ocean. Aswan Dam Nile Egypt
• The Zaire basin is one of the wettest regions of the Earth
Kariba Dam Zambezi Zimbabwe and
and is covered with dense impenetrable jungle.
Zambia
• The river and its network of tributaries are not navigable
because of rapids and waterfalls caused by the descent Kainji Dam Niger Nigeria
from the plateau to the coast. Cobora Bassa Dam Zambezi Mozambique
Victoria Fall Zambezi Zambia- Zimbabwe
River Niger Boyoma Fall Zaire Democratic
• This river is the chief river of West Africa. Republic of Congo
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-83

Climate Tropical Wet/Dry (Savanna) Climate

It is quite obvious that as a large continent Africa experiences • This is a typical climate experienced in between 5° -10°
a highly variable climate. Keeping in view the prevailing and 15°C to 20°C in both the latitude.
weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall, humidity etc • Spatially they are found north and south central part of
the climatic zones of Africa are: Africa, Campos of Brazil.
• Diurnal temperature ranges of 10°C to 15°C during winter
Tropical Monsoon Climate are not uncommon. The Summers are hot and humid which
• It is associated with high mean annual rain fall and provide an uncomfortable living environment.
temperature. average annual temperature is 27.05°C and
the Annual average rainfall vary from 50-150 cm. Natural Vegetation
• Mostly the central of Africa and eastern cost of Madagascar There are extensive areas in Africa where few people live
experience this type of Climate such as Lagos, Kinshasa, and where natural vegetation and wild animals have not been
Abidjan, Dar es Salaam and Ibadan. disrupted by such activities as farming or the raising of livestock.
• The hot Summer is generally due to the nearness of In some parts of the continent large forest reserves have been
equator as the zone is present 10° to 20° on either side of established, like.
the equator and it brings good amount of rainfall to this
Tropical Rain Forests
region.
Large area of Africa is covered by tropical rain forests, or selvas
Humid and Sub humid tropical climate type of vegetation covering less than a tenth of the continent with
• This type of climate is characterised by hot, usually heavy rain throughout the year. These forests contain several
humid summers and mild to cool winters. Although the layers of vegetation. The top layer consists of the crowns of trees
rising 125 to 250 feet (38 to 76 m) in height; the lower layers
temperature is relatively high but the rain fall is evenly
are arranged according to their height like shorter trees, shrubs,
distributed.
and vines respectively. Most of the trees are broad-leaved
• The average annual temperature varies between -30°C
evergreens, along with few conifers ones. They yield pulp,
180°C in the coolest month whereas it is above 220°c in
timber, and such cabinet woods as mahogany, ebony, and teak.
the warmest month. Oil palms, rubber-producing trees and vines, orchids, and lilies
• The climate occupies comparatively a large part of are among the numerous kinds of plants found in these forests.
African continent like Kwa Zulu-Natal and the Eastern
Cape provinces of South Africa, north eastern Zimbabwe, Tropical Savannas
Niassa, Manica and Tete provinces of Mozambique, Savannas, covering perhaps one third of the continent, consist
southern Congo provinces, Malawi, and Zambia, of areas mainly growing grass. There are spots of woodlands,
Ethiopian Highlands. scattered trees, or shrubs, depending on the length of the dry
season. Coarse grasses upto 12 feet (3.7 m) high and large
Mediterranean Hot Summer: woodlands of deciduous trees are found near the border of
• This type of climate is associated with high temperature Tropical forest. They even include many evergreens found in
and they generally get precipitation during autumn, winter tropical rain forests, such as oil palms, rubber trees, and African
and spring. ebony trees. There are also shea trees (whose seeds yield an
• The temperature reaches to 48°c in summer and the rainfall edible fat), baobabs, flat-topped acacias, kapok, and many trees
is almost nil during this period of 4-6 months. that bear edible fruit. As the dry season becomes pronounced
• The winter is also mild as the rainfall is scanty. grass grows shorter rarely reaching the height of five feet (1.5
• This type of climate is more common around the m) high. Palms, baobabs, acacias, and such brightly flowering
Mediterranean Sea, southwestern Australia, southwestern trees as cassias and erythrinas grow in small clumps or are
scattered singly over the grassy areas.
South Africa, sections of Central Asia, the Rogue River
• Away from the Equator to the north and south, rainfall
Valley region of southwestern Oregon, and in the interior
decreases and there is a zone where there is a definite dry
of northern California west of the Sierra Nevada.
season unlike the equatorial region where it rains always.
Hot Desert Climate: • This is the Sudan type of climate and has tropical
Grassland or Savanna vegetation.
• It is typically a very hot and dry zone where the temperature • This region continues over the Eastern Highlands and
ranges between 40°C to 45°C throughout the year. forms a wide area around the equatorial forests.
• They are more common in the deserts of North Africa • The grass is thick and coarse. In some places there is the
such as the wide Sahara Desert, the Libyan Desert or tall elephant grass.
the Nubian Desert; deserts of the Horn of Africa such as
the Danakil Desert or the Grand Bara Desert; deserts of Tropical Steppes and Deserts
Southern Africa such as the Namib Desert or the Kalahari Increased aridity and longer dry seasons are the main features
Desert. of tropical steppes. These are regions grow short grasses only.
G-84 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Thorny acacias, euphorbias, dwarf palms, and jujube trees are The Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans surround North America
found here. Steppes bordering on deserts no trees are spotted, in the east, west and north respectively.
rather widely scattered bunches of grasses grow. Rain here In the north-west the Bering Strait separates it from Asia and in
brings flowering plants and variety of grasses springs up and the south-east the Isthmus of Panama joins it to South America.
thrives. True deserts, of the Sahara and the Namib, are virtually North America has a smooth coastline except for the existing
featured with no vegetation except at oases (places watered by in the north-west. Fiord (fiord) is a long, narrow winding inlet
springs or wells). Vegetation at oases includes date palms, fig from the sea between steep slopes of a mountainous coast. It
trees, willows, poplars, and tamarisks. usually occurs where ocean water flows into valleys near the
coast by glaciers.
Mediterranean Forests
Mediterranean type of vegetation in Africa is found along the Regional Divisions
northern and southern coast. Different variety of shrubs and Region wise North America can be classified into 5 parts which
small trees, both deciduous and evergreen are grown. The plants are listed below:
are able to withstand long, dry summers with waxy, leathery
leaves and long taproots develop here. The northern region raises Western Region
cork oak, olive trees, cedars, and pines; in the south, laurels, Young mountains rise in the west. The most familiar of these
cedars, and ironwood. Grasses and low flowering plants grow mountains are probably the Rockies, North America’s largest
only during the rainy months. chain. They stretch from the province of British Columbia,
Canada, to the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Montane Forests
African vegetation system has localized characters. The Great Plains
Montane vegetation of highlands, particularly in Ethiopia In the middle of the continent lies the Great Plain. Deep, rich
and the mountains of the Great Rift Valley are such example. soil blankets is large areas of the plains in Canada and the United
Depending on elevation, latitude, and direction of the winds States. Grain grown in this region, called the “Breadbasket of
vegetation grows. The region under Montane forests yield North America,” feeds a large part of the world. The Great
valuable timber and cabinet woods along with bamboo and Plains are also home to rich deposits of oil and natural gas.
wild varieties of coffee and banana. The slopes of mountain Canadian Shield
are covered with thick evergreen forest. At higher elevations, The Canadian Shield is a raised but relatively flat plateau. It
grasses and colorful, low-growing plants are typical. The High extends over eastern, central, and northwestern Canada. The
Veld of southern Africa is temperate grassland between 3,500 Canadian Shield is characterized by a rocky landscape pocked
and 11,000 feet (1,070 and 3,350 m) above sea level. by an astounding number of lakes.
Mangrove Forests Eastern Region
Mostly found along the African coast, but are most extensive This varied region includes the Appalachian Mountains and
along the Gulf of Guinea. A variety of other trees tailored to life the Atlantic coastal plain. North America’s older mountain
in muddy estuaries and tidal flats are found other than Mangrove. ranges, including the Appalachians, rise near the east coast of
Swamp and marsh also occur along the larger rivers and lakes the United States and Canada. These areas have been mined for
of western and central Africa. Papyrus, tall grasses, and lotus rich deposits of coal and other minerals for hundreds of years.
are the most common plants. The Sudd region of the White Nile
River is one of the largest marshes in the world. Physical Division
North America can be divided into three physical regions:
NORTH AMERICA 1. The Western Cordilleras
2. The Central Lowlands
Extent 3. The Eastern Highlands
North America is the third largest continent after Asia and The Western Cordilleras
Africa. It covers an area of nearly 24 million square kilometers.
• The parallel ranges of young fold mountains run from
From south to north, it extends from 7°N to 85°N latitude and Alaska and extend into South America as the Andes.
east to west from 20°W to 179° W. • As they resemble twisted cords they are known as
In other words, its northern boundary is only about 500 Cordilleras.
kilometers away from the North Pole and its western boundary • Fold mountains are formed when tectonic plates push the
only 10 kilometres away from the International Date Line. Earth’s crust and force it to form ridges and valleys.
There are five time zones in North America. • Volcanic rocks form the base of fold mountains.
The Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle pass through the • The Cordilleras are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Mount
St. Helena is in the USA.
continent and the 100°W longitude cuts through the centre of
• The snow-covered Cordilleras act as a barrier to moisture
the continent.
laden winds and cause relief rainfall.
This huge landmass includes three large countries – Canada, • Some of the rivers flow westwards and some eastwards
United States of America and Mexico, seven small states of with the Cordilleras acting as the water divide between
Central America and the islands of the West Indies. them.
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-85

• Rocky Mountains, Alaska Range, Cascades, Sierra Nevada Gulf of St. Lawrence
and Sierra Madre are the chief ranges of the Western
It is an water outlet of the North American Great Lakes via Saint
Cordilleras.
Lawrence river. It’s a semi enclosed sea which covers 236,000
The Central Lowlands square kilometres (91,000 sq mi) and containing about 35,000
• These stretch from around the Arctic Shores and Hudson cubic kilometres (8,400 cu mi) of water, which results in an
Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. average depth of 148 meters (486 ft).
• They are hemmed in by the Cordilleras in the west and
the highlands in the east.
Islands
• In the west, they are known as high plains because of the The world famous islands of North America are:
greater altitudes.
• In the north, they form the Canadian Shield.
Vancouver Island
• The Canadian Shield is a peneplain with a number of It is situated on Canada’s Pacific Coast, is known for its mild
lakes. They are large enough to be called seas. They are climate and thriving arts community. It is separated from British
the five Great lakes - Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie Columbia mainland by the Strait of Georgia and Queen Charlotte
and Ontario. Strait and from Washington by the Juan De Fuca Strait.
• Lake Winnipeg, Great Bear Lake and Lake Athabaska are
also on the Canadian Shield.
Greenland
• South of the Canadian Shield, the Central Lowlands are It is a massive island situated between Atlantic and Arctic oceans
covered with layers of sediment brought by glaciers and and 80% of its land is covered by ice.
rivers. It is a very fertile region.
Prince of Wales Island
The Eastern Highlands It is one of the islands of the Alexander Archipelago in the
• They are old fold mountains that stretch from the valley Alaska Panhandle. This ranks four among the island in size.
of River St. Lawrence to Southern USA.
• They are not a high or as continuous as the Cordilleras. Hawaii Island
• The highlands are also known as the Laurentian highlands It is otherwise known as the Big Island provides a vast canvas of
in Canada and the Appalachians in the USA and are less natural environment and it is the largest island of the Hawaiian
than 2,000 metres in height. archipelago in the Central Pacific.
• There eastern slopes facing the Atlantic Ocean are very Cuba Islands of Antilles
steep causing waterfalls in the streams that flow to the It is known as the sugar bowl of the World and its vast source
coast. of metallic resources include cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium
• The Grand Canyon is a network of deep narrow valley and copper. Other resources include timber, petroleum, silica,
cuts into the dry Colorado Plateau.
salt, and arable land.
• The Old Faithful” is a natural geyser (a hot waterspout).
Once in every 90 minutes, the water from the geyser comes Bermuda Island
out roaring upto 60 metres high. It is found in Yellowstone
National Park. It is the territory of British Islands in North Atlantic and famous
for its Pink sand beaches such as Elbow and Horseshoe Bay.
Gulfs of North America
A gulf is a portion of the ocean that penetrates land which is
Drainage Pattern
very large in size, shape, and depth. They are generally larger There are many rivers in North America. River of North America
and more deeply indented than bays and often make excellent can be grouped according to the seas they drain into, like
harbors. Many important trading centers are located on gulfs. 1. The rivers draining into the Gulf of Mexico
Some of the important bays those surrounds North America These are the Mississippi, Missouri and their tributaries
from all sides are drain the whole of the lower Central Lowlands. They start
from the Western Cordilleras. The Ohino and Tennesse.
Gulf of Mexico Rivers which are also tributaries of the Mississippi but
It is an important economic site for three countries and have their source in the Appalachians are exceptions.
surrounded by United States, Mexico, and the island nation of 2. Rivers draining into the Atlantic Ocean
Cuba. As one of the biggest gulf it has the coast line of 5000 River St. Lawrence is the large river of this group. In
kilometers. this group the smaller rivers of the Fall Line can also be
included.
Gulf of Alaska 3. Arctic Ocean drainage
It is situated on the north western part of North America where River Mackenzie which has many shallow lakes on the
two types of water run into each other, a light, almost electric Canadian Shield. River Nelson flow into the Hudson Bay.
blue merging with a darker slate-blue. 4. Pacific Ocean Drainage
River Yukon in Alaska, Columbia, Fraser and the Colorado
Gulf of California along the west coast. The Colorado river cuts across the
It separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican Colorado plateau and forms the world’s most famous and
mainland. It has a coast line of 4000 km( 2600 miles). It attractive deep gorges, known as grand canons having
is considered to be one of the most diversified seas on the nearly one km depth. Among the other rivers, the Yukon,
planet, and is home to more than 5,000 species of micro- the Skena, the Fraser, the Snake, the Humboldt, the
invertebrates. Sacramento, the San Joaguin, etc. are well known.
G-86 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Seas in North America • It is so wide that the central regions are thousands of
Caribbean Sea kilometers away from oceanic influence.
The climatic regions are:
It is a sub-oceanic basin bordered by coasts of Venezuela,
Colombia, and Panama; to the west by Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Tundra or Polar Climate
Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and the Yucatán Peninsula of • The regions within the Arctic Circle along the shores of
Mexico; to the north by the Greater Antilles islands of Cuba, the Arctic Ocean and the Hudson Bay have extremely cold,
Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico; and to the east by the long winters. The sun does not rise from many weeks here.
north-south chain of the Lesser Antilles, consisting of the island • The winter sky is lit sometimes by the Northern Lights or
arc that extends from the Virgin Islands in the north east to Aurora Borealis.
Trinidad. • In summer, the days are long and cool. The sun shines
Beaufort Sea weakly, is low in the sky and does not set for weeks.
It is situated on the north of Canada and Alaska is known to be • These are lands of the mid-night sun. Rainfall is very
the marginal sea of Arctic Ocean covering an area of 184,000 low. Precipitation is in the form of snow.
sq. miles and the average depth of 3,239 ft (1,004 m). • Its soil called the permafrost is permanently frozen and
Hudson Bay extremely hard.
It is known as the second largest bay in the world which • In summer, the surface ice melts. Lichens, mosses and
encompasses an area of 1,230,000 square kilometer (470,000mi) low berry bearing bushes appear.
and large body of Salt water. • Along the southern borders, there are stunted willow and
Labrador Sea birch trees.
It is bordered by continental shelves and separates Canada • The tundra is the ice desert.
from Green Land. The Taiga or the Coniferous Forest Belt
Bering Sea
It is situated on the extreme North of North America separating • This is a broad belt of coniferous forest that stretches
from Newfoundland in the east to Alaska in the west and
the continents of Asia and north America.
southwards along the slopes of the Cordilleras.
Inland Drainage System • The winters are long and cold.
• The summers are short and warm. Precipitation is in the
• The Great Basin area in the Rocky Mountains (Middle)
form of snow and is more than tundra.
has rivers which do not reach the coast, but terminate in
• The trees have many adaptations to withstand the heavy
the land. This is the Inland Drainage System. snowfall and lack of water.
• The rivers are small, seasonal and end up in saline lakes. • They are cone-shaped, evergreen and xerophytic (in
• The Humboldt river ends up in Carson Sink - a saline lake. nature).
The area is studded with bolsons. • Pine, fir, larch and spruce are some of the trees.
• In British Columbia and California, there are the giant
Lakes in North America sequoias, douglas, firs and cedars.
• The Lakes of the Canadian Shield are fresh water bodies. The Temperate East Margin Type
• The Great Salt Lake between the Rockies and the Sierra
• This stretches from the Great Lakes along the Appalachians
Nevada has a high salt content and is an area of ‘Inland
drainage’. and the coastal areas.
• Lake Champlain in Quebec, Canada and New York, • The northern part of this region is influenced by the Cold
Vermont in the USA. Labrador Current. It is known as the Laurentian Type or
• Lake Erie in Ontario, Canada and Michigan, New York, Cool Temperate East Margin Type.
Ohio, Pennsylvania in the USA. • The southern part known as the Warm Temperate East
• Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada and Michigan in the USA. Margin or China Type lies in the Trade Wind belt.
• Lake Memphramagog is a 40-mile long glacial lake that • This region lies in the track of hurricanes and tornadoes.
extends from Vermont into Canada. • The trees are deciduous.
• Lake Ontario in Ontario, and New York in the USA. • They have hardwood and broad leaves which are shed in
• Lake St Clair in Ontario, and Michigan in the USA. autumn called “fall” in America.
• Lake Superior in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin in the • Maple, oak, elm and ash are the common trees.
USA. • Many places have mixed forests of evergreen and
• Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, USA; Manitoba, deciduous trees.
Ontario, Canada. • There is very heavy rainfall in Florida resulting in
• Rainy Lake in Minnesota, USA; Ontario, Canada. temperate swamps called ‘Everglades’.
• Cypress is the predominant tree and alligator is the
Climate and Natural Vegetation common reptile of the swamps.

• North America extends from roughly 700 kilometres north Cool Temperate West Margin Type or British Type
of the Equator to about 600 kilometres south of the North • This type is found along the west of Canada and North
Pole, spreading over all the temperature zones. California in USA.
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-87

• The Warm Alaska Current makes this region warm and

the Westerlies bring rain throughout the year. SOUTH AMERICA
• It has warm summers and mild winters. There is heavy
rainfall because of Rockies block the Westerlies. Extent
• Vegetation consists of coniferous trees.
• The world’s oldest, largest and tallest trees grow here. South America is a long triangular shaped continent.
Douglas fir, redwood and giant sequoias are some of them. It stretched from 12°N to 55°S latitude. The Equator passes
through the northern part of the continent and the Tropic of
The Prairies Grasslands Capricorn runs roughly through the middle. Because of its
• From the south of the taiga, between the Great lakes and tapering shape, a major part of the landmass is in the tropics.
Rockies, to the Mississippi-Missouri Basin stretches the South America lies on the west of the Prime Meridian. So the
largest expanse of temperature grasslands. time at any place on this continent will be some hours less
• These treesless plains are the Prairies. than or behind the Greenwich Mean Time. The 60° meridian
• Closer to the Rocky Mountains, where the rainfall is less divides the continent lengthwise into two halves. It is more to
lies the ‘shorter grass prairie’. the east compared to North America and is therefore closer
• Cattle ranching is carried out here. to Europe and Africa. South America is the fourth largest
• The moderate rainfall is not enough to support tree growth. continent after Asia, Africa and North America. It is two-third
the size of Africa and six times the size of India. The coastline
The Mediterranean Type of Climate of South America is smooth with very few inlets except in
• This climate is found in Central California on the west the extreme south-west where there are fiords and many small
coast of North America. islands. Fiords are deep inlets of the sea into mountains land.
• It lies between 30°N and 40°N latitude. There are a few large islands off the coast of South America.
• The trade winds blow in summer as off-shore land winds. The Galapagos Islands near the Equator and the Juan Ferandez
• The hot dry summers make it difficult for plants to grow. Islands near Central Chile are in the Pacific Ocean. The Tierra
• The plants have adapted to store water from the winter del Fuego is in the Southern Ocean and the Falkland Islands
rains in waxy leaves and bark. in the South Atlantic Ocean. The island of Trinidad is near
• The original vegetation is scrub like and is called the Venezuela in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Andes is the
chaparral. longest mountain range in the world. South America’s three
• In wetter parts there are huge trees like cedars, cypress
southern countries – Argentina, Chile and Uruguay – constitute
and the giant sequoia or red wood.
a region sometimes referred to as the Southern Cone because
• This region is ideal for fruit growing.
of its pointed, ice-cream-cone-like shaped.
Hot Desert
• The Mohave and Sonora are deserts on the southwestern Physical Divisions
part of North America because the mountains to the east South America can be divided into four physical regions:
act as a rain shadow for the Trade Winds. 1. The Pacific coastal strip
• While the Cool California Current in the west prevents It lies in the west, between the ocean and the Andes. It
sea winds from bringing rain. is the longest coastal plain in the Atlantic world. In most
• Only very small parts of the desert are without any type places it is about 80 kilometres wide but in some it is as
of vegetation. narrow as 8 metres. The coastline of South America is
• Cactii, sage and thorn bushes and coarse grasses are smooth and regular. At the river mouths there are inlets
common. The Joshua tree is a taller cactus. which are used as harbours. The south-western coast
of the continent has fiords or deep inlets of the sea into
Tropical Rain Forests mountainous land.
• This forest is found in Central America and the West
2. Mountain Ranges
Indies.
• There is heavy rainfall and high temperature The Andes stretches through entire continent, running in
• The equatorial jungles of the Amazon and Orinoco of north-south direction from Isthmus of Panama to Strait
South America have extended to this region. of Magellan. They are the continuous range of folded
mountain systems which covers the entire western coast of
Storms South America. The Andes is the longest mountain range
• Hurricanes - These are destructive cyclones which blow in the world. The highest mountain of this mountain range
in from the Gulf of Mexico. It is caused by depressions is Aconcagua, stands at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) and
originating over the sea. straddles the Argentina-Chile border.
• Tornadoes or twisters form over land in the southern They form a chain of ranges and knots with enclosed
states of the USA. This is a black cloud which possesses intermontane plateaus namely in Ecuador and Bolivia.
a funnel shaped tail which twists as it rushes past. There Being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are many
is complete destruction wherever the tail passes because volcanoes and frequent earthquakes along this region.
of the vacuum effect. Everything in its path is sucked in. Mount Cotopaxi and Mount Chimborazo are active
It is the most destructive of cyclones. volcanic peak, is the highest peak in South America.
G-88 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Some Mountains of South America Deserts of South America

Mountain Country Height (In Meters)
• Patagonian Desert – the largest desert by area located in
Aconcagua Argentina 6962 Argentina
Ojos del Sulado Chile 6891 • La Guajira Desert – a desert in northern Colombia and
Monte Pissis Argentina 6793 some of northwestern Venezuela
• Atacama – a desert in Chile, the driest place on Earth.
Llullaillaco Argentina/Chile 6738
• Sechura Desert – a desert located along a portion of the
Cesro Mercedario Argentina 6720 northwestern coast of South America
Neado Sajama Bolivia 6542 • Monte Desert – in Argentina, a smaller desert above the
Illinani Bolivia 6438 Patagonian desert.
Jang’u Uma Bolivia 6427
Drainage System
Illampu Bolivia 6368
The drainage system of south America consists of:
Cesro El Plomo Chile 5424
(a) The Amazon Basin
3. The Central Lowlands (b) The Rio de Plata Basin
The are formed by two great river systems – the Amazon- (c) The Orinoco Basin
Orinoco and the Parana-Paraguay. The vegetation of the (d) The Sao Francisco Basin
lowlands are given special names.
The Orinoco Basin has dense tropical forests. The northern The Amazon basin
part is a plain covered with savanna grass called the Llanos. • It is the basin of River Amazon.
The equatorial jungle of the Amazon Basin is called the • Its length is second to that of the Nile river of Africa.
selvas, a typical tropical rain forest. The rich temperate • It has the largest flow of water in the world.
grasslands around the mouth of the Parana-Paraguay is the • The river drains nearly 40 per cent of area of South
pampas. At the source of these rivers is a region scrub
America.
forest called the Gran Chaco.
• The major tributaries of the Amazon river are the Caqueta,
4. The Eastern Highlands
the Jurua, the Madeira, the Negro, etc.
These are plateaus made up of hard old rocks. The River
Amazon separates them into the Guiana Highland to the The Rio de Plata basin
north and the Brazilian Highland to the south. They have
been worn down by wind, rain and rivers. They have • This basin is second in size to that of the Amazon.
steep cliffs along the east coast and slope gently towards • The main rivers which form the Basin of Rio de Plata are
the Central Plains. The savanna grasslands of Brazilian the river Paraguay, the Parana and the river Uruguay.
Highlands is the compos. Towards the Central Lowlands, • River Parana (4,879 km) rises from Minas Gerais from a
it is known as the plateau of Matogrosso. Patagonia is a water divide Carino de Paranaiba.
cold, wind swept plateau at the southern end of the tapering
continent. The Orinoco basin
(a) Guiana Highlands: It is a geographically stunning • This is considered to be the third largest drainage system
part of Planet Earth, over 1,000 miles in length, the of South America.
Highlands stretch from southern Venezuela across the • It rises in the Southern end of Sierra Parima near Mount
northern edge of South America to the tip of Brazil. Delgado Chalboud at a height of 1000 metres.
It consists of a vast plateau, one marked by deep • It traverse 2,740 km to meet the Atlantic Ocean.
gorges, tropical rain forests, numerous rivers and • The word Orinoco means ‘a place to paddle’, i.e. a river
waterfalls. It’s famed for the highest waterfall in the where navigation is possible.
world (Angel Falls) at 3,212 ft (979 m) high. The • In the North, the Orinoco river passes through a zone called
highest point is Mt. Roraima on the borders of Brazil, ‘Region of Rapids’ where there are enormous granite
Guyana and Venezuela at 2,810 m. boulders.
(b) Brazilian Highlands: This highlands region is about • The world’s highest waterfall Angel (979 m) is situated on
800 miles in length and runs through the Brazilian river Churun which is a tributary of river Caroni which is
states of Minas Gerais, Goias, Bahia and Sao Paulo further a tributary of river Orinoco.
is southeastern Brazil. The magnificent landscape
• The Orinoco flows through the llanos (savanna grasslands)
includes varied mountain ranges, namely the Serra
de Mantiquiera, Serra do Paranapiataba, Serra Geral, of Venezuela into the (North Atlantic Ocean).
and Serra do Mar. The Sao Fancisco basin
(c) Patagonia: It is located between the Andes and the
Atlantic Ocean, and about 1,000 miles in length; • The fourth largest river system of South America is the
Patagonia stretches south from the Rio Negro river river Sao Francisco which is about 2,914 km in length. It
in southern Argentina to Tierra del Fuego and the flows within Brazil.
Strait of Magellan. It’s mostly rugged, barren land, • It originates North-west of the city of Belo Horizonte on
famed for its beauty and striking scenery. the Eastern slope of Sierra da Canostra.
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-89

Climate The Gran Chaco

This lies between the Brazilian Highlands and the Andes.
The climate of South America is influenced by the following
Being for inland, the trade winds lose their moisture. There is
factors:
very little rainfall.
• South America stretches through many degrees of latitudes
and through all the temperature zones of the Earth. 3. The Pacific Coastlands
• The high Andes cover the full length of the continent.
Between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean lies the long
Mountains lower the temperature and form rain shadow
narrow plain which passes through the following regions.
regions on their leeward side.
• The Cool Peru current flows along the west coast making • The northern part of this plain lies in Colombia. There
the shore very dry. are equatorial forests and swamps.
• The Warm Brazil current on the east coast brings good • In Peru and Northern Chile is the Atacama Desert. The
rainfall. Andes block the trade winds from bringing rain. The Cool
• The South East Trade Winds bring rain to the east coast Peru Current adds to the dryness of the desert.
in the tropics. Thus beyond the Andes on the west coast, • In Central Chile, the plains form a fertile area enjoying
deserts are formed. the Mediterranean climate. The westerlies bring rain in
• Further south from 30°S latitude to the tip of the continent, winter. There is summer drought. Citrus fruits, grapes,
westerly winds bring rain. almonds and walnuts are cultivated here.
1. The hot wet equatorial climate • South of 40°S latitude lies the fiorded coast of Southern
Chile.
• This is found in the Amazon basin.
• The Equator cuts through this region but on the high Andes There is rain throughout the year from the westerly winds.
rain is less because of the height. The sea flows into the valleys to form a 1,000 kilometres
• Quito, the capital, is said to have ‘eternal spring’, while stretch of cold, rainy islands and fiords. Evergreen
the Amazon Lowlands are very hot and wet throughout temperate forests grow here. Some of the conifers like
the year. the Chilean pine are found only in South America. Some
• Dense impenetrable rainforests called the selvas or Amazon have leaves instead of needles.
rainforest or amazon are found here.
Natural Vegetation
Amazon Rainforest
It is located within nine nations: Brazil (with 60 percent of Equatorial Forest
the rainforest) Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Equador, Bolivia, The high temperature and heavy rainfall produce luxuriant
Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. vegetation, generally composed of broad-leaved trees is found
The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining in wet tropical uplands and lowlands around the Equator.
rainforests and comprises the largest and most species-rich Found in Amazon Basin and coastal lowlands of North-eastern
tract of tropical rainforest in the world. Brazil, coastal Colombia and parts of adjoining Ecuador.
• The trees are very tall and head wooded like ebony and Spices of rubber, mahogany, ebony, Cieba and Brazil nuts are
mahogany. commonly found. These forests are also called ‘Selvas’ lies 0°
• Some valuable trees found here are cinchona from which to 10° north and south.
quinine, the medicine for malaria is made; chicle, the Temperate Forests
tree which gives chewing gum; the hevea tree which
These are characteristics by more or less continuous canopy
gives rubber; the plant coca from which cocaine, the
with wide leaves, big and tall trees along with non seasonal
painkiller is extracted. vegetation. Warm temperate forests are found in Brazilian
• The wildlife consists mostly of tree-top dwellers like Highlands, Paraguay, Uruguay, Southern Brazil and cool
monkeys, birds, insects and spiders. There are snakes temperate forest are found in upper slopes of Andes and S.W.
and giant pythons called anacondas, ant eaters and Chile. Species like Beech, conifers, Parana Pines, Quebracho
armadillos; crocodiles and alligators in the marshes. – source of tannic acid and Yerba mate grows here. This
type of biome is found in regions where there is cold winter
2. Summer rain climate on the eastern side and warm summer. Regions with such climate are common
within the tropics in the mid-latitudes, far from both the equator and the poles.
• These are regions of summer rain brought by the trade Temperate forests are almost always made of two types of
winds. The Warm Brazil Current increases the rain. trees, deciduous and evergreen.
• The rest of the year is dry.
Mediterranean Forests
Campos These are characterized by dry summers and rainy winters,
• North of the Equator along River Orinoco they are called generally composed of broadleaf trees. Evergreen laurels
llanos and in the Brazillian highlands south of the Equator and acacias are found in wetter areas where as thorny shrubs
they are known as campos. and cacti are found in drier north. They are vulnerable to
G-90 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

degradation by human activities such as logging, overgrazing, • The Tropic of Capricorn cuts the continent almost into
conversion to agriculture, urbanization, and introduction of half.
exotic and invasive species as the region is semi-arid, and • Asia is the continent nearest to Australia.
often have poor soils. Fire, both natural and human-caused,
• The nearest point on the mainland of Asia is Singapore
has played a large role in shaping its ecology
• To the west of Australia, Indian Ocean, to the south, the
Savanna Grasslands icy shore of Antarctica to the south-east is New Zealand.
These are widely spaced, scattered trees, tall grass, found in To the north-west is the continent of Asia.
Orinoco basin, Paraguay, northern Argentina and Brazil. Chief
species like Acacias, tall coarse grass and patches of scrub Physical Divisions
are found in drier areas whereas shorter grass in wetter areas.
Australia is the most levelled and lowest of all the continents.
Savanna spreads over Cerra do, Brazil in the lower latitudes. There are no high mountains, deep valleys or large rivers. Mount
This particular biome falls in between a grassland and a forest Kosciusko 2,230 metres above sea level, is the highest peak.
region. There are actually two very different seasons in savanna; The coastline is very smooth with no inlets except in the south.
a very long dry season (winter), and a very wet season (summer). So there are very few good harbours. As a smallest confinent
Pampas Australia has no prominent physical division. yet efforts have
been made to divide it roughly into four categories, such as:
These are large treeless plains with large grasslands areas.
It is also known as temperate grasslands. Countries like Eastern Highland
Argentina (provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Santa Fe This is a chain of hills and mountains which interrupts the
and Córdoba), most of Uruguay and the southern most states
levelled land form of Australia. These are also known as great
of Brazilian cover this region. Small plants such as grasses
Dividing Range.
flourish, and trees are rare. These are fertile South American
lowlands where pastoral and farming is done. The Great Dividing Range
Desert vegetation • It is, also known as the Easter Highlands, is Australia’s
Desert habitat area have adapted to its dry, hot extremes by most substantial mountain range. The range stretches more
using both physical and behavioral mechanisms. They often than 3500 km from the northeastern tip of Queens land,
have few or no leaves. It found in arid areas of Atacama running the entire length of the eastern coastline through
desert, Sertao arid region of N.E. Brazil and N.W. Mexico New South Wales, then into Victoria and turning water,
(Sonora and Baja deserts). Lichens, acacia, scrub and Cacti are before finally fading into the central plain at the Grampians
vegetation covers mostly found here. in western Victoria.
• The Great Dividing Range does not consist of a single
AUSTRALIA AND OCEANIA mountain range. It consists of a complex of mountain
ranges, plateau, upland areas and escarpments with an
ancient and complex geological history.
Extent • The crest of the range is defined by the watershed or
Thousands of islands combine to form Oceania region mostly boundary between the drainage basins of rivers which
covering the Central and South Pacific Ocean. The region drain directly eastward into the Pacific Ocean, and those
is dominated by world’s biggest island and two other major rivers which drain into the Murray-Darling River system
landmasses, micro-continent of Zealandia ( includes New towards the west. In the north, the rivers on the west side
Zealand) and the western half of the island of New Guinea, made of the range drain towards the Gulf of Carpentaria.
up of the nation of Papua New Guinea. Oceania also includes
three island regions: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia The Western Plateau
(including the U.S. state of Hawaii). It stretches from the Strait This eroded plateau has undergone the process of erosion for
of Malacca to the coast of Americas. Tropic of Capricorn divides a quite longer period. It is characterised by several ‘sinkhole’
it into almost two halves. a network of underground caves which filled with water. The
• Australia is the world’s largest island and smallest Western plateau is also called as the home for serveral deserts
continent. and the climate is comparatively dry owing to the cold water
• It is the only nation that completely covers a continent. current of the western Australia. The series of desert in this
• Its total area is nearly double that of India and Pakistan region are:
combined. • The ranges were originally home to Australian Aboriginal
• It lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere and is aptly tribes such as the kulin.
named - Austral meaning south.
Desert
• It is located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans,
• Gibson Desert - a central Australian desert
stretches west to east from 114°E longitude to 154°E
longitude and from 10°S to 40°S latitude. • Great Sandy Desert - a northwestern Australian desert
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-91

• Great Victoria Desert - the sixth largest desert in the Drainage System
world by area, located in south-central Australia. • Australia has low average rainfall.
• Simpson Desert - a central Australian desert • Being a hot dry country the rate of evaporation is high. So
• Little Sandy Desert - a western Australian desert there is very little water left to flow as river to the sea.
• Strzelecki Desert - a south-central Australian desert • As a result of this the total dustrian continent is mainly
• Tanami Desert - a northern Australian desert drained by two of the largest drainage barins Murray and
• Western Desert - a desert located in western Australia, Darlias and an inland lake in also found which is knwon
comprising the Gibson, Great Sandy, and Little Sandy as lake Eyre Basin. Which accounts an area for over 1
million square kilometre.
deserts.
• River Murray starts from the Snowy Mountains of the
• Rangipo Desert - a barren light altitude desert on the Great Dividing Range.
North Island Volcanic Plateau in New Zealand. • Its tributaries are the Darling, Murrumbidgee and Lachlan.
Many dams have been built across these to provide for
The Central Lowland irrigation and power generation.
The extensive patch of plain or low land has its existence between • River Swan near Perth is also utilized in the same way.
Eastern Highlands and Western Plateau. The patch is drained
by two rivers such as Murray and Darling which also facilitate
Climatic zones
the land with irrigation facility for farming and other essential There are generally four types of wind prevail over Australian
activities. The area is also known as the Great Artesian Basin continent through out the year which affect the climate of the
as it is covered by a number of underground pressurized wells little continent to a large extent.
from which the water comes out automatically to the surface. Seasonal change in the Temperate Zones
Yet they are not suitable for drinking as they are salty by nature. The coastal hinterland of New South Wales, much of Victoria,
Tasmania, the south-eastern corner of South Australia and the
The Great Barrier Reef south-west of Western Australia are contributing the temperate
• This is the largest coral reef in the world. zones where the seasonal changes are as follows
• It lies along the east coast of Queensland, Australia, in • Summer: December to February
the Pacific Ocean. • Autumn: March to May
• It is about 2,000 kilometres long, in some places it is as • Winter: June to August
• Spring: September to November
close as 16 kilometres to the coast while in other places
The two similarly affected areas to that of temperate zones are:
it is 200 kilometres away. • The temperate grassland that surrounds the arid and semi-
• It is one of the natural wonders of the world. arid desert areas in the centre and gradually percolates into
• It is formed by the tiny coral polyps. the area north of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
• Desserts are the arid and semi arid areas of the centre of
The Islands the continent which stretch across the vast amount of South
The islands situated surrounding the younger most continent Australia and Western Australia.
in size is collectively known as Oceania. Broadly it has been Seasonal change in the Tropical Zones
divided into three major island groups Melanesia, Micronesia
There are three climatic zones in the tropical areas of Australia:
and Polynesia. • Equatorial – the tip of Cape York and Bathurst and
Melanesia is otherwise known as Black Islands and congregated Melville Islands north of Darwin.
around north and east of Australia. Some of the major islands are • Tropical – across northern Australia including Cape York,
East Timor, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon the Top End of the Northern Territory, land south of the
Islands, and Vanuatu. Gulf of Carpentaria, and the Kimberley region.
Micronesia which is also called as Little Islands is the • Sub-tropical – the coastal and inland fringe from Cairns
agglomeration of islands such as Guam, Kiribati, Marshall along the Queensland coast and hinterland to the northern
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Northern areas of New South Wales and the coastal fringe north of
Mariana Islands, Palau and Wake Island Perth to Geraldton in Western Australia.
These above mentioned areas experience two exactly
Polynesia otherwise known as Many Lands which expand from
opposite spell of season i.e. wet and dry seasons.
islands of Midway in the north to New Zealand in south and
The wet season is otherwise called as the monsoon season,
include the series of islands such as American Samoa Cook
which lasts about six months, between November and
Islands, French Polynesia, Niue, Pitcairn , Tokelau, Tonga, March. The temperature ranges between 30 and 50 degrees
Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna Islands. Celsius and comparatively it is hotter than the dry season
The islands of Ocenai have been formed due to differential because of the high humidity during the wet, which is
activities of volcanoes. The low islands of Micronesia have been caused by large amounts of water in the air. It is also
formed by building up coral reefs on the rim of volcanic island, marked by heavy rainfall which leads to frequent flooding.
hence giving it a shape of a Ring which is known as Atolls. The The dry season lasts about six months, usually between
atolls further encircles the lagoons which are characterised by April and October. Temperatures are lower and the
shallow pools of clear water at a very low altitude of just few skies are generally clearer during the dry. The average
feet above sea level. temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.
G-92 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Natural Vegetation • In the north, though it stretches into the Arctic Circle, the
Warm Gulf Stream keeps the ports ice free.
Downs • The broad continent shelf on its west provides good
• The temperate grassland of Australia known as downs is fishing grounds and there are sheltered harbours along
found in the Murray-Darling basins of South Eastern part. the indented coastline.
• They are largely used for pastoral activity. • It has the longest coastline in proportion to size.
• Cultivation is profitably done in the down areas where Boundaries
Mitchel grasses grown.
• The Mitchel grasses grow even on the cracking clay soils, • To the east, it is separated from Asia by the Ural Mountain,
basaltic soils, and even on skeletal soils. Caspian Sea, Caucasus Mountain and Black Sea.
• To the south is the Mediterranean Sea. The Agean Sea
• Similarly Canterbury grassland is found in New Zealand.
and Adriatic Sea are two of its branches.
The tropical Rain forest island regions • To the west, is the Strait of Gibraltar separating Europe
from Africa and joining the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
These are home to dense forests with coconut palms and
Ocean. The Bay of Biscay, English Channel and North
mangroves growing nearer the shorelines. High temperatures
Sea are pars of the Atlantic Ocean.
throughout the year with very little rainfall. • Baltic Sea with two branches - Gulf of Bothnia and Gulf
The deciduous forest region of Finland is an inlet in the north. The Arctic Ocean to
the north has a bay called the White Sea.
It has a wealth of plant life and includes tall and short trees, shrubs, • The peninsula of Greece, known as the Balkan Peninsula
small plants and mosses. Four distinct seasons with warm summers and Italy extend into the Mediterranean Sea.
and cold, wet winters. The trees shed their leaves in autumn. • In the south-west, is the Iberian Peninsula which is made
up of Spain and Portugal.
Savanna
• In the north-west, is the Scandinavian, Peninsula consisting
Very high temperatures all year and rain during the summer of Norway and Sweden.
season only.

The dry desert and desert scrub region Physical Divisions

It is home to the eucalyptus as well as those plants that can survive The physical features of Europe are divided into four contrasting
the arid conditions like cactii. Warm to high temperatures with regions:
very little rainfall. Hot summers and cold winters with above Western Upland
average rainfall. It is also known as the Northern Highlands, delineate the western
The varying climate of Australia is largely dependent its size. edge of Europe and define the physical landscape of Scandinavia
The temperature ranges below zero in the Snowy Mountains (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), Finland, Iceland, Scotland,
in southern Australia to extreme heat in the Kimberley region Ireland, the Brittany region of France, Spain, and Portugal. These
in the north-west of the continent. Different climatic zones are landforms are result of glaciations of hard rock in the ancient
characterized by distinct climatic phenomena with prominent times. Distinct physical features such as marshlands, lakes, and
seasonal changes fjords have been emerged with the recession of glaciers form
the highland areas. The famous Norwegian Fjords which are
Four prominent seasons such as Summer, Autumn, Winter, and
Lyse fjord, the Geiranger fjord.
Spring are experienced in the Temperate zone, Desert and the
North European Plain
Grassland climatic zones but drastically it has changed to wet and
It is the extensive low land spread along the bank of various
dry seasons in the tropical north of the continent which includes
mighty rivers such as Rhine, Weser, Elbe, Oder and Vistula.
the Equatorial, Tropical and sub-tropical zones.
These river valleys are favourable for growing seasonal crops.
EUROPE It covers all most half of the Europe. Bordered by Baltican
White sea from north and Black and Azov from south the plain
is gradually narrowed down towards west. the northern part of
Size the land is characterized by diversified glacial landforms such as
• Europe is the second smallest continent, the smallest being Pipet Marshland, Valdai hills of western Russia, glacial lakes etc.
Australia. Central Uplands or Plateau
• Its area, including the islands around the coast, is about These are the collection of distinctive landscape of summits,
10 million square kilometers. steep slopes, valleys and depression which stretches across the
• It is roughly three times the size of India and smaller than central Europe. It extends from Belgium in the East to France in
China. the West and from Czech Republic and south Germany in south
to Switzerland and Austria in North. Except some river valleys
Location such as like Rhine, Rhone, Elbe, and Danube river valleys all
• A large part lies in the temperate zone as it stretches from other areas of this division is sparsely populated.
35°N to 80°N latitude. Alpine Mountain Systems
• Longitudinally, it stretches from 10°W to 60°E These are located in south-central Europe, immediately north
• The Prime Meridian, passes through London. of the Mediterranean Sea. They extend for almost 700 miles
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-93

in a crescent shape from the coastline of southern France (near Deserts

Monaco) into Switzerland, then through northern Italy and
into Austria, and down through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and • Halendi - a region of Iceland and Europe’s largest desert.
Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro - then ending in Albania • Bedowska Desert - a desert located in Lesser Poland
Voivodeship, Poland.
on the rugged coastline of the Adriatic Sea.
• Deliblatska Peseara - a desert located in Voivodina and
The highest point is Mont Blanc at 15,771 ft. (4,807m).
Serbia.
• Oltenian Sahara - a desert spanning approximately
Mountains 80000 hectares or 800 km2 in the Romanian historical
The Ural Mountains province of Oltenia.
• These mountains separate Asia from Europe in athe east • Tabernad Desert - a desert in Almeria, Spain.
• From north to south, these are 2,200 km long and 80-120
km broad with many parallel valleys. Drainage Pattern
• Though their average height is 300 m yet their highest • The rivers of Europe are perennial being fed by melting
peak is about 1,638 m high. snow or by the rain brought by the Westerlies.
The Scandinavian Mountains • Many of them have their origin in the Alps.
• The Scandinavia consists of Norway, Sweden and • Rivers that flow into the Mediterranean Sea are Rhone
Denmark. (France) and Ebro (Spain).
• In fact Scandinavia exists or fenno-Scandia which • River Po of Italy flows into the Adriatic Sea.
continues into the east through Finland to Kola Peninsula • The Danube, Dnieper and Don flows into the Caspian Sea.
in Russia. • Rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean are - Guadalquivir
The Old Mountain Blocks (Spain), Tagus and Douro (Portugal), Loire and Seine
• These are Hercynian and Caledonian mountain chains. (France), The Rhine Weser and Elbe (Germany)
• In the west the Meseta of Spain, the Central Plateau of • Many rivers flow into the Baltic Sea.
France, the Britanny Peninsula, the Rhine Upland, the • Thames, the chief river of England, flows into the English
Block Forest, Vosges, Bohemian Plateau and Rhodope Channel.
Mt etc, are examples of these old mountains. • The Rhine and Danube are international rivers because
The Alpine Mountain Ranges they pass through many countries.
• The highest peak is (Mount Blanc 5,000 m). • The Rhine starts from the Alps in Switzerland and flow
• The mountain range runs in many branches. northwards through Germany and enters the sea through
• The main ones are the Alps, the Carpathians, the Balkans, Holland. It passes through heavily industrialized regions
the Caucasus etc. and is used for transporting heavy goods. It is the busiest
• Another branch is the Apennines (Italy, the Atlas (Africa waterway of Europe. Rotterdam, the largest part of
and the Sierra Nevada Spain). Europe, is on its delta.
• Still another branch is the Dinaric and the Pindus • The Danube is also an international river. It rises from the
mountain (Yugoslavia and Greece) and enters through Alps in Germany and flows through Australia, Hungary,
the Crete island into Asia. Serbia and enters the Black Sea in Romania. It is not as
The Pyrenees important as the Rhine for international trade because the
• The Pyrenees are half as long and broad as the Alps and Black Sea in the interior.
separate broadly France from Spain.
• The highest peak is Pice de Aneto (3,404 m). Important Rivers of Europe
Length
Islands of Europe Rivers Draining into (Tributary of)
in km
As surrounded by number of seas from all sides, Europe is an Volga 3,692 Caspian Sea
island rich continent. British Isles is the largest and the most Danube 2,860 Black Sea
important group of islands consisting of England, Scotland and
Ural 2,428 Caspian Sea
Ireland. Some of the major islands of these groups are:
England consists of Isle of Wight, Isle of Sheppey, Hayling Dnieper 2,290 Black Sea
Island, Foulness Island, Portsea Island,Canvey Island, Mersea Pechora 1,809 Barents Sea
Island, Walney Island, Wallasea Island, Lundy, Isles of Scilly. Don 1,950 Sea of Azov
Ireland is famous for Achill Island, Aran Islands, Rathlin
Kama 1,805 Caspian Sea (Volga)
Island.
Scotland has two prominent groups of Islands. Nothern Dvina- 1,774 White Sea
The islands of main archipelago consists of Shetland, Orkney, Vychegda
Outer Hebrides, Inner Hebrides, Islands of the Clyde, Islands Oka 1,500 Caspian Sea (Volga)
of the Forth, Outlying islands and Belaya 1,430 Caspian Sea (Kama)
Larger islands are Lewis and Harris, Skye, Mainland,
Shetland, Mull, Islay. Jura, Arram, South and North Uist and Dniester 1,362 Black Sea
south Uist. Rhine 1,236 North Sea
G-94 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Elbe 1,091 North Sea • There are plains on the windward side and plateaus on the
leeward side of mountains.
Donest 1,050 Black Sea (Don) • The southern parts stretch to the south of the 40°N latitude
Vistula 1,047 Baltic Sea and face desert winds blowing from the Sahara across the
Tagus 1,038 Atlantic Ocean Mediterranean Sea.
Daugara 1,020 Baltic Sea • The northern parts lie within the Arctic Circle and are
close to the North Pole.
Loire 1,013 Atlantic Ocean
• Temperature decreases from south to north because the
Tisza 976 Black Sea (Danube) south is closer to the Equator and has a lower latitude.
Prut 953 Black Sea (Danube) • The Mediterranean lands are warmer than the Arctic lands.
Sava 940 Black Sea (Danube) Gulf stream plays a major role in the climatic fluctuation over
the Western Europe as it provides warming effects during
Neman 937 Baltic Sea
winter. It is otherwise known as North Atlantic Drift which
Meuse 925 Noth Sea increases the temperature of coastal Europe.
Ebro 910 Mediterranean On the other hand Siberian high brings colder and drier weather
Douro 897 Atlantic Ocean from the west.
The Danube region through the Balkan, Ukraine and southern
Kuban 870 Sea of Azov part of Russia experience a continental climate.
Mezen 857 Barents Sea
Oder 854 Baltic Sea Natural Vegetation
Rhone 813 Mediterranean • Natural vegetation depends on the temperature and rainfall
Seine 776 Atlantic Ocean of that place.
• In Europe, the original vegetation has been cleared to
Gulfs and Bays make place for agriculture and development of industries
and cities.
These are the parts of large water bodies which are adjacent • Only in inhospitable places like the tundra and taiga we
to a massive land may it be continents or countries which can see the natural vegetation.
are of economic importance for any human civilization, As
Europe is surrounded by number of large water bodies such as Natural Vegetation are:
Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, North Sea etc. there are a lot of 1. Deciduous and Mixed Forest
Gulfs, Bay and straits. • The trees of the Great European Plain are mostly
• The Gulf of Finland is situated in the eastern most arm deciduous.
of the Baltic Sea and extends between Finland (to the • They have hardwood and broad leaves which fall in
north) and Estonia (to the south) all the way to Saint autumn.
Petersburg in Russia, where the river Neva drains into it. • Elm oak beech and ash are some of the trees.
Other major cities around the gulf include Helsinki and • Some evergreen coniferous trees are found scattered.
Tallinn. The eastern parts of the Gulf of Finland belong Hence they are called mixed forests.
to Russia, and some of Russia’s most important oil • The Black Forest of Germany and the Bavarian Hills
harbours are located farthest in, near Saint Petersburg. are protected areas.
• The Gulf of Bothnia situated at the northern most part • The Pyrenees and some highlands still have original
of Baltic Sea and bordered by Sweden at its western side forest cover.
and Finland at eastern side. 2. Taiga
• The Gulf of Riga is a brackish water body which is • This is Russian name for evergreen coniferous forests.
considered as a sub-basin of the Baltic Sea. The areal • Like North America, this belt stretches right across
extent of the Gulf of Riga is approximately 16,300 km². Eurasia.
It is also called as the Bay of Riga which is a very shallow • The trees are evergreen, can withstand the intense
water sea with a maximum depth of 67metres. cold and lack of water.
• The Gulf of Lions extends from the easternmost spurs • Pine, spruce, fir and larch are the chief types.
of Pyrenees and covers various lagoons, the Rhone River 3. Tundra
delta, limestone hills of Marseille. It’s an embayment of • In Lappland to the north of Norway, Sweden and
the Mediterranean coast line of Languedoc-Roussillon Finland are the ice deserts.
and Provence in France, • Moses and lichens grow throughout the year and even
under the ice in winter.
Climate • In summer, short grasses start growing.
4. Steppes
• Europe has a mild climate with moderate rain through out • South of the East European mixed forests stretch vast
the year. grasslands called the steppes.
• Some places are close to the sea and some are located in • They are temperate grasslands similar to the prairies
the centre of Eurasia. of North America.
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-95

5. Maquis • In the winter months of May, June and July the sun never
• The vegetation around the Mediterranean Sea consists rises and the temperature at the South Pole falls to minus
of drought resisting evergreens. 90°C.
• They do not need to shed their small leaves because • In the summer months of December, January and
the waxy coating holds back moisture in summer and February, the sun never sets and there continuous daylight.
the moist winter in the season of limited growth. The summer temperature is about 0°C.
• The trees are stunted and grow far apart. • Extremely cold and icy winds blow throughout the year.
• This sparse woodland is called ‘maquis’ in Southern • There is a marked difference between the summer and
France. winter temperatures.
• The olive is the most typical tree of the region.
• There is also a vast difference between the temperatures
• Cork oak, cypress, walnut; almond and cedar the
of the continental interior.
only conifer, are some of the others.
• Most parts of the continent is dry with an average of 5
• Olives, citrus fruit and grapes are of great commercial
centimetres of rain annually.
value.
• Antarctica is a cold desert.
• This is the ‘fruit basket’ of the western world.
• Mosses and lichens which cling to rocky slopes are found
ANTARCTICA along the coast.
• There are scattered clumps of coarse grass and flowering
Location plants in a few places where the climate is mild.

• To the south of India, beyond the Indian Ocean lies the Aurora
frozen continent of Antarctica.
• The name means opposite the Arctic. • In winter, there is continuous night for 3 months in the
• It is the southernmost continent and lies entirely within polar regions. Curtains of brilliant coloured lights appear
the Antarctic Circle spread around the South Pole. on these dark nights. They are caused by magnetic storms
• It separated from the rest of world by the icy waters of the in the upper atmosphere. They are called Aurora Australis
Southern Ocean which comprises of the southern portions in the south and Aurora Borealis in the north.
of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
• Its area is over 14 million square kilometers. Minerals
• It is the fifth largest continent. • Scientific studies have shown Antarctica to be rich in gold,
• It is larger than Europe and is twice the size of Australia. platinum, nickel, copper and petroleum.
• The continent is a high plateau which is frozen throughout • But by the international Agreement this continent is to be
the year. used only by the scientists to study the climate of the Earth
• There is no coastal plain. and the origin of its crust.
• There are mountain ranges, peaks, a rift valley and • About 70 per cent of the Earth’s supply of fresh water can
volcanoes. be extracted from the ice-caps of Antarctica.
• Two broad inlets, the Weddel Sea and the Ross Sea and
the Trans-Antarctic Mountains which cross the entire Expeditions of Antarctica
continent divide the land into West Antarctica and East
Antarctica. • In 1912, a dramatic contest to reach the South Pole was
• The former faces the Pacific Ocean. The Antarctic held by two teams. The British team was led by Captain
Peninsula points towards south America. It is the Robert F. Scott and the Norwegian team by Roald
continuation of the Andes Mountain range. Amundsen.
• The latter, East Antarctica, faces the Atlantic and Indian • The five British men reached the pole only to find the
Oceans, Mount Erebus, an active volcano, is actually of Norwegian flag flying at the South Pole. They had been
the Ross Sea. beaten by 34 days.
• It is the only continent that is completely covered by • Indian expedition to Antarctica had a 21 member team
permanent ice and snow hence it is known as the white with Dr. S. Z.Quasim as its leader. It left from Goa on the
continent. 6th December, 1981, and landed on the frozen continent
• In some places its ice cap is 4,000 metres deep. on 9th January 1982.
• The valleys between the mountain ranges are dry, windy, • They set up a scientific station called Dakshin Gangotri
frozen and barren and strangely called oases. laid plans for a second base called Maitri and named a
point Mount Indira.
Climate • They left automatic weather recorders powered by solar
• The climate of Antarctica is frozen cold because of its batteries at the stations.
distance from the Equator and because of the great height • South Pole is 2,250 kilometres away from Dakshin
of the plateau. Gangotri.
G-96 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Exercise - 1
1. Which one of the following straits is nearest to the 14. In which part of the world would you find the Veld ?
International Date Line? (a) Argentina (b) Australia
(a) Malacca Strait (b) Bering Strait (c) Central Europe (d) South Africa
(c) Strait of Florida (d) Strait of Gibraltar 15. The satellites of which one of the following countries
2. Itaipu Dam built on the river Parana is one of the largest have helped in the preparation of a detailed and complete
dams in the world. Which of the following two countries map of Antarctica?
have this as a joint project? (a) Canada (b) France
(a) Brazil and Peru (b) Paraguay and Ecuador (c) Russia (d) U.S.A
(c) Brazil and Paraguay (d) Colombia and Paraguay 16. Which one of the following countries is the leading
3. Other than India and China, which one of the following producer of Uranium?
groups of countries border Myanmar? (a) United States of America
(a) Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam (b) Canada
(b) Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia (c) Germany
(c) Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia (d) Zambia
(d) Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh 17. Which one of the following countries has replaced Italy
4. Which one of the following lakes forms an international as the major importer of bauxite from India?
boundary between Tanzania and Uganda?
(a) Canada (b) Greece
(a) Chained (b) Malawi
(c) Ukraine (d) United Arab Emirates
(c) Victoria (d) Zambezi
18. Grand Banks is one of the important producers of
5. Which one of the following countries of Africa finds a
(a) Nitrate (b) Iron ore
place in high human development category of UNDP?
(c) Marine fish (d) Bauxite
(a) South Africa (b) Kenya
(c) Zimbabwe (d) Mauritius 19. Plantation agriculture is most widespread in
6. The ports on either end of the Suez canal are (a) Nile valley (b) Mississippi valley
(a) Cairo and Alexandria (c) California (d) Caribbean
(b) Suez and Cairo 20. The largest iron-producing region of USA is
(c) Cairo and Port Said (a) North East Appalachian region
(d) Port Said and Suez (b) Alabama state
7. Which one of the following town is located in the New (c) Western region
England state of the USA? (d) Lake Superior region
(a) Boston (b) Chicago 21. Which one of the following cities in USA is a steel
(c) Milwauki (d) St. Paul manufacturing centre?
8. Most industrialized country in ASEAN is (a) New York (b) Rochester
(a) Philippines (b) Thailand (c) Chicago (d) Dallon
(c) Malaysia (d) Singapore 22. Port Stanely is the capital of the
9. Which one of the following is the most industrialized (a) West Indies
country of Latin America? (b) Falkland Island
(a) Brazil (b) Chile (c) Hawaii Island
(c) Colombia (d) Argentina (d) Madagascar (Nayalgasey)
10. Which of the following is the lowest point of Africa? 23. Which one of the following is the characteristic climate
(a) Lake Assal (b) Lake Tangunjika of the Tropical Savannah Region?
(c) Lake Malawi (d) Lake Chad (a) Rainfall throughout the year
11. Which is the shortest route from Moscow to San Francisco? (b) Rainfall in winter only
(a) via Canada (b) over land (c) An extremely short dry season
(c) over the South Pole (d) over the North Pole (d) A definite dry and wet season
12. Which three continents have the largest areas of 24. In the tropical zone of Africa the sequence of climates on
coniferous forest ? both sides of the equator is
(a) Australia, Europe and South America (a) rainy tropical, monsoon tropical, semi-arid tropic,
(b) Asia, North America and Europe arcid tropic
(c) North America, South America and Europe (b) rainy tropical, semi-arid tropic, arcid tropic,
(d) Asia, Australia and South America monsoon tropical
13. Which one the following port cities in Venezuela has (c) rainy tropical, semi-arid tropic, monsoon tropical,
been developed as an oil port? arid tropic
(a) Caracas (b) Maracaibo (d) monsoon tropical, rainy tropical, semi-arid tropic,
(c) Maracay (d) Carupano arid tropic
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-97

25. Which one of the following countries does not border (a) Etna (b) Vesuvius
Mediterranean Sea ? (c) Kilimanjaro (d) Stromboli
(a) Malta (b) Libya 38. Mount Fujiyama, the highest point in Japan is in
(c) Italy (d) Bulgaria (a) Hokkaido (b) Kyushu
26. The wet forest of the Amazon basin are known as which (c) Shikoku (d) Honshu
one of the following ? 39. The correct sequence of languages in descending order in
(a) Campos (b) Lianos terms of their number of speakers in the world is
(c) Pampas (d) Selves (a) Spanish, English, Chinese, Hindi
27. Which one of the following is a land-locked country? (b) English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish
(a) Angola (b) Mozambique (c) Hindi, Chinese, Spanish, English
(c) Namibia (d) Zimbabwe (d) Chinese, English, Hindi, Spanish
28. In which one of the following regions of the world, are 40. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
the grasslands called Campos found ? (a) Davis strait — Baffin Sea and Atlantic Ocean
(a) Brazil (b) China (b) Dover strait — Arctic Sea and N. Atlantic Ocean
(c) Eurasia (d) North America (c) Palk strait — Mannar Gulf and Bay of Bengal
29. Savanna natural region is characterized by which one of (d) Sunda strait — Java Sea and Indian Ocean
the following? 41. The correct decreasing order of the population of the
(a) A distinct wet and dry season with annual range of various continents is
temperature between 3°C – 8°C (a) Asia, Europe, America, Africa, Australia.
(b) Broad-leaf evergreen forests and grasses (b) Asia, America, Europe, Africa, Australia.
(c) Uniformly high temperature throughout the year (c) Asia, Eruope, Africa, America, Australia.
(d) No spatial variation in mean annual rainfall (d) Asia, America, Africa, Europe, Australia.
30. Which forests lie in the Amazon Basin in South America? 42. Which one of the following is not correctly matched?
(a) Montane forests (a) Duluth — Lake Superior
(b) Tropical rain forests (b) Detroit — Lake Huron
(c) Chicago — Lake Michigan
(c) Wet deciduous forests
(d) Ottawa — Lake Ontario
(d) Subtropical mixed forests
43. Which of the following pairs of straights and the countries
31. Which one of the following is the busiest ocean route in
they separate is wrongly matched?
the world?
(a) Gibraltar strait — Spain and Morocoo
(a) Mediterranean Suez Route
(b) Bering strait — Sumatra and Malaysia
(b) South Atlantic Route
(c) Magellan strait — Chile and Tiera del fuego
(c) North Atlantic Route
(d) Bass strait — Australia and Tasmania
(d) Pacific Ocean Route
44. Currently half of the world’s population lives in just six
32. The sea of Okhotsk is enclosed by the Kurille Islands,
countries. Identify them from the following.
Northern Japan and a long peninsula. What is the name (a) India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, Bangladesh, Indonesia.
of this peninsula? (b) India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, Bhutan, United
(a) Kamachatka (b) Sakhalin State.
(c) Hokaido (d) Korea (c) China, India, United State, Indonesia, Brazil,
33. Which of the following two gulfs are connected by Pakistan.
Hormuz Strait? (d) China, India, Bangladesh, United State, Pakistan,
(a) Persian Gulf—Gulf of Oman Brazil.
(b) Persian Gulf—Gulf of Aden 45. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
(c) Gulf of Aden—Gulf of Oman (a) Indonesia — Jakarta
(d) Persian Gulf—Gulf of Aquaba (b) Maldives — Male
34. The Kiel canal connects (c) North Korea — Seoul
(a) Caribbean sea and Pacific Ocean (d) Zimbabwe — Harare
(b) Bering sea and Chukchi sea 46. Which one of the following ‘City River’ pairs is not
(c) Red sea and Mediterranean sea correctly matched?
(d) Baltic sea and North sea (a) Berlin — Rhine
35. Which of the following is the highest mountain peak of (b) London — Thames
the U.S.A.? (c) New York — Hudson
(a) Albert (b) Kilauea (d) Vienna — Danube
(c) Mauna Lao (d) Mc kinley 47. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
36. The water fall ‘Victoria’ is associated with the river. Geographical Feature Region
(a) Amazon (b) Missouri (a) Abyssinian Plateau : Arabia
(c) St. Lawrence (d) Zambezi (b) Atlas Mountains : North-Western Africa
37. Which one of the following volcanoes is called the Light (c) Guiana Highlands : South-Western Africa
House of the Mediterranean? (d) Okavango Basin : Patagonia
G-98 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

48. “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people A 12.2 2.5
used to be nomadic herders.” M 13.3 1.0
The above statement best describes which of the following J 13.9 0.3
regions? J 13.9 -
(a) African Savannah A 14.4 -
(b) Central Asian Steppe S 15.6 0.8
(c) North American Prairie 15.0 2.5
(d) Siberian Tundra N 13.3 6.1
49. Which of the following straits is not in Asia? D 10.6 11.7
(a) Malacca Strait (b) Bass Strait
(c) Formosa Strait (d) Molucca Strait Average temperature: 12.8°C
50. Which of the following seas/gulfs are connected by the Average rainfall: 54.9 cm per annum
Suez Canal? Identify the region having the above climatic patterns
(a) The Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea from amongst the following:
(b) Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea (a) Mediterranean region
(c) The Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Oman (b) Monsoon region
(d) Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea (c) Steppe region
51. The broken hills famous for zinc and lead are located in (d) N.W. European region
(a) Turkey (b) France 60. Claims to the historical Macedonian territory have been
(c) Germany (d) Australia a bone of contention between which of the following
52. Climate change resulting in the rise of temperature may countries?
benefit which of the countries/regions? (a) Portugal and Spain (b) Bulgaria and Greece
(a) South Africa (c) Romania and Bulgaria (d) Portugal and Greece
(b) East Indies islands comprising of Java, Sumatra and 61. Through which one of the following Straits, does a tunnel
Borneo connect the United Kingdom and France?
(c) The Western coasts of South America (a) Davis Strait (b) Denmark Strait
(d) Russia and Northern Europe (c) Strait of Dover (d) Strait of Gibraltar
53. Which one among the following is not a landlocked 62. The largest coral reef in the world is found near the coast
country in Africa? of which one of the following countries?
(a) Botswana (b) Zambia (a) Australia (b) Cuba
(c) Lesotho (d) Nigeria (c) Ghana (d) Philippines
54. Savanna natural region is characterized by which one of 63. A class of animals known as Marsupials is a characteristic
the following? feature of
(a) A distinct wet and dry season with annual range of (a) Africa (b) Australia
temperature between 3°C – 8°C (c) South America (d) South-east Asia
(b) Broad-leaf evergreen forests and grasses 64. The Great Barrier Reef is broken in gaps due to
(c) Uniformly high temperature throughout the year (a) outpouring of river water into the sea
(d) No spatial variation in mean annual rainfall (b) wave action
55. Which forests lie in the Amazon Basin in South America? (c) oceanic currents
(a) Montane forests (d) tropical cyclones
(b) Tropical rain forests 65. Outside the Mediterranean region, where else is a
(c) Wet deciduous forests Mediterranean climate found ?
(d) Subtropical mixed forests (a) The Japanese and Chinese coasts
56. The Victoria Falls in Africa is located on which river? (b) The southern coast of Australia and parts of the
(a) Zaire (b) Orange western coast of North and South America
(c) Zambezi (d) Niger (c) The east coast of North America
57. Mount Merapi is located on which one of the islands? (d) The North Atlantic coast of Africa
(a) Java (b) Sumatra 66. Which one of the following is the continent with the
(c) Borneo (d) Celebes
highest mean elevation in the world?
58. In which one of the following region are the Andes
(a) Antarctia (b) North America
mountains located?
(c) Asia (d) South America
(a) East Europe (b) West Europe
(c) South Africa (d) South America 67. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the
59. Temperature and rainfall of a meteorological station are given towns of Pakistan while moving from the North
given below: towards the South?
(a) Islamabad–Gujranwala–Peshawar–Multan
Temperature (0°C) Rainfall (cm)
J 9.4 12.2 (b) Peshawar–Gujranwala–Multan–Islamabad
F 10.6 9.1 (c) Peshawar–Islamabad–Gujranwala–Multan
M 11.7 7.9 (d) Islamabad–Multan–Peshawar–Gujranwala
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-99

68. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? 82. Largest producer of silver in the world is
(a) Bahamas : Nassau (a) Mexico (b) USA
(b) Costa Rica : San Jose (c) Laos (d) South Africa
(c) Nicaragua : Balmopan 83. The main centres of ship building industry in Japan are
(d) Dominican Republic : Santo Domingo (a) Nagasaki and Yawata
69. Which among the following has the world’s largest (b) Yakohama and Wakohama
reserves of Uranium? (c) Osaka and Kyoto
(a) Australia (b) Canada (d) Nagita and Issikari
(c) Russian Federation (d) USA 84. The three leading coal producers of the world are:
70. Through which one of the following groups of countries (a) USA, Russia, Germany
does the Equator pass? (b) England, France, Australia
(a) Brazil, Zambia and Malaysia (c) France, Poland, Japan
(b) Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia (d) Germany, India, South Africa
(c) Brazil, Sudan and Malaysia 85. The regions with highest and lowest densities are respectively
(d) Venezuela, Ethiopia and Indonesia (a) Europe and Africa
71. Which one of the following cities is known as the Pitts- (b) Asia and Oceania
burg of Japan? (c) North America and Africa
(a) Kobe (b) Yuwaha (d) Europe and Oceania
(c) Tokyo (d) Osaka 86. Which of the following countries are the best examples of
highly scientific development and management of pastoral
72. Intensive subsistence farming is prevalent in
farming?
(a) Canada (b) China
(a) France and Spain
(c) USA (d) Ukraine
(b) Denmark and Holland
73. Baku is famous as
(c) Czechoslovakia and Poland
(a) Railway junction (b) Industrial city
(d) Greenland and Norway
(c) Fish port (d) Petroleum extracting centre
87. “From Aceh in the far north west to Torres Strait in
74. Ural industrial region is dominated by
the east 5000 miles, almost as far as from London to
(a) Textiles (b) Metal fabricating
Baghadad. The archipelago has 14,000 islands, some
(c) Electronics (d) Automobiles
mere equatorial rocks, others some of the largest in the
75. The best inland waterways system is developed in
world.” This description best fits:
(a) Guinea coast (b) Central Europe
(a) West Indies (b) Japan
(c) Amazon basin (d) North America
(c) Philippines (d) Indonesia
76. Which one of the following is known as the Manchester
88. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
of the East?
Well-known Place Country
(a) Tokyo (b) Shanghai
(a) Baikonour Russia
(c) KualaLumpur (d) Osaka (b) Kourou French Guiana
77. Grozny is famous for the production of (c) Borobudur Indonesia
(a) Petroleum (b) Uranium (d) Cannes France
(c) Gold (d) Thorium 89. In which one of the following areas is monsoon climate
78. Which country has the densest railway network in terms found?
of per million people? (a) Pacific Coast of Columbia
(a) China (b) USA (b) South-Eastern United States
(c) India (d) Australia (c) Southern Part of South Africa
79. The first three countries in order of iron-steel production
(d) Central California
in the world are
90. Turkey is located between
(a) USA, China, Germany
(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea
(b) Japan, USA, China
(c) Germany, China, USA (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
(d) Japan, Germany, China (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
80. Flanders industrial region is renowned for (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea
(a) Iron & steel industry 91. Which water body separates Australia from New
(b) Car manufacturing Zealand?
(c) Textile manufacturing (a) Cook Straits (b) Megallan
(d) Electronics (c) Tasman Sea (d) Great Barrier Reef
81. The third position in the manufacture of cars in the world 92. The pacific Islands from new Guinea South East-wards to
is occupied by the Fiji Islands’ group is called
(a) Japan (b) USA (a) The Polynesia (b) The Mellanesia
(c) France (d) Germany (c) The Micronesia (d) The Autralasia
G-100 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

93. Which one among the following is not a Baltic nation? (a) Fringing reef (b) Barrier reef
(a) Lativia (b) Slovakia (c) Atoll (d) Isthmus
(c) Lithuania (d) Estonia 99. In which one of the following region are the Andes
94. Which one of the following mountain ranges separates mountains located?
Europe from Asia? (a) East Europe (b) West Europe
(a) Apenine (b) Black Forest (c) South Africa (d) South America
(c) Ural (d) Sulaiman 100. The equatorial rain forest is also known as
95. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) Savanna (b) Campos
(a) Kuroshio : Warm ocean current
(c) Selva (d) Lanose
(b) Labrador : Warm ocean current
101. In which one of the following regions of the world, are
(c) Benguela : Cold ocean current
(d) Oyashio : Cold ocean current the grasslands called Campo found ?
96. Mr X has been invited to participate in a conference to (a) Brazil (b) China
be held at Buenos Aires. He has choosen the following (c) Eurasia (d) North America
shortest flight route 102. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated
Mumbai to Frankfurt (non-stop) from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
Frankfurt to Sao Paulo (non-stop) [CSAT 2014 - I]
Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires (non-stop) (a) Andaman and Nicobar
Which one of the following seas will likely to be flown (b) Nicobar and Sumatra
over by Mr X ? (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(a) Tasman Sea (b) Labrador Sea (d) Sumatra and Java
(c) Beautfort Sea (d) Black Sea 103. Turkey is located between [CSAT 2014 - I]
97. Consider the following statements : (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea
1. The Labrador current is a cold current in the North (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
Atlantic Ocean.
(c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
2. The Falkland current is a warm current that flows
(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea
along the Chile coast of South Pacific Ocean.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 104. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 [CSAT 2015-I]
98. What is the name given to an almost circular coral reef (a) Syria (b) Jordan
inside which there is a lagoon ? (c) Lebanon (d) lsrael
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-101

Exercise - 2 Of these statements:

Statement Based MCQ (a) 1, 2 and 4 are correct
(b) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
1. What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation (c) 1 and 3 are correct
of African and Eurasian desert belt ? (d) 2 and 4 are correct
1. It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells. 8. Which of the following are temperate grasslands?
2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents. Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
1. Campos 2. Llanoes
Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this
3. Downs 4. Pampas
context ? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 9. Arrange the following islands of Japan in ascending order
2. Bermuda Triangle extends up to which of the following of their areal size and select the correct answer from the
places? codes:
1. Southern Florida 1. Hokkaido 2. Honshu
2. Puerto Rico 3. Shikoku 4. Kyushu
3. Hawaii Islands (a) 4, 3, 2, 1 (b) 1, 2, 3, 4
(c) 2, 4, 1, 3 (d) 3, 4, 1, 2
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
10. La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino ?
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean
3. Consider the following countries: temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas
1. Australia 2. Namibia El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean
3. Brazil 4. Chile temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Through which of the above does the Tropic of Capricorn 2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of
pass? India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.
(a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
4. Consider the following statements : (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Tropical deciduous forests are found only in India, 11. Consider the following statements
Central America and Brazil. 1. In Macedonia, ethnic Albanians are a minority.
2. Teak is the most important hardwood tree of tropical 2. In Kosovo, Serbians are a majority.
evergreen forests. Which of these statements is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 12. Which of the following items and their leading producers
5. Consider the following statements : are correctly matched?
1. In Savanna climate, wet summers alternate with dry 1. Grapes - Italy 2. Oilseeds - India
winters. 3. Millets - India 4. Coffee - Ethiopia
2. In China type of climate, winters are very severe Which of the above statement are correct ?
and summers are mild and dry. (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 13. A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Warm and dry climate
6. Arrange the following continents in the ascending order 2. Mild and wet winter
of their areal size and select the correct answer from the 3. Evergreen Oak trees
codes given below: The above features are distinct characteristics of which
1. Antarctica 2. Australia one of the following regions?
3. Europe 4. South America (a) Mediterranean
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 2, 4, 1, 3 (b) Eastern China
(c) 2, 3, 1, 4 (d) 1, 3, 4, 2 (c) Central Asia
7. Japan is one of the leading industrial countries in the (d) Atlantic coast of North America
world because it has: 14. What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the
1. developed hydel power following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from
2. large deposits of metallic mineral south to north?
3. high technological capability 1. Bangkok 2. Hanoi
4. insular location 3. Jakarta 4. Singapore
G-102 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 20. Which among the following statements about the North
(a) 4-2-1-3 (b) 3-2-4-1 Atlantic Drift is/are correct?
(c) 3-4-1-2 (d) 4-3-2-1 1. It keeps the west coast of Northern Europe ice free
15. Consider the following statements with reference to 2. It is responsible for the warm air mass which
doldrums: interacts with the cold air mass from the Polar
1. Doldrums comprise the equatorial belt of low region and causes rainfall in Western Europe
atmospheric pressure. 3. It meets the Labrador current near Vancouver Island
2. The trade winds converge at doldrums. and causes dense fog
3. There is strong upward movement of air in doldrums. Select the correct answer using the code given below
4. Doldrums are characterized by turbulent weather. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only
21. What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from
16. Consider the following pairs :
south to north? [CSAT 2014 - I]
Region    Country
1. Chechnya : Russian Federation 1. Bangkok 2. Hanoi
2. Darfur : Mali 3. Jakarta 4. Singapore
3. Swat Valley : Iraq Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? (a) 4-2-1-3 (b) 3-2-4-1
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3-4-1-2 (d) 4-3-2-1
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 22. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
using the code given below the Lists :
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 17 to 19) : The following questions List-I List-II
consist of two statements, one labelled as the Assertion (A) (Map showing ocean current) (Name of ocean current)
and the other as ‘Reason (R), You are to examine these two
statements carefully and select the answers to these items 1. Kuroshio
using the codes given below:
2. Humboldt
17. Assertion (A) : The Steppe climate is most widespread in
North America and Eurasia. 3. Benguela
Reason (R) : The Steppe climate is characterized by wet
summers as well as wet winters. 4. Oyashio
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the Codes :
correct explanation of A. A B C D A B C D
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the (a)
2 1 3 4 (b) 4 3 1 2
correct explanation of A. (c)
4 1 3 2 (d) 2 3 1 4
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true. Matching Based MCQ
18. Assertion (A): Major natural regions of the world
possess similar topography. DIRECTIONS (Qs. 23 to 34) : Match List-I with List-II
Reason (R): Climate is a major influencing factor in a and select the correct answer using the codes given below
natural region. the lists.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the 23. List-I (City) List-II (Industry)
correct explanation of A
(A) Osaka (1) Shipbuilding
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the
(B) Hamburg (2) Textiles
correct explanation of A
(C) Detroit (3) Iron & Steel
(c) A is true but R is false
(D) Pittsburg (4) Automobiles
(d) A is false but R is true
(a) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3
19. Statement I: Temperatures of countries like United
Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands and Denmark are (b) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4
higher as compared to places located on similar latitudes (c) A – 2 ; B – 3 ; C – 1 ; D – 4
during the winter. (d) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 3
Statement II: United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands 24. List-I List-II
and Denmark are located on the coast. (A) Iron & Steel (1) Portsmouth
(a) Both the statements are individually true and (B) Automobile (2) Dortmund
Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I. (C) Shipbuilding (3) Bangalore
(b) Both the statements ‘are individually true but (D) Aircraft (4) Detroit
Statement II is not the correct explanation of (a) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4
Statement I. (b) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3
(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false. (c) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1
(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true. (d) A – 2 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 3
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-103

25. List-I List-II 30. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
(Crop) (Main Producing area) from the codes given below:
(A) Coconut (1) Kenya List-I List-II
(B) Banana (2) Popua New Guinea (Countries new name) (Countries old name)
(C) Groundnut (3) Ecuador A. Thailand 1. Nippon
(D) Tea (4) Senegal B. Ghana 2. Gold Coast
26. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? C. Zambia 3. Siam
(River) (Countries)
D. Japan 4. Northern Rhodesia
1. Niger — Guinea
A B C D
2. Orange — S. Africa
3. Karai — Egypt (a) 3 2 4 1
4. Nile — Mali (b) 1 2 3 4
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (c) 2 3 1 4
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (d) 4 3 2 1
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 31. List-I List-II
27. Match List-I and List-II and select the correct answer (Geographic feature) (Country)
from the codes given below: (A) Great Victoria Desert (1) Australia
List-I List-II (B) Grand Canyon (2) Canada
(Type of winds) (Region) (C) Lake Winnipeg (3) New Zealand
A. Blizzard 1. Pairie Plains
(D) Southern Alps (4) USA
B. Chinook 2. Siberian Plains
(a) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 4 ; D – 3
C. Bora 3. Greenland
(b) A – 1 ; B – 4 ; C – 2 ; D – 3
D. Khamsin 4. Egypt
A B C D (c) A – 3 ; B – 2 ; C – 4 ; D – 1
(a) 3 1 4 2 (d) A – 3 ; B – 4 ; C – 2 ; D – 1
(b) 1 2 3 4 32. List I (Sea) List II (Country)
(c) 2 1 3 4 (A) Black Sea (1) Bulgaria
(d) 4 3 1 2 (B) Red Sea (2) China
28. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer (C) Yellow Sea (3) Eritrea
using the code given below: (D) Caspian Sea (4) Kazakhstan
List-I List-II (a) A – 1 ; B – 4 ; C – 2 ; D – 3
(Current) (Feature) (b) A – 2 ; B – 3 ; C – 1 ; D – 4
A. Kuroshio current 1. Warm current in (c) A – 1 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 4
Atlantic Ocean (d) A – 2 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 3
B. Peru 2. Cold current in the 33. List-I (City) List-II (River)
current Atlantic Ocean (A) Washington D.C. (1) River Manzanares
C. Labrador 3. Warm current in the
(B) Berlin (2) River Seine
current Pacific Ocean
(C) Paris (3) River Spree
D. Florida current 4. Cold current in
(D) Madrid (4) River Potomac
the Pacific Ocean
A B C D (a) A – 2 ; B – 3 ; C – 4 ; D – 1
(a) 3 4 2 1 (b) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 3
(b) 3 2 4 1 (c) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3
(c) 1 4 2 3 (d) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1
(d) 1 2 4 3 34. Match the following
29. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer List I List II
from the codes given below. (Natural Vegetation of India) (Annual Rainfall Received)
List-I List-II
A. Tropical evergreen 1. 100-200 cm
(Mountains peak) (Country)
forests
A. Mt. Everest 1. India
B. K2 2. Nepal B. Tropical deciduous 2. Above 200 cm
C. Mt. McKinley 3. North America forests
(USA) C. Tropical dryforests 3. Less than 50 cm
D. Mt. Aconcagua 4. South America D. Arid forests 4. Above 300 cm
Codes:
5. 50-100 cm
A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4 Codes
(b) 1 2 3 4 A B C D A B C D
(c) 4 3 2 1 (a) 1 2 5 3 (b) 4 3 1 5
(d) 3 4 1 2 (c) 2 1 5 3 (d) 2 1 3 4
G-104 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

EXERCISE-1 peak in North America, with a summit elevation of

20,237 feet above sea level. At some 18,000 feet,
1. (b) Bering Strait is nearest to the International Date line, the base to peak rise is considered the largest of any
because the international Date line runs equidistant mountain situated entirely above sea level.
between the American continents, on its East and 36. (d)
Asia, Australia, and Europe on its west. 37. (d) Stromboli is called the light house of the
2. (c) Itaipu Dam is built on River Parana is the largest Mediterranean. Stromboli is a small island in
dam in the world. This is a joint project of Brazil – the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north coast of Sicily,
Paraguay. containing one of the three active volcanoes in Italy.
3. (d) Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh are countries 38. (d)
bordering Myanmar. 39. (d)
4. (c) Lake Victoria acts as the international boundary 40. (b) Dover strait – English channel and North sea.The
between Tanzania and Uganda. It is the largest lake Strait of Dover or Dover Strait is the strait at the
in Africa and second widest fresh water body in the narrowest part of the English Channel, marking
world. the boundary between the Channel and North Sea,
5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (a) separating Great Britain from continental Europe.
10. (a) 11. (d) 12. (b) 41. (c)
13. (b) Maracaibo is the oil-port of Venezuela. 42. (b) Detroit is situated lake Erie. Detroit is the most
14. (d) populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan, and
15. (a) The satellite launched by Canada has helped in is the seat of Wayne County, the most populous
the preparation of a detailed and complete map of county in the state and the largest city on the United
States – Canada border.
Antarctica.
43. (b) Bering strait divides Alaska and Russia.
16. (b) Canada is the largest producer of Uranium,
44. (c) China – India – United State – Indonesia – Brazil –
accounting for about 22% of world output.
Pakistan
Production of uranium in Canada is mainly from the
45. (c) North Korea – Pyong-Yong (It is the capital of
Mc Arthur River mines in northern Saskatchewan
North Korea.)
province, which is the largest mine in the world.
46. (a)
17. (a) Canada is the largest importer of bauxite from India.
47. (b) Atlas mountain ranges are situated in the north
18. (c) 19. (c) 20. (d)
western part of Africa. They extend almost 2000
21. (c) 22. (b)
km. They pass through Morocco, Algeria and
23. (d) The characteristic of the Tropical Savannah Region
Tunisia.
is a definite dry and wet season.
48. (b) The central Asian steppes run through Kazakhstan,
24. (a)
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia. The
25. (d) Bulgaria does not border mediterranean sea, shares
the boundary with Black-sea. climate here is harsh with dust storms, little to no
26. (d) 27. (d) 28. (a) rainfall and temperature ranging from – 4 to 50
29. (c) Savanna subtropical grassland are prevailing in both degree Celsius.
hemisphere from 5° to 20° latitudes. The main 49. (b) Bass Strait is a sea strait which separates Tasmania
countries of this area are South Africa, Sudan, from the Australian mainland.
Venezuela and Brazil. Hanoi is the Capital of 50. (a) The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway
Vietnam. in Egypt, It connects the Mediterranean Sea and the
30. (b) The largest expanse of tropical rain forest is found Red Sea.
in the Amajon basin of Brazil, extending from the 51. (d) Broken Hills are located in New South Wales,
Atlantic Coast of the foot hills of the Ande and from Australia. It is a mining city.
the Guiana Highlands in the north to the tropic of 52. (d) Climate change benefits Russia and Northern Europe
capricorn in the South. as they are in colder region.
31. (c) 53. (d) Nigeria is not a landlocked country in Africa. Its
32. (a) 33. (a) coast in the south lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the
34. (d) The Kiel canal connects Baltic sea and North sea. Atlantic Ocean.
The Kiel Canal, known as the Kaiser-Wilhelm- 54. (c) Sovanna subtropical grassland are prevailing in
Kanal until 1948, is a 98-kilometre long canal in both hemisphere from 5° to 20° latitudes. The
the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The canal main countries of this area are South Africa, Sudan,
links the North Sea at Brunsbüttel to the Baltic Sea Venezuela and Brazil. Hanoi is the Capital of
at Kiel-Holtenau Vietnam.
35. (d) Mc kinley is the highest mountain peak of the USA. 55. (b) The largest expanse of tropical rain forest is found
Mount Mc Kinley or Denali is the highest mountain in the Amajon basin of Brazil, extending from the
World Geography (Physical Aspect) G-105

Atlantic Coast of the foot hills of the Ande and from Melanesia also includes New Caledonia, Maluku
the Guiana Highlands in the north to the tropic of Islands and West Papua.
Capricorn in the South. 93. (b) Baltic Nations are those that have shorelines along the
56. (c) Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and is the Baltic Sea. The group of countries presently referred
source of River Nile, the longest river in the world. Baltic States are Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
57. (a) Slovakia is not a Baltic state.
58. (d) Andes mountains are located in the western part of 94. (c) The Ural Mountain range forms the natural boundary
South America, streth for about 7200 kilometers
between Europe and Asia. The Ural Mountains extend
from Venezuela in the north to Tierra del Fuego in
the south. about 2,500 km from the Kara Sea to the Kazakh
59. (c) Steppe along the northern border of Kazakhstan. This
60. (b) Macedonian territory is disputed by Bulgaria and range marks the northern part of the border between
Greece. the continents of Europe and Asia.
61. (c) Strait of Dover connects United Kingdom and 95. (b) The Labrador Current is a cold current in the North
France. It is about 32 km in length. Atlantic Ocean.
62. (a) The largest coral reef is the Great Barrier Reef, 96. (d) Mr X will likely to be flown over Black Sea. Since
located just off the north-eastern coast of Australia. Black Sea is bounded by Europe, Anatolia and
The 1200 mile (1900 km) long reef is protected as a Caucasus, it is ultimately connected to the Atlantic
Marine Park. Ocean.
63. (b) Marsupials are a group of mammals commonly 97. (a) The Falkand current is a cold current. It flows along
have pouches or pocket of skin, where the mother the Argentina’s coast in South Atlantic Ocean.
nurses their young. These marsupians are found in 98. (c)
Australia. The common example of marsupians are 99. (d) Andes mountains are located in the western part of
Kangaroo and Koala. South America, streth for about 7200 kilometers
64. (a) 65. (b) from Venezuela in the north to Tierra del Fuego in
66. (a) The continent Antarctica is present at the highest the south.
mean elevation in the world. This is because it is 100. (c) Dense equatorial forest, in the Amazon basin,
covered by a huge layer of ice, about 7,100 feet characterized by tall broad-leaved evergreen trees,
(2,200 m) thick. epiphytes, lianas, etc.
67. (c) While moving from the North to the South of 101. (a)
Pakistan, the correct sequence of the town is 102. (a) The Ten Degree Channel is a channel that separates
Peshwar – Islamabad – Gujranwala – Multan. the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands in the
68. (c) Managua is the capital of Nicaragua, not Balmopan. Bay of Bengal.
69. (a) Australia has the world’s largest uranium reserves. 103. (b) Turkey’s smaller part is in Southeastern Europe
Approximately 24% of the planet’s uranium is and its larger part in Western Asia which is located
present in Australia. between Black Sea and Mediterranean
70. (b) Colombia, Kenya & Indoneisa are countries through 104. (b) Jordan does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea.
which the equator passes.
EXERCISE-2
71. (b) 72. (b) 73. (d) 74. (b) 75. (b)
76. (d) 77. (a) 78. (d) 79. (b) 80. (c) 1. (a) It is under the influence of cold ocean current. So
81. (d) 82. (a) 83. (a) 84. (a) 85. (d) given second statement is wrong.
86. (b) 2. (b) Bermuda Triangle is a strange and mysterious place
87. (d) Indonesia consists of 13,677 islands (nearly 14,000) in the southern Atlantic Ocean. It is roughly the
and this country is 5000 miles from Torres strait. shape of a triangle. The triangle extends upto south
88. (a) Baikonour is world’s first and largest operational Florida, Pruto Rico and Bermuda Island.
space launch facility. It is located in Kazakhstan, 3. (d) The Tropic of Capricorn pass over all the following
countries.
not in Russia.
4. (c) 5. (a)
89. (a) Monsoon type climate is found in Pacific Coast of
6. (c) 2, 3, 1, 4 – Australia – Europe – Antarctica – South
Columbia.
America.
90. (b) Turkey’s smaller part is in Southeastern Europe 7. (c)
and its larger part in Western Asia which is located 8. (c) Downs – grassy plains called downs are located in
between Black Sea and Mediterranean New Zealand’s South Island and southeast Australia.
91. (c) The Tasman Sea separates Australia from New Pampas – South America’s largest grassland, called
Zealand. pampas, which means plain, covers most east-
92. (b) Mellanesia region consists of the four countries of central areas of Argentina.
Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Guinea. It is a 9. (d) Shikoku – Kyushu – Hokkaido – Honshu
sub-region of Oceania extending from the western Honshu – Honshu has a total area of 88,017 square
end of the Pacific Ocean to the Arafura Sea, and miles (227,962 sq km) and it is the world’s seventh
eastward to Fiji. Besides these independent countries, largest island.
G-106 World Geography (Physical Aspect)

Hokkaido – Hokkaido is the second largest island 23. (d) 24. (d) 25. (a)
of Japan with a total area of 32,221 square miles 26. (a) The Niger river is the principal river of western
(83,453 sq km). Africa, extending about 4,180 km. Its drainage
Kyushu – It has a total area of 13,761 square miles basin is 2,117,700 km2 in area. Its source is in
(35,640 sq km). the Guinea Highlands in southeastern Guinea. The
Shikoku – Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s main Orange river, Gariep river, Groote river or Senqu
islands with a total area of 7,260 square miles
river is the longest river in South Africa. It rises
(18,800 sq km).
in the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, flowing
10. (d) La Nina is a coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon
that is the counterpart of El Nino as part of the westwards through South Africa to the Atlantic
broader El Nino-Southern Oscillation climate Ocean.
pattern. During a period of La Nina, the sea surface 27. (c) Blizzard – Siberian Plains. A blizzard is a severe
temperature across the equatorial Eastern Central snowstorm caused by strong sustained winds of at
Pacific Ocean will be lower than normal by 3–5 °C. least 56 km/h (35 mph) and lasting for a prolonged
In the United States. A La Nina, on the other hand, period of time – typically three hours or more.
is often beneficial for the monsoon, especially in the Chinook – Prairie Plains. Chinook winds blows
latter half. in the interior west of North America, where the
11. (b) In Macedonia, ethinic Albanian population is 23%, Canadian Prairies and Great Plains meet various
which is a good number in Macedonia. But in mountain ranges, although the original usage is in
Kosovo 92% Albanians present where Serbians are
reference to wet, warm coastal winds in the Pacific
the minority.
Northwest of the United States of America.
12. (c)
13. (a) Mediterrian climate have mild, rainy winter and Bora – Green land. Cold and usually dry katabatic
hot, dry summers and Evergreen, Oak trees. winds, like the Bora, result from the downslope
14. (c) The correct sequence of occurrence of the following gravity flow of cold, dense air. Katabatic flows
cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south slumping down from uplands or mountains may be
to north is Jakarta-Singapore-Bangkok and Hanoi. funneled and strengthened by the landscape and are
15. (d) then known as mountain gap wind.
16. (a) The Chechen Republic is a federal subject (a Khamsin – Egypt. Khamsin can be triggered by
republic) of Russia. Darfur is a region in western depressions that move eastwards along the southern
Sudan. Swat is a valley and an administrative district parts of the Mediterranean or along the North
in Pakistan. African coast from February to June. In Egypt,
17. (c) The Steppes are areas of comparatively lower khamsin usually arrives in April but occasionally
temperature and slightly more precipitation. Here occurs between March to May, carrying great
annual average temperature is approximately 21°C. quantities of sand and dust from the deserts, with a
Temperate grasses are main vegetation of these speed up to 140 kilometres per hour, and a rise of
regions. Norhern America’s Prairies and the steppes temperatures as much as 20°C in two hours.
of Eurasia are the major areas of thesee grassland. 28. (a) A. Kuroshio current – warm Pacific current
18. (d) Major natural regions of the world have not same B. Peru current – cold current in Pacific ocean
type of climates. The different climates make C. Labrador current – cold current in Atlantic
different topographies. ocean
19. (a) Since United Kingdom, Norway, Netherland and D. Florida current – Warm current in
Denmark are located on the coast, their temperature Atlantic ocean
is higher than the places located on similar latitudes 29. (a) Mt. Everest – Nepal
during the winter. K2 – India
20. (b) The North Atlantic current or Drift or sea movement Mt. McKinley – USA
is a powerful warm ocean current that continues the Mt. Aconcagua – South America
gulf stream northeast, which stretches from Florida All these are the names of highest mountain peaks located in
to north- western Europe. It moderates the chilled
the countries respectively.
climate of western Europe. 30. (a) 1. Thailand –  Siam
21. (c) The correct sequence of occurrence of the following 2. Ghana –  Gold Coast
cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south 3. Zambia –  Northern Rhodesia
to north is Jakarta-Singapore-Bangkok and Hanoi. 4. Japan –  Nippon.
22. (d) HUMBOLDT - South Pacific Cool 34. (c) A. Tropical evergreen forests- Above 200 cm
BENGUELA - South Atlantic Warm/Cool B. Tropical deciduous forests - 100-200 cm
KUROSHIO - North Pacific Warm C. Tropical Dry forest- 50-100 cm
OYASHIO - North Pacific Cool D. Arid forest- Less than 50 cm
 WORLD GEOGRAPHY
6
SOCIAL ASPECT Chapter
As a part of Human geography, Cultural geography deals with the socio-cultural aspect of various human groups based upon their
geographic location which includes their habitat, clothing, food, shelter, Skills, tools, language, religions, social organization
and life style. Basing upon the above criteria each continent has some unique ethnic groups which are otherwise called as Human
Race, who are confined to a particular region of that continent only.

Race
Race is biologically defined as a geographically isolated population of organisms that differs from other populations of the same
species in certain heritable traits. As to clarify it further it is a categorization of humans based on their physical characteristics
such as skin colour, stature, head form, face, hair, eye, nose, body type, blood group etc along with regional variations.
Accordingly three major human races are identified which are distributed across the world. They are Caucasoid, Mongoloid and
Negroid which further sub divided into geographically viable groups. In this chapter we are going to discuss continent wise racial
groups and their distribution pattern.

Racial Groups and Their Distribution Pattern

Major Ethnic
Continents Distribution Remarks
Group/Race
Asia Arabian Bahrain, State of Palestine, Lebanon, Comoros, This is a major Pan ethnic Group which is
Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, United Arab Emirates, primarily habited in Western Asia. The primary
Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, language spoken by Arabian group is Arabic.
Yemen, Djibouti, Sudan, Algeria, Somalia, Besides 15 other languages are spoken among
Saudi Arabia, Oman, Libya, Mauritania Arabians in different parts of the World
Indian Most part of Indian Sub continents (India, On the basis of ethno linguistic composition the
Pakistan and Bangladesh) group is highly diversified, still the majority of
population is restricted within two major linguistic
groups such as Indo-Aryan and Dravidian.
Mongoloids This group is primarily concentrated in Inner They speak mainly the dialect of Atlantic
Mongolia Autonomous Region and gradually Language family. The major three of them are
spreading towards Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolian, Barag-Buryat and Uirad
Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Hebei,
Henan, Sichuan, Yunnan and Beijing
Africa Pygmies Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, the Democratic A short height tribal group who lives on hunting,
Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of gathering fruits, nuts and honey from dense
Congo (ROC), the Central African Republic, jungles and they are primarily confined to rain
Cameroon, the Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, forests only.
Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar, and
Zambia are populated by these group
Bushmen They are the huge inhabitant of Kalahari desert. They are basically yellow-skinned nomads whose
Other than this they spread along Botswana, primary food intake in plant products collected
Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and from jungles which accounts for 70% of their diet
Angola, with loosely related groups in Tanzania. and for the rest 20%-30% they depend on hunting.
G-108 World Geography Social Aspect

Zulus They are mainly concentrated in KwaZulu- They are the descendants of Nguni-speaking
Natal Province of South Africa. Some are people and best known African tribes who were
also scattered throughout the other provinces. exploited by Britishers during the late 1800s. The
KwaZulu-Natal borders on Mozambique in the most spoken languages are Zulu and English.
north, Eastern Cape in the south, the Indian
Ocean in the east, and Lesotho in the west.
Massai They are the semi nomadic tribes who originated They commonly use Kenya and Tanzania, Swahili
from the lower Nile valley north of Lake Turkana and English language for communication as well
(Northwest Kenya) and began migrating south as education.
around the 15th century, and finally settled in
Kenya around 17th and 18th Century
Bantus The Bantus are primarily found in Rwanda, As these tribes are highly resourceful and
Angola, Burundi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, adaptable their occupancy in the total continent
with some among other nations in the Southern is also the highest. They mainly speak bantu
part of Africa. language which gave them their nomenclature.
They live on agriculture and metal working which
give opportunity to adopt colonization.
North Groups of They mostly confined to Canada The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the
America Indigenous descendants of the pre-Columbian inhabitants of
peoples North and South America.
Native Most Native Hawaiians reside in State of Hawaii Native Hawaiians are the indigenous Polynesian
Hawaiians and the American Southwest people of the Hawaiian Islands or their descendants.
South Mestijo Mainly concentrated in Latin America They emerged due to extensive intermixing
America between Europeans and Native Americans early
in the colonial period
Mullatto Brazil is home to Latin America’s largest mulatto Mulattoes are people of mixture of European and
population. Other than Brazil they spread in African.
Dominican Republic, Cuba, Panama, Costa
Rica, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Ecuador.
Zambol Zambos are the small minorities in the This is a small yet noticeable group resulting from
northwestern South American countries such as unions of Amerindian women to Afro-Ecuadorian
Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Ecuador. men are not uncommon in major coastal cities of
Ecuador.
Europe Nordic The Nordics are inhabited in the countries As a sub group of Caucasian race this group is a set
around North and Baltic Seas. of people having distinct physical characteristics
such as concurrence of fair, colour, somewhat
wavy hair, light eyes, reddish skin, tall stature and
a dolichocephalic skull
Mediterranean They are mostly concentrated in Afghanistan, This is a relatively small, light boned, long skulled
Baluchistan, and Hindustan, with perhaps a race, of brunet color becoming even swarthy in
southward extension into Ceylon. certain portions of its range and possibly emerged
during Neolithic times
Alpine They acquire all central and eastern Europe, The Alpines have their special physical characteristic
and extending through Asia Minor to the Hindu of round skull, medium height and sturdy build,
Kush and the Pamirs. both as to skeleton and muscles. The color of both
hair and eyes was originally very dark and still tends
strongly in that direction, but many light colored
eyes especially gray, are now found in the Alpine
populations of western Europe.
Australia Aborigines They contribute only 3% of the total population Upto 2010-2012 the average life expectancy of
and Torres though they are the original inhabitant of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was
Strait Islanders Australia and the rest 7% are contributed by approximately ten years (10.6 years for men and
races of Asiatic origin. 9.5 years for women) which is much below the
race of Asiatic origin, the leading causes of death
are being heart disease, diabetes, respiratory
disease and cancer.
World Geography Social Aspect G-109

Population Density Trends in Population Growth

Human being is dependent upon the resource provided by nature As per the recent statistics of United Nations population Find
for living. Suitable climate, fertile land, favorable environment the world population has reached to 7 billion mark in 2011
gives ample of opportunities to grow. Hence the geographical which is quite alarming. The rate of growth has increased
unit which provides all sorts of facilities to human for it growth to seven times to that of early years of economic and social
has a high pressure of population rather than the unfavorable development. The growth was at its peak during 1750. The
ones. In these areas the density of population is also high in noticeable change occurred due to the massive change in
comparison to that of the unfavorable climates. three major social components of birth, death and migration.
With technological advancement during the era of industrial
Population Density refers to the capacity of a piece of land for
development has helped in reducing the death rate and
supporting the population living on it. In other words it refers
increasing the fertility rate, decrease in the infant mortality
to the ratio between the numbers of people to the size of land
rate, increase in the life expectancy, decrease in the death rate
which is generally measured in persons per sq. km.
and finally increasing urbanization and migration.
Density of Population = Population / Area
Crude Birth Rate is the number of live births per year per
Factors affecting Population Distribution 1000 persons which is generally estimated mid-year.
The population on the earth surface is very unevenly distributed It can be calculated as::
as result of so many factors which broadly categorized into CBR = (Bi/P) × 1000 where Bi = the
three sections. live births during the year
Crude Death Rate is number of death per 1000 population of
Geographical Factors
a specific geographical location, Like CBR it is also estimated
•• As nature and its resources provide living aids to human in mid year.
being, factors such as land, water, climate and soil play It can be calculated as:
a major role in influencing the density of population of a
CDR = (D/P) × 1000, where D = no. of death per year
particular locality. Smooth terrain, fertile land, suitable
P = Estimated mid- year population
climate and proper provision of water for irrigation and
other basic uses of human being supports comparatively a Infant Mortality rate (IMR) is the number of deaths of infants
large of population that the unfavorable natural conditions: under one year old per 1,000 live births. This rate is often used
as an indicator of the level of health in a country.
•• For example Indo-Gangetic plain provides favorable
living environment than hilly terrain of North eastern part The rate of population growth is the percentage of population
of India. change over a period of time and can be divided into:
Natural Growth refers to Birth - Death
Economic Factors Actual Growth refers to birth-death+ In migration–Out
•• Sometimes the economic prosperity of a region attracts migration
the population of the surrounding areas which leads to
migration of population from rural to newly built urban area Migration
in search of earning livelihood. The urban agglomeration •• The third most important component of change in
then gradually increases with further economic growth. population is Migration. It’s the movement of people
•• On the other hand the areas with huge mineral deposits from one place in the world to another for the purpose of
give rise to industrial development which again require taking up permanent or semi permanent residence, usually
skilled and semi- skilled labours to work for the industry across a political boundary. The place people move from
hence result into growth of population. is known as Place of Origin and the place they move to is
•• Canton and Shanghai of China, Tokyo of Japan, Seoul known as Place of Destination.
of South Korea, Mumbai and Delhi of India are the •• Basing upon the duration of stay the migration is of three
brightest example of such economic growth which attracts types permanent, temporary and seasonal.
maximum population of the adjacent rural areas. •• There are two sets of factors which greatly influence
migration,
Socio-cultural Factors •• Push factor are the reasons such as unemployment, poor
•• Besides geographical and economic factors, social aspects living condition, political turmoil, unsuitable climate,
also play a vital role in the growth of population of a natural disasters and socio-economic backwardness etc
particular area. Sometimes regions with religious and compels the dweller of a particular region to leave the
cultural back ground help people find their way in the place. This is somewhat less attractive. The resultant
midst of such places. migration is called Emigration.
•• Social and cultural factors in India and China had strongly •• Pull factors seem like interesting as they attract the
influence the increase in population as people sometimes migrants with opportunities like better jobs, living
attached to the belief of having large families. In the condition, peace of mind and social stability and the
developed world, smaller families are the norm. resultant migration is known as Immigration.
G-110 World Geography Social Aspect

1. Currently half of the world’s population lives in just six (c) agricultural population per unit are of cultivated
countries. Identify them from the following. land
(a) India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, Bangladesh, (d) Ratio between the requirements of population and
Indonesia. the resources made available to it.
(b) India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, Bhutan, United State. 11. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
(c) China, India, United State, Indonesia, Brazil, (a) Primary sex ratio: Sex at the time of conception
Pakistan. (b) Secondary sex ratio: Sex at the time of enumeration
(d) China, India, Bangladesh, United State, Pakistan, (c) Tertiary sex ratio: Sex at the time of enumeration
Brazil. (d) Iambalanced sex ratio: Sex of workers
2. The regions with highest and lowest densities are respectively Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) Europe and Africa (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4
(b) Asia and Oceania (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) North America and Africa 12. Population explosion is associated with?
(d) Europe and Oceania (a) high birth rate low death rate
3. In the Indian context the term ‘De-notified tribes’ refers (b) high birth rate and high death rate
to : (c) low birth rate and high death rate
(a) tribes which are aboriginals (d) low birth rate and low death rate
(b) nomadic tribes 13. Conundrums is the term of skin applied to?
(c) tribes practising shifting cultivation (a) Caucasoid Race (b) Negroid Race
(d) tribes which were earlier classified as criminal tribes (c) Mongoloid (d) Australoid Race
4. “.....They are people of yellow complexion, oblique 14. In Which one the following countries, is Tamil a major
eyes, high check bones, sparse hair and medium height.” language?
The reference here is to : (a) Myanmar (b) Indonesia
(a) Nordic Aryans (b) Austrics (c) Mauritius (d) Singapore
(c) Negroids (d) Mongoloids 15. Which of the following tribes, belongs to the Kalahari?
5. A person of mixed European and Indian blood in Latin (a) Hottentots (b) Zulus
America is called a : (c) Kirghis (d) Aborigines
(a) Mulatto (b) Mestizo 16. Which of the following factors affects the birth rate?
(c) Meiji (d) Mau Mau (a) Demographic structure
6. The correct sequence of languages in descending order in (b) Polities
terms of their number of speakers in the world is (c) Religion
(a) Spanish, English, Chinese, Hindi (d) All of the above
(b) English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish 17. Approximately one-half of the world population lives in?
(c) Hindi, Chinese, Spanish, English (a) East Asia and Europe
(d) Chinese, English, Hindi, Spanish (b) Europe and Estern-North America
7. The Semitic people belong to the? (c) South and South-East Asia
(a) Caucasoid race (d) East and South Asia
(b) Mangoloid race 18. The correct descending order of the following
(c) Negroid race communities of world in terms of their population is
(d) Australoid race (a) Sikhs, Christains, Budddhists, Jains
8. The following Gulf countries have largest Indian (b) Sikhs, Christains, Jains, Buddhists
communities (c) Christains, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists
(d) Christains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains
(a) Saudi Arabia (b) Oman
19. The country which leads in the production of rubber is
(c) Kuwait (d) Iraq
(a) Australia (b) Indonesia
9. Which one of the following continents has the highest
(c) Malaysia (d) Thailand
growth of population?
20. Which one of the following is the correct descending
(a) Africa (b) Asia
order of the three most populous states of India (2011)?
(c) South America (d) North America
(a) Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar
10. Economic density is ?
(b) Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal
(a) total number of people per unit of land
(c) Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal
(b) agricultural population per unit area of cultivated
(d) Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar
land
World Geography Social Aspect G-111

1. Consider the following statements 4. Match List-I with List-II. Select the correct answer from
1. Black Fellow: Australian aborigines. the codes given below:
2. Yuit: Inhabitants of Siberia and St. Lawrence island List-I List-II
of Alaska (Tribe) (Region)
Which of the above statements is/are true? A. Semang 1. Congo Basin
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 B. Kirghiz 2. Malaysia
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
C. Bushman 3. Central Asia
2. Consider the following statement According to the
D. Pygmies 4. Kalahari desert
Malthusion model
1. Population tends to increase arithmetically. Codes:
2. Positive and preventive checks prevent excessive A B C D
growth rate of population. (a) 4 2 3 1
3. The basis of preventive checks is moral restraint. (b) 1 3 2 4
4. Postponement of marriage is to be emplasized. (c) 2 1 4 3
Of these statements (d) 2 3 4 1
(a) 1 and 2 are correct 5. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
(b) 1, 2 and 3 are correct from the code given below:
(c) 2, 3 and 4 are correct List-I List-II
(d) 1, 3 and 4 are correct (Country) (Capital)
3. Which of the following is/are the stage(s) of demographic
A. Brunei 1. Bander Seri Begawan
transition ?
B. Indonesia 2. Phnom Penh
1. High death rate and birthrate, low growth rate.
2. Rapid decline in death rate, continued low birthrate, C. Laos 3. Vientiane
very low growth rate. D. Combodia 4. Jakarta
3. Rapid decline in birthrate, continued decline in Codes:
death rate A B C D
4. Low death rate and birthrate, low growth rate. (a) 1 4 3 2
Select the correct answer using the codes given below (b) 2 4 1 3
(a) Only 1 (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 4 1 3 2
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 (d) 3 1 4 2
G-112 World Geography Social Aspect

EXERCISE-1 EXERCISE-2
1. (c) China – India – United State – Indonesia – Brazil – 1. (c) 2. (c)
Pakistan 3. (d) Demographic transition refers to the transition from
2. (d) high death rate and high birth rate to low death and birth
3. (d) Denotified tribe in India refers to the tribes who rates, as a country develops from a pre-industrial to
where originally listed under the originally trible act industrialised economic system.
of 1871. They are also known as Vimukta Jati. 4. (d) Semang – Malaysia
4. (d) Mongloids are inhabitants of northern, eastern and Kirghiz – Central Asia
south-east Asia. Bushman – Kalahari desert
Their eyes has a characteristic fold of skin on the Pygmies – Congo Basin
upper lid, hair is lank and straight and the height All these names are of the tribal communities belonging
is medium. The group also includes the Chinese, to the countries respectively.
Japanese, Burmese, Thais, Vietnamese and Malays. 5. (a) Brunei – Bander seri begawan
5. (b) Mestizo is a type of person with mixed racial ancestry, Indonesia – Jakarta
especially of mixed European and Indian ancestry. Laos – Vientiane
6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (d) 11. (c) Combodia – Phnom Penh
12. (a) 13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (a) 16. (d)
All these are names of south-Asian countries with the
17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (c)
names of their capitals.
20. (a) Reference-Census 2011
U.P., Maharashtra, Bihar
 WORLD GEOGRAPHY 7
ECONOMIC ASPECT Chapter

Economic geography deals with the economic activities of Secondary Activities refers to the process of the value
human being basing upon the location, distribution and spatial addition to natural resources by transforming the raw materials
organization as parts of Human Geography. Human activities into essential finished product. Hence secondary activities
meant for earning livelihood are known as economic activities. are basically manufacturing, processing and construction
On the basis of resource and techniques used for performing industries.
these activities they are divided into primary, secondary and
Tertiary Activities involve the third level of human activities
tertiary activity.
such as exchange of manufactured products i.e. trade and
Primary activities are the direct interaction of human with
commerce.
environment that refers to the utilisation of earth’s resources
such as land, water, vegetation, building materials and minerals. With the advancement of new interventions these categorization
Agriculture, pastoral farming, fishing, forestry, mining and has given rise to specialized services which can be termed as
quarrying etc. are categorized into primary economic activity. Quaternary and Quinary services.

PRIMARY ACTIVITIES
Agriculture as Jhuming in North Eastern state of India, Milpa in Central
America and Mexico, Ladang in Indonesia and Malaysia.
It is the process of producing food, feed and fiber through the Intensive Subsistence Agriculture is generally monsoon driven
cultivation of plants, and rearing livestock and is also known agriculture and mainly practiced in Asia. It is further divided
as farming. About 50% of the world’s population is engaged into two categories. They are:
in agriculture. In India as the land and climatic conditions are •• Intensive subsistence agriculture dominated by wet
favorable for carrying out agricultural activities more than paddy where the dominant crop is rice. This is generally
2/3rd of the population is dependent on agriculture for their practiced in the areas of comparatively large population
livelihood. The land utilized for agriculture is known as arable and the farm yard manure is used to maintain the fertility
land. of the soil.
The system of agriculture varies based on the method of •• Intensive subsistence agriculture dominated by crops
farming, type of crop grown, cropping season etc., and they other than paddy where the relief, climate and soil along
are as follows. with geographical location plays a major role in crop
Subsistence Agriculture is the localized agricultural practice growth. Hence these factors are all together responsible
where the agricultural products are taken up by the producers for growing of crop other than paddy, such as wheat
or farmers only. It can be of two types: in western India. Wheat, shorgum , barley , soyabean
Primitive Subsistence Agriculture is the age old practice of in northern China, Manchuria, North Korea and North
farming where people used to burn or slash large vegetative Japan.
coverage and made them usable for agriculture. After a period Plantation Agriculture are the farming which are being
of two to three years when the land started losing its fertility practiced in comparatively large estates with the support of
they shifted to some other area and usually repeat the same huge capital investment, advance managerial and technical
procedure. Hence it is also called as Shifting Cultivation. This aids, scientific methods of cultivation, cheap labour and well
process was adopted by the nomads or tribes of tropics, mainly connected market. Some of the major crops of plantation
in Africa, South and Central America and South East Asia. In agriculture are tea, coffee, cotton, oil palm, sugarcane,
different parts of the world it has been named differently such banana, and pineapple.
G-114 World Geography Economic Aspect

Plantation farming was introduced in European colonies Market Gardening and Horticulture are the specialized crop
situates over tropics. Later on the French introduced coffee production of high value where vegetables, fruits and flowers
and cocoa in Africa, British set up tea plantation in India and are exclusively grown for urban market. This can be grown
Srilanka, rubber in Malayasia and sugarcane and banana in in small farms which are well connected with urban centers.
West Indies, Spanish and Americans introduced coconut and The essential factors of this practice are better irrigation
sugarcane plantation in Philippines. facility, High Yield Variety of seeds, fertilizers, insecticides,
greenhouses and artificial heating in cold regions. This kind
Extensive Commercial Grain Cultivation is practiced for of farming is famous in densely populated industrial district
wheat mainly followed by other crops such as corns, barley, of north western Europe, north eastern United States and
oats, rye. The farming is fully mechanized as the farms are America and Mediterranean region. The world famous Tulip
comparatively larger than the regular farms. This type of is being grown in Netherlands and flown to all major cities of
agriculture is profoundly done in the European Steppes, Canadian Europe,
Prairies, and Argentinean Pompas, the Velds of South Africa The kind of specialized farming being done in the area of vegetable
and Australian Down and Canterbury Plains of New Zealand. farming is known as Truck Farming as it is named after the
Mixed Farming is usually done for the farms of medium size. distance that a truck can cover over night for supplying vegetables.
Wheat is again the primary crop followed by barley, oats, rye, Co-operative Farming is meant to pull in the resources of the
maize, fodder and root crops. The crops are being grown in society more efficiently and use them as the capital for crop
rotation and intercropping plays an important role in maintaining growth without hampering the land or the farming practice.
soil fertility. Both crop cultivation and animal husbandry have These movement were originated a centuries ago and has
given equal importance. One of its important characteristics is been implemented in European countries such as Denmark,
its high capital expenditure on farm machinery and building and Belgium, Sweden, Italy.
the other is the extensive use of chemical fertilizers. This kind of
farming is done usually in the developed countries of the world Mining
such as North Western Europe, north eastern Africa, parts of Mining is associated with the exploration of new land with
Eurasia and the temperate latitude of southern continents. enormous of mineral resources. The improvement of mining
Dairy Farming is the advanced level of farming in the has begun with period of industrial revolution and since then
categories of milch animals. These are also capital intensive its importance is continuously increases.
farming mainly which facilitates animal shedding, storage of
fodder, feeding and mulching machine, cattle breading health Factors affecting Mining
care and veterinary services etc. It is usually practiced near •• The size, grade and mode of occurrence of the mineral
urban and industrial centers, as they provided fresh milk •• Demand for the mineral, technologies available and used
and dairy product. There is no off season for this type of for extraction, capital to develop infrastructure and finally
farming. These are extensively performed in north Western the labour and transportation cost.
Europe, Canada and South Eastern Australia, New Zealand
and Tasmania Types of Mining
Mediterranean Agriculture is highly specialized type of Depending upon the occurrence of mineral mining is of two
agriculture generally practiced in the countries on the either types:
side of the Mediterranean sea in Europe and in north Africa, •• Surface Mining, otherwise known as open cast mining
from Tunisia to Atlantic Coast, South California, Central Chile, which is comparatively easier and cheaper.
south western part of South Africa and Australia. This Lind •• Under Ground mining is being done with the help of
rming generally emphasizes on the production of Citrus fruits. vertical shaft which has to be sunk underground for the
exploration. It is comparatively costlier and risky as at
Viticulture is otherwise known as the cultivation of Grapes
times the explorer may counter with fatal accidents due to
especially in the Mediterranean region. These high quality poisonous gas, fire and floods.
grapes are used for the production of best quality wines with Mining has lost its importance in developed countries due
distinctive flavor and the inferior quality grapes are dried to to high labour costs but in case of developing countries it is
produce raisins and currants. Olives and figs are also cultivated still a method of earning livelihood as 50% of the earnings
in these regions. These crops are grown normally in winters come from mining only. Several countries of Africa and few
and therefore in great demand in European and North America countries of South America are still in the race.
market.

SECONDARY ACTIVITIES
Manufacturing is the process of transforming natural resources 1. Industries based on Size
to usable finished product as some of the raw material cannot
•• Cottage or Household industries are the smallest
be used in its crude form.
manufacturing units producing finished products using
localized raw materials and simplest manufacturing tools.
Classification of Industries The finished products are being sold in the local market only.
Manufacturing industries can be classified on the basis of their •• Small scale industries are the unit which provide finished
size, input or raw material, output/product and ownership, product using local raw materials but sometimes these are
World Geography Economic Aspect G-115

manufactured by simple power driven machinery with 5. Industries based on weight

semi skilled labour. It provides employment opportunities
•• Heavy industries involves heavy raw materials and
to the local people, hence raising their local purchasing
power. These industries are quite famous in countries like its production is also heavy for example iron and steel
India, China, Indonesia and Brazil. industry
•• Large scale industries involve large markets, raw •• Light industries use comparatively lighter material as
material from various sources, specialized workers and input and the finished product is also light for example
hi-tech machinery for production as well as assemblage of electrical industries.
various finished products. It has first introduced around
200 years ago in United Kingdom, north–eastern USA Major industrial centres of the world
and Europe but it has spread to almost all over world. Country Major Industrial Industries
Centers
2. Industries based on Input/Raw Material Britain Birmingham Iron & Steel, Heavy
used (Midland is the
largest Industrial
Coventry
Burton-on-Trent
Machinery
Automobile
•• Agro based industry is the industry which uses raw region centered Stoke-on-Trent Brewing (largest brewery
materials from field and farm and turns them into finished at Birmingham) New Castle town of
product such as sugar, pickle, fruit juice, beverages like Middlesbrough Britain)
Bradford Pottery (Pottery capital of
tea and coffee, spices and oil, fats and textiles (cotton, Halifax Britain)
jute, silk), rubber, etc. Leeds Shipbuilding
•• Mineral based industries use only minerals as their raw Shefield (World’s Iron & Steel
materials which further categorized into metal and non- largest Worsted textile
metal minerals. The non- metal mineral industries are cutlery town) Garments
Manchester Cutlery, Iron & Steel
cement, pottery industry. But the metallic minerals are (Lancashire region) Cotton textile
further divided into ferrous(which contain iron particle Liverpool & Shipbuilding
in it) and non ferrous (which does contain iron particle Birkenhead Heavy chemicals
in the metal) Along Manchester Iron & Steel
•• Chemical based industry involves natural chemical Canal Shipbuilding
Glosgow Shipbuilding &
minerals such as mineral- oil, petroleum, salt, sulphur, Hamilton Linen industry
potash industry. At times raw materials are obtained from Motherwell
coal and wood. Some of the finished products are synthetic Coatbridge
fiber, plastics, and Petroleum products like Vaseline etc. Pot Glasgow
•• Forest based industry uses forest product as their raw Belfast region (Main
industrial region of
materials such as log of woods bamboo, and grasses are Ireland)
used to produce finished product such as paper, wooden France Lille Textiles
furniture etc. Dunkirus Iron & Steel
•• Animal based industries involve raw material extracted St. Etienne Armaments & Bicycle
from animal either live or dead. Leather and wool are Limoges Pottery
Lyone Silk making
such type of industries. Marseilles Oil refineries
Paris Aircraft & Transport
3. Industries based on Output/Finished Champaque Wine
Product Lorrensar Iron & Steel
Germany Frankfurt Railway engineering
•• Basic industries are those industry whose finished product (Ruhr-Westphalia Mainz Leather, Brewing, Engineering
are being used as the raw material for other industries like region, served by Mannheim Chemical, electrical engineering
iron and steel industries, cotton textile industries etc. Rhine River, is the Ludwigshafen Iron & Steel.
Shipbuilding
•• Consumer based industries are the manufacturer of those largest industrial Hamburg
Photographic equipment, Musical
goods which can be directly consumed by the consumer region of Germany Munich
This industrial Stuttgart instrument
such as bread, biscuits, tea, soaps, paper, toiletries etc. region is connected Aachen Automobile
These are also called non-basic goods. to North sea by Leipzig Iron & Steel, Textile
Dortmund-Ems Jena Zeiss Optical instrument
4. Industries based on Ownership canal) Dresden Photographic equipment
Karl Marx Stadt Porcelain
•• Public Sector Industries are owned and managed by Textiles
Government only and also called As Public Sector Belgium Liege Iron & Steel, Guns, pistols &
Undertakings (PSU). In some countries like India both Antwerp other firearms
central and state government impose their authority on the Ghent Diamond cutting
Linen textiles
industries sometimes individually or jointly.
Luxemberg Luxemberg city Engineering
•• Private Sector Industries are entirely owned and Netherland Rotterdam Shipbuilding and marine
governed by private companies and hence called as Amsterdam engineering
Private Sector Undertaking. Arnhem Diamond cutting
Tin smelting
•• Joint Sector Industries have shares and participation of Sweden Goteborg Shipbuilding
both Private and Public sectors. Stockhom Shipbuilding
G-116 World Geography Economic Aspect

Switzerland Zurich Engineering and Textiles Canada Montreal Shipbuilding and Aircraft
Basel Engineering Toronto Engineering and Automobile
Baden Otawa Paper
Denmark Kopenhagen Dairy Hamilton Birmingham) Iron and Steel, Engineering
Italy Milan (main industrial Silk textile of Canada) Shipbuilding & Marine
region) Motor Car Quebec Engineering
Turin (Detroit of Italy) Russia Moscow and Gorky Iron and Steel, Chemicals
Magnitogost Iron and Steel, Oil refining
U.S.A. Boston Shipbuilding
Leningrad (St. Petersberg)
Textile, Chemical, Paper
(Great Lake region) Pittsburg Iron and Steel
Ukraine Krivoyrog Iron & Steel and Heavy
is the most important Akron (Iron & Steel capital of the
Machinery
industrial region Detroi world)
Argentina Bueons Aires Shipbuilding
Pontiac World’s largest synthetic
China Shanghai Textile and Machinery
Flint rubber and tyre making centre
Wuhan Textile, Machinery,
Gary Motor car and Aeroplane
Shipbuilding,
Chicago Cars and it’s spare parts Iron and Steel
Toledo Iron and Steel Japan Nagoya (Detroit of Aircraft, Car, Machinery
Birmingham Automobile Japan) Shipbuilding, Textile, Iron
Troy Iron and Steel Osaka (Manchester of & Steel
Buffalo Garment Japan) Shipbuilding, Testtile, Iron
San Fransisco (Silicon Iron and Steel, Machine Kyoto and Kobe & Steel
Valley) (It is also the largest flour Tokyo Shipbuilding, Engineering,
milling centre of U.S.A.) Nagasaki and Textile
Oil refining, Shipbuilding, Shipbuilding, Iron and Steel,
Computer technology Machinery

TERTIARY ACTIVITIES
Tertiary Activities focuses both on production and exchange. second in terms of expressways (7,7017).
Here production involves provision of services which are to be •• Transport Canadian Highway links Victoria with St.
consumed. There is no such involvement of physical processing John City (7,821 km).
of raw material rather it’s a service meant for exchanging the •• Alaskan Highway joins the city of Anchorage in Alaska to
finished product. Services such as Trade and Transports belong Edmonlan in Canada. Covering a distance of 2,237 km.
to Tertiary economic activities. •• Pan American Highway is the largest international
highway linking USA, Central America and South
1. Trade and commerce America. It covers a distance (30,000 km)
•• Stuart Highway is the longest highway in Australia
Trading is essentially involves buying and selling of products starting from Berdum in north Australia it reaches upto
intended for earning profit. The process is further divided into Melbourne situated in South Australia.
retail and wholesale.
Road transport is as the most important communication
medium as it facilitates door to door services for transporting
2. Transport goods and hence becoming the backbone of world’s economic
It is a service which facilitates the process of trading of people, and social infrastructure.
materials and manufactured products with ease. In other words
it is the organized industry to satisfy man’s need of mobility. Rail Transport
On the basis of the modes of transport it can be of four types: The history of railway were dated back in 650 BC and it was
•• Land Transport is the most preferred transportation started with the introduction of wagan ways which were said to
system with reference to the movement of human being, be further developed and widely used in 1550 AD in Germany
animals and goods from one location to another. The with the invention of steam engine the railway grew many folds
two vital media which facilitate land transport across the over the years. The first steam locomotive was built in 1804 in
world are Roads and Railways. united kingdom. The first ever mechanised rail transport was
introduced by England and ever since railways have remained
Road Transport as an important means of land transport.
•• Germany was the first country to develop nation wide •• United State (2,50,000 km), China (1,21,000 km), Russia
(90,000 km) and India (65,808) rank from first to fourth
highway network.
respectively in world scenario of largest railway network.
•• Usa has the largest highway network in world followed
•• India ranks first in carrying passenger per year by rail.
by India. Japan and Germany rank second and third in carrying rail
•• Highway 401 in Ontario (Canada) is the busiest highway passengers respectively.
and is the widest in world. •• Steam engine was invented by Thomas Newcomen and
•• The Karakoram highway in Pakistan to China is the was improved by James Watt.
highest international highway in world. •• The first full-scale working railway steam locomotive
•• China was the world’s largest network of express ways was built in the United Kingdom in 1804 by Richard
network which extends over 1,23,000 km. USA ranks Trevithick.
World Geography Economic Aspect G-117

•• In 1811, John Blenkinsop designed first successful and Water Transport

practical railway locomotives.
Water transport is considered to be one of the oldest form
•• Dieselization was the replacement of steam locomotive of transport. It is cheapest mode of transport. The cost of
with the diesel locomotive. This began in 1930s. production alongwith the cost of operation is also low incase
•• Electrification of rail was started by Robert Davidson in of water transport. There are evidences which shows that
1838 in the form of electrical railway car. boats were used in the form dugout canoe (a boat made from
•• The Trans-Australian Railway includes the largest straight a hallowed tree trunk) in ancient period. It is considered
stretch of saithack in the world : 301 miles without any curve. that Egyptians probably were the first to use sail boat. The
•• Qinghai-Tibet Railway in China is the world’s highest Mesopotamian and Indus valley civilization excavation have
train journey, reaching the height of 5,072m above sea shown the presences of habour and ports.
level at the Tanggula Pass. Water transportation includes canals, lakes, rivers, seas and
•• World’s longest railway tunnel is the Seikan Tunnel, oceans. It is mainly divided into two categories:
connecting Japan’s northern Hokkaida island with
Honshu. It is 33.46 miles long. Sea Routes
•• The Napier to Gisborne Railway line is unique, as it Oceans provide smooth traversable highway in all direction
crosses the main runway of Yesborne Airport. with low maintenance cost. Major sea routes are:
•• Venice Simplon orient express in the train against which The North Atlantic Sea Route
all other luxury trains are measured. It is linking two major industrially developed regions of the
•• The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest rail line in world such as North-Eastern USA and North-Western Europe.
world. It connects St. Petersburg to Vladivostok via
Moscow. Since 1916 its branches stretches into Mongolia, The Mediterranean-Indian Ocean Sea Route
China and North Korea. It runs 9,332 kilometers (5,798.6 It is considered to be the most important sea route as at serves
miles) and takes full week to cover this distance. more countries and people than this route are port said, Aden,
Trans-continental Railways connecting are part of a continent Mumbai, Colombo, and Singapore. The distance covered by
to its other part. this route has drastically reduced with the construction of suex
canal.
Major Trans-Continental Railways of World
•• Canadian Pacific Rail Route : It runs from Halifax to The cape of Good Hope Sea Route
Vancouver It connects west European and West African countries with
•• Candian National Rail Route : It joins St. John City to Brazil, Argentina and Urguay in South America.
Vancouver.
The North Pacific Sea Route
•• Trans-Siberian Rail Route : It connects St. Petersburg
to Vlalivoslok. It is connecting Western European, North American with
Australian countries is used for reaching Hongkong, Philippines
•• Trans-caucasus Rail Route : It starts from Batum, cross
and Indonesia. Honolulu is the most important sea port of this
Tergana and reaches Krusk.
route.
•• North Trans Continental Rail Route : It originates at
Seattle (USA) New York. Inland Water Transport
•• Mid Trans Continental Rail Route : It joins san River, Canals, Lakes and Coastal area the important components
Francisco to New York. of inland water transport as they facilitate transportation of
•• Southern Trans Continental Rail Routes : It runs from goods and services with in the country. Boats qand steam are
Los Angeles to New York and then reaches New Orleans. the important means of transport. The significant waterways of
•• Oriental Express Rail Route : Connects Paris to the world are:
Kustuntunia (Turkey)
The Rhine Waterway
•• Cape-Cairo Rail Route : It is the longest rail route of
Africa running from Cape Town in Southern part of River Rhine flows through Germany and Netherland. It is
continent and reaches Ciro near the coast of Mediterranean navigable for 700 km. It serves industrial areas of Switzerland,
Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
sea situated in the northern part of continent.
•• Trans-Andean Rail Route : Starting from Valparais The Dawube Waterway
(Chile) reaches other end of the continent running west to River Danube serves Eastern Europe as it rises from Black forest
east to Buenos Aires (Argentina). and flows eastward through many countries. The nevigation is
•• Trans-Australian Continental Rail Route : It connects possible only upto Taurna Sevenin, this river transport facilitates
west end of Australia to east end starting from Perth and the export of wheat, maize, timber and machinery.
reaches Sydney.
Transe-Asiatic Railways Line : This is a proposed project of The Volga Waterways
united Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Volga is one of important water ways of Russia which provides
Pacific. It will connect 28 countries including China, Thailand a navigable water route of 11,200 km and it drains into caspian
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. sea.
G-118 World Geography Economic Aspect

The Great Lake - St. Lawrence Seaways Moscow, Karachi, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok,
Together with canal and welland canal, the great lake of North Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco, Los Angeles and
America Superior, Huron Erie and Ontario forms the Great Chicago.
lakes - St. Lawrence Seaways. Major ports of this routes are, •• Africa, Asiatic part of Russia and South America are
Duluth and Buffalo. deprived of any such services.
•• There are few air services which are available only
Air Transport between 100 and 350 latitude in the southern hemisphere.
It is the fastest way of transport but at the same time it is
the costliest among the all medium of communication, still it Pipeline Transport
is preferred by passenger for travelling across countries or •• It is the excellent mode of transporting gaseous of liquid
sending cargoes across countries. The growth of Air Transport matters from one place to another.
has reduced the travel time across the world to a great extent. •• Cooking gas or L.P.G, oil and natural gas are the items
But keeping in view the manufacturing of aircrafts and its that can be transported extensively through pipelines in
associated elaborated infrastructure like hangars, landing,
many parts of the world.
fuelling and maintaining these facilities, the air transport is
•• In some countries like New Zealand milk is supplied from
considered to be the costliest among all transportation system.
farm to factories with the help of pipelines.
Inter-continental Air routes •• In U.S.A, oil is one of the major products which is
•• These are the distinct air routes of Northern Hemisphere. transported through pipeline from producing areas to
Denser network of these Air routes are available in consuming areas. Some of the other countries transporting
Eastern U.S.A, Western Europe and Southeast Asia. oil through pipelines are Europe, Russia, West Asia and
•• U.S.A. only accounts for 60% of the total network. India.
•• The major nodal points or airport of this intercontinental •• Big Inch is one of the famous pipelines which connect the
air route are New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, oil wells of the gulf of Mexico to the North-eastern States.
World Geography Economic Aspect G-119

1. The national economy of New Zealand is based on 14. The third position in the manufacture of cars in the world
(a) Export oriented agriculture is occupied by
(b) Heavy industries (a) Japan (b) USA
(c) Tourist industry (c) France (d) Germany
(d) Electronic industry 15. Largest producer of silver in the world is
2. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (a) Mexico (b) USA
(a) Bahamas : Nassau (c) Laos (d) South Africa
(b) Costa Rica : San Jose 16. The main centres of ship building industry in Japan are
(c) Nicaragua : Balmopan (a) Nagasaki and Yawata
(d) Dominican Republic : Santo Domingo (b) Yakohama and Wakohama
3. Which among the following has the world’s largest (c) Osaka and Kyoto
reserves of Uranium? (d) Nagita and Issikari
(a) Australia (b) Canada 17. The three leading coal producers of the world are:
(c) Russian Federation (d) USA (a) USA, Russia, Germany
4. Which one of the following cities is known as the (b) England, France, Australia
Pittsburg of Japan? (c) France, Poland, Japan
(a) Kobe (b) Yuwaha (d) Germany, India, South Africa
18. Which of the following countries are the best examples of
(c) Tokyo (d) Osaka
highly scientific development and management of pastoral
5. Intensive subsistence farming is prevalent in
farming?
(a) Canada (b) China (a) France and Spain
(c) USA (d) Ukraine (b) Denmark and Holland
6. Baku is famous as (c) Czechoslovakia and Poland
(a) Railway junction (d) Greenland and Norway
(b) Industrial city 19. Which one of the following countries of Africa finds a
(c) Fish port place in high human development category of UNDP?
(d) Petroleum extracting centre (a) South Africa (b) Kenya
7. Ural industrial region is dominated by (c) Zimbabwe (d) Mauritius
(a) Textiles (b) Metal fabricating 20. The ports on either end of the Suez canal are
(c) Electronics (d) Automobiles (a) Cairo and Alexandria (b) Suez and Cairo
8. The best inland waterways system is developed in (c) Cairo and Port Said (d) Port Said and Suez
(a) Guinea coast (b) Central Europe 21. Most industrialized country in ASEAN is
(c) Amazon basin (d) North America (a) Philippines (b) Thailand
9. Which one of the following is known as the Manchester (c) Malaysia (d) Singapore
of the East? 22. Which one of the following is the most industrialized
(a) Tokyo (b) Shanghai country of Latin America?
(c) KualaLumpur (d) Osaka (a) Brazil (b) Chile
10. Grozny is famous for the production of (c) Colombia (d) Argentina
(a) Petroleum (b) Uranium 23. Which is the shortest route from Moscow to San
Francisco?
(c) Gold (d) Thorium
(a) via Canada (b) over land
11. Which country has the densest railway network in terms
(c) over the South Pole (d) over the North Pole
of per million people?
24. Which one among the following covers the highest
(a) China (b) USA
percentage of forest area in the world?
(c) India (d) Australia
12. The first three countries in order of iron-steel production (a) Temperate coniferous forests
in the world are (b) Temperate deciduous forests
(a) USA, China, Germany (c) Tropical monsoon forests
(b) Japan, USA, China (d) Tropical rain forests
(c) Germany, China, USA 25. Which one of the following countries has replaced Italy
(d) Japan, Germany, China as the major importer of bauxite from India?
13. Flanders industrial region is renowned for (a) Canada (b) Greece
(a) Iron & steel industry (c) Ukraine (d) United Arab Emirates
(b) Car manufacturing 26. Grand Banks is one of the important producers of
(c) Textile manufacturing (a) Nitrate (b) Iron ore
(d) Electronics (c) Marine fish (d) Bauxite
G-120 World Geography Economic Aspect

27. Plantation agriculture is most widespread in 32. Starting from the best quality of iron ore, Which one
(a) Nile valley (b) Mississippi valley of the following is the correct sequence of the iron ore
(c) California (d) Caribbean based on the contents of pure iron?
28. The largest iron-producing region of USA is (a) Magnetite__Hematite__Limonite__Siderite
(a) North East Appalachian region (b) Hematite__Magnetite__Limonite__Siderite
(b) Alabama state (c) Magnetite__Hematite__Siderite__Limonite
(c) Western region (d) Hematite__Magnetite__Siderite__Limonite
33. Which among the following has the world’s largest
(d) Lake Superior region
reserves of Uranium?
29. Detroit is famous for?
(a) Australia
(a) motor car industry (b) copper industry
(b) Canada
(c) mining industry (d) fishing industry
(c) Russian Federation
30. Which one of the following cities in USA is a steel (d) USA
manufacturing centre? 34. Which one the following port cities in Venezuela has
(a) New York (b) Rochester been developed as an oil port?
(c) Chicago (d) Dallon (a) Caracas (b) Maracaibo
31. The main exporter of copper in the world is (c) Maracay (d) Carupano
(a) Ghana (b) Morocco
(c) Zambia (d) Belgium

5. Which of the following are responsible for the decrease

Statement Based MCQ of per capita holding of cultivated land in India ?
1. The main features of the commercial dairy farming are 1. Low per capita income.
1. It is capital intensive. 2. Rapid rate of increase of population
2. It is labour intensive. 3. Practice of dividing land equally among the heirs.
3. It is highly productive. 4. Use of traditional techniques of ploughing.
4. It is highly commercial. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Select the correct answer from the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
Codes: (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only 6. Which of the following items and their leading producers
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correctly matched?
2. Which of the following are not the examples of shifting 1. Grapes - Italy 2. Oilseeds - India
cultivation? 3. Millets - India 4. Coffee - Ethiopia
Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Which of the above statement are correct ?
1. Ladang 2. Hacienda (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4
3. Fazenda 4. Pondu (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Codes: 7. A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 1. Warm and dry climate 2. Mild and wet winter
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 3. Evergreen Oak trees
3. Which of the following are fund resources? The above features are distinct characteristics of which
1. Coal 2. Copper one of the following regions?
3. Petroleum 4. Forest (a) Mediterranean
Select the correct answer from the codes given below: (b) Eastern China
Codes: (c) Central Asia
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (d) Atlantic coast of North America
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 8. Japan is one of the leading industrial countries in the
4. Tank irrigation is practised mainly in Peninsular India world because it has:
because 1. developed hydel power
1. undulating relief and hard rocks make it difficult to 2. large deposits of metallic mineral
dig canals and wells 3. high technological capability
2. rivers are rainfed 4. insular location
3. of compact nature of population and agricultural Of these statements:
field (a) 1, 2 and 4 are correct
Select the correct answer using the codes given below : (b) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 are correct
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these (d) 2 and 4 are correct
World Geography Economic Aspect G-121

9. Consider the following statements and select the correct Codes:

answer from the codes given below: A B C D
Assertion (A): The W.T.O. aims to promote free trade. (a) 2 1 4 3
Reason (R): It does not manage the global economy (b) 2 3 4 1
impartially. (c) 1 3 2 1
Codes: (d) 4 2 3 1
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation 15. List-I List-II
of A. (Mineral) (Area of production)
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct A. Coal 1. Highveld
explanation of A. B. Gold 2. Karaganda Basin
(c) A is true, but R is false. C. Iron ore 3. Krivoi Rog
(d) A is false, but R is true. D. Petroleum 4. San Joaquin valley
Codes:
Matching Based MCQ A B C D
(a) 2 3 1 4
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 10-26) : Match List-I with List-II and (b) 2 1 3 4
select the correct answer from the codes given below: (c) 4 1 2 3
(d) 1 2 3 4
10. List-I List-II 16. List-I List-II
(Towns) (Industry) (Mineral) (Occurrence)
(A) Pittsburg (1) Textile A. Coal 1. Bisbee
(B) Shanghai (2) Iron & Steel B. Copper ore 2. Baku
(C) Nagoya (3) Automobiles C. Iron ore 3. Mesabi
(D) Moscow (4) Shipbuilding D. Petroleum 4. Westphalia
(a) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4 Codes:
(b) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3 A B C D
(c) A – 3 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 2 (a) 4 2 3 1
(d) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1 (b) 4 1 3 2
11. List-I List-II (c) 3 1 2 4
(City) (Industry) (d) 1 4 3 2
(A) Osaka (1) Shipbuilding 17. List-I List-II
(B) Hamburg (2) Textiles (Country) (Coal fields)
(C) Detroit (3) Iron & Steel A. China 1. Pennsylvania
(D) Pittsburg (4) Automobiles B. Germany 2. Saar
(a) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3 C. Ukraine 3. Shensi
(b) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4 D. U.S.A. 4. Donetz Basin
(c) A – 2 ; B – 3 ; C – 1 ; D – 4 Codes:
(d) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 3 A B C D
12. List-I List-II (a) 4 2 1 3
(A) Iron & Steel (1) Portsmouth (b) 3 2 4 1
(B) Automobile (2) Dortmund (c) 3 1 4 2
(C) Shipbuilding (3) Bangalore (d) 4 3 2 1
18. List-I List-II
(D) Aircraft (4) Detroit
(Mineral) (Leading producer)
(a) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4
A. Tin 1. Zambia
(b) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3
B. Thorium 2. India
(c) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1
C. Uranium 3. Malaysia
(d) A – 2 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 3
D. Copper 4. Canada
13. List-I List-II
Codes:
(Crop) (Main Producing area)
A B C D
(A) Coconut (1) Kenya (a) 3 4 2 1
(B) Banana (2) Popua New Guinea (b) 1 2 4 3
(C) Groundnut (3) Ecuador (c) 3 2 4 1
(D) Tea (4) Senegal (d) 4 3 2 1
14. List-I List-II 19. List-I List-II
(Oil refineries) (Country) (Country) (Oil field)
A. Abadan 1. Saudi Arabia A. Iran 1. Bargan
B. Haifa 2. Iran B. Iraq 2. Damam
C. Kirkuk 3. Israel C. Kuwait 3. Kirkuk
D. Ras Tanavra 4. Iraq D. Saudi Arabia 4. Masjid Sulaiman
G-122 World Geography Economic Aspect

Codes: Codes:
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 3 2 1 (a) 3 2 1 4
(b) 3 4 1 2 (b) 1 3 4 2
(c) 2 3 4 1 (c) 4 3 2 1
(d) 4 3 1 2 (d) 3 2 4 1
20. List-I List-II
24. List-I List-II
(Industrial region) (Country)
(Crops) (Largest producer)
A. Kinki 1. France
B. Lorraine 2. U.S.A. A. Wheat 1. Brazil
C. Midlands 3. Japan B. Cotton 2. China
D. New England 4. U.K. C. Sugarcane 3. U.S.A.
Codes: D. Tea 4. India
A B C D Codes:
(a) 3 2 1 4 A B C D
(b) 3 1 4 2 (a) 1 2 3 4
(c) 1 2 4 3 (b) 2 3 1 4
(d) 4 1 3 2 (c) 2 4 3 1
21. List-I List-II (d) 4 1 2 3
(Industry) (Centre) 25. List-I List-II
A. Iron and steel 1. Turin A. Largest producer of 1 U.S.A.
B. Ship building 2. Taipei
wheat in the world
C. Electronics 3. Montreal
B. Largest producer of 2. China
D. Automobile 4. Pittsburgh
milk in the world
Codes:
A B C D C. Largest producer of 3. India
(a) 1 2 3 4 sugarcane in the
(b) 4 3 2 1 world
(c) 3 4 1 2 D. Largest producer of 4. Brazil
(d) 2 4 1 3 maize in the world
22. List-I List-II Codes:
(Iron and steel centre) (Country) A B C D
A. Cleveland 1. Canada (a) 1 2 4 3
B. Essen 2. Russia (b) 2 3 4 1
C. Hamilton 3. U.S.A. (c) 3 4 2 1
D. Tula 4. Germany (d) 1 3 2 4
Codes: 26. List-I List-II
A B C D
A. Iron and steel 1. Atlanta
(a) 1 4 2 3
B. Ship building 2. Bradford
(b) 3 4 1 2
(c) 3 1 2 3 C. Automobile 3. Cleveland
(d) 4 3 1 2 D. Woollen textile 4. Yakohama
23. List-I List-II Codes:
(City) (Important Industry) A B C D
A. Shanghai 1. Ship building (a) 3 4 1 2
B. Chicago 2. Iron and steel (b) 1 2 4 3
C. Shefield 3. Cotton textile (c) 2 4 1 3
D. Yokohama 4. Engineering (d) 3 2 1 4
World Geography Economic Aspect G-123

EXERCISE-1 9.
(b) The WTO established in 1995. It aims to promote
free trade, but it does not manage the global
1. (a)
economy impartially. The organization deals
2. (c) Managua is the capital of Nicaragua, not Balmopan.
with regulation of trade between participating
3. (a) Australia has the world’s largest uranium reserves.
countries; it provides a framework for negotiating
Approximately 24% of the planet’s uranium is
and formalizing trade agreements, and a dispute
present in Australia.
resolution process aimed at enforcing participant’s
4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (d)
adherence to WTO agreements, which are signed by
10. (a) 11. (d) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (a)
representatives of member governments and ratified
16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (d) 20. (d) 21. (c)
22. (a) 23. (d) by their parliaments.
24. (a) Temperature coniferous forests covers the highest 10. (b) 11. (d) 12. (d) 13. (a)
percentage of forest area in the world. 14. (b) The oil refineries of Iran are located in Abadan.
25. (a) Canada is the largest importer of bauxite from India. Abadan is a city in and the capital of Abadan County,
26. (c) 27. (c) 28. (d) 29. (a) Khuzestan province, Iran. It lies on Abadan Island,
30. (c) 31. (c) 32. (a) 53 kilometres from the Persian Gulf, near the Iraq-
33. (a) Australia has the world’s largest uranium reserves. Iran border. The oil refinery of Israel is located in
Approximately 24% of the planet’s uranium is Haifa. Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel,
present in Australia now 31%. and the third-largest city in the country, with a
34. (b) Maracaibo is an oil-port of Venezuela as it has oil population of over 291,000. The oil refinery of Iraq
rich basis. is located in Kirkuk. Kirkuk is a city in Iraq and the
capital of Kirkuk Governorate. It is located in the
EXERCISE-2 Iraqi governorate of Kirkuk, 236 kilometres north
1. (d) The main features of the commercial dairy farming of the capital, Baghdad. The oil refinery of Saudi
are capital intensive, labour intensive, highly Arabia is located in Ras Tanura. Ras Tanura is a city
productive and highly commercial. in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia located on a
2. (c) Hacienda and Pondu are not the examples of shifting peninsula extending into the Persian Gulf.
cultivation. Shifting cultivation is known as ladang 15. (b) Karaganda Basin is known for coal production.
cultivation in south east Asia. Fazendas (meaning Karagandy, more commonly known by its Russian
“farms”) were plantations found throughout Brazil; name Karaganda, is the capital of Karagandy
during the colonial period (16th - 18th centuries), province in Kazakhstan. Highveld is known for gold
they were concentrated primarily in the northeastern production. The Highveld is the portion of the South
region, where sugar was produced. African inland plateau. Krivoi Rog is known for iron
3. (b) Coal and petroleum are the fund resource minerals. ore production. It is a city in central Ukraine. It is
Because they are of the highest value in the foreign situated in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, to the southwest
world market due to demand and also for scarcity. of the Oblast’s administrative centre. San Joaquin
4. (a) The tank irrigation is practised mainly in the valley is known for petroleum exploration. The San
peninsular India due to the following reasons Joaquin Valley is the area of the central valley of
1. The undulating relief and hard rocks makes it the U.S. state of California that lies south of the
difficult to dig canals and wells. Sacramento – San Joaquin river delta in Stockton.
2. There is little percolation of rain water due to hard 16. (b) Coal mining occurs in Westphalia. It is a region in
rock structure and ground water is not available in Germany. Copper ore occurs in Bisbee. Bisbee is
large quantity. a city in Cochise County, Arizona, United States,
3. Most of the rivers of this region are seasonal and dry 82 miles southeast of Tucson. Iron ore occurs in
up in summer season. Therefore, they cannot supply Mesabi. The Mesabi Iron Range is a vast deposit of
water to canals throughout the year. iron ore and the largest of four major iron ranges
4. The scattered nature of population and agricultural in the region collectively known as the Iron Range
fields also favours tank irrigation. of Minnesota. Discovered in 1866, it is the chief
5. (b) The factors responsible for the decrease of per capita deposit of iron ore in the United States. Baku is
holding of cultivated land in India are famous for petroleum exploration. Baku is the
1. Rapid rate of increase of population. capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the
2. Practice of dividing land equally among the heirs. largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus
6. (c) region.
7. (a) Mediterrian climate have mild, rainy winter and 17. (b) Shensi is the coal field of China. It is a province
hot, dry summers and Evergreen, Oak trees. of the People’s Republic of China, officially part
8. (c) of the northwest China region. Saar is known as
G-124 World Geography Economic Aspect

the coal mining in Germany. The Saarland is one centre of ship-building. Montreal is a city in the
of Germany’s sixteen federal states. Its capital is Canadian province of Quebec. It is the largest city
at Saarbrücken. Donetz Basin is the coal field of in the province. Taipai is the centre of electronics.
Ukraine. It comprises the Donbas Foldbelt, which is Taipei, officially known as Taipei City, is the capital
the uplifted and compressionally deformed part of the of Taiwan. Situated at the northern tip of Taiwan,
Pripyat–Dniepr–Donets (PDD) Basin. Pennsylvania Taipei is located on the Tamsui river.
is known for coal mining in U.S.A. Pennsylvania, 22. (b) Regarding to the Iron and steel centre, Cleveland
officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is is located in U.S.A. Essen is located in Germany.
a U.S. state that is located in the northeastern and Hamilton is located in Canada. Tula is located in
mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, and the Russia.
Great Lakes region. 23. (d) Cotton textile industry belongs to Shanghai. Iron
18. (c) Malaysia is the leading producer of tin. India is the and steel industry belongs to Chicago. Engineering
leading producer of thorium. Canada is the leading
industry belongs to Shefield. Ship building industry
producer of uranium. Zambia is the leading producer
belongs to Tokohama.
of copper.
24. (b) China is the largest producer of wheat. Roughly
19. (d) Masjid-e-Suleiman is the oil field of Iran. Kirkuk is
two-thirds of the total wheat production came from
the oil field of Iraq. Bargan is the oil field of Kuwait.
Deman is the oil field of Saudi Arabia. the north China plain and nearly another third from
20. (b) Kinki is the industrial region of Japan. The Kansai the central provinces. Winter wheat accounts for
region or the Kinki region lies in the southern-central about 94% of China’s total wheat output. U.S.A.
region of Japan’s main island Honshu. Lorraine is is the largest producer of cotton. In its January
the industrial region of France. Lorraine is one of the report, USDA estimated a ‘13-14 US crop of 13.19
27 regions of France. The administrative region has million bales. Upland production was estimated at
two cities of equal importance: Metz, the regional 12.55 million bales and extra-long staple production
prefecture and Nancy. Midlands is the industrial at 636,000 bales. Brazil is the largest producer of
region of U.K. The Midlands is an area comprising sugarcane. Brazil’s sugarcane industry association
central England that broadly corresponds to the early UNICA estimates Brazil’s sugar cane production in
medieval Kingdom of Mercia. It borders southern 2012/13 at 531.4 million ton which is 8% up from
England, northern England, East Anglia and Wales. the 493.2 million ton produced in 2011/12. India
New England is the industrial region of U.S.A. is the largest producer of tea. Tea Board of India
New England is a region in the northeastern corner shows that during January to August, tea production
of the United States consisting of the six states of has risen by 6.2% to 705 million kg in 2013.
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, 25. (b) Largest producer of wheat in the world is China.
Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Largest producer of milk in the world is India.
21. (b) Turin is the centre of automobile industry. Turin is
Largest producer of sugarcane in the world is Brazil.
a city and an important business and cultural centre
Largest producer of maize in the world is U.S.A.
in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region.
26. (a) Iron and steel industry belongs to Cleveland. Ship
Pittsburgh is the centre of iron and steel industry.
Pittsburgh is the seat of Allegheny County and with building industry belongs to Yakohama. Automobile
a population of 306,211 is the second-largest city industry belongs to Atlanta. Woollen textile industry
in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Montreal is the belongs to Bradford.
 PHYSIOGRAPHY AND
DRAINAGE PATTERN OF
8
INDIA Chapter

Introduction
‘Physiography’ of an area is the outcome of structure, process and the stage of development. The land of India is characterised
by great diversity in its physical features. The North has a vast expanse of rugged topography consisting of series of mountain
ranges with varied peaks, beautiful valleys and deep gorges. The South consists of stable table land with highly dissected
plateaus and denuded rocks. In between these two lies the vast North Indian plain.

Physiography

Location– Area Physical India's Important Facts Cimate

– Extent Features Neighbourhood - Mountains Passes,
Valleys

Northern Great Indian

Mountains Plains Desert
Peninsular Indian
Uplands coast

LOCATION - AREA - EXTENT

•• India lies in the northern and eastern hemispheres of the 7,516 kilometres of the coastlines of Andaman-Nicobar
globe between 8° 4′ N and 37°6′ N latitudes and 68°7′ E and Lakshadweep Islands are added to it.
and 97°25′E longitudes. •• India-Afghanistan and Pakistan-Afghanistan international
•• The southern most point extent upto 6°45′ N latitude to boundary is called the Durand Line, determined as a
cover the last island of the Nicobar group of islands. The “militarily strategic border between British India and
southern extreme is called Pygmalion Point or Indira Point. Afghanistan”.
 1°  •• The India-China boundary (4,225 km) is a natural
•• The tropic of cancer 23 N latitudes  passes through boundary running along the Himalayan ranges and is
 2 
based on various treaties. Its eastern part (1,140 km) is
the middle part of India and crosses the states of Gujarat,
called the Mc Mahon Line.
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
•• The boundary with Pakistan and Bangladesh (the East
West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram.
Pakistan) was finalized at the time of partition in 1947
•• Its total length of land frontier of 15,200 kilometres through the ‘RedCliffe Award’.
passes through marshy lands, desert, level plains, rugged •• The Tin Bigha Corridor is a strip of land belonging to
mountains, snow covered areas and thick forests. India is a part of West Bengal and lies adjacent to the
•• Besides land there is a maritime boundary of 6,100 Bangladesh border. In 1947, the border between India
kilometres along the main land mass which increases to and Bangladesh was also demarcated by Sir Redcliffe.
G-126 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

•• India is the only country which has given its name to an •• The Indian states on international boundaries (other
ocean, i.e. Indian Ocean encircled by 46 countries (27 country/ countries within brackets) are: Gujarat (Pakistan),
littoral including Australia, 7 island states and 12 land Rajasthan (Pakistan), Punjab (Pakistan), Jammu and
locked countries). Kashmir (China and Pakistan), Himachal Pradesh
•• India commands a total geographical area of 32,87,263 (China), Bihar (Nepal), Uttarakhand (China and Nepal),
sq. km which is roughly 0.57% of the area of the earth Uttar Pradesh (Nepal), West Bengal (Bhutan, Nepal,
and 2.4% of the total area of the land hemisphere. and Bangladesh), Sikkim (China, Bhutan and Nepal),
•• India has roughly a quadrangular shape. It measures about Arunachal Pradesh (Bhutan, China and Myanmar),
3,214 km from north to south and about 2,933 km from Nagaland (Myanmar), Manipur (Myanmar), Mizoram
east to west, the difference between the two being just (Bangladesh and Myanmar), Meghalaya (Bangladesh),
281 km. Tripura (Bangladesh) and Assam (Bhutan, Bangladesh
•• Because of great longitudinal extent, the difference in and Myanmar).
local time between Eastern and Western extremes of the • The states of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattishgarh
country is of two hours. In order to avoid the confusion and Jharkhand are the only land-locked states which are
with regard to the time at different places of the country, neither on the coast nor on an international border.
the local time along 82° 30’ East longitudes is taken as the The States having Common Frontiers with Neighbouring
standard time of India, i.e. India Standard Time (IST).
Countries
•• This meridian is known as the Standard Meridian of
India. It passes through Mirzapur (UP). The Tropic Country States
of Cancer divides India almost into two equal halves. Pakistan Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan,
Thus, the Northern half of India is situated entirely in Gujarat
the Northern hemisphere and also belongs to the Eastern
hemisphere because of its situation to the East of the Afghanistan Jammu and Kashmir
Prime Meridian. China Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
•• After Russia, China, Canada, USA, Brazil and Australia, Uttarakhand, Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh
India is the seventh largest country of the world. Its area
Nepal Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West
is almost equal to the area of Europe (excluding Russia), Bengal Sikkim
one-third of Canada, one fifth (1/5) of Russia, eight times
of Japan and twelve times of United Kingdom. Bhutan Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal
•• In population-size, India is the second giant country in the Pradesh
world after China. Myanmar Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur,
•• Its total population is more than the combined population Mizoram
of USA, Russia, Australia, Canada and Japan.
Bangladesh West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura,
•• The eastern boundaries of India are formed by a complex
Mizoram
chain of the Himalayan offshoots consisting of the Mishmi,
the Patkai, the Naga hills, the Barail range, the Mizo hills Four Ends of India
and finally the majestic Arakan Yoma Mountains range.
•• The Arakan Yoma is submerged in the Bay of Bengal for Easternmost point of India is known as Kibithu; situated on
sufficiently long stretch and emerges again in the form of right bank of river Lohit separating India from China-Tibet
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. region. It is a small village with the population at the altitude
•• The boundary line between India and Bangladesh of 3,350 metre in Arunachal Pradesh. Westernmost point is
crisscrosses the vast Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. This situated in Kuch area of Gujarat called as Ghuar Mota. The
boundary runs is not even a small mount or hill which region is famous for its harsh climate with 45°C in summer and
could be used for demarcating the boundary between the 20°C in winter. During monsoon season this region looks like
two countries. tortoise surrounded by seawater. Northernmost point of India
•• Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and has been in controversies ever since India’s independence. The
Arunachal Pradesh are the states of India lying completely Siachen Glacier in the state of J&K is the northern boundary of
in the Himalayas, while the state of Uttarakhand lies India according to the official division of India during the time
partly in the Himalayas and partly in the northern plains.
of Independences. The Southernmost point of the mainland
•• Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, of India is Kanyakumari District in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil
Kanyakumari, formerly was known as Cape Comorin. It is
Nadu, together make the great peninsular plateau.
the second largest and urbanized of Tamil Nadu. Indira Point
•• Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil
is a village in the Nicobar district of Andaman and Nicobar
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal are
Islands, India. It is located in the Great Nicobar tehsil. It is the
states on the coast of India. Among our Union Territories,
location of the southernmost point of India’s territory.
Daman and Pondicherry have sea boundaries.
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-127

Area Wise Largest States plains are formed of alluvial deposits. The Peninsular
plateau is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks
State sq km
with gently rising hills and wide valleys.
Rajasthan 342239 •• Out of the total area of the country, about 10.6% is
Madhya Pradesh 308245 occupied by mountains, 18.5% by hills, 27.7% by
plateaus and 43.2% by the plains.
Maharashtra 307713
•• India may be divided into five major physiographic
Andhra Pradesh 160229 regions, viz, (I) The Northern Mountains, (II) The Great
Uttar Pradesh 240928 Plains, (III) The Peninsular Uplands, and (IV) The Indian
Coasts and Islands, & (V) The Indian Desert
Important Straits
I. The Northern Mountains
Location Channel
•• The region extends all along the northern frontier of the
Indira point-Indonesia Great Channel country, for about 2500 km, with a varying width 240 to
Little Andaman and Nicobar 10° Channel 320 km and a total area of about 5, 00,000 km2.
Minicoy-Lakshadweep 9° Channel •• Himalayas represent the youngest and the highest folded
mountains of the earth, rising to over 8000 m above sea
Maldives-Minicoy 8° Channel level and consisting of three parallel ranges :
India-Sri Lanka Gulf of Mannar and (a) Himadri (Greater Himalayas),
Palk Strait (b) Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), and
(c) The Siwaliks (Outer Himalayas).
PHYSICAL FEATURES •• The Himalayas are intersected by numerous valleys like
Kashmir valley, the Karewas, the Doon valley, the Kangra
Origin of Landforms and Kullu valley (Himachal Pradesh), Kathmandu valley
(Nepal), Bhagirathi valley (near Gangotri) and Mandakini
•• The oldest landmass, the Indian Peninsula, was a part of valley (near Kedarnath).
the Gondwanaland. The Gondwanaland included India,
Australia, Africa and South America as one single land Principal Peaks of India
mass. The convectional currents split the crust into Peak Height (Mtrs) Location
a number of pieces, thus leading to the drifting of the 1. Mt. Everest 8848 Nepal-Tibet
Indo-Australian plate after being separated from the 2. Mt. K2 (Karakoram) 8611 India
Gondwanaland, towards North. The Northward drift 3. Kanchenjunga 8597 Nepal-India
resulted in the collision of the Indian plate with the much
4. Dhaulagiri 8172 Nepal
larger Eurasian Plate.
5. Nanga Parbat 8126 India
•• Due to this collision, the sedimentary deposit which were
6. Annapurna 8078 Nepal
accumulated in the geosyncline (a long shallow depression
between two large landmasses) known as the Tethys were 7. Gasherbrum 8068 India
folded to form the mountain system of Western Asia and 8. Nanda Devi 7817 India
Himalaya. The Himalayan upliftment out of the Tethys 9. Mt. Kamet 7756 India
sea and subsidence of the Northern flank of the Peninsular 10. Gurla Mandhata 7728 Tibet
plateau resulted in the formation of a large basin. In due
course of time this depression, gradually got filled with Valleys and its locations
deposition of sediments by the rivers flowing from the • Araku Valley : Andhra Pradesh
mountains in the North and the Peninsular plateau in the • Damodar Valley : Jharkhand and West Bengal
South. • Darma Valley : Uttarakhand
•• A flat land of extensive alluvial deposits led to the • Dzukou Valley : North-eastern part
formation of the Northern plains of India. Geologically, • Johar Valley : Uttarakhand
the Peninsular plateau constitutes one of the ancient • Markha Valley : Ladakh
landmass on the Earth’s surface. It was supposed to be • Nubra Valley : Ladakh
one of the most stable land blocks. The Himalayas and • Sangla Valley : Himachal pradesh
the Northern plains are the most recent landforms. From
• Saur Valley : Uttarakhand
the view point of geology, Himalayan mountains form an
• Suru Valley : Ladakh
unstable zone. The whole mountain system of Himalaya
represents a very youthful topography with conical peaks, • Tons Valley : Uttarakhand
V-shaped valleys and fast flowing rivers. The Northern • Yumthang Valley : Sikkim
G-128 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

Divisions of the Himalayas •• The Himadri runs in an arc like shape in a length of 2500 km
(a) The sub-Himalayas or Siwaliks : from Nanga Parbat (8126 m) in the west to Namcha
Barwa (7756 m) in the east.
• The range has a total length of about 2400 km from
the Indus gorge to the Brahmaputra valley. •• This is the northernmost or the innermost of all the
Himalayan ranges.
• It is known by various local names, i.e. the Jammu
hills (Jammu & Kashmir), the Dundwa range •• With an average elevation of 6100 m above sea level this
(Uttarakhand), the Churia Muria hills (Nepal), the is the loftiest and the most continuous mountain range of
the world.
Daffla, Miri, Abor and Mishmi hil1s (Arunachal
Pradesh). •• This mountain range boasts of the tallest peaks of the
world, most of which remain under perpetual snow.
(b) The Lesser Himalayas or Himachal:
• It is about 80 km wide with average height between •• They are, in descending order of altitude, Mount Everest,
1300 to 5000 m. also called Sagarmatha or Chomo Langma (8848m),
Lhotse 1 (8501m), Mount Akalu (8481m), Kanchenjunga
• Important ranges include the Dhauladhar, Pirpanjal,
South Peak (8474m), Kanchenjunga West Peak (8420m),
Nag Tiba, Mahabharat range and Mussoorie
Lhotsa Intermediate Peak (8410m), Cho Oyu (8153m),
range. The famous hill resorts like Shimla, Chail, Nanga Parbat (8126m), Annapuma (8078m), Gosainthan
Ranikhet, Chakrata, Mussoorie, Nainital, Almora or Shisha Pangma (8013m), Makalu South peak
and Darjeeling, etc. are situated over this range. (8010 m).
• Along the slopes are found a number of small •• The Burzil pass and Zoji La in Kashmir, Bara Lapcha La
pastures which are called Merg in Kashmir (viz. and Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh, Thaga La, Niti Pass
Gulmerg, Sonmerg, Tanmerg) and Bugyal and and Lipu Lekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La, Jelep
Payar in Uttarakhand. La in Sikkim are worthy of mention.
Mountain Passes of India •• The Hindustan - Tibet road connecting Shimla with
Himalayan passes Gartok in Western Tibet passes through the Shipki La.
• Banihal pass — between Doda and Anantnag •• Another important trade route connecting Kalimpong
(Jawahar Tunnel), J & K. (near Darjeeling) with Lhasa in Tibet however passes
• Shipki La — River Sutluj enters India from Tibet, through Jelep La (4386m).
Himachal Pradesh. •• The Himadri runs in an arc like shape in a length of 2500 km
• Bara Lachan La — between Kyelang and Leh, from Nanga Parbat (8126 m) in the west to Namcha
Himachal Pradesh. Barwa (7756 m) in the east.
• Rohtang pass — between Kullu and Kyelang, (d) Trans Himalayas
Himachal Pradesh. •• The Trans-Himalayan Zone with a width of 40 km in its
• Bomdila pass — between Tezpur and Tawang, eastern and western ends and a width of 222 km in its
central part, it has important ranges such as the Zaskar
Arunachal Pradesh.
Range and the Great Karakoram range. The Karakoram
Himalayan passes between India and China extends towards the south-east to form the Kailash Range
• Shipki La — Himachal Pradesh. (Tibet). The highest peak in the Karakoram range is K2
• Thaga La and Niti La — Uttarakhand . (8,611 m). The longest glacier is Siachen in the Nubra
• Lipu Lekh La — Tri-junction, India-Nepal-China, Valley which is more than 72 km long.
Uttarakhand.
Some important facts about peaks
• Jelep La — Between India and China (Gangtok-
Lhasa Road) Sikkim. • Highest Mt. Peak in India: K2 or Godwin Austin
• Nathu La — Between India and China (Entry to • Highest peak in Aravalli: Gurushikhar (in Mt. Abu)
Chumbi Valley) Sikkim. • Highest peak in Satpura - Dhupgarh (Mahadeo Hills)
Trans Himalayan passes • Highest peak in E. Ghats - Mahendragiri (Orissa)
• Karakoram pass and Aghil pass — Jammu & • Highest peak in W. Ghats - Anaimudi (Annamalai
Kashmir. Hills - Kerala)
Passes in Western Ghats • Highest peak in Nilgiris - Doda Betta
• Palghat — between Palakkad and Coimbatore. • Hills in Southern Hill complex - Nilgiri,
• Shenkota — between Kollam and Madurai. Annamalai, Cardamom & Palani
• Thalghat — between Mumbai and Pune. • Hills in Eastern Ghats: Shevaroy, Javadi,
• Bhorghat — between Mumbai and Nasik. Palkonda, Nallamalai, Northern Circars
•• The best known passes of the Pir Panjal range are the • Oblique ranges to Western Ghats in
Pir Panjal Pass (3480 m), the Bidil (4270m), Golabghar Maharashtra: Ajanta, Satmala, Harishchandra, Balaghat
(9812m) and Banihal Pass (235m). The Jammu-Sri Nagar • Satpura range from East to West:
highway uses the Banihal Pass. Amarkantak - Maikal- Mahadeo - Gawilgarh -
(c) The Greater Himalayas or Himadri Rajpipala
•• This zone rises abruptly like a wall north of the Lesser • Highest peak in Andaman and Nicobar is-lands-
Himalayas. It is about 25 km wide with average height Saddle Peak
above 5000 m. • The highest peak of Naga hills is Saramati peak.
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-129

(e) The Eastern Hills or the Purvanchal their tributaries. This is the largest alluvial tract of the
•• After crossing the Dihang gorge, the Himalayas take a world, extending for a length of 3200 km and width varies
sudden southward turn and form a series of comparatively between 150 to 300 km.
low hills running in the shape of a crescent with its convex •• The plain stretches from west (from the banks of the Ravi
side pointing towards the west. These hills are collectively and Sutluj) to east (the Ganga delta) to a lentgh of 2400 km.
called the Purvanchal because they are located in the •• The plain merges into the Thar desert in the south-west. A
eastern part of India. low watershed of the Delhi ridge (278 m) along the right
•• The hill ranges running in north-south direction along the bank of the Yamuna river separates the Satluj plains (a
Burmese border and passing through Arunachal Pradesh part of the Indus plain) from the Ganga plains.
(Tirap division), Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram
are collectively called Purvanchal. These are known Divisions of the Great Plains
by various local names, i.e. Patkai Bum (Arunachal The Great Plains may be divided into a number of smaller
Pradesh), Naga hills, Kohima hills, Manipur hills, Mizo units on the basis of the characteristics of the alluvium, surface
hills, Tripura hills and Barail range. gradient, drainage channels and regional traits.
•• Extending from Arunachal Pradesh in the north to Mizoram Bhabar Plains
in the south, they form India’s boundary with Myanmar.
It lies all along the foot of the Siwaliks with remarkable
•• In the north is the Patkai Bum, which forms the continuity from the Indus to the Tista. It is generally 8 to 16
international boundary between Arunachal Pradesh and km wide belt consisting of gravel and unassorted sediments
Myanmar. deposited by the Himalayan rivers in the foreland zone due to
•• After running for some distance southwards, it merges sudden break of slope. The porosity is so high that all streams
into Naga Hills where Saramati (3826m) is the highest disappear in the Bhabar tract leaving out only dry channels.
peak.
•• South of Naga Hills are the Manipur hills, which are Terai Plains
generally less than 2500 metres in elevation. South of the Bhabar lies a 15-30 km wide marshy tract called
•• The Barail range separates Naga Hills from Manipur terai where streams reappear to the surface.
Hills. The Terai is more marked in the eastern part than in the west
•• South of the Manipur Hills are the Mizo Hills, which have due to higher amount of rainfall.
an elevation of less than 1500 metres. The highest point is It is a zone of excessive dampness, thick forests & rich wild life.
the Blue Mountain (2157m) in the South. Bangar or Bhangar Plains
Longitudinal divisions of the Himalayas The Bhangar represents the uplands (alluvial terrace) formed
by the deposition of the older alluvium and lie above the flood-
Longitudinally, the Himalayas can be divided into following
limit of the plains. The main constituent of Bhangar is clay
sections.
(locally known as kankar) which at places gives way to loam
1. The Punjab Himalayas and sandyloam.
The 560 km long stretch of the Himalayas between
the Indus and the Sutluj rivers is known as the Punjab Khadar Plains
Himalayas. A large portion of this sector lies in Jammu The younger alluvium of the flood plains of the numerous
and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh as a result of which rivers is called the Khadar or Bet (in Punjab).
it is also called the Kashmir and Himachal Himalaya. Its alluvium is light coloured and poor in calcareous matter
Karakoram, Ladakh, Pir Panjal, Zaskar and Dhaula Dhar consisting of deposits of sand, silt, mud and clay.
are the main ranges of this section.
2. Kumaon Himalayas
Delta Plains
This section extends from Sutluj to Kali river valleys and Deltaic plain is an extension of the Khadar plain. It covers
is said to have 360 lakes, such as Naini Tal and Bhim Tal. about 1.86 lakh sq km of area in the lower reaches of the
Ganga river (West Bengal). It mainly consists of old mud,
The Pilgrimage centers (Badrinath, Gangotri) located in
new mud and marsh. Upland area is locally known as chars
this section is of particular importance to the Hindus.
& marshy land as ‘bills’. Large part of the coastal deltas is
3. Nepal Himalayas covered by thick impenetrable tidal forests called Sunderbans.
This section extends from Kali to Tista and has the On the basis of regional characteristics, the Great Plains
distinction of having some of the highest peaks in the may be divided into following sub plains:
world including Mt. Everest.
4. Assam Himalayas The Punjab-Haryana Plains
This section extends from Tista to Brahmaputra. The With a distance of 640 km from north-east to south-west and
highest peak of this range is Namcha Barwa. 300 km from west to east, these flat plains occupy 1.75 lakh
sq km. They comprise the Bist Doab (between Sutlej and Beas
II. The Great Plains rivers), the Bari Doab (between Beas and Ravi rivers), the
•• It is an aggravational plain formed by the alluvial Chaj Doab (between Chenab & Jhelum) & the Sindh Sagar
deposits of the Indus, Ganga and the Brahmaputra and Doab (between Jhelum - Chenab & Indus).
G-130 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

The Rajasthan Plains 1. The Central Highlands

These comprise the marusthali of Thar and the nearly Bagar The Central Highlands are bounded to the West by the Aravali
areas and occupy an area of 1.75 lakh sq km. Sand dunes are range. Satpura range demarcates its boundary in the South
longitudinal (in the west and south) and transverse (in the east). from Deccan plateau.
The Luni river flowing towards the south-west is the only river in An Eastern extension of central high lands is formed by
the region. The Rajasthan desert is sloping towards two directions Rajmahal hills.
(a) westwards to the Indus Valley in Pakistan, and The general elevation of the central high lands ranges between
(b) southwards to the Rann of Kutch. 700-1000 m above the mean sea level. It slopes towards the
North and North-Eastern directions.
The Ganga Plains
Spreading across the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and The Aravalli Range
Bihar for 3.57 lakh sq km,the plains comprise the raised bhangar It runs North-East to South-West for 800 km from Delhi
areas and Khadar areas. The Ganga Plain is divided into the through Rajasthan to Palanpur in Gujarat. These are the
(a) Ganga-Yamuna Doab, relict mountains representing one of the world’s oldest high
(b) Rohilkhand Plain, lands formed as a result of folding process in Archean times.
(c) Avadh Plain (covering the eastern half of Uttar Pradesh), It has a lower elevation between Delhi and Ajmer, where it
(d) Bihar Plain, and is characterised by a chain of discontinuous ranges. But it
(e) Bengal Plain. becomes a continuous range South of Ajmer where it rises to
The Ganga delta, which constitutes the Bengal basin, has 900 m elevation.
part of it stretching along the sea and covered with tidal The general height of this range varies between 400-1300 m.
forests (the Sunderbans). Gure Skikhar 1722 m) is the highest peak of the range, located
in Ubu hills of Rajasthan. Barr, Piplighat, Dewari, Desuri are
The Brahmaputra Plains some of the passes associated with this range.
The low-level plains formed by deposits carried by mainly
East Rajasthan Uplands
the Brahmaputra river but also the Diband, the Sesiri and the
Luhit are bordered by high mountains. Moist soil conditions It is located East of the Aravali range in North-West India.
and thick forests form the northern extreme. The upland covers an area of 23,200 sq km and have a general
elevation of 350 m. It constitutes the Northern part of Central
III. The Peninsular Uplands Highlands.
Rising from the height of 150 m above the river plains up to an Madhya Bharat Plateau
elevation of 600-900 m is the irregular triangle known as the
It is the Northern of the central highlands. It covers an area of
Peninsular Plateau.
about 22 thousand sq km.
The Peninsular plateau is a tableland composed of the old
crystalline, igneous and metamorphic rocks. It was formed due Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand Uplands
to the breaking and drifting of the Gondwanaland and thus, It lies to the South of Yamuna river along border region of
making it a part of the oldest landmass. This region of the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Bundelkhand covers five
country is surrounded on the three sides by water and thus, is districts of Uttar Pradesh and four districts of Madhya Pradesh.
a Peninsular plateau. Baghelkhand lies South-East of the Bundelkhand region and
The plateau has broad and shallow valleys and rounded hills. is largely made up of limestones and sandstones. They are
Narmada river, which flows into a Rift valley, divided the represented by rounded Hummocky hills made of granite and
region into two parts namely, the central highlands in its North sandstone. Streams like Betwa and Ken have carved out steep
and the Deccan plateau in its South. gorges, rocky banks and waterfalls in these uplands rendering
•• Its north-west limit is marked by Aravalli range and its them unfit for cultivation. The region is characterized by
northern extreme has the raised Bundelkhand. At its ‘senile topography’
eastern and western ends are Eastern Ghats and Western The Malwa Plateau Largely in Northern Madhya Pradesh,
Ghats respectively. forms a triangular shape and is typical for having two systems
•• The fault in which the Narmada river flows divides the of drainage. Rivers like Mahi and Narmada flow through it
region into two unequal parts; the smaller one in the north into the Arabian sea, while rivers like Chambal and Betwa flow
being known as the Central Highlands. through it to join Yamuna and ultimately fall into Bay of Bengal.
•• It is slightly tilted towards north. The southern part has It is composed of lava flows and is covered with black soils.
been tilted east with bold heights to the west. This area This plateau is marked in its North by the badlands or ravines
is popularly known as the Deccan Plateau comprising the formed by Chambal river by exercising gully erosion.
Satpuras, Western and Eastern Ghats and a large number
of plateaus. The Vindhya Ranges
On the basis of prominent relief features, the Peninsular It runs parallel to the Narmada Rift valley as an escarpment
plateau can be divided into three broad groups: in an East-West direction from Jobat in Madhya pradesh to
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-131

Sasaram in Bihar for a distance of 1200 km. The general N latitude. Important peaks of the Western Ghats from North to
elevation of the ranges is 400-700 m. It consists of horizontal South include - Kalsubai (1646m - highest peak of Maharashtra),
beds of sedimentary rocks. Salher (1567 m), Mahabaleshwar (1424 m) in Maharashtra and
This range acts as a watershed between North flowing rivers of Kudremukh (1892 m) as the highest peak in Karnataka. The
the Ganga system and Peninsular rivers. It continues Eastwards Sivasamudran fall, Gokak fall and Mahatma Gandhi fall are
as Bharner hills and Kaimur hills. Panna hills also lie in these important waterfalls in Western Ghats. Bhor Ghat, Thalghat and
ranges. The Great boundary fault separates the Aravallis from Palghat are the important passes facilitating movement between
Vindhyan range. the Western coastal plains and rest of the country. Palghat gap
separates Nilgiri hills in the South from Anaimalai hills. It is
The Chhotanagpur Plateau at the Nilgiris that Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats meet with
It lies East of Baghelkhand in the State of Jharkhand covering each other. Anamudi (2695 m) in the Anaimalai hills is the
some parts of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. Its average highest peak of whole of Southern India. Another important peak
elevation is 700 m above sea level. It is the storehouse of is Dodabetta (2637m) of Nilgiri hills. Cardamom hills are the
minerals and a large scale mining of iron, manganese, coal, Southernmost hills and reach upto Kanyakumari and are famous
uranium etc is done in this region. This plateau is drained by for cultivation of Cardamom and spices.
numerous rivers forming a radial drainage pattern. Damodar The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and irregular and
river valley is well-known for its coal deposits. dissected by rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal. These
In the North-East of this region lies Hazaribagh plateau, while are a series of detached hills of heterogeneous composition
towards East are Parasnath hills and towards South-East is which are called by various local names. The Western ghats
Ranchi plateau. Rajmahal hills form the North-Eastern edge are higher than the Eastern ghats.
of the Chhotanagpur plateau and are covered by black soil. Their average elevation is 900-1600 m as against 600 m of
The plateau is an example of Pat Land. the Eastern Ghats. The Eastern Ghats stretch from the South
of Mahanadi valley to the Nilgiris in the South. The Eastern
2. Deccan Plateau Ghats are comparatively broader and do not form a continuous
Deccan plateau is bordered by the Western ghats in the West, water divide.
Eastern ghats in the East and the Satpura, Maikal and Mahadeo Aroya Konda (1690 m) at Andhra-Odisha border is the
hills in North. The Deccan Plateau is higher in the West and highest peak of Eastern Ghats. Other important peaks include
slopes gently eastwards. It is higher in South than its North. Mahendragiri (1501 m) in Odisha, Gali Konda (1643 m) etc.
It is a continuous range from south of Mahanadi to Godavari.
The Satpura Ranges South of it, it is highly dissected.
It is a series of seven mountains that run in the East-West They continue South of Krishna river in the form of dissected
direction in between Narmada and Tapi rivers. It is an example hills from North to South in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as
of block mountain. Commencing from the Rajpipla hills in the Nallamala hills. Palkonda range, Velikonda range, Javadi hills and
West through the Mahadev hills to Maikal range, it stretches Shevaroy hills only to confluence with Western Ghats at Nilgiri
for about 900 km. hills. Khondalites are predominantly found in Eastern Ghats.
Dhupgarh (1325 m) on Mahadev hills near Pachmarhi in Difference between Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats
Madhya Pradesh is the highest peak of the ranges. Amarkantak
is another important peak lying in the Maikal range at Madhya Western Ghats Eastern Ghats
Pradesh-Chhattisgarh border and is the source of river Form a continuous water Discontinuous and dissected
Narmada. divide. by rivers.
Maharashtra Plateau is a basaltic sheet with a thickness of Can be crossed through passes Series of detached hills
more than 2000 m. It has been formed by the consolidation Higher than Eastern Ghats Lower than Western Ghats
of the lava. Maharashtra plateau covers the entire State of Face Arabian sea and run Face Bay of Bengal and run
Maharashtra except Konkan coast and the Sahyadris. along the western plateau along the Eastern Plateau
Karnataka Plateau is situated at the south in Deccan plateau.
Comparatively narrow Comparatively broader
It covers entire Karnatka except a small portion of North-East.
It has the rocks of lava origin. Highest Peak-Anaimudi Highest Peak-Mahendragiri
Telangana Plateau constitutes the North- Eastern part of 3. The North-Eastern Plateau
Deccan plateau. It covers an area of 1.4 lakh sq km. It is It is an extension of the main Peninsular plateau. It is believed
located in the Western part of Andhra Pradesh. that due to the force exerted by the North-Eastward movement
The Western Ghats or Sahyadris form the Western edge of the Indian plateau at the time of the Himalayan origion,
of the Deccan plateau and lie parallel to the Western coast. a huge fault was created between the Rajmahal hills and the
They form a continuous water divide. They run continuously Meghalaya plateau. Later this depression got filled up bv
for 1600 km from Maharashtra to Kanyakumari and can be the deposition activity of the numerous rivers. Today, the
crossed through passes only. Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong plateau stand detached - from
Their average width varies from 50 km in the North to about the main Peninsular Block. The Meghalaya plateau is further
300 km in the South. It is composed of lava deposits up to 16° sub- divided into three parts:–
G-132 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

(i) The Garo hills Eastern Coastal Plains

(ii) The Khasi hills As compared to the Western coastal plain the Eastern coastal
(iii) The Jaintia hills plain is broader and is an example of an emergent coast. There
These hills are named after the tribal groups inhabiting this are well developed deltas here, formed by the rivers flowing
region. An extension of this is also seen in Karbi- Anglong Eastward into the Bay of Bengal. Because of its emergent
hills of Assam. Similar to the Chhotanagpur plateau, the nature, it has less number of ports and harbours. The plains
Meghalaya plateau is also rich in mineral resources like coal, are divided into two parts:–
iron ore, Sillimanite, limestone and uranium. This area receives (i) Northern Circars: Rivers such as the Mahanadi, the
maximum rainfall from the South West monsoon. As a result Godavari, the Krishna and the Cauveri have formed
the Meghalaya plateau, especially Cherrapunji, displays a extensive deltas on this coast. It comprises the coastal
bare rocky surface devoid of any permanent vegetation cover. areas of Odisha. Mahanadi forms delta with a thick layer
Highest peak of Meghalaya plateau is Nokrek, which is located of fine alluvium. Lake Chilka is important here. In South
in Garo hills. of it, it comprises Andhra coastline upto Krishna delta.
Wandakaraya Region:– Its Abujhmar hills provide one of the (ii) Coromandel Coast: South of Northern circars coromandel
coast lies extending Southwards along Tamil Nadu coast.
richest iron-ore deposits at bailadilla range.
It covers an area of 23 thousand sq km. These plains
IV. The Indian Coasts and Islands constitute a fertile stretch of the cultivation of a range of
crop.
The Coastal Plains
The Islands
The 4,500 km long coastline of India has the Arabian Sea on its
west, the Bay of Bengal on its east and the Indian Ocean on its There are two main groups of islands in the Indian ocean far
away from the coast. India has a number of islands (247)
south. It runs from the Rann of Kutch in the west to the delta of
both in the Bay of Bengal (204 islands) and the Arabian sea
the Ganga - Brahmaputra in the east. The coastal plain in India
(43 islands). One of them is the Lakshadweep Islands in the
has been divided into the following two types:–
Arabian sea and the other is the Andaman and Nicobar islands
Western Coastal Plains in the Bay of Bengal.
The Western coastal plains are an example of submerged Lakshadweep Islands
coastal plain. The Western Coastal Plains include plains along These islands group lies close to the Malabar coast of Kerala.
Kutch and Kathiawar regions of Gujarat to Konkan plains of This group of 25 islands is composed of small coral islands.
Maharashtra-Goa, Karnataka plains and the Southern Malabar The islands North of 11° N latitude are known as Amindivi
plains along Kerala coast. islands and those South of it are Cannanore islands. They
It is believed that the city of Dwarka which was once a part of cover small area of 32 sq km.
the Indian main land situated along the West coast is submerged Most of the islands have low elevation and do not rise more
under water. Because of submergence it is a narrow belt and than 5 m above sea level. Shallow lagoons can be seen on their
provides natural conditions for the development of ports and Western sides while sea slope is steeper towards their Eastern
harbours. It consists of three sections:– coasts. Kavaratti island is the administrative headquarters of
(i) The Konkan Plains extend from Daman to Goa for a Lakshadweep. The Pitli island, which is uninhabited, has a
distance of around 500 km with a width varying between bird sanctuary.
50-80 km. It consists of features of marine erosion as it is Andaman and Nicobar Islands
a shore line of submergence with a number islands dotting
Andaman and Nicobar archipelago has been formed by the
the coast. Mumbai was also islands until some connecting
extension of the tertiary mountain chains of Arakan Yoma.
land was recovered from sea. These plains have fertile These islands lie close to equator and experience equatorial
stretch of land and some sea water inlets called creeks are climate and have thick forest cover. Some of the islands are
also there in between. fringed with coral reefs. The entire group of islands is divided
(ii) Karnataka or Kannada Coastal Plains stretch from Goa into two broad categories: the Andamans in the North and the
to Mangalore for about 225 km. These are narrow fertile Nicobars in the South.
plains. Sharavathi river forms Jog falls (271 m) in this The great Andaman group of islands in the North is separated by
region, which is the highest waterfall of India. the Ten Degree Channel from the Nicobar group in the South.
(iii) The Malabar Coastal Plains between Mangalore and The Andaman islands are sub-divided into four major island
Kanyakumari are 500 km long. They are much wider in groups: North Andaman. Middle Andaman, South Andaman
extent and at places 96 km wide. These are low lying and Little Andaman. Biggest island in Andaman Group is
plains with extensive presence of lagoons, back waters, Middle Andaman (1536 sq km) and smallest is Ross island
spits etc. The back water locally known as Kayals are the (0.8 km). The capital Port Blair is located on Eastern coast of
shallow lagoons or the inlets of the sea into the region. South Andaman. Barren island and Narcondam island located
The largest among these is the Vembanad lake. Several North of Port Blair are volcanic islands.
lagoons have joined to form inland water ways. Every Biggest island in Nicobar Group is Great Nicobar (1045 sq
year the famous Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) is km) and smallest is Pilo Milow Island (1.35 sq km). Andaman
held in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala. and Nicobar islands has 4 National Parks and 40 small ports.
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-133

The Indian Desert Goran Ghat In Aravalli hills, joins city of Udaipur with
The Great Indian Desert also called Thar desert lies to the Sirohi in Rajasthan
North-West of the Aravali hills. It spreads over four states Haldighati In Aravalli hills and connects Rajsamand
namely- Punjab. Haryana. Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It is a land with Pali district in Rajasthan.
of undulating topography dotted with longitudinal dunes and Palghat In Western ghat, joins Coimbatore with
branches. It has arid climate due to very low rainfall (below Kochi and Kozhikode. It joins Tamil
150 cm) received by this region. Nadu with Kerala. The river Gayatri flows
This region is also called as Marusthali. The underlying rock through it.
structure of desert is an extention of the peninsular plateau but Thalghat Located in Sahyadri range, joins Nashik
its surface features have been covered by physical weathering with Mumbai. The NH-3 and the Bhopal-
and wind action due to extreme arid condition in this region. lndore railway line pass through it.
The Great Indian Desert can be divided into two parts: the
Northern part is sloping towards Sindh and the Southern States with the Longest Coastline
towards the Rann of Kutch. Most of the rivers in this region State/UT Length of
are ephemeral. Luni is one of the most important rivers of this Coastline (Km)
region. 1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1,962
2. Gujarat 1,215
3. Andhra Pradesh 974
4. Tamil Nadu 907
5. Maharashtra 653

Climate
Although India is basically a tropical country, it experiences
wide variation in climatic condition depending upon the
altitude, latitude, distance from sea and relief. The variability
can be observed in number of factors such as:
Western Rajasthan experiences a high temperature during June
where as the areas close to Kashmir are relatively experiencing
a much lower temperature. The coastal lands are comparatively
having a moderate climate due to the nearness of sea.
The amount of rainfall also varies throughout the country. The
rainfall in India is primarily governed by Monsoon wind which
which generally hits the south west coast of India generally in
June and known as onset of Monsoon. The wind then starts
circulating via the Bay of Bengal covering the entire eastern,
north eastern and parts of central India. The highest rainfall
is experienced in Mawsynram in Meghalaya i.e. 1221 cm of
annual rainfall every year. On the other hand in the month of
October and November the monsoon trough of Low pressure
Mountain Passes in Peninsular India starts receding from Northern Plain results into rain in Southern
Bhor Ghat Bhor ghat in Western ghat joins Mumbai India. About 50% to 60% of rainfall in Tamil Nadu is caused
with Pune. due to Retreat of Monsoon form North East.

Rain fall Distribution in India

Amount Heavy Rainfall Moderately Heavy Rainfall Less Rainfall Scanty Rainfall
of Rain (> 200cm) (100-200 cm) (50-100 cm) <50cms
fall

States West coasts, on the western Southern Parts of Gujarat, East Upper Ganga valley, Northern part of
Ghats, Sub-Himalayan areas in Tamil Nadu, North-eastern eastern Rajasthan, Kashmir, Western
North East and Meghalaya Hills. Peninsular, Western Ghats, eastern Punjab, Southern Rajasthan, Punjab
Assam, West Bengal, Southern Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Plateau of Karnataka, and Deccan Plateau
slopes of eastern Himalayas. Orrisa, the middle Ganga valley. Andhra Pradessh and
Tamil Nadu.
G-134 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

Drainage

Himalyan Peninsular Coastal Inland Drainage

Rivers Rivers Rivers
Rivers in dry regions

Indus Ganga Brahmaputra East West Ladakh Beas

River River River System Flowing Flowing Rajasthan Luni River
System System Rivers rivers

Ravi Mahanadi Godavari Krishna Brahmani

Chenab Beas
Jhelum Satlaj Covery
Penneru

Subarnarekha

Narmada Tapi Sabarmati Mahi Luni

DRAINAGE

The flow of water through well-defined channels is known Indus River System
as Drainage and the network of such channels is called a •• Indus along with its tributaries forms one of the largest
drainage system. A river drains the water collected from a drainage systems of the world.
specific area, is called its catchment Area. An area drained •• Also known as Sindhu.
by a river and its tribuaries is called a Drainae Basin. The •• Indus originates from the northern slope of Kailash range
boundary line separating one drainage basin from the other (Tibet) enters India and continues to flow in the north-
is known as watershed. west direction between the Ladakh and the Zaskar ranges.
India is drained by numerous rivers falling either into the •• The Shyok and Gilgit are its important right bank
Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea. The Ganga, Brahmaputra, tributaries and the Zaskar is left bank tributary.
Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery are the major river •• Indus river ends its mountainous journey at Attock and is
systems draining into the Bay of Bengal, whereas the major joined by the Kabul river from Afghanistan.
river systems draining into the Arabian Sea are the Indus, •• Just above Mithankot, it receives accumulated waters of five
Sabarmati, Narmada, Tapti and rivers of the west coast farther rivers (Panj-nad) Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutluj.
south. Indian rivers may be classified into four types depending •• Finally, it empties itself in the Arabian Sea near Karachi,
upon the nature of the river, geographical location, source and making a big delta.
drainage area covered: Himalayan, peninsular, coastal and •• It has length of 2900 km from its source to the Arabian sea.
rivers of inland drainage basin. •• It is known as Singi Khamban Tibet.

Himalayan Rivers Jhelum

•• It rises from a spring at Verinag (in Kashir).
• These rivers are perennial as they are generally snow-
•• Lidar, Sind and Pohru are the tributaries of Jhelum in
fed and have reasonable flow throughout the year. During
Kashmir.
the monsoon the Himalayas receive very heavy rainfall
and the rivers discharge the maximum quantity of water •• At Muzaffarabad, the river takes a sharp hairpin swing
southward and the Kishaganga joins at on its right bank.
causing frequent flood. Brahamputra, Ganga, Jamuna,
Ghagra, Gandak, Kosi are the main rivers. •• Thereafter, it forms the India-Pakistan boundary for 170
km and emerges at the Potwar Plateau near Mirpur. It has
• Some rivers are older than the mountain themselves. Their
total length of 724 km.
gorges are the evidence of it. So, they are also examples
•• It joins the Chenab at Trimmu.
of antecedent rivers.
Chenab
The Major river systems of the Himalayas
•• It is the largest tributary of the Indus.
Drainage
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-135

•• It originates near the Bara Lacha Pass in the Lahul-Spiti

part of the Zaskar Range. The united stream (Chandra and
Bhaga) called the Chandrabhaga flows in the north-west
direction through Himachal Pradesh and enters Jammu &
Kashmir as Chenab river.
•• It enters the plain area near Akhnur in J&K.
•• It cuts a deep gorge near Kishtwar.
•• It receives waters of Jhelum and Ravi rivers.
Ravi
•• It originates from Kullu hills near the Rohtang Pass in
Himachal Pradesh.
•• It cuts a deep gorge in the Dhaula Dhar range after
crossing Chamba.
•• It enters Punjab Plains near Madhopur and later enters
Pakistan 26 km below Amritsar.
•• It debouches into the Chenab a little above Rangpur in
Pakistani Punjab.
Beas
•• It also originates near Rohtang Pass, close to the source
of the Ravi.
•• It crosses the Dhaula Dhar range through a deep gorge
from Lorji to Talwara.
•• It debouches on the plain near Pong and meets the Satluj
river at Harike.
•• It lies entirely within the Indian territory.
Sutluj
•• It rises from the Mansarovar - Rakas Lake near Darma
Pass in western Tibet, where it is also known as Langcher
Khambab.
•• In Nari Khorsan province of Tibet, it has created an
extraordinary canyon.
•• It is joined by the Spiti river at Namgia near the
Shipki La. Ganga
•• Before entering the Punjab Plain, it cuts a gorge in Naina •• It originates as Bhagirathi from the Gangotri glacier.
Devi Dhar (Bhakra Dam has been constructed here). •• Alaknanda joins it at Devaprayag. Pindar river joins it at
•• It enters the plain at Rupnagar (Ropar). Karan Prayag and Mandakini or Kali Ganga at Rudra Prayag.
•• It is joined by the Beas at Harike. •• The combined waters of the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda
•• From near Ferozepur to Fazilka, it forms the boundary flow in the name of the Ganga, below Devprayag.
between India and Pakistan for nearly 120km.
•• It debouches on plain from hills in Haridwar.
•• It joins the Indus a few kilometers above Mithankot.
•• It is joined by Yamuna in Allahabad.
The Ganga River System •• Beyond Farakka, it is known as Padma in Bangladesh.
•• It is the Largest in India. •• It bifurcates itself into Bhagirathi-Hooghly in West Bengal
•• The total area of the Ganga basin in India is 861,404 sq and Padma-Meghna in Bangladesh.
km which accounts for 26.3% of the geographical area of
the country. •• The delta formed by the Ganga-Brahmaputra is the largest
•• The Ganga basin covers over 12,500 sq km in northern delta of the world covering an area of 58,752 sq km.
India. •• Sundarbans is a part of the world’s largest delta.
This basin is shared by:– •• The total length, 2525 km, is distributed among states:
State (%) share (i) Uttar Pradesh – 1140, (ii) W. Bengal – 520 km,
Uttarakhand & UP 34.2 (iii) Bihar – 445 km, (iv) Uttrakhand – 310 km.
MP & Chhattisgarh 23.1 The Ganga Drainage System
Bihar & Jharkhand 16.7 Length Area drained
Name of
Rajasthan Source
13.0 the river (in km) (sq km)
West Bengal
8.3 Ganga Gangotri Glacier at 7,010 m 2,525 861,404
G-136 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

Yamuna Yamnotri Glacier at 6,330 1,376 366,223 Damodar

Chambal Near Mhow (Indore-M.P) 1,050 139,468 •• It rises in the hills of the Chotanagpur plateau and flows
through a rift valley.
Ramganga Garhwal district at 3,110 m 596 32,493
•• It is also called ‘Sorrow of Bengal’
Ghaghra Near Gurla Mandhota peak 1,080 127,950 •• It joins the Hugli 48 km below Kolkata.
Gandak South of Manasarovar 425 in 46,300 (7,620 •• The total length of the river is 541 km.
India in India) •• Its catchment area is 25,820 sq km.
Kosi Tibet-Nepal border at 730 in 86,900
Ramganga
7,620 India (21,500 in
Sikkim Nepal- Tibet India) •• It rises in the Garhwal district of Uttaranchal.
Himalaya •• It enters the Ganga plain near Kalagarh.
•• Its basin covers 32,493 sq km.
Difference between Delta and Estuary
Ghaghra
Delta Estuary
•• It originates near the Gurla Mandhota peak, south of
1.
The triangular deposits 1.
The sharp edged mouth Manasarovar in Tibet.
made by rivers at their of rivers, devoid of any •• It is known as the karnali in Western Nepal.
mouth form Delta. deposits is known as estuary. •• It joins Ganga a few kilometres downstream of Chapra
2. Deltas are founded in the 2. Regions of high tides and rift in Bihar.
regions of 100 tides and valleys witness estuaries. •• The total catchment area of the river is 127,950 sq km out
coastal plains of which 45% is in India.
3. Deltas are fertile lands 3.
Estuary does not have Kali
festive lands. •• It rises in high glaciers of snow covered region of trans-
4. Ganga, Brahmaputra, Krishna, 4.
Narmada and Tapi rivers Himalayas.
Kaveri and Mahanadi rivers form estuaries. •• It forms the boundary between Nepal and Kumaon.
form Delta •• It is known as the Sarda or Chauka after it reaches the
plains near Tanakpur.
Yamuna
Gandak
•• It is the largest and the most important tributary of the
Ganga. •• It originates near the Tibet-Nepal border.
•• Kali Gandak, Mayangadi, Bari and Trishuli are the major
•• It originates from the Yamunotri glacier on the
tributaries of it.
Bandarpunch Peak in Garhwal in Uttarakhand.
•• Its drainage area is 46,300 sq km out of which 7620 sq
•• It enters the plains near Tajewala. km is in India.
•• Tons, a tributary of it, joins it below Kalsi. At this site,
the water carried by the Tons is twice the water carried Burhi Gandak
by the Yamuna. •• Originating from the western slopes of Sumesar hills
•• It takes a southerly course upto Mathura and south easterly near the India-Nepal border, it joins the Ganga opposite
in its onward journey upto Allahabad where it unites with Monghyr town.
the Ganga. •• Its length is 610 km and drainage area is 12,200 sqkm.

Chambal Kosi
•• It rises near Mhow in the highlands of Janapao Hills in MP. •• The Kosi river consists of seven streams, namely, Sut
•• It enters a gorge at Chaurasigarh. Kosi, Tamba Kosi, Talkha, Doodh Kosi, Botia Kosi, Arun
•• It joins Yamuna in Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh. and Tamber and is popularly known as Saptkaushiki.
•• Banas joins it near Sawai Madhopur. •• Seven rivers mingle with each other to form three streams
•• Betwa, rising in Bhopal, joins the Yamuna near Hamirpur. named the Tumar, Arun and Sun Kosi.
Dhasan is an important tributary of Betwa •• Then all three streams unite at Triveni north of the
Mahabharat Range to form the Kosi.
Son
•• It is a large south bank tributary of the Ganga. The Brahmaputra River System
•• The Son river springs from the Amarkantak Plateau. •• The Brahmaputra rises in the great chemayungdung
•• It joins the Ganga near Danapur in Patna district. glacier in the Kailas range of the Himalayas.
•• Its catchment area is 71,259 sq km. •• It flows eastward from its source region.
•• Almost all the tributaries join it on its right bank. •• Mariam La separates the source of the Brahmaputra from
•• Tributaries are Johilla, Rihand, Kanhar and North Koel. the Manasarovar lake.
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-137

•• With a total length of 2900 km, it is one of the longest •• It flows in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya
rivers of the world & passes through Tibet, India and Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Karntaka.
Bangladesh. •• The source of the river is in the Trimbak Plateau of North
•• It is known as Tsangpo(means purifier) in Tibet and Sahyadri near Nasik in Maharashtra and discharges its
Yarlung Zangbo Jiangin in Chinese language. water into the Bay of Bengal.
•• Manjra is the only important right bank tributary which
•• It is one of the most remarkable navigable waterways of
joins the Godavari near Kondalwadi.
the world where boats sail at an altitude of about 3000
•• Below Rajahmundry, the river Godavari divides itself into
metre above sea level. two main streams - the Gautami Godavari on the east and
•• It emerges as a dynamic river after carving out a deep the Vashishta Godavari on the west - and forms a large
gorge near Namcha Barwa. delta before it pours into the Bay of Bengal.
•• It emerges from the foothills under the name of Siong or
Krishna
Dihang.
•• It is the second largest east flowing river of Peninsula in
•• It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh
India.
where it receives the Dibang and the Lohit. From here
•• It rises in Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar.
after ward, it is known as the Brahmaputra.
•• It debouches into the Bay of Bengal, forming a big delta
•• It has a braided channel along most of its length in Assam. in arcuate shape.
•• It is among the four largest rivers of the world in terms of •• The Koyna, Tungbhadra and Bhima are its major
volume of discharge at the mouth. tributaries.
•• The look is like a delta in reverse where Dibang and Lohit •• Koyna Dam is made on the Koyana river, a tributary of
rivers meet the Brahmaputra river. the Krishna river.
•• Tista, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, was a tributary of Cauvery
the Ganga prior to the devastating floods of 1787.
•• It is designated as “the Ganga of the South” or ‘Dakshina
•• Majuli is the river island of the river Brahmaputra (area- Ganga’.
1250 sq km). Majuli island is Largest riverine island of •• Its source lies at Taal Cauvery on the Brahmagiri range of
world. hills in the Western Ghats.
•• National waterways - 2 is on the Brahmaputra river from •• Its upper catchment area receives rainfall during summer
Sadiya to Dhubri. by the south-west monsoon and the lower catchment area
receives rainfall during winter season by the retreating
The Peninsular River System northeast Monsoon.
Three main directions of flow: •• It is one of the best regulated rivers and 90 to 95% of its
•• Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and several irrigation and power potential already stands harnessed.
smaller rivers draining towards south-east towards into •• Sivasamudram waterfalls is on this river.
the Bay of Bengal. •• The river divides itself into two distinct channels at
•• The Narmada and the Tapi flowing towards west as well Srirangam, the northern channel is called Kollidam and
the southern one retains the name Cauvery.
as several small rivers originating from the Western Ghats
flow westwards into the Arabian Sea. •• Cauvery river also forms a big delta in a quadrilateral shape.
•• Tributaries of Ganga and Yamuna such as Chambal, Subarnarekha
Betwa, Ken, Son and Damodar flow in the north-easterly •• It originates from the Ranchi plateau in Jharkhand.
direction. •• It forms the boundary between West Bengal and Orissa in
its lower course.
The East Flowing Rivers
•• Its total length is 395 km.
Mahanadi
•• It has its source in Dandakaranya near Sihawa in Raipur Brahmani
district of Chhattisgarh. •• It comes into existence by the confluence of the Koel and
•• Its upper course lies in the saucer-shaped basin called the the Sankh rivers near Rourkela in Odisha.
‘Chhattisgarh Plains’
•• It has a total length of 800 km.
•• Hirakud dam is built on this river.
•• Its main tributaries are Kura, Sankhad and Tikra.
Godavari
Penneru
•• It is the largest river system of the Peninsular India.
•• It is held in reverence as ‘Vridha Ganga’ or ‘Dakshina •• It springs from the Nandi Durg peak in Karnataka.
Ganga’ •• The total length is 597 km.
•• It has a catchment area of 312,812 sq km which covers •• The principal tributaries are the Jayamangli, the Kunderu,
about 10% of the area of India. the Chitravari, the Papagani and the Cheyyeru.
G-138 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

The West Flowing Rivers Mahi

Narmada •• It rises in the Vindhyan range and debouches into the Gulf
of Khambhat.
•• It is the largest of all the west flowing rivers of the
•• Its length is 533 km.
Peninsula.
•• It drains an area of 34,862 sq km.
•• It rises from the Amarkantak plateau in Shahdol district of
•• The main tributaries are Som, Anas and Panam.
Madhya Pradesh.
•• Mahi river cuts tropic of cancer twice.
•• It flows through a rift valley between the Vindhyan Range
on the north and the Satpura range on the south. Luni (or the Salt River)
•• The Dhuandhar (Clouds of Mist) falls is formed by the •• Its water is brackish below Balotra.
Narmada river in Jabalpur. •• Its source lies to the west of Ajmer (Rajasthan) in the
•• It makes an estuary studded with several islands. Aliabet Aravallis.
is the largest island. •• The river is known as the Sagarmati in its upper course
•• The Sardar Sarovar Project has been constructed on this and from Govindgarh, where Sarsuti joins it, becomes
river. Luni. Finally, it is lost in the Rann of Kachchh.
Tapi (or Tapti)
Inland Drainage
•• It is the second largest west flowing river of the Indian
peninsula. Some rivers of India do not reach upto the sea and constitute
•• It is also known as ‘the twin’ or of the Narmada. inland drainage. These rivers are mostly present in the drier
•• It originates from Multai in Betul district of Madhya regions of the country like Western Rajasthan, Ladakh and
Pradesh. Aksai Chin etc. Ghaggar river is the most important example
of inland drainage. it is a seasonal stream rising from the
Sabarmati lower slopes of Himalayas and is said to flow on the dried
•• This 320 km long river is the name given to the combined bed of ancient river Saraswati. It forms boundary between
streams-the Sabar and the Hathmati. Punjab and Haryana for much of its length and gets subsumed
•• It rises from the hills of Mewar in the Aravalli Range. in Rajasthan desert. Another such river is Luni, which is the
Its tributaries are Hatmati, Sedhi, Wakul, Meshwa, largest river of Rajasthan. It originates near Pushkar and flows
Vatrak etc. South-West of Aravalis till it reaches Rann of Kutch.

Famous Cities and River Banks

City River City River City River
Allahabad At the confluence Ferozpur Satluj Mathura Yamuna
of the Ganga and Guwahati Brahmaputra Nasik Godavari
Yamuna (Sangam) Hardwar Ganga Patna Ganga
Agra Yamuna Hyderabad Musi Panjim Mandavi
Ayodhya Saryu Jabalpur Narmada Srinagar Jhelum
Ahmedabad Sabarmati Jamshedpur Swarnarekha Surat Tapti
Badrinath Alaknanda Jaunpur Gomti Sambalpur Mahanadi
Bareilly Ram Ganga Kanpur Ganga Serirangapatam Cauvery
Cuttack Mahandadi Kota Chambal Tiruchurapalli Cauvery
Curnool Tungabhadra Kolkata Hooghly Ujjain Kshipra
Delhi Yamuna Lucknow Gomti Vijayawada Krishna
Dibrugarh Brahmaputra Ludhiana Sutlej Varanasi Ganga

Annual yield of water

River Contribution (%)
Brahmaputra 33.8
Ganga 25.2
Godavari 6.4
Indus 4.3
Mahanadi 3.6
Krishna 3.4
Narmada 2.9
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-139

List of the Projects, State, Location and their Purpose

S. No. Name of the Project Location State Purpose
1 Nagarjuna Sagar multi-purpose River Krishna Andhra Pradesh Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
Project
2 Pochampad Project River Godavari Andhra Pradesh Irrigation
3 Lower Sileru Project River Sileru (Godavari) Andhra Pradesh Hydroelectricity
4 Kakrapar Project River Tapi Gujarat Irrigation
5 Kothagudem Project Singareni Coalfields Andhra Pradesh Thermal power
6 Kosi Project River Kosi Bihar Flood Control, Irrigation,
Hydroelectricity
7 Gandak Project River Gandak Uttar Pradesh. Bihar Irrigation, Hydroetectricity
8 Dhuvaran Power Station Kheda District Gujarat Thermal Power
9 Sabarigiri (Pamba Kakki) Project River Pamba-Kakki Kerala Hydroelectricity
10 Idukki Project Rivers Periyar, Kerala Hydroelectricity
Cheruthoni, Idukki
11 Chambal Project River Chambal Rajasthan, Madhya Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
Pradesh
12 Tawa Project River Tawa (Narmada) Madhya Pradesh Irrigation
13 Korba Project Near Korba Coalfields Chhattisgarh Thermal Power
14 Satpura Power Station Patharkada Coalfields Madhya Pradesh Thermal Power
15 Koyna Project River Koyna Maharashtra Hydroelectricity
16 Nagpur Power Station Koradi, near Nagpur city Maharashtra Thermal Power
17 Tungabhadra Multi-purpose River Tungabhadra Karnataka, Andhra Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
Project Pradesh
18 Upper Krishna Project River Krishna Karnataka Irrigation
19 Sharavathi Project River Sharavathi, Near Jog Karnataka Hydroelectricity
Falls
20 Hirakund multi-purpose Project River Mahanadi Odisha Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
21 Mahanadi Delta Project River Mahanadi Odisha Irrigation
22 Bhakra Nangal Multi-purpose River Sutlej Himachal Pradesh, Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
Project Punjab. Haryana
23 Rajasthan Canal Project River Sutlej in Punjab Rajasthan, Headworks Irrigation
in Punjab
24 Kundah Project River Kundah Tamil Nadu Hydroelectricity
25 Ramganga Multipurpose Project Chuisot Stream near Kalagarh Uttarakhand Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
26 Matatila Multipurpose Project River Betwa Uttar Pradesh. Madhya Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
Pradesh
27 Rihand Scheme River Rihand Uttar Pradesh Hydroelectricity
28 Damodar Valley Project River Damodar Jharkhand, Shared with Flood Control, Irrigation
West Bengal
29 Ukai Project River Tapi Gujarat Irrigation
30 Mahi Project River Mahi Gujarat Irrigation
31 Ghataprabha Project River Ghataprabha Andhra Pradesh and Irrigation
Karnataka
32 Bhima Project River Bhima Maharashtra Irrigation
33 Sardar Sarovar Project River Narmada Gujarat and Madhya Irrigation and Hydroelectricity
Pradesh
34 Bansagar Project River Son Madhya Pradesh, Irrigation
Chhattisgarh
35 Dul Hasti Project River Chenab Jammu and Kashmir Hydroelectricity
G-140 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

36 Salal Project River Chenab Jammu and Kashmir Hydroelectricity

37 Their Dam Project River Ravi Punjab Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
38 Malaprabha Project River Malaprabha Karnataka Irrigation
39 Jayakwadi Project River Godavari Maharashtra Irrigation
40 Beas Project River Beas Punjab and Haryana Hydroelectricity
41 Sharda Sahayak River Ghaghra Uttar Pradesh Irrigation
42 Mayurakshi Project River Mayurkhsi West Bengal Irrigation, Hydroelectricity
43 Rana Pratap Sagar project River Chambal Rajasthan Hydroelectricity
44 Mettur Project River Cauvery Tamil Nadu Hydroelectricity
45 Pallivasal Project River Munnar Abuja Kerala Hydroelectricity
46 Papanasam Project River Thamirabarani Tamil Nadu Hydroelectricity
47 Loktak Project Lake Loktak Manipur Hydroelectricity
48 Tehri Project River Bhagirathi (Ganga) Uttarakhand Hydroelectricity
49 Farakka Project Ganga West Bengal Irrigation
50 Daman Ganga River Daman Ganga Gujarat Irrigation and River Link
51 Gima Project River Gima (Tributary of Maharashtra Irrigation and River Link
Tapi)
52 Pamba Project River Pamba Kerala River Conservation and Irrigation
53 Tapovan-Vishnugarh River Alaknanda Uttarakhand Hydroelectricity
54 Omkareshwar River Narmada Madhya Pradesh Hydropower and Irrigation

Rivers and Disputing States

River Disputing States

Krishna Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
Godavari Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka
Cauvery Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
Narmada Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra
Mahadayi/mandovi Goa and Karnataka
Vansadhara Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Ravi and Beas Punjab and Haryana
Mullaperiyar Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Important Falls in India

Water Fall Height in Meters River Location

Kunchikal falls 455 Varahi Karnataka
Langshiang falls 337 Kynshi Meghalaya

Nohkalikai falls 335 — Meghalaya

Nohshgithiang 315 — Meghalaya
Dudhzagar falls 310 Mandovi Goa
Kynoem falls 305 — Meghalaya
Meenmutty falls 300 Karimpuzha Kerala
Thalaiyar falls 297 Majjalar Tamil Nadu
Barkana falls 259 Sita Karnataka
Barchipani falls 399 Budhabalanga Orissa
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-141

Lakes of India
Wular Lake Jammu & Kashmir Bhim Tal Uttarakhand
Lonar Maharashtra Sambhar Rajasthan
Kolleru Andhra Pradesh Sukhna Chandigarh
Loktak Manipur Parashuram Kund Arunachal Pradesh
Dal Lake Jammu & Kashmir Pongong Tso Jammu & Kashmir
Naini Tal Uttarakhand Tso Morari Jammu & Kashmir
Salt Lake Kolkata Nakki Lake Rajasthan
Chilka Odisha Pushkar Lake Rajasthan
Pulicut Andhra Pradesh Udaipur Lake Rajasthan
Vembanad Kayal Kerala Upper & Lower Lake Bhopal, MP
Ashtamudi Kerala Nizam Sagar Hyderabad

Main Rivers and their Tributaries

Rivers Left Bank Tributaries Right Bank Tributaries
Indus Zaskar, Panjnad, Nubra Shyok, Gilgit, Kabul
Mahanadi Ib, Mand, Hasdo, Sheonath Ong, Jonk, Tel
Godavari Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga, indravati and Sabari Manjira
Krishna Bhima, Doni, Musi, Muneru Malprabha, Ghatprabha, Tungabhadra
Cauvery Herangi, Hemavati, Lokpavani, Srimsha and Arkavati Laksmantirtha, Kabani, Suvarnavati, Bhavani and Amaravati
Narmada Burhner, Banjar, Sher, Shakkar, Towa and Kundi Hiran, Barna, Kolar
Tapi Sipra, Kapra, Khursi, Mona, Girna, Bori, Amaravati Purna, Betul, Patki, Suki, More, Arunavati, Gomai
Ganga Gomati, Ghanghara, Gandak, Burhi Gandak and Kosi Yamuna, Son, Punpun
Yamuna Tons Chambal, Sind, Betwa, ken

Difference between the Himalayan & the Peninsular River

S. No. Aspects Himalayan River Peninsular River

1 Place of Origin Himalayan Mountain covered with glaciers Peninsular Plateau & Central highland
2 Nature Perennial Seasonal
3 Type of Antecedent & consequent leading to dendritic Super imposed, rejuvenated resulting in trellis,
Drainage pattern in plains radial & rectangular patterns
4 Basins Very large basins Relatively smaller basin
5 Depth & Rivers form deep vallays & gorges in their River valleys are often shallow
Valleys source areas
6 Flow of water Cause much erosion & have great flow of water Create much less erosion & also have weaken flow
of water.
7 Irrigation Irrigate the northern plains Irrigate the Deccan Plateau.
8 Stage Young & active Old rivers with graded profile.

Longest Rivers Flowing in India

River Length (km) River Length (km)
Ganga 2510 Krishna 1400
Godavari 1465 Yamuna 1376
Sutlej 1440 Narmada 1289
G-142 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

Exercise - 1
1. With reference to, the river Luni, which one of the 9. One of the states through which the Tropic of Cancer
following statements is correct? passes is
(a) It flows into Gulf of Khambhat (a) Jammu and Kashmir (b) Himachal Pradesh
(b) It flows into Gulf of Kutch (c) Bihar (d) Jharkhand
(c) It flows into Pakistan and merges with a tributary of 10. The rocks in the Himalayan system are mainly
Indus (a) sedimentary (b) igneous
(d) It is lost in the marshy land of the Rann of Kutch (c) plutonic (d) dyke
2. The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in 11. The highest peak in Indian territory is K2. In which range
Tibet and flow through narrow and parallel mountain ranges is it located ?
in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a (a) Central Himalayas (b) Trans-Himalayas
(c) Karakoram Range (d) Kumaun Himalayas
“U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due
12. The territorial waters of India extend up to
to
(a) 12 nautical miles (b) 6 nautical miles
(a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series
(c) 15 nautical miles (d) 10 nautical miles
(b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas
13. Where is the Maikal range situated ?
(c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded (a) Rajasthan (b) Jammu and Kashmir
mountain chains (c) Chhattisgarh (d) Tamil Nadu
(d) Both (a) and (b) 14. Which of the following rivers flows through a rift valley?
3. The tributary of Indus which does not flow through Pakistan (a) Ganga (b) Narmada
is (c) Brahmaputra (d) Krishna
(a) Ravi (b) Beas 15. What is the most important characteristic of the islands
(c) Sutlej (d) Chenab (Indian) located in the Arabian Sea?
4. Which one of the following sections of Himalaya is the (a) They are all very small in size
longest? (b) They are all of coral origin
(a) Punjab Himalaya (b) Kumaon Himalaya (c) They have a very dry climate
(c) Assam Himalaya (d) Nepal Himalaya (d) They are extended parts of the mainland
5. Which one of the following physiographic units has been 16. Which area in India has an internal type of drainage ?
created by both exogenic and endogenic forces? (a) Central Himalayas
(a) The Peninsular plateau (b) Tamil Nadu
(b) The Thar desert (c) Chhota Nagpur plateau
(c) The Indo-Gangetic Plain (d) Western Rajasthan
(d) The Himalayas 17. Which one is not an important characteristic of the
6. Which of the following is the main difference between the Himalayan rivers ?
Western and Eastern Ghats? (a) They have a great capacity for erosion
(a) Height (b) They have a perennial flow
(c) They do not form gorges
(b) Continuity
(d) Many of them have their sources in the inner
(c) Proximity to the coast
Himalayas
(d) Vegetation
18. Most rivers flowing west from the Western Ghats do not
7. Which of the following is not true with regard to the coastal
form deltas because of
plains of India? (a) lack of eroded material
(a) The west coast has a narrow alluvial margin (b) the high gradient
interspersed by hilly terrain (c) lack of vegetation-free area
(b) The eastern coast has a wide plain with well developed (d) low velocity
deltas of the major rivers 19. The Thar Desert is believed to be expanding. The most
(c) The west coast has little indentation except towards suitable way to check it would be by
the south (a) afforestation
(d) The west and east coasts have the same alluvial (b) artificial rain
features (c) canal irrigation
8. Most of the rivers flowing west-ward from the Western (d) using the area for cattle-rearing
Ghats do not form deltas because 20. Rivers that pass through Himachal Pradesh are :
(a) of the high gradient (a) Beas and Chenab only
(b) they are too slow (b) Beas and Ravi only
(c) they are not perennial (c) Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej only
(d) there is no vegetation (d) Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Satlej and Yamuna
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-143

21. Which one of the following is not a lagoon? 30. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
(a) Ashtamudi lake (b) Chilka lake matched ?
(c) Periyar lake (d) Pulicat lake (a) Indus : Shyok
22. Which of the following industrial towns is located on the (b) Ganga : Gandak
Chhotanagpur plateau. (c) Godavari : Musi
(a) Bhilai (b) Ranchi (d) Krishna : Tungabhadra
(c) Asansol (d) Durgapur
31. Where is the Nanda Devi peak located ?
23. In the rough outline map of a part of Jammu and Kashmir
(a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Uttarakhand
shown in the figure, palces marked a, b, c, d represent
respectively : (c) Sikkim (d) Nepal
32. The river Sone is a tributary of which one of the following
rivers ?
(a) Ganga (b) Yamuna
d (c) Narmada (d) Mahanadi
a b
33. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of
c
passes when one travels along the Himalayas from Kashmir
to Sikkim?
Himachal
Pradesh (a) Zozila-Nathula-Shipkila
(b) Nathula-Shipkila-Zozila
(a) Anantnag, Baramula, Srinagar and Kargil (c) Nathula-Zozila-Shipkila
(b) Baramula, Srinagar, Kargil and Anantnag (d) Zozila-Shipkila-Nathula
(c) Baramula, Srinagar, Anantnag and Kargil 34. From West to East, which one of the following is the
(d) Srinagar, Baramula, Kargil and Anantnag correct sequence of Hills?
24. Out of the four southern States: Andhra Pradesh, (a) Mahadeo Hills—Maikala Hills—Garhjat Hills
Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which shares (b) Mahadeo Hills—Garhjat Hills—Maikala Hills
boundaries with the maximum number of Indian States? (c) Maikala Hills—Mahadeo Hills—Garhjat Hills
(a) Andhra Pradesh only (d) Maikala Hills—Garhjat Hills—Mahadeo Hills
(b) Karnataka only 35. The Tropic of Cancer passes through which one of the
(c) Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka following?
(d) Each of Tamil Nadu and Kerala (a) Assam (b) Manipur
25. Which one of the following is the largest canal ? (c) Mizoram (d) Nagaland
(a) Sharda Canal (b) Lower Ganga Canal 36. Port Blair-the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is
(c) Upper Ganga Canal (d) Yamuna Canal (West) located in which one of the following islands?
26. The ‘Chilka lake region’ lies in between the deltas of: (a) North Andaman (b) Little Andaman
(a) Ganga and Mahanadi (c) Middle Andaman (d) South Andaman
(b) Godavari and Krishna 37. The Tibetan river ‘Tsangpo’ enters India through the state
(c) Mahanadi and Godavari of:
(d) Krishna and Cauvery (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Assam
27. Which one of the following Indian States does not border (c) Manipur (d) Nagaland
Bangladesh? 38. Which one of the following does not characterise the
(a) Assam (b) Manipur Himalayas?
(c) Mizoram (d) Tripura (a) Various parallel ranges of the Himalayas form a
28. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? convex arc
River Tributary (b) There exist syntaxial bends at both the terminals of
(a) Yamuna : Betwa the Himalayas
(b) Ganga : Sone (c) Indus, Sutlej and Brahmaputra rivers are examples
(c) Mahanadi : Wardha of antecedent drainage
(d) Godavari : Manjra (d) The Himalayas are wider in the east than in the west
29. From north to south, which one of the following is the 39. Which among the following statements provides the best
correct sequence of the given hills? evidence that a river is flowing through a rift valley?
(a) Kaimur Hills — Mahadeo Hills — Satmala Hills (a) The Chambal valley is marked by bad land topography
(b) Mahadeo Hills — Kaimur Hills — Satmala Hills (b) River Tapi does not have Delta but Estuary only
(c) Kaimur Hills — Satmala Hills — Mahadeo Hills (c) River Mahanadi flows through a gorge at Satkosia
(d) Mahadeo Hills — Satmala Hills — Kaimur Hills (d) River Colorado has the Grand Canyon along its valley
G-144 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

40. The Narmada river in the Peninsular plateau flows 52. Which of the following Indian stats does not have a
westward with a remarkably straight channel. It is because common International border with Bangladesh?
the (a) Manipur (b) West Bengal
(a) slope gradient in this part controls the river channel (c) Tripura (d) Asom
pattern 53. 28.38° N and 77.12° E are the respective latitude and
(b) river carries a huge amount of water which has created longitude of which one of the following places?
a straight channel course (a) Jaipur (b) Delhi
(c) river forms the boundary between the Central (c) Lucknow (d) Allahabad
Highlands and the Deccan Plateau 54. Which one of the following rivers flows into the Arabian
(d) river flows through the trough of a rift valley inclined Sea?
westward
(a) Indravati (b) Godavari
41. The reservoir GB Pant Sagar is located on which river?
(c) Cauvery (d) Narmada
(a) Betwa (b) Ghaghara
55. Madhya Pradesh shares its border with how many States?
(c) Kosi (d) Rihand
42. River Luni originates near Pushkar and drains into which (a) 3 (b) 4
one of the following? (c) 5 (d) 6
(a) Rann of Kachchh (b) Arbian Sea 56. Match the following
(c) Gulf of Cambay (d) Lake Sambhar List l List II
43. Which one of the following states has built the famous (Multi purpose River Projects) (Hydel Power Station)
Gandhi Sagar across the Chambal River? A. Rihand 1. Hirakund
(a) Rajasthan (b) Maharashtra
B. Gandak 2. Balmikinagar
(c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Madhya Pradesh
44. What is ‘Operation Kolleru’ that was recently in the news? C. Chambal 3. Pipri
(a) A massive river linkage project D. Mahanadi 4. Kota

(b) A project to improve a wetland
Codes :
(c) A project to supply drinking water to a mega city
(d) A rural drinking water supply scheme of a southern A B C D
state (a) 3 4 2 1
45. In the Cauvery River water dispute, which one of the (b) 1 2 4 3
following groups of states are concerned? (c) 3 2 4 1
(a) Kerala and Karnataka only (d) 1 4 2 3
(b) Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra 57. Which one of the following is the oldest mountain range
(c) Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Union Terrtory in India?
of Puducherry (a) Himalayas (b) Aravalli
(d) Kerala, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (c) Satpura (d) Nilgiri
46. Which waterway separates India from Sri Lanka? 58. Which one of the following longitudes determines the
(a) 8° Channel Indian standard time?
(b) Palk Strait
(a) 85.5° E (b) 86.5° E
(c) 10° Channel
(c) 84.5° E (d) 82.5° E
(d) Andaman Sea
47. Which one of the following peaks is the highest? 59. The hill range that separates the State of Manipur from
(a) Nanda Devi (b) Kanchenjunga the State of Nagaland is known as
(c) Godwin Austin (d) Nanga Parbat (a) Arakan hills (b) Patkai hills
48. With which one of the following countries, India shares (c) Barail hills (d) Manipur hills
maximum length of the border? 60. The channel separating the Andaman Island from the
(a) Bangladesh (b) Pakistan Nicobar Islands is known as
(c) China (d) Nepal (a) Coco channel (b) 10° channel
49. Which of the following tributaries of the Ganga System (c) Duncan passage (d) somboraro channel
flows Northwards? 61. Which is the correct arrangement of the following rivers
(a) Kosi (b) Ghaghara from North to South?
(c) Gandak (d) Sone (a) Godavari, Penner, Cauveri, Periyar
50. The city of Nasik is situated on the bank of which one of
(b) Penner, Godavari, Periyar, Cauveri
the following rivers?
(c) Godavari, Cauveri, Penner, Periyar
(a) Krishna (b) Mandovi
(c) Godavari (d) Tapti (d) Cauveri, Godavari, Periyar, Penner
51. Rihand Valley Project is located in which one of the 62. Which one of the following places is not located on the
following states? bank of river Ganga?
(a) Odisha (b) Gujarat (a) Uttarkashi (b) Kanpur
(c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Uttar Pradesh (c) Fatehpur (d) Bhagalpur
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-145

63. Which among the following states of India have common 75. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of
borders with Pakistan? passes when one travels along the Himalayas from Kashmir
(a) Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and to Sikkim?
Rajasthan (a) Zozila-Nathula-Shipkila
(b) Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat (b) Nathula-Shipkila-Zozila
(c) Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan (c) Nathula-Zozila-Shipkila
(d) Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan (d) Zozila-Shipkila-Nathula
64. Which of the following three rivers of the peninsula India 76. Which one among the following peaks is the highest?
have the Amarkantak region as their source? (a) Dhaula Giri (b) Namcha Barwa
(a) Narmada, Krishna Godavari (c) Nanda Devi (d) Nanga Parvat
(b) Son, Mahanadi, Narmada 77. From West to East, which one of the following is the
(c) Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery correct sequence of Hills?
(d) Chambal. Betwa, Luni (a) Mahadeo Hills—Maikala Hills—Garhjat Hills
65. Which one among the following rivers does not flow into (b) Mahadeo Hills—Garhjat Hills—Maikala Hills
the Bay of Bengal? (c) Maikala Hills—Mahadeo Hills—Garhjat Hills
(a) Mahanadi (b) Cauveri (d) Maikala Hills—Garhjat Hills—Mahadeo Hills
(c) Tapti (d) Godavari 78. The Tropic of Cancer passes through which one of the
66. The country that shares longest border with India is following?
(a) China (b) Bangladesh (a) Assam (b) Manipur
(c) Nepal (d) Pakistan (c) Mizoram (d) Nagaland
67. Amarkantak plateau in the Maikal hills marks the origin 79. Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric project is on which river ?
of the river (a) Godavari (b) Sharavati
(a) Gandak (b) Chambal (c) Cauvery (d) Krishna
(c) Narmada (d) Ghaggar 80. Indian Standard Time refers to the local time of which one
68. Which one among the following states does not form part of the following places in India?
of the Narmada basin ? (a) Allahabad (b) Bhopal
(a) Madhya Pradesh (b) Gujrat (c) Delhi (d) Lucknow
(c) Rajasthan (d) Maharashtra 81. Which one of the following rivers flow between Vindhyan
69. Match the following and Satpura ranges?
(a) Narmada (b) Son
List I List II
(c) Mahe (d) Netravati
(Hydroelectric power station) (Location in map)
82. Amravati, Bhavani, Hemavati and Kabini are tributaries
A. Nagarjuna Sagar of which one of the following rivers?
B. Mettur (a) Mahanadi (b) Godavari
.4
C. Hirakund 2.
.3 (c) Kaveri (d) Krishna
D. Sileru 1. 83. The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through
(a) Orissa (b) Tripura
Codes : (c) Chhattisgarh (d) Rajasthan
A B C D 84. Which one of the following mountain ranges is spread
(a) 3 4 1 2 over only one state in India?
(b) 3 1 4 2 (a) Aravalli (b) Satpura
(c) 2 1 4 3 (c) Ajanta (d) Sahyadri
(d) 2 4 1 3 85. Examine the map of Jammu and Kashmir given below:
70. Which one among the following is nearest to the Tropic The mountains ranges marked 1, 2, 3 and 4 are
of Cancer ? respectively:
(a) Patna (b) Ranchi
(c) Rourkela (d) Varanasi
71. In which one of the following states is Zojila pass located?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Sikkim
72. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) Indus : Shyok
(b) Ganga : Gandak
(c) Godavari : Musi
(d) Krishna : Tungabhadra
73. Where is the Nanda Devi peak located ?
(a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Uttarakhand
(c) Sikkim (d) Nepal
74. The river Sone is a tributary of which one of the following (a) Ladakh, Zanskar, Karakoram and Pir Panjal
rivers ? (b) Karakoram, Ladakh, Zanskar and Pir Panjal
(a) Ganga (b) Yamuna (c) Karakoram, Zanskar, Pir Panjal and Ladakh
(c) Narmada (d) Mahanadi (d) Ladakh, Pir Panjal, Karakoram and Zanskar
G-146 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

86. Which one of the following east flowing rivers of India 91. Where are Shevaroy hills located?
has rift valley due to down warping? (a) Andhra Pradesh (b) Karnataka
(a) Damodar (b) Mahanadi (c) Kerala (d) Tamil Nadu
(c) Sone (d) Yamuna 92. Out of the four southern States: Andhra Pradesh,
87. If it is 10.00 am. I.S.T., then what would be the local Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which shares
time at Shillong on 92° E longitude? boundaries with the maximum number of Indian States?
(a) 9.38 a.m. (b) 10.38 a.m. (a) Andhra Pradesh only
(c) 10.22 a.m. (d) 9.22 a.m. (b) Karnataka only
88. The correct sequence of the eastward flowing rivers of the (c) Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
peninsular India from north to south is : (d) Each of Tamil Nadu and Kerala
(a) Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, 93. Which of the following hills are found where the Eastern
Cauvery and Vagai Ghats and the Western Ghats meet?
(b) Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, (a) Anamalai Hills (b) Cardamom Hills
Cauvery and Vagai (c) Nilgiri Hills (d) Shevaroy Hills
94. Which one of the following statements is not true?
(c) Mahanadi, Subarnarekha, Godavari, Krishna,
(a) Ghaggar’s water is utilised in the Indira Gandhi
Cauvery, Pennar and Vagai
canal
(d) Mahanadi, Subarnarekha, Krishna, Godavari,
(b) Narmada rises from Amarkantak region
Cauvery, Vagai and Pennar
(c) Nizam Sagar is situated on the Manjra river
89. Among the following cities, which one is nearest to the
(d) Penganga is a tributary of the Godavari
Tropic of Cancer?
95. Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Delhi (b) Kolkata (a) The Western Ghats are relatively lower in their
(c) Jodhpur (d) Nagpur northern region.
90. Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following? (b) The Anai Mudi is the highest peak in the Western
(a) Chambal Project Ghats.
(b) Kosi Project (c) Tapi river lies to the south of Satpura.
(c) Damodar Valley Project (d) The Narmada and Tapti river valleys are said to be
(d) Bhakra Nangal Project old rift valleys.
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-147

Exercise - 2 6. Which of the following is true with regard to the

Statement Based MCQ
characteristics of the Himalayan rivers ?
1. Many of them have their sources in the inner
1. If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have
Himalays.
been the most likely geographical impact on India?
1. Much of the country would experience the cold 2. They have a perennial flow.
waves from Siberia. 3. They have a great capacity for erosion.
2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such 4. They do not form gorges.
extensive alluvial soils. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3
3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
what it is at present. 7. When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. Deep gorges
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 2. U-turn river courses
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 3. Parallel mountain ranges
2. Consider the following statements: 4. Steep gradients causing land-sliding
1. The Brahmaputra plain extends in Assam for about Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for
640 Kms from Dhubri to Sadiya. Himalayas being young fold mountains?
2. The Peninsular plateau is made up of highly denuded (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 4
rocks.
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which of the above statements is/are not correct?
8. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. A valley glacier consists of not only ice but rocks
3. Consider the following statements with regard to also.
Himalaya. 2. The largest valley glaciers in India are in the
1. Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga fall in the inner Karakoram range.
Himalaya. 3. Mountain glaciers can dig new valleys.
2. The inner Himalaya has an average altitude of 6000 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
metres. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
3. Kothri Dun and Patli Dun are longitudinal valley. (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the above statements is/are correct? 9. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 1. Ranjit Sagar Dam is on the river Beas.
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only 2. Hirakund Dam is on the river Damodar.
4. Consider the following statements about Telengana 3. The reservoir Gandhi Sagar is on the river Chambal.
1. It is a situated to the south-east of the Deccan lava Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
plateau. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only
2. It is high plateau highly denuded and dissected. (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3
3. Monadrocks are also found in the plateau.
10. Consider the following statements :
4. Its northern parts have scanty vegetation.
1. Alamatti dam is on the Cauvery river.
Choose the incorrect statements:
2. Mettur dam in on the Krishna river.
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
3. Gandhi Sagar Reservoir is on the Chambal river.
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 only
5. Which of the following are true with respect to the Indian Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Peninsular Plateau? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
1. The southern plateau block is formed mainly of (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
granites and gneiss. 11. Identify from the following states of India through which
2. The Deccan lava plateau is an elevated tableland the Tropic of Cancer passes and arrange them from East
consisting of horizontally arranged lavasheets. to West.
3. The Malwa plateau dominates the Vindhyan scarps 1. Gujarat 2. West Bengal
forming the northern flank of the plateau. 3. Uttar Pradesh 4. Jharkhand
4. The troughs of the Narmada and the Tapti are 5. Madhya Pradesh 6. Bihar
interposed between the Vindhyan and the Satpura 7. Chhattisgarh
ranges Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 (a) 2-5-7-4-1 (b) 2-4-7-5-1
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 3-2-6-7-5 (d) 3-7-4-6-2
G-148 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

12. Which of the following statements is/are true? 19. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(I) Longitudes of Jabalpur’s location is between those Rivers Major Tributaries
of Indore and Bhopal. (a) Godavari: Pairi, Hasdo, Tel
(II) Latitude of Aurangabad’s location is between those (b) Maha: Puma, Penganga, Wain ganga
of Vadodara and Pune (c) Krishna: Manjra, Dudhana, Indravati
(III) Bangalore is situated more south ward than Chennai. (d) Cauvery: Kabani, Hemavati, Amaravati
(a) I and III (b) only II 20. Consider the following statements :
(c) II and III (d) I, II and III 1. Alamatti dam is on the Cauvery river.
13. Tank irrigation is practised mainly in Peninsular India 2. Mettur dam in on the Krishna river.
because 3. Gandhi Sagar Reservoir is on the Chambal river.
1. undulating relief and hard rocks make it difficult to Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
dig canals and wells (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
2. rivers are rainfed (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 3 only
3. of compact nature of population and agricultural 21. Consider the following rivers:
fields 1. Betwa
Select the correct answer using the codes given below 2. Kosi
Codes 3. Gandak
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 Which of the above join(s) Yamuna river?
(c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
14. Which of the following statements about Nathu la Pass (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3
are correct? 22. Identify from the following states of India through which
1. It links Sikkim with Tibet. the Tropic of Cancer passes and arrange them from East
2. It was the main artery of the ancient Silk Route. to West.
3. It was reopened in the year 2006. 1. Gujarat 2. West Bengal
Select the correct answer using the codes given below 3. Uttar Pradesh 4. Jharkhand
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 5. Madhya Pradesh 6. Bihar
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 7. Chhattisgarh
15. Which of the following is/are West flowing river(s) of Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
India? (a) 2-5-7-4-1 (b) 2-4-7-5-1
1. Mahanadi 2. Krishna (c) 3-2-6-7-5 (d) 3-7-4-6-2
3. Narmada 4. Cauvery 23. Consider the following statements:
Select the correct answer using the codes given below 1. Longitude of Jabalpur’s location is between those of
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 2 and 3 Indore and Bhopal.
(c) Only 3 (d) 1 and 3 2. Latitude of Aurangabad’s location is between those
16. Arrange the following features formed by rivers in its of Vadodara and Pune.
course starting from upstream: 3. Bangalore is situated more southward than Chennai
1. Meanders 2. Falls Which of these statements is/are correct?
3. Delta 4. Oxbow Lake (a) 1 and 3 (b) Only 2
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 2 – 1 – 3 – 4 (b) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3 24. Consider the following pairs:
(c) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 (d) 1 – 4 – 2 – 3 Tributary River Main River
17. Arrange the following tributaries of river Indus from 1. Chambal Narmada
North to South : 2. Sone Yamuna
1. Chenab 2. Jhelum 3. Manas Brahmaputra
3. Ravi 4. Sutlej Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) l and 2 only
(a) 4-3-1-2 (b) 2-3-1-4 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only
(c) 1-2-3-4 (d) 2-1-3-4 25. The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other
18. Consider the following statements: large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
1. Ranjit Sagar Dam is on the river Beas. 1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
2. Hirakund Dam is on the river Damodar. 2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
3. The reservoir Gandhi Sagar is on the river Chambal. 3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) None
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-149

31. Match the following.

Matching Based MCQ
List I List II
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 26 to 37) : Match List-I with List-II (River) (Source)
and select the correct answer using the codes given below A. Ganga 1. Amarkantak
the lists.
B. Sone 2. Gaumukh
26. List-I List-II
C. Godavari 3. Mahabaleshwar
(A) Mahanadi (1) Manjra
(B) Godavari (2) Orisan D. Krishna 4. Trimbakeshwer
(C) Narmada (3) Aner Codes :
(D) Tapi (4) Ib A B C D
(a) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 3 ; D – 2 (a) 1 2 4 5
(b) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3 (b) 2 1 3 4
(c) A – 4 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 3
(c) 4 3 1 2
(d) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 3 ; D – 4
27. List-I List-II (d) 2 1 4 3
(A) Krishna (1) Chambal 32. Match the following
(B) Brahmaputra (2) Indravati List I List II
(C) Godavari (3) Tisha (River) (Tributary)
(D) Yamuna (4) Bhima
A. Ganga 1. Chambal and Ken
(a) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1
(b) A – 3 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 2 B. Indus 2. Wainganga and Indravati
(c) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 1 ; D – 2 C. Yamuna 3. Chenab and Sutlej
(d) A – 3 ; B – 4 ; C – 2 ; D – 1 D.Godavari 4. Gomti and Kosi

28. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Codes :
River City
A B C D
A. Gomati Lucknow (a) 4 1 3 2
B. Sarya Ayodhya (b) 4 3 1 2
C. Alakananda Badrinath (c) 2 1 3 4
D. Narmada Satna (d) 2 3 1 4
33. Match list I with List II and select the correct answer
29. Match the following
using the codes given below the lists:
List I List II
List I List II
River Tributary
(Peak) (State)
A. Brahamaputra 1. Musi A. Dodabetta 1. Maharashtra
B. Krishna 2. Tawa B. Guru Shikhar 2. Madhaya Pradesh
C. Narmada 3. Bhavani C. Kalsubai 3. Tamil Nadu
D. Cauveri 4. Dikhow D. Dhupgarh 4. Rajasthan

Codes : Codes:
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 2 1 3 (a) 3 1 4 2
(b) 4 1 2 3 (b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 3 2 1 4 (c) 3 4 1 2
(d) 3 1 2 4 (d) 2 4 1 3
30. Match the following 34. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer
List I List II using the codes given below the lists:
(Pass) (State)
List I List II
A. Zoji La Pass 1. Sikkim (Himalayan Peaks) (States)
B. Bara Lacha Pass 2. Uttarakhand A. Nanga Parbat 1. Jammu & Kashmir
C. Jelep La Pass 3. Himachal Preadesh B. Nanda Devi 2. Sikkam
C. Kanchanjunga 3. Uttarakhand

D. Niti Pass 4. Jammu and Kashmir
Codes : Codes :
A B C D A B C
(a) 4 1 3 2 (a) 1 2 3
(b) 2 3 1 4 (b) 1 3 2
(c) 4 3 1 2 (c) 2 3 1
(d) 2 1 3 4 (d) 3 1 2
G-150 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

35. Match List-I (Valley) with List-II (State) and select the List I
correct answer using the codes given below the lists: (Hill range of Central India)
List-I (Valley) List-II (State) A. Satpura
A. Markha Valley 1. Sikkim B. Mahadeo
C. Vindhya
B. Dzukou Valley 2. Himachal Pradesh D. Maikala
C. Sangla Valley 3. Jammu & Kashmir List II
D. Yumthang Valley 4. Nagaland (Location in map)
Codes :
(a) A-2; B-4; C-3; D-1
(b) A-3; B-1; C-2; D-4
(c) A-2; B-1; C-3; D-4
(d) A-3; B-4; C-2; D-1
36. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer
using the code given below the Lists :
1
List I List II
(Himalayan Peak) (State) 2 3 4
A. K2 1. Uttarakhand
B. Nanda Devi 2. Jammu & Kashmir
C. Tara Pahar 3. Sikkim
D. Kanchenjunga 4. Himachal Pradesh
Code:
A B C D
(a) 2 4 1 3 Code :
(b) 2 1 4 3 A B C D
(c) 3 1 4 2 (a) 4 3 1 2
(d) 3 4 1 2 (b) 4 1 3 2
37. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer (c) 2 1 3 4
using the code given below the Lists : (d) 2 3 1 4
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-151

EXERCISE-1 41. (d) Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar is on the Rihand River
which is the tributary of the Son River.
1. (d) Luni river originates from Aravalli range and flows
42. (a) The Luni is a river of western Rajasthan state. It
in south west direction through the hills and finally
originates in the Pushkar valley of the Aravalli
ends up in the marshy land of Rann of Kutch.
Range near Ajmer and ends in Rann of Kutch in
2. (b) Brahamputra originates near Mt. Kailash and is
Gujarat.
known to take a U turn near Mount Namcha Barwa. 43. (d) The Gandhi Sagar Dam is one of the four major
This U turn is also known as Great Bend. The U dams built on India’s Chambal River. The dam is
Turn is because of the 180° bend of the Himalayan located in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh.
structural trends. 44. (b) With a view to restoring the past glory for Kolleru
3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (d) lake, government had taken up ‘Operation Kolleru’
8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (a) 11. (c) 12. (a) on the Krishna and West Godavari district borders.
Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes
13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (b) 16. (d) 17. (c)
in India located in state of Andhra Pradesh
18. (b) 19. (a)
45. (c) Cauvery river dispute is among Kerala, Karnataka,
20. (d) Rivers like Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Yamuna Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
passes through Himachal Pradesh. 46. (b) The Palk Strait is situated between the Tamil Nadu
21. (a) Chilka, Periyar and Pulicate lake are lagoons. and the Mannar district of the Northern Province
They are formed due to separation of sea water by of Sri Lanka. It connects the Bay of Bengal in the
deposition and clay, but Ashtamudi lake is not a northeast with the Palk Bay and thence with the Gulf
lagoon. of Mannar in the southwest.
47. (c) Godwin Austen (K2) is the highest peak in the given
22. (b) 23. (c)
options. It is the world’s second tallest peak. It is
24. (c) Both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka shares
located in the Karakoram range of the Himalaya in
boundaries with maximum number of Indian states. Northern Kashmir. Its height is 8611m.
25. (d) 26. (c) 27. (b) 48. (a) Bangladesh shares longest border with India. Both
28. (c) Wardha river is a tributary of River Godavari. countries share a 4,096-kilometer) long international
29. (a) border.
30. (c) Musi is the tributary of Krishna, Panganga, 49. (d) The Son flows north-northwest through Madhya
Wanganga, Wardha, Indiravati, Pravada etc. are the Pradesh.
50. (c) Nasik is located on the banks of the Godavari.
tributaries of Godavari.
51. (d) The Rihand Dam was constructed across the Rihand
31. (b) Nanda Devi Peak (7817 m) is situated in Uttarakhand.
River near Pipri in Sonbhadra district of Mirzapur
32. (a) Ramganga, Gomit, Ghaghra, Gundak, Kosi, Son, division in 1962 for hydropower generation.
Mahananda are the tributaries of Ganga. 52. (a)
33. (d) 53. (b) The Latitude & Longitude for New Delhi are 28.38º
34. (a) From West to East the sequence of Hills : Nanda Devi N and 77.12º.
Hills — Maikala Hills — Grahjat hills 54. (d) Narmada flows into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian
35. (c) Tropic of cancer passes through Mizoram. Sea).
55. (c)
36. (d) Port Blair is the largest town and a municipal
56. (c) 1. Rihand - Pipri
council in Andaman district in the Andaman Islands
2. Gandak- Balmikinagar
and the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 3. Chambal- Kota
a Union Territory of India. It lies on the east coast 4. Mahanadi- Hirakund
of South Andaman Island and is the main entry point 57. (b) The Aravalli range are the oldest fold mountains in
to the islands. India.
37. (a) 38. (d) 58. (d) Indian Standard Time is calculated on the basis of
39. (d) The Colorado river is the primary river of the 82.5° E longitude in Shankargarh Fort Mirzapur
(Allahabad).
American Southwest. The original name of this
59. (c)
river is Rio Colorado or Red River by the Spanish. 60. (b) The Ten Degree Channel is a channel that separates
40. (d) The Narmada river (Rewa) is the fifth largest river the South Andaman and Car Nicobar in the Bay of
in the Indian subcontinent. It is third largest river Bengal.
which is completely flows in India after Ganga and 61. (a) Correct sequence is Godavari- Penner- Cauveri-
Godavari. Periyar
G-152 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

The Godavari is the second longest river in India after

the river Ganga. It originates from Western Ghats of
central India near Nasik in Maharashtra. The Penner
originates from Nandi Hills in Chikballapur District
of Karnataka. This river flows from north as well as
east corners across Andhra Pradesh. The Cauvery
originates from Western Ghats in Karnataka and
flows generally south and east through Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu. The Periyar originates from
Western Ghats range near the border with Tamil
Nadu and flows in Kerala.
62. (c) Uttarkashi is located on a confluence of two rivers
varuna and
63. (b) Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat 77. (a) Dhaulagiri is some of highest peak in great Himalaya
have common borders with Pakistan. range. Its height is approximately 8172 m. Height of
64. (b) Son, Mahanadi and Narmada rivers originate from Nanda devi is 7816 m.
Amarkantak region. 78. (a) From West to East The sequence of Hills : Nanda
65. (c) Tapti does not flow in to the Bay of Bengal. The Devi Hills — Maikala Hills — Grahjat hills
river rises in the eastern Satpura Range of southern 79. (b)
Madhya Pradesh and flows into the Gulf of Cambay 80. (a) The standard time in India is the local time of a place
of the Arabian Sea. at 82.5° E longitude near Mirzapur. This meridian
66. (b) Bangladesh shares longest border with India. India also divides India approximately into half.
and Bangladesh share a 4,096 kilometres long 81. (a)
international border. It is the fifth-longest land 82. (c) The Kaveri rises from the Brahmagiri hills in the
border in the world. Coorg district at 1,341 m above sea level and drain
67. (c) The origin of the river is a tiny reservoir named as the Maysore plateau before flowing into the plain.
Narmada Kund which is situated on the Amarkantak 83. (a) The tropic of cancer passes through tripura,
Hill in Anuppur District of East Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan states in India.
Amarkantak region is a unique natural heritage area 84. (c) Ajanta mountain range a short range, which spreads
and is the meeting point of the Vindhyas and the within Maharashtra.
Satpuras, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. – Aravali ranges covers Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi
68. (c) The Narmada River travels a distance of 1,312 km – Satpura ranges are found in Gujrat and Madhya
before it falls into Gulf of Cambay in the Arabian Pradesh.
Sea near Bharuch in Gujarat. The first 1,079 km of – Sahyadris ranges starts from Gujrat, Maharastra
its run is in Madhya Pradesh. In the next length border and crossing Goa, Karnataka. It reaches
of 35 km, the river forms the boundary between Kerala tip upto Cape Comrin.
the States of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. – Ajanta is found in the Aurangabad district of
Again, in the next length of 39 km, it forms the Maharastra.
boundarybetween Maharashtra and Gujarat. 85. (b) According to the physiography map of India the
69. (b) mountains ranges found in Jammu and Kashmir is
70. (b) Tropic of Cancer comes across Jharkhand and Karakoram which is marked as ‘1’ in figure. Ladakh
range which is marked as ‘2’, Zanskar range which
Ranchi is nearest of it.
is marked as ‘3’, and Pir Panjal which is marked as
71. (b) Zojila Pass is situated in Jasker range in Jammu
‘4’.
and Kashmir state. It passes through Srinagar-Leh
86. (a) Damodar is a east flowing river with rift valley due
National Highway.
to down warping. Down warp denotes a segment of
72. (c) Musi Rives is a tributary of the krishna River in the
the earth’s crust that is broadly bent downward.
Deccan ptaleau flowing through telangana stata in
87. (b)
India. 88. (a) The correct sequence of eastward flowing river
73. (c) of the peninsular India from north to south is
74. (b) Nanda Devi Peak (7817 m) is situated in Uttarakhand. Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna,
75. (a) Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghra, Gundak, Kosi, Son, Pennar, Cauvery and Vagai.
Mahananda are the tributaries of Ganga. 89. (b) The Tropic of Cancer located at 23.5° north.
76. (d) The correct sequence of passes given in the question Location of Kolkata is 22°33’ N. So, Kolkata is
is shown in the following diagram. nearer to Tropic of Cancer. Delhi is 28.38°N.
Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India G-153

90. (a) Gandhi Sagar Dam is situated on the river Chambal 15. (c) West flowing rivers:
in 1960, near Bhanpura of Madhya Pradesh. Narmada River(1057 km)- Rises in Amarkantak
91. (d) Shevaroy hill is situated near Salem of Tamil Plateau and flows into gulf of khambat.
Nadu. This hill range covers an area of fifty square Tapti(724 km) - Rises from Betul district in
kilometers. Maharashtra. Luni and Payaswani are also west
92. (c) Both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka shares flowing rivers.
boundaries with maximum number of Indian states. 16. (b) Falls are possible only when a river is losing
93. (c) Nilgiri hills are at the junction of the eastern and height suddenly. Next comes meanders. When a
western ghats of the Sahayadri hills. The heights river reaches flatter land,flow is slowed down and
of the hills range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 meanders are formed through erosion of the river
metres. banks and deposition on the inside of bends.
94. (a) Indira Gandhi Canal originated from Harike barrage Oxbow lake is formed when a wide meander is cut
at Sultanpur on Sutlej but Ghaggar is a tributary of off from the main river, creating a free-standing
river Saraswati, which ends in the Thar desert. body of water.
95. (a) Western Ghats are relationship higher in the Delta is formed at the mouth of a river, where the
Southern region. river flows into an ocean, sea, estuary, lake, or
reservoir.
EXERCISE-2
17. (d) The Indus River originates near the Mansarovar
1. (d) All the statements given in the question are correct. Lake in the Tibetan plateau, on the northern slopes
2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (b) of the Kailash Mountain Range. Given below are
7. (d) All are correct. the main tributaries of the Indus River from north to
8. (d) south:
9. (d) Hirakund Dam is situated on the river Mahanadi. • Jhelum
10. (d) Gandhi Sagar Reservoir on Chambal river, jointly • Chenab
• Ravi
executed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• Sutlej
11. (b)
18. (b) Hirakund Dam is situated on the river Mahanandi.
12. (c)
19. (d) Godavari is the largest in the peninsular region. It
13. (a) The tank irrigation is practised mainly in peninsular
has formed an extensive delta in Andhra Pradesh. It
India due to the following reasons: rises near Nasik in Maharashtra.
1. The undulating relief and hard rocks make it Cauvery is known as the Ganga of the South. It rises
difficult to dig canals and wells. in the Coorg district of Karnataka.
2. There is little percolation of rain water due to Krishna rises in the Western Ghat near Mahabaleshwar
hard rock structure and ground water is not and flows through Andhra Pradesh.
available in large quantity. 20. (d) Gandhi Sagar Reservoir on Chambal river, jointly
3. Most of the rivers of this region are seasonal executed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
and dry up in summer season. Therefore, they 21. (a) 22. (b)
cannot supply water to canals throughout the 23. (c) The longitude of Jabalpur’s location is to the east of
year. Bhopal, Bangalore is north of Channai.
4. There are several streams which become torrential
during rainy season. The only way to make best use 24. (d) Tributaries of Brahmaputra in India are the Manas,
Pagladiya, Puthimari, Dhanisri, Jia Bhariti and
of this water is to impound it by constructing bunds
Subansiri.
and building tanks. Otherwise this water would go
Manas is a tributary of Brahmaputra Chambal is the
waste to the sea.
chief tributary of Yammuna and sone is a tributary
5. The scattered nature of population and agricultural of Ganga.
fields also favour tank irrigation. 25. (a) 26. (c) 27. (a)
14. (a) Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas. It 28. (d) The source of the Narmada is Amarkantak in the
connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China’s Anuppur District (eastern Madhya Pradesh).
Tibet Autonomous Region. Nathu La is located 29. (b)
on the 563 km Old Silk Route, an offshoot of the 1. Brahamaputra- Dikhow
historic Silk Road. It was sealed by India after the 2. Krishna- Musi
1962 Sino-Indian War and was re-opened in 2006 3. Narmada- Tawa
following numerous bilateral trade agreements. 4. Cauveri- Bhavani
G-154 Physiography and Drainage Pattern of India

30. (c) 33. (c) Dodabetta (Tamil Nadu), Guru Shikhar (Rajasthan),
1. Zoji La Pass- Jammu and Kashmir Kalsubai (Maharashtra) and Dhupgarh (Madhya
2. Bara Lacha Pass- Himachal Pradesh Pradesh).
3. Jalep La Pass- Sikkim 34. (b) Nanga parbat (8126 m)-Jammu & Kashmir, Nanda
4. Niti pass- Uttarakhand. Devi (7817 m) – Uttrakhand and Kanchenjunga
31. (d) 1. Ganga - Gaumukh (8598 m) Sikkim.
2. Son- Amarkantak 35. (d)
3. Godavari- Trimbakeshwar 36. (b) K2-Jammu and Kashmir, Nanda Devi-Uttarakhand,
4. Krishna- Mahabaleshwar Tara Pahar-Himachal Pradesh, Kanchenjunga-
32. (b) River Tributary Sikkim.
Ganga Gomti and Kosi 37. (a)
Indus Chenab and Sutlej
Yamuna Chambal and Ken
Godavari Wainganga and Indravati
SOIL, NATURAL VEGETATION,
WILDLIFE AND AGRICULTURE
9
OF INDIA Chapter

Introduction
Soil is the mixture of rock debris and organic materials which develop on the earth’s surface. Soil forms different layers of
particles of different sizes. A vertical section that shows different layers of soil is called a Soil Profile. Each layer is called a
Horizon.

Soil

Descripition & Major soils of

Soil formation
Composition India

Black Black Red & Laterite Arid & Saline & Peaty & Forest &
Yellow Semi-Arid Alkaline Marshy Mountain
Weathering
Humification
Translocation
Eluviation
Illuviation
Calcification
Decalcification
Salinisation
Desilication
Basic Facts proportions of aluminium, calcium, sodium, iron and
magnesium. But they play no important role in sustaining
• Soil formation process is called pedogenesis and the
plant or animal life.
scientific study of soils is known as pedology.
• Under the soil layer are gravels of parent rock and • Secondary minerals - clay minerals, mineral oxides,
concretions formed by the accumulation of leached etc. are essential for soil development and for soil
materials collectively known as sub-soil. fertility.
• There are two classes of minerals abundant in soils. • The nature of the clay minerals in a soil determines its
Primary minerals and Secondary minerals. base status. If the clay minerals can hold abundant base
• Primary minerals are mostly silicate minerals- ions, the soil is of high base status and generally will be
compounds of silicon and oxygen, with varying highly fertile, and vice versa.
G-156 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

Soil Forming Processes – The transformation of rocks into Difference between Khadar and Bhangar
soil is called soil formation.
The fundamental & specific process of soil formation are as Khadar Bhangar
follows – (i) khadar is the newer and Bhangar is the older
1. Weathering - the process that results in the break down younger deposits of the alluvium. It forms the
and chemical changes of the parent rocks in situ. flood plains largest part of the Northern
2. Humification - It is the process of transformation of plains
raw organic matter into humus. It helps in formation of (ii) This type of alluvial soil Bhangar found in higher
surface layer. found in the lower levels in up in the plains at river
3. Translocation - It refers to the material movement the plains near the rivers. terraces away from rivers
within the solid body. Two process of translocation are
(iii) It is loamy and porous soil. It is clayey and non-porous
eluviation and illuviation.
4. Eluviation - the downward transport of fine particles, soil
particularly the clays and colloids, from the uppermost (iv) It is more fertile than It is less fertile than khadar
part of the soil. Bhangar as new layers are as it is not renewed.
5. Illuviation - the accumulation of materials that are deposited year after year
brought downward, in the underlying zone. during monsoonal floods
6. Calcification – occurs in dry regions where due to lack (v) It is pale brown, sandy It is generally dark coloured
of excessive moisture, the soil accumulates considerable clays & loams, more dry & & of a more clayey
amount of soluble materials of calcium carbonate and leached less calcareous & composition.
magnesium in some part of soil profile. carbonaceous
7. Decalcification - the leaching of calcium carbonate from
the entire soil. It general1y happens in moist climates. (ii) Black soils
8. Salinisation or alkalisation takes place in the case of • They are also known as ‘Regur’ and ‘Black cotton’ soils.
extreme evaporation where soluble salts or sodium salts • They are spread over 5.46 Lakh sq km (16.6%) of the
accumulate on the soil surface as a result of the capil1ary total geographical area of the country.
action of water from a water table. • The black colour of these soils has been attributed to the
9. Desilication - In this process, silica, together with presence of a small proportion of titaniferous magnetite
many bases, is removed from a soil profile by intense or even to iron and black constituents of the parent rock.
weathering and leaching. It leads to development of • The black soil is very retentive of moisture. It swells
ferralsol soils. Desilicified soils are known as ferralsols. greatly and become sticky when wet in rainy season,
and shrink when dried in dry season and develop wide
Major Soil Groups of India
cracks. Thus, there occurs a kind of ‘self ploughing’.
(i) Alluvial Soil • They contain lime, iron, magnesium, alumina and potash
• It covers about 15 lakh sq km (45.6%) of the total land but lack phosphorous, nitrogen, organic matter and humus.
area of the country. • Generally, the black soils of uplands are of low fertility
• It contributes largest share of our agricultural wealth. but they are darker, deeper and richer in the valleys.
• It is yet immature and has weak profiles. (iii) Red and Yellow Soils
• It is rich in potash, phosphoric acid, lime and organic • Most of the red soils have come into existence due to
matter but deficient in nitrogen and humus contents. It is weathering of ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks.
one of the most fertile in the world.
• The soil develops a reddish colour due to a wide diffusion
• It is found in river plains and also along with the coastal of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. It looks
regions of India. Its extent is from Punjab in west to west yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.
Bengal & Assam in the east.
• It covers about 3.5 lakh sq km (l0.6%) of the total
• It is divided mainly into younger Khadar and older
geographical area of the country.
Bhangar soils.
• The red soils are poor in lime, magnesia, phosphates
• Khadar soils are found in the low areas of valley bottom
nitrogen and humus, but are fairly rich in potash.
which are flooded almost every year.
• They are lying on the periphery of the peninsular plateau.
• The Bhangar is found on the higher areas of the flood
• They are not retentive of moisture.
plains. A few metres below the surface of the bhangar
are beds of lime nodules known as Kankar. (iv) Laterite soils
• Along the Shiwalik foothills, there are alluvial fans • Derives from Latin word ‘Laterite’ meaning ‘brick’.
having coarse, often pebbly soils. This zone is called • The laterite soils are formed in the areas of high temperature
Bhabar. and high rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods.
• To the south of the bhabar is a long narrow strip of • These are the result of intense leaching. With rain, lime
swampy lowland with silty soils known as Terai. The and silica are leached away and soils rich in iron oxide
terai soils are rich in nitrogen and organic matter but are and aluminium compound are left behind.
deficient in phosphate. • They are poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate and
calcium, while iron oxide & potash are in excess
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-157

• They cover an area of 2.48 lakh sq km. • They occur in arid and semi-arid regions and in waterlogged
• The laterite soils on the higher areas are generally more and swampy areas.
acidic than those in the low-lying areas. • They lack nitrogen and calcium.
• They are widely use in formation of bricks for construction (vii) Peaty and Marshy soils
of house. • They are found in the areas of heavy rainfall and high
(v) Arid and semi-arid soils humidity.
• They cover an area of 1.42lakh sq km(4.32%) of the total • They are rich in humus and organic content, but deficient
area of India. potosh and phosphate.
• The desert soils consist of sand (90 to 95%) and clay (5 to • Organic matter may go even up to 40-50%.
10%). • They are normally heavy and black in colour & highly acidic.
• Nitrogen is insufficient and the phosphate content is (viii) Forest and Mountain soils
normal. • These soils occupy about 2.85 lakh sq km (8.67%) of the
• Lower horizons of the soil are occupied by ‘Kankar’ layers total land area of the country.
because of the increasing calcium content downwards. • Such soils are mainly found on the hills slopes covered by
• These soils are poor and contain little humus and organic forests.
matter. • These soils are heterogenous in nature and their character
(vi) Saline and Alkaline soils changes with parent rocks, ground-configuration and climate.
• They are known by different names such as reh, kallar, • The forest soils are very rich in humus but are deficient
usar, thur, rakar, karl & chopan. in potash, phosphorus and lime.
• Saline soils contain a larger proportion of sodium, • The forest soils are loamy and silty on valley sides and
potassium and magnesium and thus, they are infertile. coarse-grained in the upper slopes.
Soils of India: Types, Depth, pH Range and Regional Distribution
Type pH range Distribution Predominant Crops
Alluvial Soil 6.5-8.4 Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys; deltas of Rice, wheat, sugarcane, oilseeds, Jute,
Godavari and Krishna; Plains of Uttar Pradesh, maize, vegetables & fruits.
Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal
and Bihar; Coastal strip of peninsular India
Desert Soil 7.6-8.4 Rajasthan, northern Gujarat and southern Wheat, grams, melon, bajra (with
Punjab irrigation), barley, cotton, maize, pulses.
Black Soil 6.5-8.4 Maharashtra and Malwa plateaus, Kathiawar Cotton, millets, tobacco, sugarcane
peninsula, Telengana and Rayalasema region (Millets include jowar, bajra and ragi),
of Andhra and northern part of Karnataka, castor, sunflower.
some parts of Tamil Nadu.
Red & yellow Soil Below 5.5- Scattered in peninsular India, Eastern parts of Millets, wheat, tobacco, rice, cotton,
7.5 Deccan plateau, southern states of Kerala, Tamil sugarcane, pulses, groundnut, potatoes,
Nadu and Karnataka, and Chhota Nagpur plateau fruits, Oilseeds.
(Jharkhand), Semi-arid tract of Rajasthan.
Laterite Soil Below 5.5 Assam hills, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Coffee, rubber, cashewnut, tapioca
Kerala, Karnataka, and Eastern Ghat region of
Orissa.
Mountain Soil (It 5.0-6.5 Coniferous forest belt of Jammu and Kashmir, Fruits, tea, coffee, wheat, maize, barley.
includes peat, forest Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
and hill soils)
Saline Soils Western Gujarat, deltas of Eastern Coast & in
Sunderban areas of West Bengal
Peaty & Marshy Soils Northern part of Bihar, Southern part of
Uttaranchal & the coastal areas of West Bengal,
Orissa & Tamil Nadu
Rainfall cent in the winter season.
• The average annual rainfall of India is about 118 cm. There • In January and February, north-west India gets rainfall
are large spatial and temporal variations. from the western disturbances.
• Of the country’s total rainfall, about 75 per cent is • Coromandel coast receives rainfall by the north-east
received in the monsoon months from June to September, monsoons in the winter season.
13 per cent comes in the post-monsoon season, 10 per • The highest record, is 103.6 cm in 24 hours at Cherrapunji
cent in the pre-monsoon season and the remaining 2 per in Meghalaya.
G-158 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

Natural Vegetation
Natural Vegetation Types

Tropical Tropical Tropical Tropical Sub Montane Sub Alpine & India State of
wet semi moist Dry Tropical Dry + Moist Alpine forest Report
Evergreen Evergreen Deciduous Deciduous + Wet 2015
Temperate
Tropical Tropical Himalayan Tidal Mangroves
Dry Thorny Dry
Evergreen Temperate

Natural Vegetation refers to a plant community that has been • India’s forest and tree cover has increased by 5, 081
left undisturbed over a long time, so as to allow its individual sq km. While the total forest cover of the country has
species to adjust themselves to climate & soil conditions as increased by 3, 775 sq km, the tree cover has gone up by
fully as possible. 1, 306 sq km.
• Open Forest area has increased by 4, 744 sq km, which is
• The geographical factors which influence natural 9.14% of the geographical area.
vegetation include climate, soil and topography. • Very Dense Forest area has increased by 2, 404 sq kms,
• Areas receiving 200 cm or more rainfall per annum have which is 2.61% of the geographical area.
evergreen rain forests. • About 40% forest cover is in 9 big patches of 10, 000 sq
• Monsoon deciduous forests dominate in areas which km and more.
receive rainfall between 100 and 200 cm. • Increase in total forest cover also includes an increase in
• In areas having 50 to 100 cm rainfall, there are drier Mangrove cover.
deciduous or tropical savanna grading into open thorny • Maximum increase in forest cover has been observed in –
scrub. Tamil Nadu (2, 501 sq km), followed by Kerala (1, 317 sq
• The areas with less than 50 cm rainfall have only dry km) and Jammu & Kashmir (450 sq km).
thorny scrub and low open bush merging into semi- • Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover of 77, 462 sq
desert. km in the country, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, with
• As the temperature falls with altitude in the Himalayan a forest cover of 67, 248 sq km & Chhattisgarh with 55,
region, the vegetal cover changes from tropical to 586 sq km.
sub-tropical, temperate and finally alpine. • Mizoram (88.93 %) has the highest forest cover in percentage
• The forests are very unevenly distributed. They are more terms, followed by Lakshadweep with 84.56 %.
scarce in Gangetic area. • 7 States/UTs – Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Andaman &
Nicobar Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya
India State of Forest Report 2015 and Manipur – have more than 75% forest cover.
• 8 states – Tripura, Goa, Sikkim, Kerala, Uttarakhand,
The word forest is derived from Latin ‘fores’ meaning
Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chhattisgarh and Assam – have
outside, the reference being to a fence & it must have
forest cover between 33% to 75%.
included all uncultivated & unhabited land.
• Total carbon stock in country’s forest is 7, 044 million
• Total forest and tree cover is 79.42 million hectare, which
tones, an increase of 103 million tonnes.
is 24.16% of the total geographical area.

India’s Natural Vegetation

No. Vegetation type Distribution Characteristic vegetation
1. Tropical Wet In areas where the annual rainfall is over 250 Lofty, very dense, multilayered forest with
Evergreen cm and the average annual humidity exceeds 77 mesosphytic evergreens, e.g., bamboos, ebony, rose-
Vegetation per cent (North-East states, western portions of wood, champa, toon, jamun, mesa, white cedar,
the Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar). mahogony.
2. Tropical Found in regions where the annual rainfall is Evergreen trees mixed with deciduous ones, less dense
Semi-Evergreen between 200-250 cm and the humidity approaches but more gregarious e.g., aini, semul, gutel, kadam, irul,
Vegetation 75% (Upper Assam, lower eastern Himalayas, thorny bamboo, rosewood, Kusum, hollock bonsum, white
Orissa, the Andaman and Nicobar islands & cedar, Indian chestnut, champa, mango, bamboos etc.
Western Coast).
3. Tropical Dry In areas where the mean rainfall is about 100 Short statured trees, with complete canopy, coriaceous
Evergreen cm, mostly from north-east monsoon, the mean leaved trees of short boles, no canopy layer
Vegetation annual humidity is 75%, and the mean annual differentiation. e.g., khirmi, jamun, kokko, toddy
temperature is 28°C (Tamil Nadu coast). palm, tarrina, ritha, neem etc.
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-159

4. Tropical Moist In areas having moderate rainfall of 100- Trees which shed their leaves during spring & early
Deciduous 200 cm, a mean annual temperature of about summer season, very useful forests because they yield
Vegetation (Also 27°C, and an average relative humidity of valuable timber & several other forest products, heavily
known as monsoon 60 to 75% (Western Ghats, Odisha, eastern buttressed trees, shrubby undergrowth with patches of
forest) coastal plains, and Himalayan foothills). bamboos, climbers & canes. e.g. sal, teak, sandalwood,
siris, palas, mahua, sisam, amla etc.
5. Tropical Dry In areas where rainfall is less than 150 cm Trees which grow relativity shorter then the tropical
Deciduous and dry period is relatively long (eastern moist deciduous trees closed & uneven canopy.
Vegetation Rajasthan, Kathiawar, rain shadow area of the Examples include teak, sal, bijasal, palas, khair,
Deccan plateau, Central India). tendu, rosewood, anjar etc.
6. Tropical Thorny Mostly prevalent in areas having very low Open stunted forest breaking down into xerophytic
Vegetation rainfall, i.e., 50 cm to 75 cm, the annual mean bush, e.g., babul, accasia, senegal, ber, khair, ak,
temperature between 25°C and 30°C, and neem, Cactii etc.
the annual humidity less than 50% (Kutchh,
Saurashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan,
Upper Ganga plains and the Deccan plateau).
7. Sub-Tropical Found at 1,000-2000 m altitude in eastern and Luxurious forests of evergreen species. Eg. – Oak,
Vegetation western Himalayas, and drier areas of Kashmir. chestnut, ash, birch, pine, sal, chir pine, oak, wild olives.
8. Himalayan In the inner dry ranges of the Himalayas where Predominantly coniferous forests with xerophytic
Dry Temperate precipitation is below 10 cm. (Ladakh Lahul, shrubs, e.g., chilgoza, deodar, oak, maple, ash,
Vegetation Chamba, Kinnaur, Garhwal, Sikkim). celtis, etc.
9. Himalayan In the temperate eastern and western Broad leaved evergreens mixed with dominant
or Montane/ Himalayas, between 1,500 m and 3,300 m coniferous species, generally 30 to 50 m high, open
Mountain Moist (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, forest with shrubby undergrowth. e.g., deodar,
Temperate Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Darjeeling). spruce, maple, ash, pine, fir, beach, etc.
Vegetation
10. Himalayan Found between 1,800 m and 3,000 m of altitude Evergreen forests, short-boleds branchy trees, dense
or Montane/ (eastern Himalayas, Nilgiris, the Annamalai, and rounded leaves. Examples include oak, magnolia,
Mountain Wet Palni hills of South India, Sikkim, Nagaland, chilauni, birch, plum, deodar, laurel and maple.
Temperate hills of West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh)
Vegetation where average rainfall is between 150 cm and
300 cm. & humidity is over 80%.
11. Sub-Alpine and Above 2,900 m of altitude in the eastern Dwarf shrubs which degenerate into a low evergreen
Alpine Vegetation Himalayas and above 3,500 m of altitude in scrubs and into xerophytic vegetation; examples include
the western Himalayas and extends up to the fir, juniper, pine birch and Rhododendron, spruce.
snowline.
12. Littoral or Tidal or In and around the tidal creeks and along the Evergreen trees having profuse growth and stiltlike
Delta or Swamp deltas of the rivers Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna roots, e.g., sundari in the great Sunderban delta,
Vegetation and Godavari. Rhizophora, nipa fruiticans (a type of palm), palms,
keora, amur etc.

Mangroves Gujarat Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Khambat

• Mangroves are very specialized forest ecosystem of Goa Goa
tropical and subtropical region of the world bordering
Karnataka Coondapur
sheltered sea-coasts.
Maharashtra Achra/Ratnagiri
Mangroves of India
Kerala Vembanad
State Mangrove
Other mangroves
East coast
Andaman & Andaman islands & Nicobar islands
West Bengal Sunderbans Nicobar Islands
Orissa Mahanadi, Bhitarkanika • They occur all along the Indian coastline in the sheltered
Andhra Pradesh Godavari, Krishna estuaries, tidal creeks, backwaters, salt marshes and
Tamil Nadu Pichavaram, Muthupet, Point Calimere mudflats, covering a total area of 0.67 m ha.
• Mangroves are dominated by salt tolerant halophytic plants
West coast of diverse structure, and are invaluable marine nurseries
for a large variety of fish and other marine fauna.
G-160 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

• Mangroves have a dense network of aerial roots which

help to aerate the root system and anchor the tree. WILDLIFE
• In world’s total mangrove vegetation, India’s share
stands at 3%. Wildlife
Forest cover as
State/UT Percentage of
geographical area (%) Important Wildlife Preservation
species Reserves
Andhra Pradesh 16.86
Acts Projects
Arunachal Pradesh 80.50
National Sanctuary Biosphere
Assam 35.28
Park
Bihar 37.27
• Wildlife comprises animals, birds, and insects living in
Chhattisgarh 41.18 forests.
Delhi 11.88 • With large regional variations in physiography, climate
Goa 59.94 and edaphic types. Indian forests offer a wide range of
habitat types, which is responsible for a large variety of
Gujarat 7.46 wild life in India.
Haryana 3.64 • Elephant is the largest Indian mammal, which only a
Himachal Pradesh 26.37 few centuries ago, was found in large numbers in vast
forest tracts of India.
Jammu & Kashmir 10.14
• The one-horned rhinoceros, India’s second largest
Jharkhand 28.82 mammal was once found throughout the Indo-Gangetic
Karnatka 18.87 Plain as far west as Rajasthan. The number of this
mammal has drastically decreased and now there are less
Kerala 44.52 than 1,500 rhinoceros in India, confined to the restricted
Madhya Pradesh 25.21 locations in Assam and West Bengal.
Lakshadeep 84.96 • Rhinoceros are protected in Kaziranga and Manas
sanctuaries of Assam and the Jaldapara sanctuary of West
Puduchery 10.43 Bengal.
Forest Cover as • The wild buffalo is found in Assam and in Bastar district
State/UT Percentage of of Chhattisgarh.
Geographical Area (%)
• The gaur or the Indian bison is one of the largest existing
Maharashtra 16.46 bovine and is found in the forests of Central India.
Manipur 76.54 • There are about 3,000 tigers in India mainly found in the
forests of eastern Himalayan foothills and in parts of the
Meghalya 77.02
peninsular India.
Mizoram 90.68 • The number of Cheetahs had fallen to less than two
Nagaland 80.33 hundred until successful breeding programme in the Gir
Orissa 31.41 sanctuary in Gujarat resulted in some recovery.
• The arboreal clouded leopard is found in northern Assam
Punjab 3.50 while the Black Panther is widely distributed predator.
Rajasthan 4.70 • Brown, Black and Sloth Bear are found at high altitudes
Sikkim 47.34 in the northwestern and central Himalayas.
Tamil Nadu 18.16 • Yak, the ox of snows is largely found in Ladakh and is
tamed to be used as a draught animal.
Tripura 76.04 • Stag or barasingha is found in Assam and Madhya
Uttar Pradesh 5.95 Pradesh.
West Bengal 14.64 • The Munjac or barking deer are found extensively in the
lower wooded slopes of the Himalayas and in the forests
Andman & Nicobar 81.51
of southern India.
Chandigarh 14.72 • The kastura or the musk deer, much sought after for its
Dadra & Nagar Haveli 42.97 musk pod, live in the birch woods in the higher forests of
Daman & Diu 5.49 the Himalayas.
• India’s first National Park is Jim Corbett Park in
Uttrakhand 45.80
Uttarakhand, established in 1936
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-161

• Thamin is a pretty deer found in Manipur. Preservation of Wildlife

• India is extremely rich in bird life. There are about 2,000
• The fast dwindling forest cover in India has adversely
species of birds in India.
affected wildlife in the country.
• Although most of the bird has their origin in India, a
number of them have their source in other areas. Some • The number of several species has been drastically
birds such as ducks, cranes, swallows, ant flycatchers reduced, some are endangered species, and the others
migrate from central Asia to the wetlands of Bharatpur are on the verge of extinction while some of them have
every winter. Recently, some migratory birds have been already disappeared.
seen near Mathura.
• Indian Board for Wildlife was constituted in 1952. The
National Park: A reserved area meant for preserving its
main purpose of the board was to advise the Government
natural vegetation, wildlife and natural beauty.
on the means of conservation and protection of wildlife,
Sanctuary: A reserved area meant for preservation and
development of endangered species. construction of national parks, sanctuaries and zoological
Biosphere: Multipurpose protected areas to preserve genetic gardens as well as promoting public awareness regarding
diversity in representative ecosystems. conservation of wildlife.
As of July 2015, there were 105 National Parks. • The Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972 is a comprehensive
Number of wildlife Sanctuaries – 531 law which gives firm status to the national parks and
Number of Biosphere Reserves – 18. sanctuaries and other

Distinction between National Park, Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve

National Park Sanctuary Biosphere Reserve
• Habitat for particular wild • Generally species-oriented • Ecosystem-oriented
animal species such as citrus, pitcher plant. i.e. All forms of life
• The general size range is etc. • The general size range
0.04 to 3162 sq km. • The general size range is 0.61 is over 5670 sq km
• Boundaries fixed by legislation to 7818 sq km. • Boundaries fixed by
• Except the buffer zone, no biotic • Boundaries are not sacrosanct legislation
interference • Limited biotic interference • Except the buffer zone,
• Tourism permissible • Tourism permissible no biotic interference
• Research and Scientific • Research and Scientific • Tourism normally not
management lacking management lacking permissible
• So far no gene pool and • So far no gene pool and • Managed attention
conservation conservation given
• Endangered species of plants and animals have been number of tigers (406) followed by 340 in Uttarakhand,
brought under the purview of this act. Project Tiger, 308 in Madhya Pradesh, 229 in Tamil Nadu. The project
one of the premier conservation efforts in the country tiger aims to foster as exclusives tiger agenda in the core area
was launched in April, 1972. It is a centrally financed of tiger reserves, which an inclusive people oriented agenda
scheme under which 40 tiger reserves have been set up. in the buffer. The largest tiger reserve is the Nagarjunsagar-
• As a result of the tiger project the tiger population is now Srisailam tiger reserve of Andhra Pradesh which covers the
well over 3000. A tiger crisis cell has also been formed area of 3538 km2.
in the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Project Elephant: Project elephant, a centrally sponsored
• The National Wildlife Action Plan adopted in 1983 scheme was launched in February 1992 to provide surgical
provides the framework and programme for conservation and technical support to major elephant bearing states in the
of wildlife. country for protection of elephants, their habitats and corridor.
• A Central Zoo Authority has been set up for the proper The project is being implemented in 13 states/UT’s viz. Andhra
management of zoological parks in the country. It Pradesh, Arunchal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Karanataka,
coordinates the activities of over 200 zoos and also Kerala Meghlaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamilnadu, Utttranchal,
supervises the exchange of animals. Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. There are 28 notified elephant
reserve in India covering approximately 60,000 89 km area.
Endangered Species Projects
Project Snow Leopard: This project was lunched to safe
Project Tiger: The sort of India has taken a pioneering initiative guard and conserve India’s unique natural habitats of high
for consuming tiger by launching the ‘Project Tiger’ is 1973. altitude wildlife population and their habitats by promoting
India is home to 70% of tigers in the world. In 2014, there conservation through participatory policies and actions. This
were 2,226 tigers. Statewise, Karnataka has the highest project was drifted by Ministry of Environment and Forests,
G-162 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

Govt of India. It was launched in January. There are nearly The objectives of this memorandum are conservation and
750 snow leopards in the country. management of Marine turtles and their habitats. India had
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Siberian signed this memorandom on 20 february, 2007.
Crane: This memorandum came into effect 1st July, 1993 MOU for Dugong: The dugong is a seagrass dependent
and was amended is January, 1999. This memorandum was marine’s mammal of tropical and subtropical coastal water.
focuses on conserving the siberian crane as one of these rarest The dugong are vulnarable to human related influences due
crane species. India had signed the MOU on 13th Dec. 1998.
to their life history. Dugong is commonly known as sea cow.
Siberian crane are migratory visitors to India in winter season.
In India, these are found is Indian waters. From Gujarat
MOU for Marine Twotle: Major threats to marine turtle
include unexceptionable exploitation, distinction of resting and to Andaman and Nicobar islands India had signed mou for
feeding habitats and incidental morality is fishing operations. Dugong on 28 May, 2008.

Major Wildlife Reserves

Jammu and Kashmir Khokhan Sukhna
National Parks Kugti
Dachigam Lippa Asrang Rajasthan Chandra Prabha
Hemis Majathal National Parks Chilla
Kishtwar Manali Desert Hastinapur
Sanctuaries Naina Devi Keoladeo Kaimur
Baltal Nargu Ranthambore Kateraniaghat
Changthang Pong Dam Sanctuary Sariska Kishanpur
Gulmarg Raksham Chitkul Sanctuaries Maahavir Swamy
Hirpora Renuka Bandh Bartha National Chambal
Hokarsar Rupi Bhabha Bassi Nawabganj
Kanji Sechu Tuan Nala Bhensrodgarh Ranipur
Karakoram Shikari Devi Darah Samaspur
Lachipora Shilli Jaisamand Sohagabarwa
Limber Simbalbara Jamwa Ramgarh
Nandini Talra Jawahar Sagar
Overa Tirthan Keladevi Uttaranchal
Overa-Aru Tundah Kumbhalgarh National Parks
Ramnagar Mount Abu Corbett
Surinsar-Mansar Punjab Nahargarh Gangotri
Tongri Sanctuaries National Chambal Govind
Himachal Pradesh Abohar National Garhial Nanda Devi
National Parks Harike Lake Phulwari Rajaji
Great Himalayan Bir Gurdialpura Ramgarh Bundi Valley of flowers
Pin Valley Bir Bunnerheri Sawai Mansingh Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries Bir Motibagh Shergarh Askot
Bandli Haryana Sita Mata Binsar
Chail Sultanpur Sunda Mata Govind Pashu
Churdhar Sanctuaries Todgarh Raoli Kedarnath
Daranghati Bir Shikargarh TalChapper Sonanadi
Darlaghat Chautala Van Vihar
Gamgul Siahbehi Madhya Pradesh
Gobind Sagar and Naina Devi Delhi Uttar Pradesh National Parks
Kais Indira Priyadarshini Bandhavgarh
Kalatop & Khajjiar Dudwa Dinosaur Fossils
Kanawar Chandigarh Sanctuaries
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-163

Ghati National Parks National Parks Kutch Desert

Kanha Bhitar Kanika Gugamal Marine (Gulf of Kutch)
Madhav Simlipal Nawegaon NalSarovar
Panna Sanctuaries Sanjay Gandhi Narayan (Chenkars)
Pench Badrama Tadoba Sarovar
Sanjay Baisipalli Sanctuaries Paniya
Satpura Balukhand Konark Andhari Purna
Van Vihar Bhitarkanika Aner Dam Rampara
Sanctuaries Chandaka Dampara Bhimashankar Ratanmahal
Achanakmar Chilka Lake (Nalaban) Bor Shoolpaneshwar
Badankhoh Debrigarh Chandoli Wild Ass
Bagdara Hadgarh Chaprala
Barnawapara Karlapat Dhakna Kolkaz Goa, Daman and Diu
Bhairamgarh Khalasuni Gandhari Bhagwan Mahavir
Bori Kotgarh Gautala Autramghat
Gandhi Sagar Kuldiha Great Indian Bustard Sanctuaries
Ghatigaon Lakhari Valley Jaikwadi Bhagwan Mahavir
Gomardah Satkosia Gorge Kalsubai Harishchandra Cotigao
Karera Simlipal Katepurna
Ken Gharial Sunabeda Koyna West Bengal
Kuno-Palpur Ushakothi Malvan Marine National Parks
Kheoni Melghat Neora Valley
Narsingarh Bihar Nagzira Singalila
National Chambal Valmiki Nandur Madmeshwar Sundarban
Noradehi Sanctuaries Painganga Sanctuaries
Pachmarhi Bhimbandh Phansad Buxa
Palpur Chandra Prabha Radhangiri Bibnutibhushan
Pamed Wild Buffalo Kabar Sagareshwar Betuadahary
Panpatha Kaimur Tansa Ballavpur
Pench Nakti Dam Wainganga Chapramari
Fensatallite Rajgir Yawal Gorumara
Ratapani Valmikinagar Halliday Island
Sailana Florican Udaipur Gujarat Jaldapara
Sanjay (Dubrj) Vansda Jorpokhri
Sardarpur Florican Jharkhand Gir Lothian Island
Samarsot Dalma Marine (Gulf of Kutch) Mahananda
Singhori (Sindhari) Gautam Buddha Velavadar/Blackbuck Narendrapur
Sitanadi Hazaribagh Pamadhan
Sone Gharial Koderma Sanctuaries Ramnabagan
Tamor Pingla Lawalong Balaram-Ambaji Raiganj
Udanti Wild Buffalo Mahuadanr Barda Sajnakhali
Chhattisgarh Palamau Dhumkhal Senchal
Indravati Parasnath Gir
Kanger Ghati Topchanchi Jambughoda Sikkim
Jessore National Parks
Orissa Maharashtra Khijadiya Khangchendzonga
G-164 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

Sanctuaries Tripura Karnataka Tamil Nadu

Fambong Lho Charilam National Parks Guindy
Kyongasia Alpine Sepahijala Anshi Indira Gandhi
Maenam Rishna Bandipur or Anamalai
Shingba Rhododendron Bison Bannerghatta Sanctuaries
Manipur Clouded Leopard Kudremukh Kalakad
Keibul Lamjao Nagarhole Karikili
Siroi Assam Mudumalai
Sanctuary Kaziranga Sanctuaries Mukurthi
Yagoupokpi Lokchao Nambiar Arabithittu Mundanthurai
Dibru-Saikhowa Bhadra Point Cali mere
Meghalaya Sanctuaries Rangaswamy- Temple Pulicat
Balphakram Dipor Beel Biligiri Srivilliputhur
Nokrek Garampani Bramhagiri Vedantangal
Laokhowa Cauvery Vettangudi
Sanctuary Manas Dandeli
Bhagmara Nameri Ghataprabha The Andaman Islands
Nongkhyllem Orang Melkote Temple National Parks
Siju Pabha Mukambika Campbell Bay
Arunachal Pradesh Pobitara Nugu Galathea
Mouling Sonai Rupai Pushpagiri Wandur
Namdapha Ranganthittu Mount Harriet Island
Andhra Pradesh Ranebennur Saddle Peak
Sanctuaries National Parks Sharavathi Valley Sanctuaries
D’Ering Memorial Shri Venkataswara Shettihally Barren Island
Dibang Valley Sanctuaries Someswara Battimalve Island
Eagle nest Coringa Talakaveri Benett Island
Itanagar Eturnagaram Bluff Island
Kamlang Gundlabrahmeswaram Kerala Bondoville Island
Kane Koundinya Eravikulam Buchaan Island
Kawai
Mehao Periyar Cinque Island
Kinnerasani
Pakhui Silent Valley Crocodile (Lohabrrack)
Kolleru
Sessa Orchid Defence Island
Krishna
Mizoram Sanctuaries East (Inglis) Island
Lanjamadugu
Murlen Aralam East Island
Manjira
Phawngpui Chimony Flat Island
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
Sanctuaries Chinnar Interview Island
Neelapattu
Dampa Idukki James Island
Pakhal
Khawnglung Neyyar Kyd Island
Papikonda
Ngengpui Parambikulam Landfall Island
Pocharam
Peechi Vazhani Narcondum Island
Pranahita
Nagaland Peppara North Reef Island
Pulicat
Nitangki Periyar
Rollapadu Paget Island
Pulebatze Shendurney
Srilanka Malleswara Pitman Island
Fakim Thattekkad Bird
Siwaram Point Island
Wynad
Ranger Island
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-165

Fleef Island Sir Hugh Rose Island Swamp Island Tillonchang Island
Roper Island South Brother Island Table (Delgarno) Island West Island
Ross Island South Reef Island Table (Excelsior) Island
Sandy Island South Sentinel Island Talabaicha Island
Shearme Island Spike Island Temple Island
Biosphere Reserves of India
S. Name Type Key Funna Area
No. (In Km2)
1. Nilgiri Biosphere ∆ Western Ghat Nilgiri Tahr, 5520
Reserve, Tamilnadu, Kerala Karnataka Lion talked macaque
2. Nanda Devi, Utrakhand ∆ Western Himalyas Coast — 5860
3. Gulf of Mannar, Tamilnadu ∆ East Himalayas Dugong 10500
4. Nokrek, Meghalya ∆ Gangatic Delta Red Panda 820
5. Sunderbans, West Bengal ∆ East Himalayas Royal Bengal Tiger 9630
6. Manas, Assam Deccan Peniusula Red Panda 2837
7. Simlipal, Odissa ∆ Royal Bengal Tiger, 4374
Eastern Himalayas Semi-Arid Ganv, Wild elephant
8. Dihang - dibang, Arunachal Pradesh Maikals Hills — 5112
9. Panchmarhi Biosphere ∆ Desert Flying squirrel 4981.72
10. Amerkantak, Madhya Padesh Chhatisgarh ∆ Western Himalayas Giant Squirrel 3835
11. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat Indian wild ass 12454
12. Pin valley national park East Himalayas Show Leopased 7770
(Cold Desert), Himachal Pradesh Western Glats
13. Khangchendzonga, Sikkim Red Panda 2620
14. Agasthyamalai Biosphere resurve, Kerala, Islands Nilgiri Tahr Elephants 1828
Tamilnadu
15. Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, A & Nicobar, East Himalayas Saltwater Crocodile 885
Islands ∆ Eastern Ghats
16. Dibru-Saikhowa, Assam Catchment area of Ken River Golden Langur 765
17. Seshachalam Hills, Andhra Pradesh
18. Panna, Madhya Pradesh Tiger, Chital, Chinkara, 543
Sembhar and Sloth bear
∆ Biosphere Reserves listed in UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Specialities of National Park and Sanctuary
• Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only existent habitat for the nearly extinct Asiatic Lions in India.
• The Kaziranga Sanctuary in Assam is a major habitat of the endangered Rhinoceros.
• Periyar in Kerala is famous for the the wild Elephants
• Dachigam National Park is natural habitat of Kashmiri Stag.
• Nandankanan national park in Orissa serves as the natural habitat of white tigers.
• The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling (West Bengal) has undertaken Project Red Panda with a
view to conserving this species.
• The entire Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is known as the “Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary”.
• Bhitarkanika in Orissa is a hot-spot of biodiversity. It’s home to largest population of giant salt water crocodile in India.
• Gahirmatha, the only marine wildlife sanctuary of Orissa, is the most suitable natural place for Olive Ridley sea turtles’
for mating and nesting.
• The National Chambal Sanctuary is famous for the rare gangetic dolphin and also for magar (crocodile) and gharial
(alligator).
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka is a favourite abode for birds
G-166 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

National Parks by the largest area Wildlife Sanctuaries by the largest area
Area Area
National Parks State Wildlife Sanctuary State
(sq km) (sq km)
1. Hemis Jammu & Kashmir 4,100.00 1. Great Indian Bustard Maharashtra 8,496.44
2. Desert Rajasthan 3,162.00 2. Kachchh Desert Gujarat 7,506.22
3. Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh 1,807.82 3. Karakoram Jammu & Kashmir 5,000.00
4. Khangchendzonga Sikkim 1,784.00 4. Wild Ass Gujarat 4,953.71
5. Gangotri Uttarakhand 1,552.00 5. Dibang Arunachal Pradesh 4,149.00

Western Ghats
The Western Ghats (or Sahyadri) is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. It is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the 8 “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world. The Western Ghats
stretches into 6 states – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa & Maharashtra. It hosts a large list of exceptional endemic
species, the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) lists 5,000 vascular plant species, 228 freshwater fish species, 179
amphibians, 157 reptiles, 508 birds & 139 mammal species, some of the very rare species include the Great Indian Hornbill,
Lion-Tailed Macaque, Travancore Turtles & Nilgiri Martens.
In recent times 2 panels have been set up, under Madhav Gadgil & Kasturirangan, for protection of the Western Ghats.

Agriculture
Agriculture

Overview Land use Types of Green Major India’s rank Miscellaneous

& Current Pattern farming Revolution Crops in major
Status commodities
(2014-15)
Pisciculture Seri-culture
Livestock
Subsistence Commercial Plantation Intensive and Floriculture
Extensive
Shifting

Food Cash Plantation Horticulture

Mixed
Crops Crops Crops Crops

Agriculture includes raising of Crops from the land, • The National livestock Mission has been launched
animal husbandry, agroforestry & pisciculture. India is an in 2014-15 with an approved outlay of `. 2,800 crore
agriculturally important country. Two-thirds of its population during the 12th plan.
is engaged in agricultural activities. Agriculture is a primary • The revamped National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
activity, which produces most of the food that we consume and is being implemented from 2014-15, in 619 districts of
raw material for various industries. 28 states. In addition to rice, wheat & Pulses, crops like
coarse cereals & commercial crops (sugarcane, cotton, &
Overview of Agricultural Sector: Highlights jute) have been included since 2014-15.
(Source: - Economic Survey 2014-15) • With effect from 2014-15, the mission for Integrated
• Share of agriculture in total GDP is 18%. Development of Horticulture has been operationalized
• Target of 4% for agriculture & allied sectors in the 12th plan. by bringing all ongoing schemes on Horticulture under
• Growth registered in 2014-15 is 1.1%. a single umbrella.
• During 2014-15, banks have disbursed `. 8,40,643 crore • The following initiatives announced in Budget 2014-
15 have brought the issue of sustainability & climate
(provisional) credit to the agriculture sector, against a
adoptation to the forefront:
target of `. 8,00,000 crore.
(i) The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
• India’s agricultural exports were valued at US $ 47 billion (ii) ‘Neeranchal’ a new programme to give additional
in 2013. impetus to watershed development in the country.
• India ranks first in milk production, accounting for 17% (iii) The National Adaptation Fund for climate change,
of world production. with an initial sum of `. 100 crore.
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-167

(iv) A scheme to provide a “Soil Health Card” to every Land use Pattern
farmer. • Cropped area in the year under consideration is called
• 4th Advanced Production Estimates of major crops during Net Sown Area.
2014-15 (released by the Departments of Agriculture & • The net sown area occupies the highest category (above
Cooperation) is as under: – 55% of the reporting area) in Punjab, Haryana, West
(A.) Foodgrains – 252.68 MT Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Kerala.
• Rice – 104.80 MT • Medium category (30-55%) in Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil
• Wheat – 88.94 MT Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
• Coarse Cereals – 41.75 MT Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Goa and Assam.
• Maize – 23.67 MT • Low category (below 30%) in Himachal Pradesh,
• Pulses – 17.20 MT Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur,
• Tur – 2.78 MT Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Mizoram and Arunachal
• Gram – 7.17 MT Pradesh.
(B.) Oilseeds – 26.68 MT Area sown more than once: This area is used to grow more
• Soyabean – 10.53 MT
than one crop in a year. This accounts for 34.3% of the net
• Groundnut – 6.56 MT
sown area and 16.6% of the total reporting area of the country.
• Rapeseed & Mustard – 6.31 MT
This type of area comprises land with rich fertile soil and
(C.) Cotton – 35.48 million bales
regulars water supply.
(D.) Sugarcane – 359.33 MT
Forests: It is the area which the govt. has identified &
Diagram – Sectoral Share (%) in GVA at factor cost at
demarcated for forest growth.
current prices 2014-15
17.6 Land not available for cultivation : This class consists of two
types of land (i) Land put to non-agricultural uses (ii) barren
Agriculture and unculturable waste.
& Allied Permanent pastures and other grazing land: It amounts to
about 3.45% (i.e. 11.8 mha) of the total reporting area. The
area presently under pastures is not sufficient keeping in view
52.7 Services the large population of livestock in the country.
try
Indus 29.7 Land under miscellaneous tree crops and groves: It includes
all cultivable land which is not included under net area sown,
but is put to some agricultural use.
Culturable Wasteland: It includes all lands available for
cultivation, but not cultivated for one reason or the other.
Basmati Rice
Vegetab
les & fr Types of Farming
uits
Mar India is a vast country and had various climatic patters and
ine
Jute prod
ucts geographical condition, so these are different types of farming.
1. Subsistence Farming: In this type of farming farmer
produce for his own consumption. These is no surplus
Export Oilseeds left for sale. This involves cultivation of food crops like
Spices Products
rice, wheat, pulses etc.
2. Commercial Farming: In this farming, food crops
produced specifically for sale in the market by using
Tea
Tobacco improved variety of seeds and machinery. Normally it is
Sugar characterised by large farms and only one crop is grown.
Advance machinery, chemical fertilizers, hybrid seeds
Oil seeds and pesticides are used.
Edible Cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, oil seeds, chillies etc. are
oils commercial crops.
3. Shifting Cultivation: Shifting cultivation means the
Raw Cereals migratory subsistence farming. Under this system, a plot
Import
Cashewnut of land is cultivated for few years and when the crop
Products
yield declines the plot of land is changed. Dry paddy,
buck wheat, maize, small millets, tobacco & sugarcane
Pulses are the main crops grown under this type of agriculture.
It is known by different names in different parts of the
Spices
country. It is “Jhumming” in –north eastern states;
G-168 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

‘podu’ in Andhra Pradesh, ‘Bewar’ in M.P., ‘Kumari’ in green revolution is a general one that is applied to successful
Western Ghats. agricultural experiments in many countries. But it was most
4. Mixed Farming: Mixed farming is raising of crops and successful in India.
rearing of cattle, poultry, bee keeping, seri culture etc. There were three basic elements in India regarding Green
on he same cattle or poultry do not need extra expenditure revolution
as they thrive on the farm wasters. Livestocks animals • Continued expansion of farming areas.
provide substitute income when crops are not ready. This • Double cropping of existing farm and
type of farming is done in densely populated areas. • Using new and scientific treated seeds with improved
5. Plantation Farming: Predominance of a single crop genetics.
(only for sale) farming in tropical regions is called 12 Components of the Green Revolution
planation farming. Important crops grown under this
type of farming are cotton, tea, rubber, spices, coconuts High yield varieties (seeds), irrigation, use of fertilizers, use
etc. This farming outlay. Latest knowledge and modern of insecticide and pesticide, command area development,
methods of agriculture are used in this farming. consolidation of holding, land reform, supply of agricultural
6. Intensive Agriculture: System of cultivation using credit, rural electrification, rural roads and marketing, farm
large amount of labour and capital with application of mechanisation, agricultural universities.
fertilizers and insecticides is called intensive agriculture. Impacts of Green Revolution
Use of high efficiency machinery for planting, cultivating Impacts of Green Revolution are as follows
and harvesting as well as latest irrigation equipment. Positive Impact Increase in agricultural production, reduction
7. Extensive Agriculture: System of crop cultivation of the import of foodgrains, capitalistic farming, industrial
using small amounts of labour and capital in relation to growth and rural employment.
area of land being farmed. The crop yield in extensive Negative Impact Inter-crop imbalance, increase in regional
agriculture depends primarily on the natural fertility of imbalance, unemployment due to mechanisation. Increase
the soil, terrain climate and the availability of water. in inter-regional migration, ecological problems and social
Main crops season in India conflict between large and small farmers.
Various Revolutions in Agriculture
Season Ground is Harvest Major crops of
Prepared the season Revolutions Area
Kharif In April, May and Beginning Rice, maize,
Green Revolution Agriculture (Food Production)
the seeds are sown of Jowar, bajara,
in June on arrival November cotton, jute, Yellow Revolution Oil seeds production (Edible oil)
of rain. groundnut,
pulses etc. White Revolution Milk
Rabi By end of October April to Wheat, barley, Blue Revolution Fish
or beginning of June peas, gram,
Pink Revolution Shrimp, food processing
November. oilseeds, tobacco
etc. Brown Revolution Coffee/Cocoa
Zaid It is summer April and Urad, moong, Red Revolution Meat/Tomato
season crops sown May melons,
at beginning of the cucumber Golden Revolution Fruits/Apple/Honey/Horticulture
season in February
Grey Revolution Fertilizers
and March
Silver Revolution Eggs/Poultry
Wheat is cultivated with high yielding varieties of seeds like
Lerma, Rajo, Sonora 63 and 64 (Mexican varieties), Sona Golden Fibre Jute
227, Kalyan Sona, Sonalika, Chhoti Lerma, Sharbati Sonora,
Shera, Heera, Safed Lerma, UP 302, Saran, Champaran and Silver Fibre Cotton
C-1-7 etc.
MAJOR CROPS
Green Revolution Indian crops can be divided into following categories:
The term “Green Revolution” is applied to the period from • Food crops : Rice, wheat, maize, millets-jowar, bajra
1967 to 1978. The green revolution started by Dr. Norman etc.
Borlaug in Mexico. Between 1947 and 1967, efforts at • Cash crops : Cotton, jute, sugarcane, tobacco, groundnut
achieving food self sufficiency were not entirely successful. etc.
Population was growing at a much faster rate than good • Plantation crops : Tea, Coffee, spices, coconut, rubber
production. This called for drastic action to increase yield. etc.
The action came in the form of the green revolution. The term • Horticulture crops : Apple, mango, banana, citrus etc.
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-169

Crops Temp. Rainfall Soil Distribution Rubber 25-35 300 Loamy Kerala,
(0°C) (cm) (Hevea soils Karnataka,
Cash Crops Brasiliensis) Tamil Nadu
Cotton 21-30 50-75 Black Gujarat, M.P.,
Spices (plantation crop)
(Gossypium) soil Kernataka,
• India is the second largest producer of pepper.
Maharashta,
• India is the largest producer of ginger, cardamom and
Punjab
arecanut.
Jute 24-35 125-200 Sandy West Bengal • India is the third largest producer of coconut next to
(Corchorus or Odisha Philippines and Indonesia.
Capsularis) clayed Bihar Assam • Kerala leads in the production of pepper, cardamom,
loams, Meghalaya ginger, arecanut and coconut among Indian states.
deep rich • Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of chillies and
Sugarcane 20-26 75-150 Loamy Uttar Pradesh turmeric.
(saccnarum soil Maharashtra, • India is the largest producer, processor, consumer and
officinarum) Tamil nadu, exporter of cashew nut in the world.
Karnataka
Tobacco 15-38 50-100 Friable Uttar Pradesh, India’s Ranks in Major Commodity
(Nicotiana) sandy Andhra Rice – 2
soil Pradesh, Wheat – 2
Gujarat, Millets – 1
Karnataka Tea – 2
Food Crops Sugarcane – 2
Rice 24-27 150 Clayed West Bengal, Jute – 1
(oryza sativa) and Karnataka, Silk – 2
loamy Andhara Banana – 1
soil Pradesh, Assam Mangoes – 1
Odisha, Uttar Apple – 3
Punjab, Pradesh Cotton – 2
Telangana, Buffalo Milk – 1
Chhattisgarh Pulses – 1

Wheat 10-15 75 Light, Uttar Pradesh Fisheries/pisciculture

(triticum) sandy, Punjab, • Fish catch in India is of two types - marine fisheries and
clayed Haryana, inland fisheries.
loamy Rajasthan • India is the third largest producer of fish and second
soil largest producer of inland fishing in the world.
Jowar 27-32 30-65 Black Maharashtra, • It accounts for about one per cent of the total agricultural
(Sorghum) clayedKarnataka, production in India.
loamy Madhya • About 75% of marine fish landings are on the west coast
soil Pradesh, and only 25% in the east coast.
Andhra • Important fish caught along the coast are shark, sardine,
Pradesh herring, Mumbai duck, fly fish ribbon fish and Mackerrel.
Bajra 25-35 40-50 Loamy Rajasthan, • West Bengal is the largest producer of fish in India and is
(Penisetu soil Uttar Pradesh, the largest producer of inland fish (31 % ) also.
Typhoidum) Haryana, • Kerala has about 85% of India’s total processing facilities
Maharashtra, and processes the largest amount of fish in the country.
Gujarat • India exports about 8% of the total fish production. Sri
Plantation Lanka alone purchases 80% of our fish and fish products.
Crops • Sasson Dock in Mumbai is a major fishing harbour.
Tea (Camellia 24-30 150-250 Loamy Kerala, Tamil • There are six major fishing harbours and 38 minor fishing
Thea) forest Nadu, West harbours. The major harbours are –Cochin, Chennai,
soil Bengal, Assam Vishakhapatnam, Roy Chowk, Paradip and Sasson dock.
• The Central Institute of Fisheries, Nautical and
Coffee 16-28 150-250 Friable Karnataka,
Engineering Training is at Kochi.
(coffea) forest Kerala, Tamil
loamy Nadu • The Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fisheries
soils is in the Bengaluru.
G-170 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

Livestock and Dairy Farming Sericulture

Livestock includes domestic animals such as cattle, buffaloes, Sericulture refers to the rearing of the silk worms for the raw
sheep, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys, camels, pigs etc. India’s silk production. Silk is a protein produced form the salivary
animal wealth is both large and varied. India has about 20% of gland of silk worms.
the world’s livestock population. • Important features of Indian sericulture are as follows.
Dairy Farming includes a class of agricultural enterprise for • It is a agro-based labour intensive, export oriented and
long-term production of milk which is processed for eventual cottage industry.
sale of a dairy product. India is endowed with largest livestock • Silk is exported to more than 80 countries like USA, UK,
population in the would. It accounts for about 57.3% of the Italy, UAE, Saudi Arabia etc.
world’s buffalo population and 14.7% of the cattle population. • India enjoys the unique distinction of being the only
Different Breeds of Animals country in the world to produce all the four varieties of
Milch Breeds of Cattle Gir, Sindhi, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, silk such as Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga.
Tharparkar and Deoni • Muga is the monopoly of India. India ranks second in the
Draught Breeds of Cattle Nagori, Bauchaur, Malvi world after China in Silk production.
Hallikar, Ponwar, Siri, Bargur.
Dual Purposse Breeds of Cattle Tharparkar, Haryana, Horticulture
Mewati, Kankrej, Rath, Nimari, Dangi, Ongole. Horticulture is a comprehensive term and includes fruits
Goats Breeds Angora, Pashmina, Barabari, Marwari, vegetables, spices, floriculture and coconut. Some of the most
Mehsana Beetal, Kathiawari and Zalwadi. important crops grown in India as a part of the horticulture
Buffaloes Breeds Murrah, Jafarabadi, Shruti, Mehsana,
sector are: mango, cashewnut, apple, banana, orange, grape,
Nagpuri, Nili Ravi, Bhadawari.
Horses and Ponies Breeds Marwari, Kathiawari, Manipuri, peach, pear, apricot, strawberry and vegetables. Some important
Bhutani, Spiti and Chummarti. information regarding these fruits is given in the table.

Fruits Crops and their Favourable Climate, Distribution and Relevant Information
Fruit Crops Favorable Climate Distribution Relevant Information
Temperate fruit crop- It requires average
temperature from 21 °C to 4 C during the
Kullu and Shimla in
active growing season, 100-125 cm rainfall Loamy soil, rich in organic matter,
Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir
Apple well distributed throughout the growing free from water logging are suitable
valley and hilly areas of
season. These conditions are found on for apple cultivation.
Uttarakhand.
the hill slopes at altitudes arranging from
1500-2700 m above sea level.
Primarily a tropical and sub-tropical crop
Tamil Nadu and
requiring average temperature of 20°C to India is the largest producer of
Banana Maharashtra are the two
30°C throughout the growing period and banana in the world.
main producers
rainfall fairly above 150 cm.
Uttar Pradesh. Bihar,
It is native of monsoon land and is grown Andhra Pradesh, West India is the largest producer of
Mango in areas with temperature 20°C to 30°C Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, mango and contributes 54% of the
and rainfall 75 cm to 250 cm. Tamil Nadu are the major world production of mango.
producers.
In Northern India, the plant gives
The major producing States only one crop during summer, but
It requires long summer, short winter and are Uttarakhand, Himachal in South India, the plant grows
Grapes
moderately fertile well drained soil. Pradesh. Jammu and throughout the year, one in March,
Kashmir. April and the other in August and
September.
It requires above 16°C temperature during
The main producers are
its growing season and lots of water
the hilly areas of Jammu Water retaining fertile soil is most
Strawberry because its fields are sub-merges under 10
and Kashmir, Himachal suitable.
cm of fresh and slowly moving water for
Pradesh, Uttarakhand.
atleast three months.
Floriculture
Government of India has identified floriculture as a sunrise industry and accorded it 100% export oriented status. Owing to
steady increase in demand of flower, floriculture has become one of the important commercial trades in agriculture. Floriculture
products mainly consist of cut flowers, pot plants, cut foilage, seeds bulbs, tubers, rooted cuttings and dried flowers or leaves.
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal have emerged as major floriculture
centers.
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-171

Exercise - 1
1. A geographic area with an altitude of 400 metres has 8. Orographic rainfall occurs along the
following charac­teristics. (a) Eastern Ghats (b) Himalayas
Month J F M A M J J A S O N D (c) Aravallis (d) Jaintia hills
Average 9. Black soil requires least tilling because
maximum 31 31 31 31 30 30 29 28 29 29 30 31 (a) it is fertile
temp °C (b) it develops cracks on drying
Average (c) it is a lava origin
minimum 21 21 21 21 21 21 20 20 20 20 20 20 (d) it has plenty of iron and aluminium compounds
temp °C 10. Why is it that India has one of the lowest agricultural
Rainfall
51 85 188 158 139 121 134 168 185 221 198 86 yields in the world ?
(mm)
(a) Summers are very hot
If this geographic area were to have a natural forest, (b) Lack of fertile soil
which one of the following would it most likely be? (c) Farmers being poor and illiterate do not use modern
(a) Moist temperate coniferous forest farming techniques
(b) Montane subtropical forest (d) Occurrence of frost at night
(c) Temperate forest 11. The state with the largest area under waste land is
(d) Tropical rain forest (a) Gujarat (b) Madhya Pradesh
2. The lower Gangetic plain is characterised by humid (c) Jammu and Kashmir (d) Rajasthan
climate with high temperature throughout the year. 12. Which of the following would be most suited for an area
Which one among the following pairs of crops is most which has only two months of scanty rainfall in a year ?
suitable for this region ? (a) Paddy and Cotton
(a) Sugarcane (b) Tea
(b) Wheat and Jute
(c) Cotton (d) Pulses
(c) Paddy and Jute (d) Wheat and Cotton
13. Sucrose content is sugarcane decreases :
3. Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated
in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. (a) if high rainfall occurs during the period of growth of
What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land ? the plant
(a) It greatly increases the crop production (b) if frost occurs during the period of ripening
(b) It makes some soils impermeable (c) if there is fluctuation in temperature during the
(c) It raises the water table period of growth of the plant
(d) It fills the air spaces in the soil with water (d) if there is high temperature during the time of
ripening
4. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Red soil lie on the periphery of the Peninsular 14. Doon valley is able to grow rice because
plateau (a) it has warm summers and snow-melt waters for
(b) The laterite soils are more acidic on the low-lying irrigation.
areas than on the higher areas (b) people in the valley are rice eaters
(c) Alluvial soils are poor in potash and phosphorus (c) other crops cannot be grown
(d) Black soils are rich in phosphorous, nitrogen and (d) there is a huge export demand
organic matter 15. India has the highest productive potential of fisheries in
5. What do you understand by the word regur ? (a) inland water bodies
(a) Black soil found in the Deccan (b) shallow continental shelf
(b) Grey-brown soil found in Russia (c) deep sea areas
(c) Red colour sticky soil found in the Amazon area (d) brackish water lagoons
(d) Black soil found in northern Argentina 16. During winter, the northern half of India is warmer than
6. Which of the following is not a tropical type of soil ? areas at similar latitudes outside the country by 3° to
(a) Red soil (b) Desert soil 8°C. This is due to
(c) Black soil (d) Brown soil (a) India experiencing a tropical monsoon climate.
7. The retreating monsoon withdraws from the (b) the warm currents
(a) west coast to the east (c) the Tropic of Cancer passing through the middle of
(b) north to the south the country
(c) north-east India to the west coast (d) the presence of the Himalayas with their east and
(d) north-west India to Bengal west extent
G-172 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

17. The extreme of temperature between summer and winter 28. On the basis of the process of their formation, which of the
is quite low in southern part of Peninsular India mainly following soils is formed differently from the other three?
because (a) Khadar (b) Bangar
(a) the sun’s rays are almost vertical throughout the (c) Bhabar (d) Regur
year 29. Which one among the following is the best reason for the
(b) adjoining oceans moderate the temperature marked increase in the agricultural production in India in
(c) sky is generally cloudy the past decades?
(d) strong winds blow throughout the year (a) Increases in the area under cultivation
18. The irregularity in the amount of rain in different parts of (b) Conversion of barren land into agricultural land
the north Indian plains, during different years, is mainly (c) Use of improved agricultural methods and
due to the technologies
(a) irregular intensity of low pressure in the northwestern (d) Priority status given by the successive governments
part of India to agricultural sector over the industry sector
(b) difference in frequency of cyclones 30. Which one among the following is not a reason for
(c) variations in the location of the axis of the low practising tank irrigation in Peninsular India?
pressure trough (a) The undulating relief and hard rocks
(d) the amount of moisture carried by the winds not (b) Little percolation of rain water due to impervious
being the same every year rock structure
19. How do the ‘western disturbances’ affect the crops in (c) Most of the rivers of Peninsular India are perennial
north India? (d) There are many streams which become torrential
(a) They cause heavy damage to the standing crops during rainy season
31. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in
(b) They bring in locusts which destroy the crops
(a) desert margins, liable to strong wind action
(c) They are beneficial to the crops by causing winter
(b) low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to
rain
flooding
(d) They help in keeping the plants warm to some extent
(c) scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
in winter
(d) None of the above
20. Most of the precipitation in India is _______ in nature.
32. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a
(a) cyclonic (b) convectional
vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of
(c) orographic (d) frontal
this has assumed significance. Which one of the following
21. Which soil requires the least tilling ?
statements is correct in this context?
(a) Red (b) Black
(a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the
(c) Laterite (d) Alluvial
manufacture of biodegradable plastics
22. What kind of soil predominates in the Sunderbans area ? (b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction
(a) Red (b) Laterite of shale gas
(c) Black (d) Alluvial (c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of
23. Which one of the following does not belong to biosphere antihistamines
reserves set-up so far? (d) It is a source of high quality biodiesel
(a) Great Nicobar (b) Sunderbans 33. Among the following forest types in India, which one
(c) Nanda Devi (d) Gulf of Kachchh occupies the largest area?
24. Which one of the following regions of India is now (a) Tropical wet evergreen forest
regarded as an ‘ecological hot spot’? (b) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(a) Western Himalayas (b) Eastern Himalayas (c) Sub-tropical dry evergreen forest
(c) Western Ghats (d) Eastern Ghats (d) Montane wet temperate forest
25. Out of all the Biosphere Reserves in India, four have 34. The National Forestry Action Plan aims to bring 33% of
been recognized on the World Network by UNESCO. land area in India under tree cover by which year?
Which one of the following is not one of them? (a) 2008 (b) 2012
(a) Gulf of Mannar (b) Kanchenjunga (c) 2016 (d) 2020
(c) Nanda Devi (d) Sunderbans 35. What is mixed farming?
26. Which of the following forest species is not characteristics (a) Growing of several crops in a planned way
of Deciduous forests? (b) Growing rabi as well as kharif crops
(a) Teak (b) Sal (c) Growing several crops and also rearing animals
(c) Sandalwood (d) Deodar (d) Growing of fruits as well as vegetables
27. In India, in which one of the following areas are the 36. Which one of the following states has the largest forest
tropical evergreen forests found ? area to its total land area?
(a) The Western Ghats (b) The Eastern Ghats (a) Mizoram (b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) The Western Himalaya (d) The Central Himalaya (c) Sikkim (d) Jammu and Kashmir
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-173

37. In which one of the following states is Ranganathittu Bird (c) An endangered species which is found in a few
Sanctuary located? restricted areas on the Earth
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala (d) A species confined to a particular region and not
(c) Karnataka (d) Andhra Pradesh found anywhere else
38. In which one of the following places is the Forest Survey 46. Red soil colour is caused by
of India (FSI), a national organisation engaged in forest (a) aluminium compounds (b) mercury compounds
cover mapping, forest inventory and training in the field (c) iron compound (d) clay
of remote sensing and GIS, located? 47. Which one of the following is the example of subsistence
(a) Dehradun (b) Itanagar farming?
(c) Ahmedabad (d) Aizawl (a) Shifting cultivation
39. Which one of the following states is the largest producer (b) Commercial farming
of black pepper in India? (c) Extensive and intensive farming
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala (d) Organic farming
(c) Karnataka (d) Andhra Pradesh 48. In India, in which one of the following areas are the
40. The shaded area in the map given below is the major tropical evergreen forests found ?
producer of which one of the following? (a) The Western Ghats (b) The Eastern Ghats
(c) The Western Himalaya (d) The Central Himalaya
49. In which of the following Hills is tea cultivated?
(a) Maikala Hills (b) Nallamalai Hills
(c) Nilgiri Hills (d) Shivalik Hills
50. Which one of the following types of forest covers the
maximum area in India?
(a) Tropical rain forest
(b) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(c) Tropical dry deciduous forest
(d) Tropical dry evergreen forest
51. The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to
maintain proper ecological balance in India is :
(a) 25% (b) 33%
(c) 43% (d) 53%
52. The first marine sanctuary in India, within its bounds
coral reefs, mollusca, dolphins, tortoises and various
kinds of sea birds, has been established in:
(a) Sundarbans (b) Chilka Lake
(a) Cotton (b) Groundnut (c) Gulf of Kutch (d) Lakshadweep
(c) Wheat (d) Mustard 53. Amongst the following Indian States which one has the
41. Which one of the following is categorised as millet? minimum total forest cover?
(a) Wheat (b) Rice (a) Sikkim (b) Goa
(c) Sorghum (a) Maize (c) Haryana (d) Kerala
42. Leaching is the maximum in the soil type of 54. Which one of the following is not a Biosphere reserve?
(a) Laterite (b) Red (a) Agasthyamali (b) Nallamalai
(c) Regur (d) Desert (c) Nilgiri (d) Panchmarhi
43. Sal trees are the typical species of 55. Which one of the following is also known as Top Slip?
(a) Tropical rain forest (b) Tropical monsoon forest (a) Ismlipal National Park
(c) Taiga forest (d) Tundra forest (b) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
44. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the (c) Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary
given tiger reserves of India from North to South? (d) Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
(a) Dudwa-Kanha-Indravati-Bandipur 56. Which one of the following is located in the Bastar
(b) Kanha-Bandipur-Dudwa-Indravati region?
(c) Indravati-Kanha-Dudwa-Bandipur (a) Bandhavgarh National Park
(d) Dudwa-Kanha-Bandipur-Indravati (b) Dandeli Sanctuary
45. In wildlife conservation which one among the following (c) Rajaji National Park
best defines an ‘endemic species’? (d) Indravati National Park
(a) When the critical number of a species declines in a 57. Which one of the following is not essentially a species of
forest due to parasitic attack the Himalayan vegetation?
(b) A species which is cosmopolitan and can be (a) Juniper (b) Mahogany
commonly found in biosphere (c) Islver fir (d) Spruce
G-174 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

58. Which one among the following has the maximum (c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
number of National Parks? (d) None of the above
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands 67. Which one of the following regions of India has a
(b) Arunachal Pradesh combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and
(c) Assam deciduous forest? [CSAT 2015-I]
(d) Meghalaya (a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
59. When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice (b) South-West Bengal
red soil. What is the main reason for this colour? (c) Southern Saurashtra
(a) Abundance of magnesium (d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(b) Accumulated humus 68. Which one of the following best describes the main
(c) Presence of ferric oxides objective of ‘Seed Village Concept’? [CSAT 2015-I]
(d) Abundance of phosphates (a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds
60. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others
in (b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seed
(a) desert margins, liable to strong wind action production and thereby to make available quality
(b) low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable
flooding cost
(c) scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth (c) Earmarking some villages exclusively for the
(d) None of the above production of certified seeds
61. Which one of the following sets of conditions is necessary (d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in village and
for a good crop of wheat? providing them technology and finance to set up
(a) Moderate temperature and moderate rainfall seed companies
(b) High temperature and heavy rainfall 69. The agricultural production in different parts of India is
(c) High temperature and moderate rainfall very much affected by varying intensities of floods and
(d) Low temperature and low rainfall droughts. Which one of the following measures would not
62. Which one of the following agricultural practices is be sustainable in this respect?
eco-friendly? (a) Provision for extensive irrigation facilities
(a) Organic farming (b) Change in the crop calendar
(b) Shifting cultivation (c) Avoidance of flood and drought prone areas for
(c) Cultivation of high yielding varieties agriculture
(d) Growing plants in glass-houses (d) Emphasis on selection of crops best suited to flood
63. The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, whose and drought conditions
permission is required for cultivation of any genetically 70. Kanha National Park belongs to which one among the
modified crop such as Bt Cotton in India, is under the following biogeographical areas in the world?
Union Ministry of : (a) Tropical Sub-humid Forests
(a) Agriculture (b) Tropical Humid Forests
(b) Environment and Forests (c) Tropical Dry Forests
(c) Commerce and Industry (d) Tropical Moist Forests
(d) Rural-Development (d) Middle and South Andaman
64. An objective of the National Food Security Mission is 71. What is the sequential order of vegetation types observed
to increase the production of certain crops through area while moving from Assam Valley to Rajasthan Plains?
expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable (a) Tropical Wet Evergreen
manner in the identified districts of the country. What are Tropical Moist Deciduous
those crops? Tropical Dry Deciduous
(a) Rice and wheat only Tropical Thorn Forest
(b) Rice, wheat and pulses only (b) Tropical Thorn Forest
Tropical Dry Deciduous
(c) Rice, wheat, pulses and oil seeds only
Tropical Moist Deciduous
(d) Rice, wheat, pulses, oil seeds and vegetables
Tropical Wet Evergreen
65. Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which
(c) Tropical Moist Deciduous
one of them can be cultivated for ethanol ?
Tropical Wet Evergreen
(a) Jatropha (b) Maize
Tropical Dry Deciduous
(c) Pongamia (d) Sunflower
Tropical Thorn Forest
66. Which of the following is the chief characteristic of
(d) Tropical Dry Deciduous
‘mixed farming’?
Tropical Thorn Forest
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
Tropical Moist Deciduous
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
Tropical Wet Evergreen
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-175

72. Which one of the following is the correct sequence in the 74. In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated
decreasing order of production (in million tones) of the under the [CSAT 2015 - I]
given foodgrains in India? (a) Essential Commodities Act, 1955
(a) Wheat - Rice - Pulses - Coarse Cereals (b) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act
(b) Rice - Wheat - Pulses - Coarse Cereals enacted by States
(c) Wheat - Rice - Coarse Cereals - Pulses (c) Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act,
(d) Rice - Wheat - Coarse Cereals - Pulses 1937
73. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as (d) Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat and Food
a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation
Products Order, 1973
of this has assumed significance. Which one of the
75. The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on
following statements is correct in this context?
the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’
 [CSAT 2014 - I]
(a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the
manufacture of biodegradable plastics context of the affairs of the [CSAT 2015 - I]
(b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction (a) Food and Agriculture Organization
of shale gas (b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate
(c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of Change
antihistamines (c) World Trade Organisation
(d) It is a source of high quality biodiesel (d) United Nations Environment Programme
G-176 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

Exercise - 2
1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of
Statement Based MCQ tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both
tropical and subtropical areas.
1. Consider the following statements : 2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated
1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical by stem cuttings only.
regions. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 8. The active agents of soil forming process are
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 1. Climate 2. Parent material
(a) 1 (b) 2 only 3. Biota 4. Topography
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither I nor 2 5. Time
2. With reference to soil conservation, consider the Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
following practices: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3
1. Crop rotation 2. Sand fences (c) 4 and 5 (d) 3, 4 and 5
3. Terracing 4. Wind breaks 9. Which of the following factors have caused water logging
Which of the above are considered appropriate methods in the black lava soil of Deccan
for soil conserva­tion in India? 1. Introduction of irrigation
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 2. Sugarcane cultivation
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 3. High-rainfall
3. Consider the following statements: Select the correct answer
1. Silent Valley National Park in the Nallamalai range. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
2. Pathrakkadavu Hydroelectric project is proposed to (c) 1 only (d) 1 and 3
be built near the Silent Valley National Park. 10. Which of the following are the rivers at the delta mouths
3. The Kunthi river originates in Silent Valley’s of which mangroves occur in abundance?
rainforests. 1. Narmada 2. Subarnarekha
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 3. Krishna 4. Ganga
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only Select the correct answer:
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 and 3 (b) 3 and 4
4. A state in India has the following characteristics : (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4
1. Its northern part is arid and semi-arid. 11. Consider the following statements:
2. Its central part produces cotton. Andhra Pradesh is one of the leading producers of rice
3. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food because
crops. 1. It has fertile alluvial soil in the coastal plain.
Which one of the following states has all of the above 2. It receives about 125 cm of rainfall per annum in the
characteristics ? coastal tract.
(a) Andhra Pradesh (b) Gujarat 3. It has a lot of tank irrigation in the coastal plain.
(c) Karnataka (d) Tamil Nadu Of these statements:
5. Consider the following crops of India (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
1. Cowpea 2. Green gram (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3
3. Pigeon pea 12. Consider the following statements about Indian forestry:
Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder and 1. About 40 per cent of the Indian forests are in the
green manure? inaccessible mountainous regions which impode the
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only speedy transfer of felled trees.
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Although according to India’s forest policy, a high
6. Consider the following statements proportion of the land area shall be covered by
1. India is the only country in the world producing all forest except in some states, the percentage of forest
the five known commercial varieties of silk. cover is precariously low.
2. India is the largest producer of sugar in the world. 3. Exploitation of forests is less time consuming and
Which of the statements given above less is/are correct? less costly, as almost in every forest a single type of
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only tree dominates.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 4. The annual productivity of the forests is 3.5 cubic
7. Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, metres per hectare.
there is some difference between them regarding their Of these statements
cultivation. In this context, consider the following (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3
statements: (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-177

13. What are the major causes of droughts in India? 19. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/
1. Most of the rainfall occurs within a few months. characteristics of equatorial forests?
2. The absence of forests results in rapid run-off and 1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns
thus droughts. forming a continuous canopy
3. Rainfall is highly variable. 2. Coexistence of a large number of species
4. The amount of rainfall is inadequate. 3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4 Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 4 (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
14. Consider the following programmes: (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Afforestation and development of wastelands. 20. Consider the following pairs:
2. Reforestation and replantation in existing forests. National Park River flowing
3. Encouraging the wood substitutes and supplying through the Park
other types of fuel. 1. Corbett National Park: Ganga
4. Promotion of wide use of insecticides and pesticides 2. Kaziranga National Park: Manas
to restrict the loss of forest area from degradation 3. Silent Valley: National Park : Kaveri
caused by pests and insects. Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only
The National Forest Policy of 1988 includes:
(c) 1 and 3 (d) None of these
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 2 and 4
21. The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3
large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
15. Consider the following statements regarding environment
1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
issues of India:
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
1. Gulf of Mannar is one of the biosphere reserves. 3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.
2. The Ganga Action Plan, phase II has been merged Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
with the National River Conservation Plan. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3
3. The National Museum of Natural History at New (c) 1 and 3 (d) None
Delhi imparts non-formal education in environment 22. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils
and conservation. of India are correct?
4. Environmental Information System (ENVIS) acts as 1. They are generally red in colour.
a decentralized information network for environment 2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
information. 3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
Which of these statements are correct? 4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 3 and 4 (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
16. Consider the following statements: (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3 only
The black cotton soil of India 23. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see
1. is mainly distributed over the river valleys of the which of the following plants naturally growing there?
lava region of the Deccan. 1. Oak
2. has a great capacity of retaining moisture 2. Rhododendron
3. is extremely fertile at surface 3. Sandalwood
4. occupies about 10 per cent of the total area of the Select the correct answer using the code given below.
country of these statements (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 and 4 24. Consider the following crops:
17. Consider the following statements : 1. Cotton 2. Groundnut
1. The equatorial forests are evergreen. 3. Rice 4. Wheat
2. The Mediterranean region has deciduous forests of Which of these are Kharif crops?
broad leaved trees. (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3 only
3. Taiga forests are found in Kashmir. (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4
Which of the statements given above are correct ? 25. With reference to Neem tree, consider the following
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 statements :
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the
18. Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of mill-made cotton proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
yarn in the country. What could be the reason? 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels
1. Black cotton soil is the predomi­nant type of soil in and hospital detergents.
the State. 3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical
2. Rich pool of skilled labour is available. industry.
Which of the above is/are the correct reasons? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
G-178 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

26. Consider the following statements : 31. Consider the following statements about black soil of
1. Maize can be used for the production of starch. India
2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for 1. Black soil becomes sticky when it is wet.
biodiesel. 2. Black soil contains adequate nitrogen as well as
3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using phosphorus required for the growth of plants.
maize. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 32. Which of the following statements regarding red soils of
27. What are the significances of a practical approach to India is/are correct?
sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane 1. The colour of the soil is red due to ferric oxide
Initiative’? content.
2. Red soils are rich in lime, humous and potash.
1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the
3. They are porous and have friable structure.
conventional method of cultivation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 3
this.
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic 33. Which of the following statements regarding jhum
fertilizers at all in this. cultivation in India are correct ?
4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared 1. It is largely practised in North-Eastern Indian states.
to the conventional method of cultivation. 2. It is referred to as ‘slash and burn’ technique.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. 3. In it, the fertility of soil is exhausted in a few years.
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
28. What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Watershed Development Programme’? 34. Which of the following statements relating to Indian
1. Prevention of soil runoff agriculture is/are correct ?
2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal 1. India has the World’s largest cropped area.
rivers 2. Cropping pattern is dominated by cereal crop.
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater 3. The average size of an Indian farm holding is too
table small for several agricultural operations.
4. Regeneration of natural vegetation Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 35. Consider the following statements:
1. The forest cover in India constitutes around 20% of
Matching Based MCQ its geographical area. Out of the total forest cover,
dense forest constitutes around 40%.
29. Consider the following statements 2. The National Forestry Action Programme aims at
1. National parks are a special category of protected bringing one third of the area of India under tree
areas of land and sea coasts where people are an forest cover.
integral part of the system. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2. Sanctuaries are concerned with conservation of (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
particular species. (c) both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Biosphere reserves are connected with the habitat of 36. Consider the following statements:
a particular wild animal. 1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? legislation.
(a) 1,2 and 3 (b) Only 2 2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few
(c) 1 and 2 (d) 1 and 3 specific species of flora and fauna.
30. Which one of the following statements on biosphere 3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference
reserves is not correct? is permitted.
(a) In 1973, UNESCO launched a worldwide Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
programme on man and biosphere (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(b) Biosphere reserves promote research on ecological (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
conservation 37. Following are the characteristics of an area in India:
(c) Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located in Madhya 1. Hot and humid climate
pradesh 2. Annual rainfall 200 cm
(d) Biosphere reserves are multipurpose protected areas 3. Hill slopes up to an altitude of 1100 metres
to preserve the genetic diversity in ecosystems 4. Annual range of temperature 15°C to 30°C.
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-179

Which one among the following crops are you most Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
likely to find in the area described above? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) Mustard (b) Cotton (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Pepper (d) Virginia tobacco 46. Consider the following crops of India :
38. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils 1. Cowpea 2. Green gram
of India are correct? 3. Pigeon pea
1. They are generally red in colour. Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder and green
2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. manure?
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 47. Consider the following crops of India :
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 1. Groundnut
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3 only 2. Sesamum
39. The following are the major oilseeds produced in India: 3. Pearl millet
1. Sesamum 2. Mustard Which of the above is/are predominantly rained crop/
3. Groundnut 4. Soyabean crops?
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
descending order of the quantity of their production? (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 3, 2, 4, 1 48. Consider the following crops:
(c) 2, 4, 3, 1 (d) 3, 4, 2, 1 1. Cotton 2. Groundnut
40. Consider the following high yielding varieties of crops in 3. Rice 4. Wheat
India: Which of these are Kharif crops?
1. Arjun 2. Jaya (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3 only
3. Padma 4. Sonalika (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4
Which of these are of wheat? 49. With reference to Neem tree, consider the following
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 statements : [CSAT 2014-I]
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the
41. Consider the following statements: proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
1. India is the original home of the cotton plant 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels
2. India is the first country in the world to develop and hospital detergents.
hybrid cotton variety leading to increased production 3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical
Which of these statements is/are correct? industry.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
42. Consider the following statements: (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. India ranks first in the world in fruit production 50. Consider the following pairs :  [CSAT 2014-I]
2. India ranks second in the world in export of tobacco Region Well-known for the
Which of these statements is/are correct? production of
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 1. Kinnaur : Areca nut
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither I nor 2 2. Mewat : Mango
43. Consider the following crops: 3. Coromandel : Soya bean
1. Cotton 2. Groundnut Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched?
3. Maize 4. Mustard (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
Which of the above are kharif crops? (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3 51. Consider the following statements : [CSAT 2014 - I]
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 , 3 and 4 1. Maize can be used for the production of starch.
44. Consider the following statements: 2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for
1. India is the only country in the world producing all biodiesel.
the five known commercial varieties of silk. 3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using
2. India is the largest producer of sugar in the world. maize.
Which of the statements given above less is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
45. Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may 52. What are the significances of a practical approach to
be contributing to global warming. To what possible sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane
reason/reasons is this is attributable? Initiative’? [CSAT 2014-I]
1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice 1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the
cultivation cause the emission of methane. conventional method of cultivation.
2. When nitrogen based fertilizers are used, nitrous 2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in
oxide is emitted from the cultivated soil. this.
G-180 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched?
fertilizers at all in this. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
to the conventional method of cultivation. 58. Match the following
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
List I List II
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(Natural Vegetation of India)
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Annual Rainfall
53. What can be the impact of excessive / inappropriate use Received)
of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? [CSAT 2015 - I] A. Tropical evergreen forests 1. 100-200 cm
1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in B. Tropical deciduous forests 2. Above 200 cm
soil can occur.
C. Tropical dry forests 3. Less than 50 cm
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur. D. Arid forests 4. Above 300 cm
Select the correct answer using the code given below. 5. 50-100 cm
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only Codes:
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 A B C D A B C D
54. Consider the following States  [CSAT 2015-I] (a) 1 2 5 3 (b) 4 3 1 5
1. Arunachal Pradesh (c) 2 1 5 3 (d) 2 1 3 4
2. Himachal Pradesh 59. Match the following
3. Mizoram
In which of the above States do ‘Tropical Wet Evergreen List I List II
Forests’ occur? (Biosphere Reserve) (Places)
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only A. Manas 1. Meghalaya
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 B. Pachmarhi 2. Asom
55. In the map the given four areas are differently shaded,
C. Nokrek 3. Madhya Pradesh
three of which indicate cereal crops production areas and
one indicates non-cereal crop production area. D. Achanakmar Amarkantak 4. Chhattisgarh

As per the index given, the non-cereal crop production Codes :
area is : A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 3 1 2 (b) 2 1 3 4
INDIA
(c) 4 1 3 2 (d) 2 3 1 4
60. Match the following
List I List II
Major Crop
Production Areas (Tiger Reserve) (State)
1
2 A. Indravati 1. Karnatka
3

4 B. Periyar 2. Odisha
(a) 1 (b) 2 C. Simlipal 3. Kerala
(c) 3 (d) 4 D. Bandipur 4. Chhattisgarh

56. Consider the following pairs :
Codes :
Region Well-known for the
A B C D A B C D
production of
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 1 3 2 4
1. Kinnaur : Areca nut (c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 4 2 3 1
2. Mewat : Mango 61. Arrange the following tiger reserves of India from North
3. Coromandel : Soya bean to South :
Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched? 1. lndravati 2. Dudhwa
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only 3. Bandipur 4. Similipal
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None Select the correct answer using the code given below :
57. Consider the following pairs : (a) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2 (b) 4 – 2 – 3 – 1
Programme/Project Ministry (c) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3 (d) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3
1 . Drought-Prone Area : Ministry of Agriculture 62. Match List-I and List-II and select the correct answer
Programme using the codes given below :
2. Desert Development : Ministry of Environment List-I List-II
(Product) (Major Producer)
Programme and Forests
A. Tea 1. Andhra Pradesh
3. National Watershed : Ministry of Rural B. Jute 2. Kerala
Development Project Development C. Rubber 3. Orissa
for Rainfed Areas D. Tobacco 4. Tamil Nadu
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-181

Codes : List-I List-II

A B C D A. Similipal 1. Sikkim
(a) 2 3 4 1 B. Dehong Deband 2. Uttaranchal
(b) 4 1 2 3 C. Nokrek 3. Arunachal Pradesh
(c) 2 1 4 3 D. Kanchenjunga 4. Orissa
(d) 4 3 2 1 5. Meghalaya
63. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer Codes:
using the code given below the Lists : (a) A-1; B-3; C-5; D-4
List-I List-II (b) A-4; B-5; C -2; D-1
(Type of vegetation) (State) (c) A-1; B-5; C-2; D-4
A. Mangrove 1 Madhya Pradesh
(d) A-4; B-3; C-5; D-1
68. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
B. Scrub 2 Karnataka
using the codes given below the lists:
C. Teak 3 Rajasthan
List-I (National Park List-II (State)
D. Coniferous 4 Arunachal Pradesh /Wildlife Sanctuary)
Code: A. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary 1. Orissa
A B C D B. Kangerghat National Park 2. Assam
(a) 4 1 3 2 C. Orang Sanctuary 3. Chhattisgarh
(b) 2 1 3 4 D. Ushkothi Wildlife 4. Goa
(c) 4 3 1 2 Sanctuary
(d) 2 3 1 4 5. Tripura

Codes :
64. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? (a) A-2; B-1; C-5; D-3 (b) A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1
(a) Teak : Jammu and Kashmir (c) A-2; B-3; C-5; D-1 (d) A-4; B-1; C-2; D-3
(b) Deodar : Madhya Pradesh 69. Match List-I (National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary) with
(c) Sandalwood : Kerala List-I) (Nearby Town) and select the correct answer
(d) Sundari : West Bengal using the codes given below the lists:
List-I List-II
65. Match List-I (Mangrove) with List-II (State) and select (National Park/ (Nearby Town)
the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: Wildlife Sanctuary)
List-I (Mangrove) List-II (State) A. Chandra Prabha 1. Jaipur
A. Achra Ratnagiri 1. Karnataka B. Karera 2. Jhansi
B. Coondapur 2. Kerala C. Jaisamand 3. Agra
D. Nahargarh 4. Varanasi
C. Pichavaram 3. Andhra Pradesh
5. Udaipur
D. Vembanad 4. Maharashtra Codes :
5. Tamil Nadu (a) A-4; B-4; C-1; D-1 (b) A-5; B-2; C-3; D-1
Codes: (c) A-4; B-2; C-5; D-1 (d) A-5; B-1; C-3; D-2
(a) A-2; B-1; C-5; D-4 (b) A-4; B-5; C-3; D-2 70. Which of the following pairs of states and their important
(c) A-2; B-5; C-3; D-4 (d) A-4; B-1; C-5; D-2 crops are correctly matched?
1. Kerala–Tapioca 2. Maharashtra–Cotton
66. Match List I (National Park/Sanctuary) with List II
3. West Bengal–Jute 4. Gujarat–Groundnut
(State) and select the correct answer using the codes (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4
given below: (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
List-I List-II 71. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:
A Kanger Ghati National 1. Chhattisgarh List-I List-II
Park (Crops) (Geographical conditions)
A. Barley 1. Hot and dry climate with
B. Nagerhole National 2. Haryana
poor soil
Park B. Rice 2. Cool climate with poorer
C. Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary 3. Himachal Pradesh soil
D. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary 4. Karnataka C. Millets 3. Warm and moist climate
Codes : with high attitude
(a) A-3; B-2; C-1; D-4 D. Tea 4. Hot and moist climate
with rich soil
(b) A-1; B-4; C-3; D-2
Codes:
(c) A-3; B-4; C-1; D-2 (a) A – 2; B – 4; C – 1; D – 3
(d) A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4 (b) A – 3; B – 4; C – 1; D – 2
67. Match List-I (Biosphere Reserve) with List-II (States) and (c) A – 2; B – 1; C – 4; D – 3
select the correct answer using the codes given below: (d) A – 3; B – 2; C – 4; D –1
G-182 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

72. Consider the map given below: Codes:

(a) A-1; B-3; C-4; D-2 (b) A-2; B-3; C-5; D-4
(c) A-4; B-5; C-2; D-1 (d) A-4; B-3; C-5; D-2
75. Consider the following pairs:
National Park River flowing
through the Park
1. Corbett National Park : Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas
3. Silent Valley: National Park : Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 (d) None of these
76. Consider the following pairs : [CSAT 2015 - I]
The place marked A, B, C and D in the map are Programme/Project Ministry
respectively known for the cultivation of : 1 . Drought-Prone Area : Ministry of Agriculture
(a) groundnut, ragi, tobacco and sugarcane Programme
2. Desert Development : Ministry of
(b) groundnut, sugarcane, ragi and tobacco
Environment Programme
(c) ragi, sugarcane, groundnut and tobacco
and Forests
(d) ragi, groundnut, sugarcane and tobacco
3. National Watershed : Ministry of Rural
73. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer Development Project Development
using the codes given below the lists: for Rainfed Areas
List-I List-II Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched?
(Agricultural products) (Foremost producer) (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
A. Cotton 1. Madhya Pradesh (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
B. Gram 2. Gujarat 77. Consider the following pairs :
C. Black pepper 3. West Bengal Wetlands Confluence of rivers
D. Pineapple 4. Kerala 1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and
Codes: Satluj/Sutlej
(a) A-2; B-1; C- 4; D-3 (b) A-2; B-1; C- 3; D-4 2. Keoladeo Ghana : Confluence of
(c) A-1; B-2; C- 4; D-3 (d) A-1; B-2; C- 3; D-4 National Park Banas and Chambal
74. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer 3. Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and
using the codes given below the lists: Krishna
List-I List-II Which of the above pairs is/ are correctly matched?
A. Cotton 1. Rainfall 1000–1500 mm; (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
Temperature 40°–60°C (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
78. Consider the following pairs :
B. Flax 2. Rainfall 1500–2000 mm;
Hills Region
Temperature 25°–35°C
1. Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast
C. Sugar beet 3. Rainfall 600–800 mm;
2. Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast
Temperature 5°–18º C 3. Mahadeo Hills : Central India
D. Jute 4. Rainfall 500–1000 mm; 4. Mikir Hills : North-East India
Temperature 18°–22°C Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
5. Rainfall 500–600 mm; (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
Temperature 18°–22°C (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-183

EXERCISE-1 33. (b) The Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests

is a tropical moist broadleaf forest of east-
1. (d) Tropical rain forest temperature gets higher than
central India. It covers an area of 341,100 square
34°C and drops below 20°C and average rain fall
kilometers extending across portions of Andhra
50–260 inches yearly.
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,Madhya Pradesh,
2. (c) The low and deltaic plains of the Ganges and Maharashtra, Orissa, and Telangana states.
Brahamputra rivers that is characterised by swamps 34. (b) The National Forestry Action Plan aims to bring
and Sundarbans. So, the people out there grow 33% of land area in India under tree cover by 2012.
Paddy and Jute. 35. (c) Mixed farming is an agrarian system that mixes
3. (b) Unless the salts and minerals are washed down into arable farming with the raising of livestock. When
the groundwater, the sodium and other ions are on a farm along-with crop production, some other
absorbed by the colloidal clay particles. It leads agriculture based practice like poultry, dairy farming
to the deflocculating of the particles and the soil or bee keeping etc. is adopted then this is known as
becomes structure less and impermeable to water. mixed farming.
4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (c) 36. (a) According to 2011 Forest Survey of India. Mizoram
9. (b) When it rains, the water carries the soil into cracks has third highest total forest cover with 1,594,000
and thus to the lower layers; it has the same effect hectares and highest percentage area (90.68%)
as tilling. covered by forests, among the states of India.
10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (a) 37. (c) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located in Karnataka.
15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (a) 18. (a) 19. (c) 38. (a) Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organisation under
20. (c) the Ministry of Environment & Forests. Government
21. (b) Black soil becomes sticky when wet and develops of India conducts survey and assessment of forest
cracks on drying. When it rains, top soil is carried resources in the country. The organization came
into being in June, 1981. The headquarters of FSI
into the cracks with the rain water. Thus, the soil
are at Dehradun.
of the upper layers is continuously taken to lower
39. (b) Kerala is the largest producer of pepper in India.
horizons, with the same effect as tilling.
Kerala accounts for 97.4 per cent of the total area
22. (d)
under the crop in the country.
23. (d) Great Nicobar, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi are
40. (a) The shaded area in the map is major cotton producer
biosphere reservoir declared by Govt. of India, but states in India. Cotton producing states in India are
Gulf of Kachchh is not a biosphere reservoir, it is Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
dry sandy plain. Tamil Nadu etc.
24. (c) Western Ghat is known as ecological hot spots 41. (c) Sorghum is a genus of plants in the grass family. One
in India by the Wild Life Act of 1972 of Indian species is grown for grain and many of which are
Constitution. used as fodder plants. Millets are a group of highly
25. (b) 26. (d) 27. (a) variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around
28. (d) First three soils are formed by the silt brought up by the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and
the river. human food. Thus, Sorghum is categorized as millet.
29. (c) The Deccan Traps are a large igneous province, 42. (a) In agriculture, leaching refers to the loss of water-
one of the largest volcanic features on Earth. It is soluble plant nutrients from the soil, due to rain
located on the Deccan Plateau of west-central India. and irrigation. The rate of leaching increases with
30. (c) the amount of rainfall, high temperatures, and
31. (b) Contour Bunding is one of the simple method of soil the removal of protective vegetation. In areas of
and water conservation. This technique is used at extensive leaching, many plant nutrients are lost,
leaving quartz and hydroxides of iron, manganese,
places where the land is sloppy. Due to slope, soil
and aluminium. This remainder forms a distinctive
and nutrients erode fast which makes agriculture on
type of soil, called laterite.
this land very uneconomical. To adopt this technique
43. (b) The trees in Monsoon Forests shed their leaves for
the agriculture fields contours are marked and then
about six to eight weeks in summer on account of a
the bunds are taken along the contours. long dry spell. The rainfall suited for such forests is
32. (b) Guar gum is used in hydraulic fracturing technology between 75 to 200 cm. Sal is of the dry deciduous
during shale gas extraction. variety of tropical monsoon forest.
G-184 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

44. (a) 1. Dudwa National park - Uttar Pradesh 59. (c) Red soil in India is largely found in Deccan plateau.
2. Kanha National Park- Madhya Pradesh Red soil is less clayey and sandier in nature and has
3. Indravati National Park - Chattisgarh a rich content of iron and small amount of humus.
4. Bandipur National Park- Karnataka Red soil is also known as yellow soil. The redness
45. (d) An endemic species is one whose habitat is restricted is the soil is due to Jerric oxide, is 2nd largest soil
to a particular area. The term could refer to an found in India from south of Bundelkhand to North
animal, a plant, a fungus, or even a microorganism. of Raj mahal hill.
Some of the endemic species in India are Grey- 60. (d) Contour Bunding is one of the simple method of soil
headed Bulbul, Malabar Lark, Nilgiri Flycatcher and water conservation. This technique is used at
and Grey Jungle fowl etc. places where the land is sloppy. Due to slope, soil
46. (c) Red soils develop in a warm, temperate, wet climate and nutrients erode fast which makes agriculture on
under deciduous forests and have thin organic and this land very uneconomical. To adopt this technique
mineral layers overlying a yellowish-brown leached the agriculture fields contours are marked and then
layer resting on red layer made of iron oxide(ferric the bunds are taken along the contours.
oxide). Red soils generally form from iron-rich 61. (a) Wheat is a temperate region crop thus require
sediments. They are usually poor growing soils, low moderate temperature and rainfall both. Temperature
in nutrients and humus and difficult to cultivate.
should not exceed above 20°C and rainfall should be
47. (a) Subsistence Farming is a type of farming in which
between 50-100 cm alongwith a first free growing
most of the produce (subsistence crop) is consumed
season.
by the farmer and his family, leaving little or nothing
62. (a) Organic farming is a production system of crops
to be marketed.
which avoids the use of synthetic and chemical
48. (a)
inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators
49. (c) In India, tea growing areas are Darjeeling in West
and livestock feed additives.
Bengal, the Nilgiri in the South Wynaad, Cochin
63. (a) The genetic engineering approval committee comes
and Malabar in Kerala.
under Ministry of Enviroment, Forest and Climate
50. (c) Tropical dry deciduous forests run from the
Himalayan foot hills to Kanyakumari and comprise change.
important trees like bijasal, teak, tendu, amaltas, 64. (b) National Food Security Mission launched by
khair, palas, rosewood and axlewood. government of India to increase the food production
51. (b) For proper ecological balance 33% of forest land is of rice, wheat and pulses and commercial gaps
recommended, but in India we have only 20.14% of like sugarcance jute. The target is to increase the
forest coverage. production of rice by 10 million tones, wheat by 8
52. (c) Gulf of Kutch in 1980, 270 km from Obha to Sadiya. million tones and pulses, by 2 million tones by the
53. (c) Haryana has 6.83% of area is forest cover area of end of Eleventh Plan.
the total land coverage, whereas Sikkim has 36%, 65. (b)
38.5% in Goa and 28.9% of Kerala has forest area 66. (c) Mixed farming refer to rearing of animals and
of their total land mass. cultivation of crops together.
54. (b) Nallamalai is not a biosphere reserve. It is hill 67. (d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands is rich in biodiversity.
of Eastern ghats which stretches over Kurnool, Different types of forests as Tropical Evergreen
Mahabubnagar, Guntur and Kadapa districts of the forests, Moist Deciduous forests, Mangrove forests,
state of Andhra Pradesh. Littoral forests are found here.
55. (d) Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park 68. (b) Seed village concept is to promote the quality seed
is known as top slip. It is a part of Western Ghats is production of foundation and certified seed classes.
located above 300 metres from the sea level on the The area which is suitable for raising a particular
Anamalai mountain ranges. crop will be selected, and raised with single variety
56. (b) Indravati National Park is located in the Bastar of a kind. Suitable area for seed production will be
region. The park is situated at the distance of 97.4 identified by the Scientists. The foundation/ certified
km Bastar. seeds or University labelled seeds will be supplied
57. (b) Mahogany is a species of tree found throughout the by the University through Krishi Vigyan Kendras
Caribbean, central and south America but not in (KVKs) and Research Stations at 50% subsidy cost
Himalayas. to the identified farmers in the area. The farmers
58. (a) Andaman and Nicobar has 9 national parks; Assam will use these quality seeds and take up their own
has 6, Arunachal Pradesh and Maghalaya both have seed production in a small area (1 acre) for their
2 each. own use. The crops are Rice, Pulses and Oilseeds.
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-185

69. (c) Avoidance of flood and drought prone areas for 18. (b) The predominant soil in Tamil Nadu is red which
agriculture would not be sustainable in this respect. supports cotton cultivation and a rich pool of skilled
70. (c) Kanha National Park belongs to tropical moist dry labour is available in Tamil Nadu.
deciduous forest. It is a tiger reserve of India and 19. (d) The canopy  is the primary layer of the forest
the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh. forming a roof over the two remaining layers. The
densest of the biodiversity is found here along with
71. (a) The sequential order of vegetation types observed
a large variety of epiphytes.
while moving from Assam valley to Rajasthan is :
20. (d) Through Corbett National Park Ramganga flows
Tropical wet evergreen ® Tropical moist deciduous
(not Ganga) which is a tributary of Ganges. Through
Teropical dry deciduous ® Tropical thorn forest. Silent Valley National Park river Bhavani flows
72. (d) Production of rice is 96.43 MT, wheat is 78.4 MT, which is a tributary of Kaveri.
pulses is 15.11 MT and coarse cereals are 40.73 Kaziranga and Manas are both national parks.
MT in India. So, the correct sequence in decreasing 21. (a) The land slopes west ward from central India due
order is Rice – Wheat – Coarse cereals – Pulses. to deposition of alluvial fan. The rift valley which
73. (b) Guar gum is used in hydraulic fracturing technology is occupied by the Narmada is one of the reasons
during shale gas extraction. of Narmada flowing to the west. The rift is formed
74. (b) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Acts of due to complex natural processes leading to either
respective states are responsible for markets in subsidence or upliftment of the earth’s surface.
The area is seismically active and has seen major
agricultural products.
upheavals. Such movements reshape the landscape.
75. (c) ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the
There is readjustment of slopes and rivers either
Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ start bringing more material or change course.
and ‘Peace Clause’ are related to World Trade 22. (c) Laterite soil is rusty red in colour due to iron oxide
Organisation. present in it. In the lateritic soil cashews and tapiocas
EXERCISE-2 can be grown.
23. (a) Oak and Rhododendron is found in Himalayan
1. (d) Biodiversity hot spots are found in temperature region while sandalwood is found in South India.
regions only. Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats 24. (c) Rice is the main kharif crop and groundnut and
and Andaman Islands are such hot spots. cotton are also the kharif crops.
2. (c) 25. (d) All 1,2 and 3 are true.
3. (d) Silent Valley National Park is situated in Nilgiri 26. (d) All three statements are correct as Maize can be
Hills of Western Ghats. The park is bound by used for the production of starch.Oil extracted from
Attappadi reserved forest to the east and vested maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel. Alcoholic
forest of Palaghat division and Nilamber division to beverages can be produced by using maize.
the south-west respectively. 27. (b) NPK (fertilizers) can be applied at the rate of 112
4. (b) kg, 25 kg and 48 kg per acre, respectively through
5. (d) All are used as pulse, folder and green manure. inorganic or organic methods. Hence statement #3
6. (a) Five varieties of silkworms are reared in India for is wrong, this eliminates (a), (c) and (d). therefore,
producing five varieties of silk. Mulberry silk, Muga answer (b) 1,2,4 only.
28. (c) Integrated Watershed Management Programme
silk, Tasar silk, Oak tasar silk and Eri silk. India is
(IWMP) was launched during 2009-10. It aims at
the 2nd largest producer of sugar in the world.
Prevention of soil runoff, Rainwater harvesting and
7. (a) Both tea and coffee can be propagated by seeds and
recharge of groundwater table and Regeneration of
stem cutting, so (b) is wrong.
natural vegetation.
8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (b)
29. (c) National Park an area of countryside, or occasionally
13. (c) sea or fresh water, protected by the state for the
14. (d) National Forest Policy 1988 describes the protection enjoyment of the general public or the preservation
of forest and development of forest, it does not of wildlife.
describe the use of insecticide and pesticide in forest An animal sanctuary is a facility where animals are
areas. brought to live and be protected for the rest of their
15. (b) All the statements given in the options are correct. lives.
16. (a) A biosphere reserve is an area of land or water that is
17. (c) The Mediterranean region has deciduous forests of protected by law in order to support the conservation
thick bark and thick leaves. Because it get high sun of ecosystems, as well as the sustainability of
rays and much rainfall. mankind’s impact on the environme
G-186 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

30. (c) Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located in 43. (b) Cotton, Groundnut and Maize are kharif crop
Uttarakhand. It was inscribed a World Heritage Site whereas Mustard is a rabi crop.
by UNESCO in 1988. 44. (a) Five varieties of silkworms are reared in India for
31. (a) Black soils become sticky when it is wet. It is rich producing five varieties of silk. Mulberry silk, Muga
in iron, lime, calcium, Magnesium, carbonates, and silk, Tasar silk, Oak tasar silk and Eri silk. India is
alumina and poor in Phosphorous, Nitrogen and the 2nd largest producer of sugar in the world.
Organic matter. The soil is black in colour because 45. (c)
it is volcanic in origin. It is created from igneous 46. (d) All are used as pulse, folder and green manure ?
rocks, and is also called ‘regur soil’. 47. (d) All of them are predominantly rain fed crops
32. (b) Red soils are very poor in lime, humous and potash. 48. (c) Rice is the main kharif crop and groundnut and
33. (c) Jhum is a traditional form of shifting cultivation cotton are also the kharif crops wheat is a raki.
common in the North-East. Slash-and-burn is a 49. (d) All 1,2 and 3 are true.
mere land clearing method used by many people 50. (d) Kinnaur (Himachal) is famous for apples. Areca nut
around the globe to open up forest land and use it mostly confined to Karnataka, Kerala and Assam.
for permanent agriculture. On the contrary, shifting Mewat in haryana is not famous for mango. UP is
cultivation is an integrated farming system involving famous for mango.
forestry, agriculture and strong social organisation
Similarly, coromandel coast is not famous for soya
on the part of the communities. The village or group
beans.Top two producers of soya are Madhya
of villages practice jhum on one particular tract of
Pradesh and Maharashtra which are outside
land until the soil is depleted of nutrients and then
coromandel coast.
move on to another allowing the former tract of land
Therefore, (d) is the correct option.
to regenerate.
51. (d) All three statements are correct as Maize can be
34. (d) India has the world’s largest cropped and irrigated
used for the production of starch.Oil extracted from
area.The cropping pattern of foodgrains in India
maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel. Alcoholic
is dominated by cereal crop. The average size of
beverages can be produced by using maize.
an Indian farm holding isbelow 2 hectares which
constitute almost 80% of all Indian farmers. 52. (b) NPK (fertilizers) can be applied at the rate of 112
35. (b) Out of the total forest cover, dense forest constitute kg, 25 kg and 48 kg per acre, respectively through
around 2.54%; very dense forest and 8.77% are inorganic or organic methods. Hence statement #3
moderately dense forest. National Forestry Action is wrong, this eliminates (a), (c) and (d). therefore,
Programme aims a long term plan to achieve the answer (b) 1,2,4 only.
target of 33% forest cover. 53. (c) Excessive/ inappropriate use of nitrogenous
36. (c) The fix boundary of a National Park is described in fertilizers increase the acidity of soil and Leaching
the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The legislation of nitrate to the ground water.
states the actual area of the National Park which 54. (c) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are found in Assam,
is notified by the state government. A biosphere Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura,
reserve conserves an ecosystem and not just few West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Island and
specific species of plants and animals. on the eastern and western slopes of the Western
37. (c) Ghats in such states as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,
38. (c) Laterite soil is rusty red in colour due to iron oxide Kerala and Maharashtra.
present in it. In the lateritic soil cashews and tapiocas 55. (d) Cotton grows there
can be grown. 56. (d) Kinnaur (Himachal) is famous for apples. Areca nut
39. (c) mostly confined to Karnataka, Kerala and Assam.
40. (c) Arjun and Sonalika are hybrid variety of wheat Mewat in haryana is not famous for mango. UP is
produced by Indian Council of Agricultural famous for mango.
Research. Similarly, coromandel coast is not famous for soya
41. (c) India is the original home of cotton plant, and India beans.Top two producers of soya are Madhya
ranks number one in the world accounting for 20% Pradesh and Maharashtra which are outside
of the total area planted under cotton. The cotton coromandel coast.
hybrid variety H–4 developed first and Raj–16, Therefore, (d) is the correct option.
Dhanalaxmi, and Fateh are the variety which were 57. (d) The draught prone area programme is by ministry of
developed in India. Rural development to minimise the adverse effects
42. (d) India ranked 2nd in the fruit production in the world of drought on production of crops and livestock and
and ranked 6th in production of tobacco. productivity of land, water and human resources. The
Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India G-187

desert development programme is also by ministry 68. (b) National Park/ Wildlife Sanctuary
of Rural development to minimise the adverse effect Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary - Goa
of drought and control desertification. National Kangerghat National Park - Chhattisgarh
Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas Orang Sanctuary - Assam
is by ministry of agriculture. Ushkothi Wildlife Sanctuary - Orissa.
58. (c) A. Tropical evergreen forests- Above 200 cm 69. (c)
B. Tropical deciduous forests - 100-200 cm 70. (d) Option 1 is not correct because, Tapioca is not an
C. Tropical Dry forest- 50-100 cm important crap of Kerala.
D. Arid forest- Less than 50 cm 71. (a) Barley requires cool climate with poor soil quality.
59. (d) 1. Manas- Asom Barley can be grown in high latitude even beyond
2. Pachmarhi - Madhya Pradesh the Arctic circle. Whereas rice needs hot and moist
3. Nokrek - Meghalaya climate with rich soil.
4. Achanakmar-Amarkantak- Chhattisgarh, Millets are grown in hot and dry climate with poor
60. (c) Tiger Reserves States soil, whereas tea needs warm and moist climate with
1. Indravati Tiger Reserve - Chhattishgarh high altitude.
2. Periyar Tiger Reserve - Kerala, 72. (b) The place marked in the given map of India.
3. Simlipal Tiger Reserve - Odisha ‘A’ refers to Gujarat where groundnut is a major crop.
4. Bandipur Tiger Reserve - Karnataka ‘B’ refers to western part of Maharashtra which is
61. (c) The correct arrangement from north to south is as known for sugarcane.
follows: ‘C’ refers to southern part of Orissa and northern part
Dudhwa- Uttar Pradesh of Andhra Pradesh, where ‘Ragi’ is cultivated
Simlipal - Odisha abundantly.
Indravati - Chattisgarh ‘D’ refers Andhra Pradesh and tobacco is cultivated in
Bandipur- Karnataka
this area.
62. (d) Chief Producer States
73. (a) Gujarat is the foremost producer of cotton. Gram
Tea — Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu
is produced in Madhya Pradesh, Black pepper
Jute — West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Orissa
is produced in Kerala and Pineapple is produced
Rubber — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
highest in West Bengal.
Tobacco — Andhra Praesh, Gujarat, Karnataka,
74. (b) A. Cotton cultivation needs 1500–2000 mm and
Tamil Nadu
the suitable temperature for cotton growth is 25° –
63. (c) Mangrove, Scrub, teak and coniferous are the
35°C.
various types of vegetations found in Karnataka,
B. Flax cultivation needs 600–800 mm and temperature
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh
varies from 5° – 18° C.
respectively.
C. The suitable climatic condition for sugar beet
64. (d) Sundari tree is found in Sundarban area of West
requires 500–600 mm and temperature 18°–22° C.
Bengal. Sundarban is a largest wetland area in
D. Jute cultivation needs 500–1000 mm rainfall and
the world. Sundarban got its name itself due to
temperature between 18º–22ºC
abundance of ‘Sundari’ tree in this area.
75. (d) Through Corbett National Park Ramganga flows
65. (d) Achra Ratnagiri Mangrove is in Maharashtra,
Coondapur Mangrove is in Karnataka, Pichavaram (not Ganga) which is a tributary of Ganges. Through
Mangrove is in Tamil Nadu and Vembanad Silent Valley National Park river Bhavani flows
Mangrove is in Kerala. which is a tributary of Kaveri.
66. (b) National Park/ Sanctuary Kaziranga and Manas are both national parks.
A. Kanger Ghati National Park - Chhattisgarh 76. (d) The draught prone area programme is by ministry
B. Nagerhole National Park - Karnataka of Rural development to minimise the adverse
C. Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary - Himachal effects of drought on production of crops and
Pradesh livestock and productivity of land, water and human
D. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary - Haryana resources. The desert development programme
67. (d) Similipal biosphere reserve is in Orissa. Dehong is also by ministry of Rural development to
Deband biosphere reserve is in Arunachal Pradesh, minimise the adverse effect of drought and control
Nokrek biosphere reserve is in Meghalaya and desertification. National Watershed Development
Kanchenjunga biosphere reserve is situated in Project for Rainfed Areas is by ministry of
Sikkim. agriculture.
G-188 Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Agriculture of India

77. (a) Harike Wetlands is at Confluence of Beas and 78. (c) The Cardamom Hills are southern hills of India
Satluj/Sutlej. The Keoladeo National Park formerly and part of the southern Western Ghats located in
known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur southeast Kerala and southwest Tamil Nadu. They
is at the confluence of two rivers, the Gambhir are not in coromandel coast. Kaimur Range is the
and Banganga. Kolleru Lake is one of the largest eastern portion of the Vindhya Range extending
freshwater lakes in India located in state of Andhra from Madhya Pradesh to Bihar. They are not in
Pradesh. Kolleru is located between Krishna and konkan coast. The Mahadeo Hills are in Madhya
Godavari delta. Pradesh, state of central India.Mikir hills are in
assam i.e. in North East India.
 MINERAL RESOURCE, INDUSTRIES
POPULATION MULTIPURPOSE
10
PROJECTS OF INDIA Chapter

MINERAL RESOURCE OF INDIA

Minerals are the natural resources which are used in many in antimony, building materials, cement materials, clay,
industries as raw materials. Iron ore, manganese, bauxite, chromite, lime, dolomite, and gold, but deficient in copper,
copper, etc. are such minerals. lead, mercury, zinc, tin, nickel, petroleum products, rock
Minerals are of two types: metallic and non-metallic. Iron ore phosphate, sulphur, and tungsten.
and copper are metallic minerals while limestone and dolomite Mineral resources like potassium are totally absent and have to
are non-metallic minerals. be imported. Minerals like crude petroleum (which accounts
Metallic minerals are further sub-divided into ferrous and for about 80 per cent of the total value of Indian imports)
non-ferrous minerals. Those metallic minerals which have diamonds (uncut), sulphur, and rock phosphorus are imported.
iron content belong to ferrous group. The metallic minerals The state with the highest mineral output is Jharkhand.
belonging to non-ferrous group do not have iron content. India is rich in ferrrous metals but its reserves of non-ferrous
India is rich in iron, mica, manganese, bauxite; self sufficient metals are poor.
Mineral Ore Found in Features
Iron Magnetite—the best quality of iron Odisha (Sonai, Mayubhanj, India has the world’s largest
ore and contains 72% pure iron. Keonjhar), Jharkhand and Bihar reserves, approximately one-
Haematite-contains 60 to 70% pure (Singhbhum Hazaribagh, Palamau, fourth of world’s known reserves;
iron. Limonite-contains 40 to 60% Shahbad), Chhattisgarh and Madhya Jharkhand has the largest reserves
pure iron. Siderite-contains many Pradesh (Raipur, Durg, Bastar, accounting for about 25% of the
impurities and has just 40 to 50% total reserves of iron ore in India.
Raigarh, Bilaspur, Jabalpur,
pure iron.
Balaghat), Andhra Pradesh (Krishna,
Kurnool, Chittor, Cuddapha,
Warangal, Guntur), Tamil Nadu
(Salem, Tiruchirapalli), Karnataka
(Ballary, Chitradurg, Chikmagalur),
Maharashtra (Ratnagiri, Chanda),
Goa
Coal (Black Anthracite Coal—the best quality Bihar-Jharkhand-Bengal belt “About one-fourth of India’s coal
Gold) of coal and contains 80 to 95% (Raniganj, Jharia, Giridih, Bokaro, reserves lie in the DamodarValley,
carbon. It is found only in Jammu Karanpur), Madhya Pradesh across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West
and Kashmir in small quantity. and Chhattisgarh belt (Singrauli, Bengal. India is the fourth largest
Bituminous coal—The most widely Korba, Raigarh, Sonhat, Sohagpur. coal producing country in the world
used coal and contains 40 to 80% Umaria), Odisha (Desgarh, Talcher), according to 1992 coal production
carbon. It is found in Jharkhand, Maharashtra (Chand), Andhra in the country.”
Orissa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh Pradesh (Singreni), Assam (Makum,
and Madhya Pradesh. Lignite– Also Lakhimpur); in small quantities in
known as brown coal. It is a lower Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya,
grade coal and contains about 40 to Jammu and Kashmir, and Nagaland
G-190 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

50% carbon. It is found in Palna of

Rajasthan, Neyveli of Tamil Nadu,
Lakhimpur of Assam and Karewa of
Jammu and Kashmir. Peat–It is the
first stage of transformation of wood
into coal and contains less than 40%
carbon.
Manganese India has the second largest manganese Odisha (Keonjhar, Kalahandi, Orissa is the leading producer of
ore reserves in the world after Mayurbhaj, Talcher) Madhya manganese in the country. India
Zimbabwe. India is the fifth largest Pradesh (Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, ranks third in world in manganese
producer in the world after Brazil, Jabalpur), Maharashtra (Nagpur, production.
Gabon, South Africa and Australia. Bhandara, Ratnagiri), Gujarat
(Panchmahal), Karnataka (Chitradurg,
Tumkur, Shimoga, Chikmagalur,
Belgaum, North Canara, Dharwar),
Jharkhand (Singbhum), Andhra Pradesh
(Visakhapatnam), Rajasthan (Udaipur,
Bansawara)
Mica The three major types of mica found Bihar (Gaya Monghyr), Jharkhand India has largest deposits of mica in
in India are – Muscovite, Phlogopite (Hazaribagh), Rajasthan (Ajmer, world India alone contributes about
and Biotite. Shahpur, Tonk, Bhilwara, Jaipur), two-thirds of the world’s production
Andhra Pradesh (Nellore)
Bauxite Jharkhand (Palamu), Gujarat (Kaira), Third largest producer in the world.
(aluminium Madhya Pradesh (Katni, Jabalpur,
ore) Balaghat, Bilaspur, Bastar), Tamil
Nadu (Salem), Karnataka (Chitradurg,
Belgaum), Maharashtra (Kolhapur),
Jammu and Kashmir (Kotli)
Copper India contributes to about 3.5 to 4% of Jharkhand (Singhbhum, Hazaribagh), Very meager reserves; almost all
the world’s total production of copper. Rajasthan (Khetri, Alwar, Bhilwara, copper comes from Singbhum and
Jhunjhunu, Sirohi), Andhra Pradesh Hazaribagh in Jharkhand and Khetri
(Guntur, Khamman, Agnigundala), in Rajasthan.
Karnataka (Chitradurg, Hassan,
Chikmagalur, Raichur), Madhya Pradesh
(Balaghat), Gujarat (Banaskantha); some
quantities also found in Sikkim, Punjab,
Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Crude oil 51.08 crore tones Assam, Tripura, Manipur, West
Bengal, Ganga Valley, Himachal
Pradesh, Kutch of West Bengal coast,
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
and Gujarat.
Lignite 429 crore tones Tamil Nadu (Neyveli fields) Some Maximum deposits of about 383 crore
deposits also found in Gujarat, tones, are found in Tamil Nadu.
Punducherry, Rajasthan (Palana fields),
Jammu and Kashmir (Riasi fields).
Gold India’s contribution to gold production Karnataka (Kolar gold fields, Hutti Karnataka was the leading producer of
across the world is less than one percent Mines), in small quantities in Andhra gold accounting for 99% of the total
(0.75%). Pradesh (Ramgiri gold fields and production. The remaining production
Anantpur). came from Jharkhand.
Magnesite 23.91 crore tones Tamil Nadu (Salem), Uttranchal
(Almora, Chamoli, Pithoragarh),
Karnataka (Mysore, Hassan)
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-191

INDUSTRY
Agro-Based Industry Geographical distribution
This group of industries depend on the raw material produced Uttar Pradesh and Bihar alone account for 70% of the
by agricultural sector. The products comprise mostly of the productive capacity and 75% of the total employment of 30
consumer goods. lakh.
•• Uttar Pradesh: There are two belts one in western Uttar
Pradesh and the other in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The western
Cotton Textiles Industry belt includes Meerut, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor
Cotton accounts for 70% of the total fabric produced. The first and Moradabad, and the eastern belt includes Gorakhpur,
successful cotton textile mill was set up at Mumbai by a Parsi Deoria, Basti and Gonda.
entrepreneur. •• Bihar: This is an extension of the eastern Uttar Pradesh
belt, which includes Darbhanda, Saran, Champaran and
Geographical distribution Muzaffarpur.
Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Solapur, Pune, Nagpur •• The reasons for concentration of sugar industry in Uttar
(Maharashtra and Gujarat). Coimbatore, Madurai and Chennai Pradesh and Bihar are–
(Tamil Nadu), Ludhiana (Punjab), Bengaluru (Karnataka), (i) fertile alluvial soil, rich in lime and potash;
Kolkata (West Bengal), Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh). (ii) level topography-suitable for irrigation;
(iii) abundant water for washing and processing;
Woolen Textile Industry (iv) sugar industry is relatively independent of coal and
electricity, because bagasse is enough to run steam;
• The first woolen textiles mill was set up in 1876 at
Kanpur, because Kanpur was the principal depot for the (v) densely populated market with excellent transport
British Indian Army. links;
(vi) availability of cheap labour;
• The woolen textiles industry in India is partly a cottage
industry and partly, a factory industry. (vii) cultivation is done in compact block, which ensures
ready availability of fresh cane to factories.
Georaphical spread •• In Maharashtra, Nasik, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur,
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Dhariwal and Ludhiana (Punjab), Sholapur are the centres well integrated in the cooperative
Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Jamnagar sector in terms of cultivation and sugar factories.
(Gujarat), Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir). •• In Punjab, Centres exist mainly in the eastern side, in
Phagwara, Dhuri.
•• In Karnataka, Munirabad, Shimoga and Mandya are the
Jute Textiles Industry main centres.
•• This jute mill was set up at Rishra near Calcutta in 1855. •• In Tamil Nadu, Nalikupuram, Pugulur, Coimbatore and
•• After independence, this sector made rapid progress as an Pandyarajpuram are famous for producing sugar.
export-oriented industry. •• Andhra Pradesh. Nizamabad, Medak, west and east
Godavari, Visakhapatnam and Chittoor produce sugar.
Geographical location •• In Odisha Bargarh and Rayagada in Odisha produce sugar.
•• Nearly 90% of the manufacturing capacity is located in a •• In Madhya Pradesh, Sehore is the sugar producing centre.
narrow belt about 100 km long and 3 km wide along river Differences in Sugar production in North India and
Hooghly. Peninsular India.
•• Recently slight dispersal of industries have been marked as 1. Yields are higher in south India
the use of gunny bag has increased to many folds in sugar 2. The southern sugarcane, being of the tropical variety, has
and cement industries. These industries are producing more sucrose content.
gunny bags using local fibres like mesta and Bimlipatlan 3. The crushing season is longer in the south, where it lasts
as the raw material for production. from October to May-June. In the north, it lasts from
•• West Bengal accounts for 84.1 per cent of the total jute November to February.
manufactures of the country.
•• Andhra Pradesh contributes another 10 percent of the Silk Industry
production. •• India is the only country producing all the five known
•• India ranks number two in the export of jute goods in the commercial varieties of silk, viz. Mulberry, Tasar
world. (Tropical), Oak Tasar, Eri and Muga.
•• India is the second largest producer of raw silk, accounting
Sugar Industry for 20% of the world production, next to China.
Indian sugar industry is the second largest agro-based industry •• Karnataka is the foremost silk producing state in India,
in India. which accounts for 50% of Mulberry silk of the country.
G-192 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

•• About 50% of India’s silk cloth is also manufactured in •• Aluminium companies with the highest sales in descending
Karnataka, followed by West Bengal (13% of country’s order: HINDALCO, NALCO, INDAL, MALCO
total silk). •• A huge public sector aluminium company, the National
Aluminium Company (NALCO) was set up with
Metallurgical Industries assistance from a French company at Damanjodi near
Jeypore (Koraput district in Odisha)
•• These industries form the economic backbone of a
developing country.
Engineering Industries
Iron and Steel Industry •• These industries contribute about 10% of the total exports
of the country.
•• The first iron and steel unit on modern lines was established •• Heavy Engineering Corporation Ltd was set up at Ranchi
in 1830 at Porto Novo in Tamil Nadu. (Jharkhand) in 1958.
•• But the real beginning of modern iron and steel industry •• Drills for drilling holes in rocky areas are manufactured
was made in 1907 when TISCO was set up at Sakchi, at Naroda (Ahmedabad).
Jamshedpur. •• Kirloskar Brothers Ltd is the pioneer company in the
•• IISCO was set up in 1919 at Burnpur on the bank river manufacturing of machine tools.
Barakar. •• HMT is the largest manufacture of machine tools in the
•• Mysore steel works at Bhadravati came into existence in country.
1923, produces alloy and pig iron. •• HMT’s plants: Bengaluru, Pinjore, Kalamassery (Kerala),
•• SAIL was established in 1973. Hyderabad, Sri Nagar and Ajmer.
•• India is eighth largest producer of steel in the world. •• Locomotives: Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Diesel
•• The first on-shore steel plant in India was set up at Locomotive Works (Varanasi), Tata Engineering and
Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) Locomotive Works (Jamshedpur) in 1964.
•• India is the leading country in the production of sponge •• BHEL, Bhopal has been developed to manufacture electric
locomotive for the Indian railways.
iron.
•• Wheel and Axle Plant was set up at Bengaluru in 1984.
•• Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has the highest sales
•• The Integral Coach Factory at Perampur near Chennai
followed by Tata Steel Ltd (2004-05).
was set up in 1955 with Swiss collaboration.
Different Steel Plants and their location •• Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala (Punjab) was set up in
TISCO (Jharkhand) 1988.
IISCO (West Bengal) •• Bharat Movers Limited at Bengaluru also produces
Visweswaraya Steel Plant (Karnataka) railways coaches.
Bhilai Steel Plant (Chhattisgarh) •• Most of wagons are produced in private sector. About
Bokaro Steel Plant (Jharkhand) 60% of wagons are produced in West Bengal.
Rourkela Steel Plant (Orissa)
Durgapur Steel Plant (West Bengal)
Automobile Industry
•• Automobile Industry contributes about 5% to GDP.
Aluminium Smelting Industry •• Top four automobile companies with the highest sales:
• Tata Motors
•• Aluminium is extracted from bauxite at Muri in Jharkhand.
• Maruti Udyog Ltd.
•• The reduction plant of alumina is located at Alupuram
• Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
in Kerala and the fabrication plant at Belur manufactures
• Ashok Leyland Ltd.
aluminium sheets, rods, aluminium paste, electric
conductors, domestic utensils etc. •• In medium and heavy commercial vehicles, TELCO
produces over 70% of such vehicles in India.
•• In order to achieve the economics of scale, a second
•• In passenger cars, Maruti Udyog Ltd is at the top position.
smelter was set up at Hirakud.
•• Almost the entire production of jeeps comes from
•• The Hindustan Aluminium Corporation Limited (HINDALCO) Mahindra, Mumbai.
is located at Renukoot near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and the •• Indian has second largest market for two - wheelers in the
Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) has set up two units world after China.
at Korba and Ratnagiri, to utilize bauxite ores of Amarkantak
in Madhya Pradesh and of Udaigiri Dhangarvadi region in
Maharashtra, respectively.
Fertilizer Industry
•• Integrated Aluminium plant of NALCO at Damanjodi •• The first super-phosphate factory was set up at Ranipet in
near Jeypur in Koraput district of Orissa is the largest Tamil Nadu in 1906.
complex in India. •• India is now the third largest producer of nitrogenous
fertilizers in the world.
•• NALCO, the lowest cost producer of aluminium in
the world, at present ranked among the top 10 global •• Gujarat has more than 14% of the country’s total installed
companies and is the second to HINDALCO in India. capacity in India followed by Tamil Nadu (11%) and UP (9%).
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-193

Aircraft Industry Churk Madhya Cement

•• The first aircraft industry was set up at Bengaluru in 1940 Pradesh
under the name of Hindustan Aircraft Ltd. Cyberabad Andhra Electronics, Computers,
•• Later, Hindustan Aircraft Ltd was merged into Aeronautics Pradesh Information Technology
India Ltd in 1964 to form Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Chitranjan West Bengal Locomotive
•• Different Divisions of HAL and production: Kolkata West Bengal Jute, Leather, Electric goods
•• Nashik division – MIG airframe Cochin Kerala Coffee, Coconut
•• Koraput division – Engine of MIG aircraft
Digboi Assam Petroleum
•• Hyderabad division – Electronic equipment of MIG.
Darjeeling Best Bengal Tea
•• Transport aircrafts are manufactured at Kanpur.
Frazabad Madhya Bangal Works
•• Recently, a factory was set up at Lucknow for producing
Pradesh
equipment for aircraft.
•• Fertilizer companies with the highest sales are – National Hardwar Uttarkhand Heavy electricals
Fertilizer Ltd, Tata Chemicals Ltd, Rashtriya Chemicals Jamshedpur Jharkhand Iron & Steel, Locomotives,
& Fertilizers Ltd (in descending order). Railway Coaches
•• India is the third largest producer and consumer of Jabalpur Madhya Bidi Industry
fertilizers in the world. Pradesh
Jainakot Jammu & H.M.T. Watch
Cement Industry Kashmir
•• The Indian Cement industry is the second largest in the Kanpur Uttar Cotton and Woollen mills,
world after that of China. Pradesh Leather, sugar
•• States with the largest cement capacity are Andhra Katni Madhya Cement
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat (in Pradesh
descending order). Koyna Maharashtra Aluminium factory
Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu Silk Clothes
Glass Industry Karnal Haryana Dairy product
•• The main raw material for the industry is silica sand. Kandla Gujarat Chemical fertiliser, famous port
•• Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of glass in India Khetri Rajasthan Copper Industries
followed by West Bengal and Maharashtra. Ludhiana Punjab Hosiery
•• Ferozabad in Agra district is the largest producer of glass,
Lucknow Uttar Pradesh Embroidery work, chicken work
followed by Bahjoi, Naini, Hathras, Sasni and Allahabad
in Uttar Pradesh. Mathura Uttar Pradesh Oil refinery
Meerut Uttar Publication work, sports goods,
Indian Towns Associated with Industries Pradesh scissors making
Town State Indistries Modinagar Uttar Pradesh Nylon thread
Ahmedabad Gujarat Cotton Textiles Nagpur Maharashtra Cotton mills
Agra U.P. Leather, Marble, Carpet, glass Nepanagar Madhya Newsprint
Aligarh U.P. Locks, Cultery Pradesh
Ankleshwar Gujarat Oil Fields Panna Madhya Diamond Mining
Pradesh
Ambernath Maharashtra Machine Tools
Pinjore Haryana Hindustan Machines Tools
Anand Gujarat Milk and its Products
Raniganj West Bengal Coal mining
Ambala Haryana Scientific Instruments
Renukoote Uttar Pradesh Aluminium plant
Bangalore Karnataka Telephones Aircrafts, Motors,
Rishikesh Uttarkhand Antibiotic plant
Cotton, Textiles, Toys
Saharanpur Uttar Pradesh Cigarett factory, News print
Batanagar West Bengal Shoes
Srinagar Jammu & Woolen shawls, silk, woodwork
Barielly Uttar Pradesh Resin Industries, Match Factory Kashmir
Bhilai Chhattisgarh Steel Plant Surat Gujarat Cotton textiles, Diamond Cutting
Bhandara Maharashtra Explosives Vishakhapatnam Andhra Ship building, Iron, and steel,
Bhadravati Karnataka Iron & Steel Pradesh oil refinery
Bhadohi Uttar Pradesh Carpets Varanasi Uttar Padesh Rail Engines and Saari Industries
G-194 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

ENERGY
Conventional Energy
•• Power development in India commenced with the commissioning of electricity supply in Darjeeling during 1897, followed
by a hydropower station at Sivasamudram in Karnataka during 1902.
•• India is the fifth largest electricity producing in the world.
•• The installed power generation capacity in the country has been increased to 144564.97 MW (31 October 2007) comprising
88216MW thermal, 34391MW hydro, 6190.86MW wind and 3360 MW nuclear.

Major Power Plants

Thermal Power Plant
Year of
Power Station Operator Location District State
Establishment
Talcher Super Thermal Power Station NTPC 1995 Kaniha Angul Odisha
Sipat Thermal Power Plant NTPC 2008 Sipat Bilaspur Chhattisgarh
Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station NTPC 2013 Singrauli Vindhya Nagar Madhya Pradesh
Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project Tata Power 2009 Mundra Kutch Gujarat
Korba Super Thermal Power Plant NTPC 1983 Jamani Palli Korba Chhattisgarh
Bhusawal Thermal Power Station MAHAG 1968 Deepnagar Jalgao Maharashtra
ENCO Jalgaon
Satpura Thermal Power Station MPPGCL 1967 Sarni Betul Madhya Pradesh
Sterlite Jharsuguda Power Station Vedanta 2006 Jharsuguda Jharsuguda Odisha
Durgapur Thermal Power Station DVC 1996 Durgapur Bardhaman West Bengal
Nuclear Power Plant
Power Station Operator Year of Location District State
Establishment
Tarapur Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1969 Tarapur Thane Maharashtra
Rajasthan Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1973 Rawatbhata Chittorgarh Rajasthan
Kakrapar Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1993 Kakrapar Surat Gujarat
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant NPCIL 2013 Kudankulam Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu
Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant NPCIL 2000 Kaiga Uttara Karnataka
Kannada
Madras Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1984 Kalpakkam Kancheepuram Tamil Nadu
Narora Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1991 Narora Bulandshahar Uttar Pradesh
Gorakhpur Atomic Power Station NPCIL Fatehabad Fatehabad Haryana

Hydro Power Plant

Year of
Power Station Operator Location State
Establishment
Bhakra Dam BBMB 1963 Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh,
Tehri Dam THDC India Limited 2006 Tehri Uttarakhand
Machkund APGENCO 1955 Jeypore Andhra Pradesh
Hirakund – I OHPC 1957 Burla Odisha
Saradar Sarovar-RBPH SSNNL 2006 Navagam Gujrat
Wind Power Plant
Year of
Power Station Operator Location State
Establishment
Muppandal Wind Farm Muppandal Winds 1985 Kanyakumri Tamil Nadu
Jaisalmer Wind Farm Suzlon Energy 2001 Jaisalmer Rajasthan
Brahmanvel Wind Farm Parakh Agro Industry 2006 Dhule Maharashtra
Dhalgaon Grade Mission Export 2008 Sangli Maharashtra
Damanjodi wind Plant Suzlon Energy 2014 Koraput Odisha
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-195

India’s Major Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Power Plants

Year of
Power Station Operator Location State
Establishment
Charanka Solar Power Plant GMR group 2012 Patan Gujarat
Neemuch Solar Power Plant Welspun Solar. 2014 Neemuch Madhya Pradesh
Sakri Power Plant Maharashtra state power 2013 Dhule Maharashtra
generation company
GEDCOL Solar Power Plant Green Energy Development 2014 Boudh district Odisha
Corporation Ltd.
Dhirubhai Ambani Solar Plant Reliance Industries 2012 Jaisalmer Rajasthan

OTHER ENERGY SOURCES

•• A five KW, geothermal pilot power plant has been power project at Durgaduani creek in Sunderbans area of
commissioned at Manikaran in Kullu district of Himachal West Bengal is also being examined.
Pradesh. Puga valley in Ladakh and Tattapani in •• One wave energy power plant has been installed at
Chhattisgarh have been finalised for geothermal plant. Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram. Another plant is
•• In tidal energy, India has the potential of 8000-9000 MW. being set up in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Gulf of Khambhat (7000 MW), followed by Gulf
•• The first plant of ocean thermal energy conversion of 100
of Kachchh (1000 MW) and Sunderbans (100 MW) are
significant sites for tidal power. The feasibility of a tidal MW is proposed to be set up off the coast of Tamil Nadu.

MAJOR PORTS
On the West Coast 8. Paradip Port, Odisha: One of India’s major ports,
located in Paradip. Government of India declared Paradip
1. Cochin Port, Kerala: It is major natural port. It deals in as the Eighth Major Port of India on 18 April 1966 making
fertilizers, petroleum and general cargo. it the first major port in the east coast commissioned in
2. Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Maharashtra: Major port in Independent India. It handles iron ore and some quantities
Mumbai. It is ranked among world’s top 30 ports. Earlier of coal and dry cargo. It is a wet dock.
it was called as Nhava Sheva. 9. Port of Chennai, Tamil Nadu: It is the second largest
3. Kandla Port, Gujarat: It is a tidal port and a free trade port in the volume of traffic handled. Important items are
zone has been set up here. Important traffic handles are petroleum products, crude oil, fertilizers, iron ore and
crude oil, petroleum products, edible oil, foodgrains, salt, dry cargo and oldest artificial port of India. It has artificial
cotton etc. harbour and a wet dock.
4. Marmugao Port, Goa: One of the oldest natural harbour 10. Port of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: It is
on west coast. It was declared a major port. In 1963. It described as the Brightest Jewel of all Indian major ports
occupies the fifth position in terms of total quantum of
for its outstanding performance and productivity. It is the
traffic handled.
deepest port. An outer harbour has been developed for
5. New Mangalore Port, Karnataka: It is an all-weather
exporting iron ore and a berth for crude oil is located
port. Iron ore of Kudremukh is being exported now here.
here. It has both artificial and natural harbour.
Other items are petroleum products, fertilizers, molasses,
etc. It is an Artificial Lagoon port. 11. Tuticorin Port, Tamil Nadu : Tuticorin Port is an
6. Port of Mumbai, Maharashtra: Port of Mumbai has long artificial deep-sea harbour. It is an all-weather port. It
been the principal gateway of India. Mumbai handles the handles mainly coal, salt, edible oil, dry cargo and
maximum traffic. It is a natural harbour with wet dock. It petroleum products.
handles over one fifth of the total traffic of ports, mostly 12. Ennore Port Limited, Tamil Nadu: It is the 12th
petroleum products and dry cargo. major port and first corporatised major port in India; a
Government of India undertaking. It handles coal, iron
On the East Coast ore, LNG, chemical & other liquids, & crude since 2001.
7. Kolkata Port, West Bengal: Kolkata is the oldest major Artificial harbour is found here.
port in the country. Kolkata Port is India’s only riverine 13. Portblair–Andman Nicobar: It is the latest addition
port. It has the most sophisticated port facilities with to the major port on June 2010, the thirteen port in the
extensive storage facility for diverse cargo. country.
G-196 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

Minor and Intermediate Ports Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. These ports can
relieve the overloaded major ports and can be used as bases
There are 140 such ports which include Rediport (Maharashtra), for deep-sea fishing. These ports mainly serve coastal trade
Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and Calicut (Kerala). Other ports and support passenger traffic where there is no proper rail or
proposed to be developed as minor ports are Andaman and road link.
Tribal Groups of India
Tribal Group Found in Tribal Group Found in
Abhor Arunachal Pradesh Khond Jharkhand
Adivasi AP, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Khasi Meghalaya
Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Some
Northeastern States, West Bangal, Andaman and
Nicobar
Ahgani Manipur Kharia Jharkhand, Odisha
Apatani Arunachal Pradesh Kol Madhya Pradesh
Baiga Madhya Pradesh Kolam Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
Telengana, MP
Bakarwal Jammu and Kashmir Kota Karnataka
Bhil M.P and Rajasthan Kuki Mizoram
Birhor M.P and Bihar Lahaula Himachal Pradesh
Chang Nagaland Lepcha Sikkim
Chenchuas Telengana, Karnataka Lushai Mizoram, Manipur
Sutiya Assam Muria Chhattisgarh
Gaddis Himachal Pradesh Miha Rajasthan
Gallong Arunachal Pradesh Moplah Malabar
Garo Meghalaya Munda West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha,
Chhattishgarh
Gond M.P and Bihar Nishi Assam
Gujjar Rajasthan Naga Nagaland
Irula Tamil Nadu Oraon MP, Bihar and Odisha, Chhotanagpur,
WB,
Jaintia Meghalaya Onges Andaman & Nicobar
Jarawa Andamans Singpho Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
Kanikar Tamil Nadu and Kerala Santhal WB, Odisha & Bihar, Jharkhand,
Assam
Kalkari Maharashtra Sangtam Nagaland
Kharia Maharashtra Sema Nagaland
Sentinelese Andaman & Nicobar
Shompen Andaman & Nicobar
Toda Tamil Nadu
Uralis Kerala
Wancho Arunachal Pradesh
Warli Maharashtra, Daman and Diu, Bihar,
Madhaya Pradesh, West Bengal
Dadra, Nagar Haveli
1. Highest Population (State) (ii) Puducherry – 1247953
(i) U.P. – 19.981 crore (iii) Chandigarh – 1055450
(ii) Maharastra – 11.237 crore
2. Lowest Population (State)
(iii) Bihar – 10.409 crore
Highest Population (Union Territory) (i) Sikkim – 610,577
(i) Delhi – 16787941 (ii) Mizoram – 1,097,206
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-197

Lowest population (U.T.) (iii) Kerala – 860

(i) Lakshadweep – 64,473 Highest Density (U.T.)
(ii) Daman & Diu – 243,247 (i) Delhi – 11320
3. Highest Literacy (State) (ii) Chandigarh – 9258
(i) Kerala – 94% (iii) Puducherry – 2547
(ii) Mizoram – 91.3% Lowest Density (State)
(iii) Goa – 88.7% (i) Arunanchal Pradesh – 17
(iv) Tripura – 87.2% (ii) Mizoram – 52
4. Lowest Literacy (State) (iii) Sikkim – 86
(i) Bihar – 61.8% Lowest Density (U.T.)
(ii) Arunanchal Pradesh – 65.4% (i) Andman & Nicobar – 46
(iii) Rajasthan – 66.1% (ii) Dadra and Nagar Haweli – 700
Highest Literacy (U.T.) 7. Highest population growth (State)
(i) Lakshedweep – 91.8% (i) Meghalaya – 27.9
(ii) Daman & Diu – 87.1% (ii) Arunanchal Pradeah – 26.0
(ii) Andmann & Nicobar Island – 86.6% (iii) Bihar – 25.4
Lowest Literacy (U.T.) Lowest population growth (State)
(i) Dadara & Nagar Haveli – 76.2% (i) Nagaland – (–) 0.6
(ii) Puducherry – 85.8% (ii) Kerala – 4.9
5. Highest Sex Ratio (State) (ii) Lakshadweep – 6.3
(i) Kerala – 1084 Highest population growth (U.T.)
(ii) Tamil nadu – 996 (i) Dadar & Nagar Haweli – 55.90
(iii) Andhra pradesh – 993 (ii) Daman & Diu – 53.8
Lowest Sex Ratio (State) Lowest population growth (U.T.)
(i) Haryana – 879 (i) Lakshadweep – 6.3
(ii) Jammu & Kasmir – 889 (ii) Andmann & Nicobar Island – 6.9
(iii) Sikkim – 890
Highest Sex Ratio (U.T.) Ethnic Groups
(i) Puducherry – 1087 Tribes Race Islands
(ii) Lakshadweep – 947 Onges Negroid Little Nicobar
(iii) Andmann & Nicobar Island – 876 Sentinelese Negroid Sentinel Island
Lowest Sex Ratio (U.T.) Jarawa Negroid Middle & South
(i) Daman & Diu – 618 Andaman
(ii) Dadra & Nagar Haweli – 774 Andamanese Negroid Strait Island
6. Highest Density (State) Shompen Mongloid Great Nicobar
(i) Bihar – 1106 Nicobarese Mongloid Great Nicobar
(ii) W. Bengal – 1028
Multipurpose Projects
Sr. No. Name of the Project River Purpose Beneficiary States
1. Bhakra-Nangal Project Sutlej (Hoshiarpur Power and irrigation Punjab, Himachal
The project consists of: district in Punjab) Pradesh, Haryana, and
(i) Bhakra dam (second highest in the Rajasthan
world) - 518 m long, 226 high
(ii) Nangal dam
(iii) Nangal hydel channels
(iv) 4 power houses (Biggest in Asia)
2. Damodar Valley Corporation Project Damodar Power, irrigation, flood Bihar and West
The project consists of: control Bengal, shared by
(i) Tilaiya dam Madhya Pradesh
(ii) Konar dam
(iii) Maithon dam
(iv) Panchet Hill dam
(v) Power houses at Bokaro, Durgapur,
and Chandrapur
G-198 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

3. Hirakund Mahanadi Power and irrigation Odisha

This is a dam project. The main dam
is 4,800 m long, 28.9 m high (World’s
largest mainstream dam)
4. Tungabhadra Project Tungabhadra Power and irrigation Andhra Pradesh and
(tributary of river Karnataka
Krishna)
5. Mayurakshi Project Murali Power and irrigation West Bengal
6. Nagarjunasagar Project Krishna Power and irrigation Andhra Pradesh
7. Gandak River Project Gandak (tributary of Power and irrigation Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,
Ganga) Nepal (Joint venture of
India and Nepal)
8. Kosi Project Kosi Flood control, power and Bihar
irrigation
9. Farakka Project Ganga, Bhagirathi Power, irrigation, avoid West Bengal
accumulation of silt to
improve navigation
10. Beas Project Beas Irrigation and power Rajasthan, Haryana,
Units : Punjab, and Himachal
Beas-Sutlej link Pradesh
Beas dam at Pong
Beas transmission system
11. Rajasthan Canal Project Sutlej in Punjab, Irrigation Rajasthan, Punjab and
Beas, and Ravi Haryana
12. Chambal Project Units Chambal Power and irrigation Madhya Pradesh and
(a) Gandhisagar dam Rajasthan
(b) Rana Pratap Sagar dam
(c) Jawahar Sagar dam
13. Kakrapara Project Tapti Irrigation Gujarat
14. Nagpur Power Station Koradi Thermal power
Maharashtra
15. Ukai Project Tapti Power and irrigation Gujarat
16. Tawa Project Tawa (Narmada) Irrigation Madhya Pradesh
17. Poochampad Project Godavari Irrigation Andhra Pradesh
18. Malaprabha Project Malaprabha Irrigation Karnataka
19. Durgapur Barrage Damodar Irrigation, Navigation, West Bengal and Bihar
between Kolkata and
Raniganj
20. Mahi Mahi Irrigation Gujarat
21. Mahanadi Delta Project Mahanadi Irrigation Orissa
22. Idukki Project Periyar Hydroelectricity Kerala
23. Koyna Project Koyna Hydroelectricity Maharashtra
24. Upper Krishna Project Krishna Irrigation Karnataka
25. Ramaganga Multipurpose Project Chisot stream near Power and irrigation Uttar Pradesh
kala
26. Matatilla project Betwa Multipurpose power and Uttar Pradesh and
irrigation Madhya Pradesh
27. Tehri Dam Project Bhilangana, Bhagirath Hydroelectricity Uttar Pradesh
28. Narmada Sagar Valley Project Narmada – Madhya Pradesh,
Gujarat, Rajasthan, and
Maharashtra
29. Obra Power Station Obra Thermal power Uttar Pradesh
30. Rihand Scheme Rihand Hydroelectricity Uttar Pradesh
31. Kundah Project Kundah Hydroelectricity and Tamil Nadu
irrigation
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-199

Exercise - 1
1. The iron ore mined at Bailadila is mostly 13. In terms of the mineral resources/deposits, the leading
(a) Haematite (b) Siderite state in India is :
(c) Limonite (d) Magnetite (a) Bihar (b) Madhya Pradesh
2. Why is Gujarat, the largest producer of salt in India? (c) Karnataka (d) Rajasthan
(a) Gujarat possesses the largest dry coastal area 14. The Central Building Research Institue is located at :
(b) The sea water here is more saline (a) Bareily (b) Lucknow
(c) Gujarat farmers are highly skilled in making salt (c) Roorkee (d) Madurai
(d) Gujarat has large areas of shallow sea 15. Which one of the following National Highways passes
3. The largest industry in India is through Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha? 
(a) Textiles industry (b) Steel industry (a) NH 4 (b) NH 5
(c) Cement industry (d) Automobile industry (c) NH 6 (d) NH 7
4. Among sources of power, India has largest reserves of 16. Which one of the following is a ‘foot loose’ industry?
(a) coal (b) oil (a) Paper (b) Cement
(c) natural gas (d) atomic power (c) Electronics (d) Iron & Steel
5. Rangap in Sikkim is famous for 17. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) bauxite (b) mica Important Location State
(c) copper (d) aluminium (Industry/Mining)
6. The correct sequence in decreasing order in terms of total (a) Himgiri — Uttar Pradesh
production of the given non-ferrous metals in India is (b) Koraput — Orissa
(a) lead, zinc, copper, aluminium (c) Palana — Rajasthan
(b) zinc, lead, aluminium, copper (d) Nellore — Andhra Pradesh
(c) aluminium, zinc, copper, lead 18. Which one of the following cities is NOT connected by
(d) aluminium, copper, zinc, lead NH -3 ?
7. The refining capacity of crude oil is highest in the (a) Agra (b) Bhopal
(a) Haldia oil refinery (c) Dhule (d) Gwalior
(b) Mathura oil refinery 19. Among the following Union Territories, which one has
(c) Gujarat oil refinery the highest density of population?
(d) Vishakhapatnam oil refinery (a) Dadra and Nagar Haveli
8. Contact metamorphism is (b) Daman and Diu
(a) small scale heating and alteration of rock by localized (c) Lakshadweep
igneous intrusion (d) Pondicherry
(b) structural alteration of rock through pressure 20. The leading states in the production of cotton in India are:
(c) large scale heating and modification of rocks at (a) Maharashtra and Gujarat
subduction zones (b) Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh
(d) None of these (c) Maharashtra and Punjab
9. In the Indian context the term ‘De-notified tribes’ refers to: (d) Gujarat and Punjab
(a) tribes which are aboriginals 21. Which one of the following Indian States is the largest
(b) nomadic tribes producer of natural rubber ?
(c) tribes practising shifting cultivation (a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala
(d) tribes which were earlier classified as criminal tribes (c) Assam (d) Andhra Pradesh
10. Which one of the following major sea ports of India does 22. Which one of the following National Highways links
not have a natural harbour? Jabalpur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Madurai ?
(a) Bombay (b) Cochin (a) NH 5 (b) NH 7
(c) Marmagao (d) Paradeep (c) NH 9 (d) NH 11
11. The correct sequence in the ascending order of the given 23. Haridwar is well-known for which one of the following
cities in terms of altitude above mean sea level is: industries?
(a) Marmugao, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai (a) Fertilizers (b) Cement
(b) Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Marmugao (c) Heavy Electricals (d) Silk Textiles
(c) Chennai, Marmugao, Mumbai, Kolkata 24. The Nuclear Power Station Rawatbhata is in which State?
(d) Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Marmugao (a) Maharashtra (b) Uttar Pradesh
12. Which of the following is not associated with oilfields in (c) Rajasthan (d) Tamil Nadu
India? 25. Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric project is on which river?
(a) Bombay High (b) Digboi (a) Godavari (b) Sharavati
(c) Ankleshwar (d) Bijapur (c) Cauvery (d) Krishna
G-200 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

26. The National Highway No. 7 connects which of the 39. The lines of equal transport cost in the industrial location
following? model of Alfred Weber are known as
(a) Mumbai with Varanasi (a) Isoline (b) Isobar
(b) Mumbai with Bhubaneshwar (c) Isodapen (d) Isotim
(c) Delhi with Kanyakumari 40. Krivoirog is known for
(d) Varanasi with Kanyakumari (a) Textile industry (b) Chemical industry
27. Among the following, which state has highest level of (c) Iron-ore mining (d) Bauxite mining
literacy? 41. The largest iron-ore producing region in the U.S.A. is
(a) Mizoram (b) West Bengal (a) North East Appalachian region
(c) Kerala (d) Punjab (b) Albama region
28. Which among the following is the major item of export (c) Lake superior region
from Paradeep Port? (d) Sierra Nevada region
42. The major agricultural regions of the world were first
(a) Rice (b) Tea
delineated by
(c) Fish (d) Iron ore
(a) L.D. Stamp (b) H. Bobek
29. Which one of the following types of coal has highest
(c) D. Whittlesey (d) J.E. Spencer
amount of carbon and burns without smoke ?
43. Plantation agriculture is practical mainly in the
(a) Anthracite (b) Bituminous coal (a) Arid region
(c) Lignite (d) Peat (b) Mediterranean region
30. Which one among the following is a correct sequence (c) Temperate region
of production of coal in the Indian States in descending (d) Tropical region
order? 44. Which region is called the bread basket of the world?
(a) Jharkhand – Madhya Pradesh – West Bengal – (a) Temperate grassland
Meghalaya (b) Savanna grassland
(b) West Bengal – Madhya Pradesh – Jharkhand – (c) Mediterranean region
Meghalaya (d) Mid latitude forest
(c) Jharkhand – West Bengal – Meghalaya – Madhya 45. The Broken Hill of Australia is famous for the mining of
Pradesh (a) Zinc (b) Silver
(d) Madhya Pradesh – Jharkhand – West Bengal – (c) Lead (d) All of these
Meghalaya 46. Which one of the following countries is the largest
31. The Ruhr basin is the famous industrial region of producer of Geo-thermal energy in the world?
(a) China (b) Japan (a) Australia (b) New Zealand
(c) Germany (d) United Kingdom (c) U.S.A. (d) U.K.
32. Monoculture is a distinct characteristic of 47. Katanga province of Zaire is famous for
(a) Commercial grain farming (a) Copper (b) Coal
(b) Shifting cultivation (c) Gold (d) Diamond
(c) Subsistence farming 48. Which of the following crops are grown mostly under
(d) Organic farming subsistence forming?
33. Kimberley is famous for (a) Millets and Rice
(a) Gold Mining (b) Diamond mining (b) Cotton and Tobacco
(c) Tea and Coffee
(c) Steel industry (d) Automobile industry
(d) Vegetables and Fruits
34. Which one of the following is a fossil source of energy?
49. Teak and Sal are products of
(a) Wood (b) Solar radiation
(a) Tropical dry deciduous Forest
(c) Tidal waves (d) Petroleum
(b) Tropical Evergreen Forests
35. The largest producer of tungsten in the world is (c) Tropical Thorn Forests
(a) Australia (b) China (d) Alpine Forests
(c) Russia (d) U.S.A. 50. Dapog method of rice nursery was developed in
36. Which one of the following deserts is famous for its (a) China (b) Indonesia
nitrate deposits? (c) Japan (d) Philippines
(a) Atacama (b) Gobi 51. Which one of the following districts does not have a gold
(c) Kalahari (d) Sahara field?
37. The per capita CO2 emission is the highest in (a) Anantpur (b) Kolar
(a) China (b) India (c) Raichur (d) Vishakhapatnam
(c) Japan (d) U.S.A. 52. Which one of the following iron and steel plants was
38. Which of the following countries is the greatest producer established with the British collaboration?
of bauxite in the world? (a) Bhilai (b) Rourkela
(a) Argentina (b) India (c) Bokaro (d) Durgapur
(c) South Africa (d) Brazil 53. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-201

nuclear power plants of India in the increasing order of 56. Which of the following sequences of the oil refineries of
their installed power generation capacity? India as they occur from South to North is correct?
(a) Rawatbhata-Narora-Kaiga-Tarapur (a) Kochi-Mangalore-Mumbai-Koyali
(b) Narora-Kaiga-Rawatbhata-Tarapur (b) Koyali-Mumbai-Mangalore-Kochi
(c) Kaiga-Tarapur-Narora-Rawatbhata (c) Kochi-Mumbai-Mangalore-Koyali
(d) Tarapur-Narora-Kaiga-Rawatbhata (d) Mangalore-Kochi-Mumbai-Koyali
54. Rihand Valley Project is located in which one of the 57. Which water body separates Australia from New
following states? Zealand?
(a) Odisha (b) Gujarat (a) Cook Straits (b) Megallan
(c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Uttar Pradesh (c) Tasman Sea (d) Great Barrier Reef
55. In which of the following State is Kakrapar Nuclear 58. Which one of the following does not have a heavy water
Power Station located? [2008-II] plant?
(a) Karnataka (b) Tamil Nadu (a) Narora (b) Sriharikota
(c) Maharashtra (d) Gujarat (c) Kakrapar (d) Kota

Exercise - 2
5. Which of the following is/are matched correctly?
Statement Based MCQ 1. Garnet gem - Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)
2. Corundum - Tonk (Rajasthan)
1. Which of the following statements are true with respect to 3. Gold - Chittor (Andhra Pradesh)
iron ore ? 4. Magnesite - Salem (Tamil Nadu)
1. Limestone and coal are important for smelting iron Select the correct answer using the code given below:
ore. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
2. More than 20 per cent iron ore deposits of the world (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4
are in India. 6. Which of the following is true with regard to petroleum?
3. Odisha and Bihar top in the production of iron ore. 1. It is found in the anticlines
4. Iran is the largest buyer of Indian iron ore. 2. It is found over underground water
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 3. It is found in wide, horizontal rocks
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 4. It is found over impermeable rocks
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Select the correct answer using the code given below:
2. Which of the following minerals found in a natural way (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
in the state of Chhattisgarh?
7. Consider the following sites /monuments :
1. Bauxite 2. Dolomite 1. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
3. Iron ore 4. Tin 2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station, Mumbai
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 3. Mahallapuram
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 4. Sun Temple (Konark Temple)
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Which of the above are included in the World Heritage
3. Which of the following are true with regard to coal in List of UNESCO?
India ? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 3 and 4
1. Coal is found in sedimentary rocks. (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
8. Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and
2. The best quality of coal is lignite.
distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following?
3. The largest and oldest coalfield in India is Raniganj. 1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia
4. The Damodar river valley is popularly known as the and Indonesia.
‘Ruhr of India’. 2. Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between
Which of the statements are correct? the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
4. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
9. Arrange the following states of north-east in descending
1. Broad gauge railway engines-Varanasi.
order in accordance with the population density
2. Electric locomotives-Bhopal. 1. Nagaland 2. Manipur
3. Integral Coach Factory-Calcutta. 3. Tripura 4. Meghalaya
Which of the statement(s) is/are correct? Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 3, 1, 2 and 4
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1, 2, 4 and 3 (d) 3, 1, 4 and 2
G-202 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

10. Consider the following statements: 18. Arrange the following countries in the descending order
1. Nagaland has no Scheduled Caste population. of their wheat production and select the correct answer
2. Literacy among Scheduled Caste is better than that from the codes given below:
among the Scheduled Tribes. 1. China 2. India
3. Haryana has no Scheduled Tribe population. 3. Russia 4. U.S.A.
Select the correct statements: (a) 1, 2, 3, 4, (b) 1, 2, 4, 3
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2, 3, 4, 1 (d) 4, 1, 2, 3
(c) 2 only (d) 1 only 19. Which of the following is accredited with the Geographical
Indication (GI) mark?
11. Consider the following areas:
1. Handwoven Pashmina shawls of Kashmir.
1. Himalayas 2. Chhota Nagpur 2. Bhagalpur Silk, Bihar.
3. Chhattisgarh 4. Sone Valley 3. Madurai Idly, Tamil Nadu.
What is the correct sequence of these areas in descending 4. Darjeeling Tea, West Bengal.
order of their coal reserves ? Select the answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1, 4, 3 and 2 (b) 2, 4, 3 and 1 (a) 1, 2, and 3
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 2 (d) 2, 3, 4 and 1 (b) 2, 3, and 4
12. Consider the following statements : (c) 1, 3, and 4
1. The first newsprint plant set up in India was in (d) All of the above
Nepanagar. 20. Match the following
2. The first modern steel plant in India was set up at List I List II
Bhadrawati. (Place) (Industry)
Which of these statements is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only A. Muzaffarnagar 1. Cotton textiles
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 B. Adoni 2. Sugar
13. Consider the following statements C. Ranchi 3. Sports goods
1. In India, the largest concentration of roads is found
in the northern plains. D. Jalandhar 4. Engineering goods
2. The ratio of surfaced road to the total road length is Codes
lower in the northern plains . A B C D
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 2 1 4 3
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (b) 1 3 4 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 2 3 4 1
14. Which of the following are not the examples of shifting (d) 1 4 3 2
cultivation?
Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Matching Based MCQ
1. Ladang 2. Hacienda
3. Fazenda 4. Pondu DIRECTIONS (Qs. 18 to 43) : Match List-I with List-II
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 and select the correct answer using the codes given below
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 the lists.
15. Which of the following is/are the characteristic/
characteristics of Indian coal? 21. List-I List II
1. High ash content (Aluminium Company) (Location)
2. Low sulphur content (A) BALCO (1) Hirakund
3. Low ash fusion temperature (B) HINDALCO (2) Korba
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (C) Indian Aluminium (3) Koraput
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only Company
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (D) NALCO (4) Renukoot
16. Consider the following statements: (a) A – 3 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 2
1. Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds. (b) A – 2 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 3
2. Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma. (c) A – 3 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 2
3. Dharwars are famous for petroleum. (d) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 22. List-I List-II
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(A) Paper (1) Vijaynagar
(c) 2 and 3 (d) None
(B) Heavy Engineering (2) Varanasi
17. Consider the following towns of India:
1. Bhadrachalam 2. Chanderi (C) Locomotives (3) Hatia
3. Kancheepuram 4. Karnal (D) Steel production (4) Nepanagar
Which of the above are famous for the production of (a) A – 3 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 2
traditional sarees/ fabric? (b) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) A – 3 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1,3 and 4. (d) A – 4 ; B – 2 ; C – 1 ; D – 3
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-203

23. List-I (Minerals) List-II (States) (B) Central Road (2) Roorkee
(A) Uranium (1) Rajasthan Research Institute
(B) Copper (2) Bihar (C) Central Drug (3) Lucknow
(C) Zinc (3) Karnataka Research Institute
(D) Lignite (4) Tamil Nadu (D) Central Leather (4) New Delhi
(E) Gold (5) Odisha Research Institute
(a) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4 ; E – 5 (5) Dhanbad
(b) A – 2 ; B – 5 ; C – 1 ; D – 4 ; E – 3 (a) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 5
(c) A – 4 ; B – 5 ; C – 2 ; D – 1 ; E – 3 (b) A – 2 ; B – 4 ; C – 3 ; D – 1
(d) A – 5 ; B – 1 ; C – 3 ; D – 1 ; E – 2 (c) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1
24. List-I (Minerals) List-II (Areas) (d) A – 5 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 3
(A) Gold (1) Khetri 29. List-I List-II
(B) Coal (2) Kolar (A) Highest decadal (1) Kerala
(C) Copper (3) Kudremukh growth in population
(D) Iron (4) Jharia (B) Highest rural (2) Nagaland
(a) A – 2 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 3 population growth
rate
(b) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4
(C) Lowest rural (3) Tamil Nadu
(c) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1
population growth
(d) A – 3 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 2
rate
25. List-I List-II (D) Lowest decadal (4) Odisha
Atomic power stations States growth in
(A) Kakrapara (1) Rajasthan population
(B) Narora (2) Gujarat (5) Karnataka
(C) Kalpakkam (3) Tamil Nadu (a) A – 2 ; B – 3 ; C – 4 ; D – 1
(D) Tarapur (4) Maharashtra (b) A – 5 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 1
(E) Kota (5) Uttar Pradesh (c) A – 2 ; B – 4 ; C – 3 ; D – 5
(a) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4 ; E – 5 (d) A – 3 ; B – 4 ; C – 1 ; D – 5
(b) A – 5 ; B – 4 ; C – 3 ; D – 2 ; E – 1 30. List-I List-II
(c) A – 2 ; B – 5 ; C – 3 ; D – 4 ; E – 1 (Industry) (Industrial Centre)
(d) A – 1 ; B – 4 ; C – 2 ; D – 3 ; E – 5 (A) Aluminium (1) Coimbatore
26. List-I List-II (B) Heavy Electricals (2) Renukoot
(A) BHEL (1) Atomic (C) Petrochemicals (3) Vadodara
(B) HAL (2) Electronic (D) Cotton Textiles (4) Jagdishpur
(C) SAIL (3) Aeronautics (a) A – 2; B – 4; C – 3; D – 1
(D) BPCL (4) Chemicals (b) A – 1; B – 3; C – 4; D – 2
(E) NPTC (5) Iron and steel (c) A – 1; B – 4; C – 3; D – 2
(a) A – 2 ; B – 3 ; C – 5 ; D – 4 ; E – 1 (d) A – 2; B – 3; C – 4; D – 1
(b) A – 5 ; B – 4 ; C – 3 ; D – 2 ; E – 1 31. List-I List-II
(c) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4 ; E – 5 (National Highway No.) (Cities connected)
(d) A – 4 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 1 ; E – 5 (A) NH 5 (1) Bhopal-Jaipur
27. List-I List-II (B) NH 7 (2) Bhubaneswar- Chennai
Public Sector Location Undertaking (C) NH 9 (3) Nagpur-Varanasi
(A) Fertilizer (1) Pimpri (D) NH 12 (4) Pune-Hyderabad
Corporation of (a) A – 2; B – 1; C – 4; D – 3
India (b) A – 4; B – 3; C – 2; D – 1
(B) Hindustan (2) Sindri (c) A – 2; B – 3; C – 4; D – 1
Antibiotics Ltd. (d) A – 4; B – 1; C – 2; D – 3
(C) Indian Rare (3) Nepanagar 32. List-I List-II
Earths Ltd. (Country) (Coal fields)
(D) National (4) Alwaye A. China 1. Pennsylvania
Newsprint Ltd. B. Germany 2. Saar
(a) A – 2 ; B – 1 ; C – 4 ; D – 3 C. Ukraine 3. Shensi
(b) A – 1 ; B – 2 ; C – 3 ; D – 4 D. U.S.A. 4. Donetz Basin
(c) A – 4 ; B – 3 ; C – 2 ; D – 1 A B C D
(d) A – 3 ; B – 1 ; C – 2 ; D – 4 (a) 4 2 1 3
28. List-I List-II (b) 3 2 4 1
(A) Central Building (1) Madras (c) 3 1 4 2
Research Institute (d) 4 3 2 1
G-204 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

33. List-I List-II C. Largest producer of 3. India

(Iron and steel centre) (Country) sugarcane in the
A. Cleveland 1. Canada world
B. Essen 2. Russia D. Largest producer of 4. Brazil
C. Hamilton 3. U.S.A. maize in the world
D. Tula 4. Germany A B C D
A B C D (a) 1 2 4 3
(b) 2 3 4 1
(a) 1 4 2 3
(c) 3 4 2 1
(b) 3 4 1 2 (d) 1 3 2 4
(c) 3 1 2 3 39. List-I List-II
(d) 4 3 1 2 A. Iron and steel 1. Atlanta
34 List-I List-II B. Ship building 2. Bradford
(Mineral) (Mine) C. Automobile 3. Cleveland
A. Diamond 1. Butte D. Woollen textile 4. Yakohama
B. Coal 2. Kimberley A B C D
C. Cobalt 3. Katanga (a) 3 4 1 2
D. Silver 4. Saar (b) 1 2 4 3
A B C D (c) 2 4 1 3
(a) 4 3 2 1 (d) 3 2 1 4
(b) 2 4 3 1 40. List-I List-II
(c) 3 4 1 2 A. Hydropower 1. France
B. Coal 2. Congo Democratic
(d) 2 1 3 4
Republic
35 List-I List-II C. Petroleum 3. Poland
A. Detroit 1. Cutlery D. Nuclear power 4. Iraq
B. Pittsburgh 2. Ship building A B C D
C. Plymouth 3. Iron and steel (a) 2 3 4 1
D. Sheffield 4. Automobile (b) 3 4 1 2
A B C D (c) 1 3 2 4
(d) 4 1 3 2
(a) 4 3 1 2 41. List-I List-II
(b) 2 3 1 4 (Industrial region) (Name of country)
(c) 3 1 4 2 A. Ruhr 1. U.S.A.
(d) 4 3 2 1 B. New England 2. Brazil
36. List-I List-II C. Kinki 3. Germany
D. Belo Horizontal 4. Japan
(Crops) (Largest producer)
A B C D
A. Wheat 1. Brazil (a) 3 1 4 2
B. Cotton 2. China (b) 2 3 1 4
C. Sugarcane 3. U.S.A. (c) 4 2 3 1
D. Tea 4. India (d) 1 4 2 3
A B C D 42. List-I List-II
(Minerals) (Important centres)
(a) 1 2 3 4
A. Copper 1. Butte
(b) 2 3 1 4 B. Diamond 2. Katanga
(c) 2 4 3 1 C. Gold 3. Kimberley
(d) 4 1 2 3 D. Silver 4. Witwatersrand
37. List-I List-II A B C D
A. Shifting cultivation 1. Mongolia (a) 2 4 3 1
(b) 2 3 4 1
B. Nomadic herding 2. Australia (c) 1 3 2 4
C. Livestock ranching 3. Tundra Region (d) 3 1 4 2
D. Fishing and hunting 4. Amazon Basin 43. List-I List-II
A B C D (Industrial production) (Place of production)
(a) 1 3 2 4 (A) Brassware (1) Kanchipuram
(B) Silk Sarees (2) Lucknow
(b) 4 1 2 3 (C) Chikkan (3) Moradabad
(c) 3 2 1 4 Embroidery
(d) 4 1 3 2 (D) Sports Goods (4) Jalandhar
38. List-I List-II A B C D
A. Largest producer of 1. U.S.A. (a) 3 1 2 4
wheat in the world (b) 3 2 1 4
B. Largest producer of 2. China (c) 4 2 1 3
milk in the world (d) 4 1 2 3
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-205

44. List-I List-II Codes

(Industrial (Explanations) A B C D
activities) (a) 3 4 2 1
(A) Processing (1) Inputs are processed (b) 1 2 4 3
activities goods (c) 3 2 4 1
(B) Fabricating (2) Major inputs (d) 1 4 2 3
activities are raw material
46. Match the following
(C) Integrative (3) Involve neither
activities inputs nor outputs List I List II
(D) Administrative (4) Inputs are processed (Place) (Famous for)
activities goods undergoing little A. Balaghat Oil field
change
A B C D B. Katni Iron ore
(a) 1 2 3 4 C. Sigrauli Manganese
(b) 2 1 4 3
D. Kalol Bauxite
(c) 1 4 3 2
(d) 3 2 4 1 Coal
45. Match the following Codes
List I List II A B C D
(Multi purpose River (Hydel Power Station) (a) 1 2 4 3
Projects) (b) 3 4 5 1
A. Rihand 1. Hirakund (c) 3 5 4 1
(d) 1 2 5 3
B. Gandak 2. Balmikinagar
C. Chambal 3. Pipri
D. Mahanadi 4. Kota
G-206 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

EXERCISE-1 39. (c) 40. (c) 41. (c)

42. (c) The major agricultural region of the world were
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (c) first delineated by D. Whittlesey. One of the most
6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (a) satisfactory classifications of agricul­tural regions in
9. (a) De-notified tribes refers to tribes which are the world was proposed by D. Whittlesey in 1936.
aboriginals. These tribes are extremely backward Whittlesey employed five criteria to classify agri­
and are struggling to come out of stone age of cultural regions in the world: (a) crop and livestock
existence. Such tribes live in forests. com­bination; (b) intensity of land use; (c) processing
10. (c) 11. (d) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (c) and marketing of farm produce; (d) degree of
15. (c) National Highways passes through Gujarat, mechanisation; and (e) types and associations of
Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand and buildings and other structures associated with
West Bengal. This road is 1,949 km long. agriculture.
16. (c) 17. (a) 43. (d)
18. (a) Agra is connected by N.H.– 2. 44. (a) Temperate grassland is called the ‘bread basket’ of
19. (d) the world. The roots of perennial grasses usually
20. (a) For producion of cotton, Black soil is most suitable penetrate far into the soil, and grassland soil tends to
and in the area of Maharashtra and Gujarat black be deep and fertile. In North America, the prairies
soil is found. were once inhabited by huge herds of bison and
21. (b) pronghorns, which were hunted by wolves, bears,
22. (b) National Highway (NH 7) deals with Varansi and and other predators. These herds are almost gone
Kanyakumari. It is the longest Highway of India. now, and most of the prairies have been converted
23. (c) Heavy electric equipments plants was set up with into the richest agricultural region on earth.
Soviet assistance at Ranipur (Haridwar) with the 45. (d) The Broken Hill of Australia is famous for the
capacity of producing 2.7 lakh KW of steam and mining of zinc, lead and silver. Broken Hill is an
water turbines and generators and 5.2 lakh KW of isolated mining city in the far west of outback New
industrial electric motors. South Wales, Australia. The world’s largest mining
24. (c) 25. (b) 26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (d) company, BHP Billiton, has roots in the town.
29. (a) Anthracite coal has highest amount of carbon (90%) 46. (c) USA is the largest producer of Geo-thermal energy
and burns without smoke. in the world.
30. (a) 47. (a) Katanga province of Zaire is famous for copper.
Copper mining is an important part of the economy
31. (c) The Ruhr basin is the famous Industrial region of
of Katanga province.
Germany. Formerly Germany’s coal-mining region,
48. (a) Millets and Rice are grown mostly under subsistence
the Ruhrgebiet forms one of the largest conurbations
farming. Subsistence agriculture is self-sufficiency
in Europe with 5 million residents and is now known farming in which the farmers focus on growing
for its diverse and vibrant cultural scene. enough food to feed themselves and their families.
32. (a) Monoculture is a distinct characteristic of The typical subsistence farm has a range of crops
commercial grain farming. Monoculture is the and animals needed by the family to feed and clothe
agricultural practice of producing or growing a themselves during the year.
single crop or plant species over a wide area and for 49. (a) Teak and Sal are products of tropical dry deciduous
a large number of consecutive years. forests. The tropical and subtropical dry broad leaf
33. (b) Kimberley is famous for diamond mining. The Big forest biome, also known as tropical dry forest, is
Hole, Open Mine or Kimberley Mine is an open-pit located at tropical and subtropical latitudes. Though
and underground mine in Kimberley, South Africa, these forests occur in climates that are warm year-
and claimed to be the largest hole excavated by round, and may receive several hundred centimeters
hand. of rain per year, they have long dry seasons which
34. (d) 35. (b) last several months and vary with geographic
36. (a) Atacama deserts is famous for its nitrate deposits. location. These seasonal droughts have great impact
The desert is littered with approximately 170 on all living things in the forest.
abandoned nitrate (or “saltpetre”) mining towns, 50. (d) Dapog method of rice nursery was developed in
almost all of which were shut down decades after Philippines. The dapog method of raising seedling
the invention of synthetic nitrate in Germany at originated in the Philippines and is now, fairly
the turn of the 20th century. The towns include common in South and Southeast. The dapog nursery
Chacabuco, Humberstone, Santa Laura, Pedro de is constructed for the raising of seedlings without
Valdivia, Puelma, María Elena, and Oficina Anita. any soil whatsoever. Rice seeds contain sufficient
37. (a) food in the endosperm to permit the young seedling
38. (d) Brazil is the greatest producer of bauxite in the to grow for up to 14 days without receiving any
world. Para state dominates bauxite production in outside nutrients except air, water, and sunlight.
Brazil accounting for 85% of overall output, while Consequently, it is possible to nurse seedlings
Minas Gerais produces the country’s remainder. without actually sowing them in soil.
Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India G-207

51. (d) Vishakhapatnam does not have a gold field. 14. (c) Hacienda and Pondu are not the examples of shifting
52. (d) Durgapur Steel Plant is located in Durgapur ( cultivation. Shifting cultivation is known as ladang
West Bengal.) It was Set up in the late 1950s with cultivation in south east Asia. Fazendas (meaning
assistance from United Kingdom. It is one of the “farms”) were plantations found throughout Brazil;
integrated steel plants of Steel Authority of India during the colonial period (16th - 18th centuries),
Limited. they were concentrated primarily in the northeastern
53. (b) 1. Narora(Uttar Pradesh)- 2 × 220 MW region, where sugar was produced.
2. Kaiga(Karnataka)- 4 × 220 MW 15. (a) Indian coal has high ash content and low calorific
3. Rawatbhata(Rajasthan)- 1 × 100 MWe;1 × 200 value. It has low sulphur and low phosphorous
MWe; 4 × 220 MWe content but high ash fusion temperature.
4. Tarapur (Maharashtra)- 1400 MW 16. (a) Dharwar rocks are non fossilliferous rather they
54. (d) The Rihand Dam was constructed across the Rihand are metalliferous. They bear out gold, iron ore,
River near Pipri in Sonbhadra district of Mirzapur manganese mica, cobalt, chromium, copper,
division in 1962 for hydropower generation. tungsten, lead, nickel, precious stones and budding
55. (d) Kakrapar Atomic Power Station is situated in stones. Kodarma is a store house of mica and
Gujarat. It consists of two 220 MW pressurized Gondwana beds have natural gases.
water reactors with heavy water as moderator 17. (b) Chanderi in Madhyapradesh and Kancheepuram in
(PHWR).It was commissioned in 1993. Tamil Nadu are famous for Silk sarees.
56. (a) The correct sequence is Kochi- Mangalore- Mumbai- 18. (b) Copper mineral located in Katanga. Diamond
Koyli mineral located in Kimberley. Gold mineral located
57. (c) The Tasman Sea separates Australia from New in Wit watersrand. The Witwatersrand Gold Rush
Zealand. was a gold rush in 1886 that led to the establishment
58. (b) Sriharikota does not have a heavy water plant. of Johannesburg, South Africa. It was part of the
Satish Dhawan Space Centre is a rocket launch Mineral Revolution. Silver located in Butte.
centre located in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. 19. (b) The countries in the descending order of their wheat
production are; China, India, U.S.A. and Russia.
EXERCISE-2 20. (a) 1. Muzaffarnagar- Sugar
1. (a) Japan is the largest importer of Indian iron ore. 2. Adoni- Cotton textile
2. (d) The minerals deposits in Chhatisgarh is Bauxite (96 3. Ranchi- Engineering goods
million ton), Dolomite (606 million ton), & iron ore 4. Jalandhar- Sports goods
(2336 million ton). Tin is not found in Chhatisgarh. 21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (c)
3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (b) 26. (a) 27. (a) 28. (b) 29. (b)
7. (d) All the monuments / sites are included in World 30. (a) Industry
Heritage list of UNESCO. Sun Temple of Aluminium : Alwaye (Kerala), Asansol (West
Orissa, group of monuments at Mahabalipuram Bengal), Renukoot (U.P.), Belur (Karnataka),
were included in 1985. Champaner – Pavagadh Hiradud (Orissa).
Archeological Park of Gujrat and Chhatrapati Petrochemical : Indian Refineries Ltd (Barauni)
Shivaji Terminus of Maharastra are included in year Bihar Noohamati (Assam), Koyali oil Refinery,
2004 in UNESCO list. Koyali (Gujrat), Chochin oil Refinery Kochi
(Kerala).
8. (b) Opening a new canal in Kra isthums can reduce the
Cotton Textiles : Ahmedabad (Gujrat) Bangalore,
navigation time and distance. Malacca strait is the
Mumbai, Kolkata, Coimbtore (Tamilnadu), Kanpur
main shipping channel between the Indian Ocean and
(UP), Ludhiana and Amritsar (Punjab), Indore
the Pacific Ocean and links India, China, Japan and
(MP).
South Korea. The issue of deepening of the Malacca Heavy Electricals : Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd
strait is “linked” to its economic importance rather Ranipur Hardwar (Uttrakhand)
than “time of navigation and distance”. The issue Heavy Electricals India Ltd (Bhopal)
is that most of the ships can not pass through it and 31. (c) N H No. Cities connected
the size of the biggest ships which can enter through NH 1 Delhi and Amritsar
it is called Malaccamax. Now the deepening of the NH 2 Delhi and Kolkata
strait would certainly help in “Increasing the volume NH 3 Agra and Mumbai
of the business” because ships of larger sizes can NH 4 Thane and Chennai
pass through it, there is no significance of distance NH 5 Behragoda and Chennai
and navigation. NH 6 Dhulia and Kolkata
9. (b) 10. (a) NH 7 Varanasi and Kanyakumari
11. (d) In India maximum coal reserve found in Chhota NH 8 Delhi and Mumbai
Nagpur in Jharkhand. NH 9 Pune and Vijaywada
12. (a) First sentence is correct, second is incorrect. First NH 10 Delhi and Fazilka
modern steel plant in India was set up at Bhilai, not 32. (b) Shensi is the coal field of China. It is a province
in Bhadrawati. of the People’s Republic of China, officially part
13. (c) The Northern Plains of India are expanded mainly of the northwest China region. Saar is known as
in the state of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP and the coal mining in Germany. The Saarland is one
Eastern Bihar. Here the total road length is more of Germany’s sixteen federal states. Its capital is
than total surface roads. at Saarbrücken. Donetz Basin is the coal field of
G-208 Mineral Resource, Industries Population Multipurpose Projects of India

Ukraine. It comprises the Donbas Foldbelt, which is has reserves of petroleum, natural gas, coal, and a
the uplifted and compressionally deformed part of the potential hydroelectric power generating capacity
Pripyat–Dniepr–Donets (PDD) Basin. Pennsylvania of around 100,000 MW. The Inga Dam, alone
is known for coal mining in U.S.A. Pennsylvania, on the Congo River, has the potential capacity to
officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is generate 40,000 to 45,000 MW of electric power,
a U.S. state that is located in the northeastern and sufficient to supply the electricity needs of the
mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, and the whole southern Africa region. Coal associated with
Great Lakes region. Poland. Today Poland’s coal industry is among
33. (b) Regarding to the Iron and steel centre, Cleveland the most competitive in Europe, providing jobs
is located in U.S.A. Essen is located in Germany. to over 100,000 people in the country. Poland is
Hamilton is located in Canada. Tula is located in now the 9th largest hard coal producer in the world
Russia. and the largest coal producer in the EU. It is also
34. (b) Diamond extracts from the Kimberley mines. The the 8th largest coking coal exporter in the world.
first diamond found in South Africa, was discovered Petroleum associated with Iraq. In 2006, Iraq’s oil
less than 30 miles away and within a few years, production averaged 2.0 million barrels per day
the mining town of Kimberley. Coal founded (320×103 m3/d), down from around 2.6 Mbbl/d
in Saar region. In the past, a coal mining was an (410×103 m3/d) of production prior to the coalition
important branch of industry. Cobalt founded in invasion in 2003. Iraq’s reserve to production ratio
Katanga region. Katanga is one of the provinces of is 158 years. Nuclear power associated with France.
the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The eastern France derives over 75% of its electricity from
part of the province is a rich mining region, which nuclear energy. This is due to a long-standing policy
supplies cobalt, copper, tin, radium, uranium, and based on energy security.
diamonds. The region’s capital, Lubumbashi, is the 41. (a) Ruhr industrial region belongs to Germany. New
second largest city in the Congo. Silver founded in England industrial region belongs to U.S.A. Kinki
Butte. Butte is a census-designated place (CDP) in industrial region belongs to Japan. Belo Horizonte
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. industrial region belongs to Brazil.
35. (a) Cutlery industry located in Plymouth. Ship building 42. (d) Geographical Indications of Goods are defined as
industry located in Shefield. Iron and steel industry that aspect of industrial property which refer to the
located in Pittsburgh. Automobile industry located geographical indication referring to a country or to
in Detroit. a place situated therein as being the country or place
36. (b) China is the largest producer of wheat. Roughly of origin of that product. Typically, such a name
two-thirds of the total wheat production came from conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness
the north China plain and nearly another third from which is essentially attributable to the fact of its
the central provinces. Winter wheat accounts for origin in that defined geographical locality, region
about 94% of China’s total wheat output. U.S.A. or country. Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris
is the largest producer of cotton. In its January Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property,
report, USDA estimated a ‘13-14 US crop of 13.19 geographical indications are covered as an element
million bales. Upland production was estimated at of IPRs. They are also covered under Articles 22
12.55 million bales and extra-long staple production to 24 of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual
at 636,000 bales. Brazil is the largest producer of Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which was
sugarcane. Brazil’s sugarcane industry association part of the Agreements concluding the Uruguay
UNICA estimates Brazil’s sugar cane production in Round of GATT negotiations. India, as a member
2012/13 at 531.4 million ton which is 8% up from of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted
the 493.2 million ton produced in 2011/12. India the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration
is the largest producer of tea. Tea Board of India & Protection)Act, 1999 has come into force with
shows that during January to August, tea production effect from 15th September 2003.
has risen by 6.2% to 705 million kg in 2013. 43. (a)
37. (b) Shifting cultivation practices in Amazon Basin. 44. (b)
Nomadic herding practices in Mangolia. Live stock 45. (c) 1. Rihand - Pipri
ranching belongs to Australia. Fishing and hunting 2. Gandak- Balmikinagar
belongs to Tundra region. 3. Chambal- Kota
38. (b) Largest producer of wheat in the world is China. 4. Mahanadi- Hirakund
Largest producer of milk in the world is India. 46. (b) About 80% of the manganese production in India
Largest producer of sugarcane in the world is Brazil. comes from Balaghat District of Madhya Pradesh.
Largest producer of maize in the world is U.S.A. Katni (Madhya Pradesh ) is famous for Bauxite
39. (a) Iron and steel industry belongs to Cleveland. Ship mines.Singrauli Coalfield is spread across the
building industry belongs to Yakohama. Automobile districts of Singrauli(Madhya Pradesh). Most of
industry belongs to Atlanta. Woollen textile industry the coal is dispatched to pithead power plants as
belongs to Bradford. Singrauli Super Thermal Power Station, Rihand
40. (a) Hydropower associated with Congo Democratic Thermal Power Station and Vindhyachal Thermal
Republic. The Democratic Republic of the Congo Power Station etc.
Kalol in Gujaratis famous for its oil fields.
 ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

ECOLOGY AND 1
ENVIRONMENT Chapter

Introduction
In this chapter we will study about Environment, their biodiversity, i.e. different species of plants and animals in their habitats
and their relation and interaction with environments. We will also learn about different environmental issues and their effects
on ecosystem, i.e. plants, animals, their habitats and climates all around them.

Ecosystem (a) Nitrogen & (N2) Cycle

Nitrogen cycle is a process by which nitrogen is converted
An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature consisting of abiotic
between its various chemical forms. 78% of earth atmosphere
and biotic factors, where the living organisms interact among
themselves and also with their physical environment (abiotic is nitrogen. Nitrogen cycle is necessary because plants cannot
factors). absorb nitrogen directly; they can only absorb in the form
of nitrate. Nitrogen cycle have 5 important processes, i.e.
I. Abiotic Component (Habitat and Environment) fixation, ammonification, nitrification, assimilation and
Abiotic components of ecosystem are the nonliving features denitrification.
of ecosystem on which the living organism depends. It is 1. Nitrogen fixation
basically referred to the physical environment and its numerous It is the process of conversion of nitrogen(N2) to ammonia
interacting variables, e.g. inorganic subsances and climatic (NH3) because it is the only method by which organisms
factors. can attain nitrogen through atmosphere. Bacteria called
Rhizobium fix nitrogen, be residing in the roots of plants
A. Inorganic Substances making root nodules
Inorganic substances are generally associated with nonliving 2. Nitrification
things. It is the process of conversion of ammonia (NH3) to
nitrate (NO3-)
Bio-geochemical Cycle NH3 -----→ NO2 -----→ NO3-
It refers to the circulation of chemical nutrients such as 3. Assimilation
carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and water It is done by plants roots. Since nitrogen is present in
etc. through the biological and physical world. In other words nitrate form it is absorbed along with water from the soil
the chemical element get recycled while moving through both and then converted into organic matter by plants.
biotic (biosphere) and abiotic (lithosphere, atmosphere, and
4. Ammonification
hydrosphere) compartments of Earth. It’s a circular series of It is the process of conversion of organic nitrogen
reaction where the chemical element gets back to its original compounds to NH3. Urea and uric acid are excreted by
position for joining the cycle again and again. The most well animals in soil along with nitrogen components, these
known cycles in the lists are: components are converted into ammonia by bacteria, like-
•• Nitrogen Cycle Bacteria--→ nitrification---→assimilation
•• Oxygen Cycle 5. Denitrification
•• Carbon dioxide Cycles It is the reduction of NO3- to gaseous nitrogen N2. It
•• Water Cycle is done by denitrifying bacteria(Pseudomonas) which
convert nitrates/nitrites into elemental nitrogen, which
•• Phosphorous Cycles escapes to atmosphere completing the cycle.
EE-2 Ecology and Environment

•• Through the process of photosynthesis carbon enters into

living world in the form of carbon dioxide.
•• This organic compound (food) is then passed from the
producers to the consumers (herbivores & carnivores).
•• By the process of respiration or decomposition of dead
bodies of plant and animals by decomposers this carbon
returns back to the surrounding medium.
•• Recycling of carbon is also done by the burning of fossil
fuels.

(b) Oxygen & (O2) Cycle

•• Oxygen is a very important element for the existence of
all flora and fauna. Atmosphere contains 21% of oxygen.
•• The main source of oxygen is atmosphere. Plants and
animals absorb oxygen through respiration either from
water or air and leaves through photosynthesis.
•• In respiration process some of the oxygen returns to
the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide and water (d) Water & (H2O) Cycle
vapour. During the process of photosynthesis gaseous There is a continuous exchange of water between living organisms,
oxygen is released completing the oxygen cycle. air, land and sea. Steps of water cycle can be explained as:
•• The source of ozone is the oxygen in the atmosphere. •• Evaporation of water takes place from oceans, rivers and
Ozone layer protects the living being from the UV lakes which takes water into atmosphere in the form of
radiation which reaches the earth. vapours.
•• By burning fossil fuels man decreases the amount of •• Clouds and water is formed when these vaporized water is
oxygen in the atmosphere and increases the carbon cooled and condensed.
dioxide content. •• Ultimately these cooled water vapour return to earth as
rain and snow.
O3 + UV ligh  O + O2  O2 + UV light  O + O •• Thus, hydrological cycle is the continuous and balanced
Atmospheric
O+ O2O3
process of evaporation, precipitation, transpiration and
oxygen runoff of water.
Food Food
 
Respiration Photosynthesis
 
CO2 CO2
Water

Fig. Oxygen Cycle

As the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere remains
constant at 21%, it is likely that natural degradation of ozone
must occur to maintain the ozone : oxygen equilibrium. The
oxygen cycle is affected most by human activities such as
running of automobiles and consumption of fossil fuels, thus
releasing more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(c) Carbon dioxide (CO2) Cycle Water Cycle
Carbon constitutes 49% of the dry weight of an organism,
ocean constitutes 71% and atmosphere only constitutes 1% of (e) Phosphorus & its cycles
carbon. Carbon cycle occurs through atmosphere, ocean and •• Phosphorus cycle is also called as sedimentary cycle
through living and dead organisms, decomposers. CO2 is given because the main reservoir is rocks and the earth crust.
out by respiration and fixed into organic matter by the process •• Weathering of these rocks leads to release of Phosphorus
of photosynthesis. Process can be explained in following steps: and its absorption by plants roots, which in turn gets
transferred to higher tropic levels.
Ecology and Environment EE-3

•• Excretory material of birds on rocks called Guano is also eutrophication when soluble phosphates reach rivers and
source of Phosphorus. Phosphates are available in rocks streams from agricultural land rich in phosphates.
and soil in organic form in lithosphere. •• Return of phosphates to the Earth is by the decay of plant
•• They are converted into organo phosphates by plants. and animal matter and subsequent absorption.
Phosphates are also added into soil by phosphatic fertilizers. •• Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil
•• There is an excess algae growth which leads to and sediments and organisms.

Human activities and their influence on biogeochemical In certain lakes and ponds this may be redissolved and
cycles and climate change recycled as a problem nutrient. Other important sources
As an important biotic element of earth, human being plays a of phosphate are in the out flows from municipal sewage
major role in influencing the biogeochemical cycles directly or treatment plants. Without an expensive tertiary treatment,
indirectly. In recent years there has been a growing awareness the phosphate in sewage is not removed during various
of the extent to which human activities, such as deforestation treatment operations. Again an extra amount of phosphate
and fossil fuel burning has been affecting the environment enters the water.
processes negatively so as the natural cycles. These changes •• Mining of Fossil fuels have greatly impacted the carbon
in atmospheric processes are disturbing a variety of cycles in cycle where fossil fuels have been mined from the earth
ecosystem services that humans depend upon. crust. Carbon dioxide is number one green house gas
Biogeochemical cycles are always considered as a state of contributing to global warming and climate change.
equilibrium that is a balance in the cyclic process of the Additionally, clearing of vegetation that serve as carbon
elements between spheres. However, overall balance may sinks has increased the concentration of carbondioxide in
involve elements distributed on a global scale and that is why a the atmosphere.
disruption in one cycle causes a disruption in all other cycles. •• Production of Sulphur dioxide has an impact on the
The impact can be assessed and analysed through number of sulfur cycle is primarily in the production ofsulfur dioxide
such incidents such as: (SO2) from industry (e.g. burning coal) and the internal
•• Use of phosphorus fertilizers or commercial combustion engine. Sulfur dioxide can precipitate onto
synthetic fertilizers has affected the phosphorus and surfaces where it can be oxidized to sulphate in the soil
nitrogen cycles. Sometimes plants unable to utilize all (it is also toxic to some plants), reduced to sulphide in
of the phosphate fertilizer applied to them and as a the atmosphere, or oxidized to sulphate in the atmosphere
consequence, much of it is lost from the land through the as sulphiric acid (a principal component of acid rain).
water run-off. The phosphate in the water is eventually Sulphur compounds play a big role in the climate system
precipitated as sediments at the bottom of the water body. because they are important for the formation of clouds.
EE-4 Ecology and Environment

Additionally, a lot of sulphur is brought into the air by •• Through the process of photosynthesis plants with
volcanic eruptions. A strong eruption can emit particles chlorophyll can change light energy to chemical energy.
up to the stratosphere hence leading to cooling down of The chemical energy formed is hence stored as complex
the planet. organic substance (food).
Cultivation of legumes and use of nitrogen fertilizers: •• Besides visible energy electromagnetic spectrum of solar
As a result of extensive cultivation of legumes, creation of radiation includes UV, infrared radiation (heat) and radio
chemical fertilizers, and pollution emitted by vehicles and waves.
industrial plants, human beings have more than doubled •• Both UV light and infrared radiation are abiotic factors of
the annual transfer of nitrogen into biologically available high importance for ecosystems. To differentiate between
forms. Humans have significantly contributed to the flowers insects use UV.
transfer of nitrogen gases from Earth to the atmosphere, •• UV light also works in controlling some biochemical
and from the land to aquatic systems through four main reactions that could be dangerous for the living beings;
processes: besides, UV light annihilates pathogens and can cause
favorable mutations in all life forms.
•• The application of nitrogen fertilizers to crops has caused
increased rates of denitrification and leaching of nitrate (b) Temperature
into groundwater. The additional nitrogen entering the •• Atmospheric temperature of the place depends upon the
groundwater system eventually flows into streams, rivers, slope, altitude, latitude, topography, etc. temperature
lakes, and estuaries. In these systems, the added nitrogen lowers as we go from equator to poles – tropical,
can lead to eutrophication. subtropical, temperate and arctic.
•• Increased deposition of nitrogen from atmospheric sources •• Organisms living in tropical regions are called megatherms,
because of fossil fuel combustion and forest burning. in subtropical regions are called mesotherms, in temperate
Both of these processes release a variety of solid forms of regions are called mucrotherms, and in arctic regions are
nitrogen through combustion. called hekisthotherms.
•• Livestock ranching. Livestock release a large amounts of •• Following are the examples of temperature change in
ammonia into the environment from their wastes. This ecosystems: fruit tree such as peach require cold period
nitrogen enters the soil system and then the hydrologic so that they can blossom in springs, in winters deciduous
system through leaching, groundwater flow, and runoff. trees loss their leaves and enter in dormancy etc.
•• Sewage waste and septic tank leaching. (c) Pressure
Much of the nitrogen applied to agricultural and urban areas •• Atmospheric pressure is the pressure caused by the weight
ultimately enters rivers and near shore coastal systems. In near of the atmosphere. Atmospheric pressure decreases with
shore marine systems, increases in nitrogen can often lead to the height and is felt maximum at the surface.
(i) anoxia (no oxygen) or hypoxia (low oxygen) •• It is measured by the instrument called barometer.
(ii) altered biodiversity •• All organisms can survive only in a specific range of
(iii) changes in food-web structure, and atmospheric pressure and when the air pressure is low in
(v) general habitat degradation. the higher altitudes it becomes difficult for some species
to breathe because of the insufficient oxygen present in
(vi) One common consequence of increased nitrogen is an the higher altitudes.
increase in harmful algal blooms (howarth 2008).
•• In the depth of the oceans the atmospheric pressure
(vii) Toxic blooms of certain types of dinoflagellates have increases with the increasing depth and again this makes
been associated with high fish and shelfish mortality in only definite types of animals and plants to survive in
some areas. Even without such economically catastrophic certain specific ocean regions.
effects, the addition of nitrogen can lead to changes in
biodiversity and species composition that may lead to (d) Humidity
changes in overall ecosystem function. Some have even •• Humidity is the water vapor or water in gaseous form
suggested that alterations to the nitrogen cycle may lead present in the atmosphere. It can also be defined as:
to an increased risk of parasitic and infectious diseases molecules of water/unit volume.
among humans and wildlife. •• It is measured by Hygrometer. Humidity is of three types:
Additionally, increases in nitrogen in aquatic systems can •• Specific humidity: it is defined as the ratio of weight of
lead to increased acidification in freshwater ecosystems. moist vapour to the weight of moist air.
•• Absolute humidity: it is the mass or weight of vapour per
B. Climatic Factors unit volume of air.
Climatic factors are the environmental factors which influence •• Relative humidity: it measures the current absolute
the growth and development of plants, condition in which humidity relative to the maximum for that temperature. It
living organism lives etc. they are defined below: is measured in percentage.
• It affects water loss from plants (transpiration rate) and
(a) Light evaporation from animals; relative humidity (%) expressed as
•• The main supply of energy for organisms in ecosystem is the amount of water vapour in the air compared to what the
sunlight which is an important abiotic factor. air would hold if completely saturated at that temperature.
Ecology and Environment EE-5

(e) Miscellaneous sweating (primarily for cooling the body) and when
Some other climatic factors include water, soil and chemical the surrounding temperature is lower than the body
components. temperature ( in winter), we start shivering .The muscle
contraction produces heat to raise the body temperature.
How do organisms Respond to 3. Partial regulators
Abiotic Factors: If the stressful condition are localized, the animals can
The fitness of a species in a particular environment depends ‘escape in place’ and migrate to nearby region, having
upon the efficiency of all physiological and biochemical better environmental conditions. If the unfavourable
processes within the body. conditions are for a shorter duration then the animals can
‘escape in time’ and avoid those conditions suspending
Some of the animals maintain their body temperature or
their activities. such organisms are partial regulators.
osmotic concentration of body fluid to the optimum level
and maintain a constant internal environment (a process Based upon the situation, the partial regulators may
proceed for migration or for suspension of body activities.
called Homeostasis). Their performance is the maximum
regardless of the weather conditions outside the body. To (i) Migration : The animal can move away temporally
maximize the working efficiency, human uses artificial from a stressful environment to a more hospitable
area and return when the environmental conditional
means, like air conditioner, in summer, or heaters / blowers,
are favourable. Every winter thousands of birds
in winter. The animals, however, have natural means, mainly
migrate from Siberia (extremely cold) to Keoladeo
physiological, to manage such stressful conditions .
National Park in Bharatpur (Rajasthan)
There are 3- categories of animals that have specific ways
(ii) Suspension of body activities : During unfavourable
to respond to external environment (or abiotic factors) . conditions the lower plants, fungi and bacteria,
1. Conformers 2. Regulators produce thick– walled spores which germinate when
3. Partial regulators the environmental condition are favourable . The
seeds and the other vegetative reproductive -structures
of higher plants similarly undergo ‘dormancy’ and
reduce their metabolic activities when the conditions
are unfavourable, and form new plant when the
moisture and the temperature conditions are suitable
The animals that cannot migrate, avoid the stressful
condition for the time period (escape in time) and
undergo either Hibernation (in winter), e.g., Bear
; or Aestivation (in summer), e.g. snail and few
fishes. Frog undergoes hibernation in winter and
aestivation in summer.
When the condition are unfavourable, many species
of zooplanktons, in lakes and pond, are known
Response of organisms to abiotic factors to enter ‘diapause’, i.e., a stage of suspended
development . Such diapauses also occur in eggs,
1. Conformers larvae or pupae of insects in adverse conditions and
Majority of the animals (up to 99%) and nearly all plants, breaking occurs when favourable conditions returns.
cannot maintain a constant internal environment. Their The diapauses, i.e. arrested development, in insects
body temperature and osmotic concentration changes may depend upon the photoperiod, temperature and
according to the surrounding conditions . Such animal the hormonal conditions.
and plants are called Conformers. Both, the thermal
regulation and osmo- regulation are energetically Population
expensive processes, that’s why such a vast number of The population is a group of individuals of a particular
animals have not adopted such ways to maintain a constant species, which potentially interbreed and live in a well
internal environment. defined geographical area, and also share or compete for
2. Regulators similar resources.
Some animals maintain their homeostasis by physiological For ecological point of view a group of asexual individuals
or behavioural means. All birds and mammals is also known as population.
(Homeothermic or Warm blooded) and a few lower Examples of populations are
vertebrates and invertebrates can maintain constant body 1. Tigers in a national park
temperature and constant osmotic concentration regardless 2. Rats in an abandoned building
of the surrounding conditions. Such organisms are called The population has certain attributes or peculiar features
Regulators. which are not represented by the individuals. The
Human constantly maintain their body temperature important attributes are Life expectancy, sex ratio, birth
at 37ºC. When it is hot outside (in summer) we start rate, death rate, age distribution etc.
EE-6 Ecology and Environment

Birth or Natality rate – It is the number of births 1. Exponential growth

per thousand of a population per year. It can also When resources like food and space etc. in a habitat are
be represented in percentage, or per capita, i.e., per unlimited, each species realizes its full reproductive or
individual. biotic potential and grows in an exponential or geometric
If there were 50 lotus plants in a pond last year. This year fashion. For example if a reindeer population (N) is
the population has increased to 58 due to reproduction,
allowed to grow in a predator free environment, the
then birth rate per capita can be calculated as
population in time ‘t’ grows beyond carrying capacity and
58 – 50 = 8
forms ‘J’ shaped growth pattern/ curve. Such growth also
8/ 50 = 0.16 offspring per lotus per year
occurs in algal bloom, insects during rainy season and
Or per capita birth rate per year = 0.16
Paramecium (doubling every day)
Death or Mortality rate – It is the number of deaths
occurring in a population of one thousand per year. Thus under unlimited resources and absence of check
any species can grow exponentially. Even the slowest
This can also be represented in percentage or per capita.
breeder, elephant (gestation period –22 months) can grow
If in a population of 50 house flies, 5 died in a week, then
the per capita death rate per week can be calculated as 5/ to enormous number.
50 = 0.1 Population
•• Population growth – The gross value of population crash-phase
growth is calculated as the difference of birth rate and K
death rate.

No. of Individuals
•• Dispersal – The movement of the individuals in or out
of the population affects the size of population. The
movement of individuals into a population is called
Immigration, and movement, out of the population is
called Emigration.
•• A set of local populations connected by dispersing [K = Carrying capacity]
individuals is called a Metapopulation.
•• The accurate population growth involves migrant Time
individuals also, which means the - Population Growth Curve (J - shaped)
•• Population growth = (Birth rate + Immigrants) – If the population size is ‘N’ and birth rate and death rate
(Death rate + Emigrants)
per capita are respectively ‘b’ and ‘d’, then the change in
•• Zero Population Growth – When birth rate equals
population size, i.e., increase or decrease during a unit
death rate, and the growth of the population is Zero, i.e.
the size of the population remains constant, it is called time period ‘t’ , will be
Zero Population Growth or Demographic Transition. dN
Considering migration, at zero population growth : = (b  d)  N
•• Birth rate + immigrants = Death rate + emigrants dt
•• Bio-Index number – It is the ratio of birth rate to the If (b – d) = r, then dN = rN
death rate. In case of Zero population growth the bio- dt
index number is one
Birth rate Here ‘r’ is called ‘Intrinsic rate of natural increase’ or
Bio-index number =
Death rate Biotic potential (maximum capacity of reproduction),
•• Population size : The population size may range from Which indicates the impact of biotic and abiotic factors in
few individuals to millions depending upon species, population growth. The value of ‘r’ for human population
geographical area, impact of predators, outcome of in 1981 in India was 0.02.
competition and effect of pesticides etc. Sometimes The integral form of exponential growth equation is
the population size is either too big to measure or
Nt = N0ert
meaningless, then the size is more technically called as
population density. Nt = Population density after time ‘t’
•• The population density can be defined as the number of N0 = Population density at time zero, ‘0’
individuals per square unit area (in terrestrial organisms) r = Intrinsic rate of natural increase
or per cubic unit area (in aquatic or aerial organisms). e = the base of natural logarithms (2.718..)
Sometimes the population density is not required and only
Relative density serves the purpose. For example, the fish 2. Logistic growth
caught per trap in a lake can be used as population density. In nature no species has unlimited resources at its disposal to
permit exponential growth. There starts competition between
Growth Models individuals for limited resources. The population growing in
The growth of population with time shows specific and a habitat initially shows ‘lag phase’, followed by phases of
predictable patterns. The 2-common patterns are acceleration or deceleration (log phase) and finally the stage
1. Exponential or geometric growth pattern of asymptote- when population density reaches carrying
2. Logistic growth pattern capacity (plateau phase or stationary phase).
Ecology and Environment EE-7

If the population density ‘N’ is plotted against time ‘t’, Parasitism

the result is ‘S’ shaped growth pattern/ curve (Sigmoid In this interaction one species (Parasite) is benefitted and the
curve). other (Host) is harmed (+, –). The parasitism ensures free
lodging and free meals. Many parasites are host specific while
K others can parasitize on various species of host.
Plateau phase The hosts evolve special mechanisms to reject or resist
the parasite. The parasite on the other hand evolves the
No. of Individuals

mechanisms to counteract and neutralize their effects.

Log phase Majority of the parasites harm the hosts by reducing their
growth, reproduction, survival and population density. They
may also make the host physically weak and vulnerable to
[K = Carrying capacity] predation. The parasites can be of 3-types
Lag phase
1. Ectoparasite 2. Endoparasite
Time
3. Brood parasite
Population Growth Curve (Sigmoid, S-shaped)
The ectoparasites live or feed on the external surface of
This type of growth pattern is also called as ‘Verhulst- the host. The most familiar examples are lice and bed bug
Pearl logistic growth’ and can be represented as following on human, tick on dogs and leech on cattle. The mosquitoes
equation cannot be considered as true ectoparasites, since they take only
meal from the host-body, and do not make lodging. Amongst
dN K  N 
 rN   plants the common example is Cuscuta, which has lost both
dt  K  chlorophyll and leaves during evolution and parasitizes hedge
K = Nature’s carrying capacity in that habitat plants. The other parasites are copepods, Petromyzon and
(K – N)/ K or 1– N/ K = environmental resistance hagfishes, for which the hosts are marine fishes.
Carrying capacity (K) – It can be defined as the maximum
number of individuals which the environment can support
or sustain. Hence, it is the capacity of environment and
not of individuals.
The carrying capacity of the environment depends upon
Bed bug Petromyzon on fish Tick-Dog
3-components, i.e.
(i) Productive system – It includes cropland, orchard The endoparasites live inside the body of the host. Their
etc. to provide food and fibres. morphological and anatomical features are greatly simplified,
(ii) Protective system – It includes forest, ocean etc. but their life cycles are more complex because of their extreme
which regulate temperature and humidity. specialization. Their reproductive potential is very high. They
(iii) Waste assimilative system – It includes the generation can be monogenetic (involving single host) or digenetic
of waste material in water, air and soil. (involving two hosts). The common monogenetic endoparasites
Population Interactions are Ascaris (round worm) and Entamoeba in small and large
intestine respectively. The familiar digenetic endoparasites are
Thus in nature, plants, animals and microbes do not and
Taenia (tape worm) and Fasciola (liver fluke) in intestine
cannot live in isolation but interact in various ways to form
and liver respectively. The Plasmodium is also a digenetic
biological community. The interspecific associations arise
endoparasite in human and female Anopheles mosquito. The
from the interaction of populations of different species.
filarial worm is similarly a lymph parasite.
Such associations can be beneficial, harmful (detrimental)
or neutral (neither beneficial nor harmful). The koel or cockoo is a brood parasite and lays the eggs in
Following are different interspecific associations/ the nest of the host, crow, who incubates them. The eggs of the
interactions. The ‘+’ indicates beneficial interaction, ‘––’ parasitic bird has evolved resemblances with the host’s eggs in
detrimental and ‘0’ neutral interaction. colour and shape and size.
Population Interactions
S.N. Name of interaction Species A Species B
1. Parasitism + –
2. Commensalism + 0
3. Mutualism + +
4 Predation + –
5 Competition – –
6 Amensalism – 0
EE-8 Ecology and Environment

Commensalism prey may achieve high population density to make the

In commensalism one species is benefitted and other is neutral ecosystem unstable.
i.e., neither benefitted nor harmed (+ , 0). The association of
‘egret and the cattle’ is the classical example of commensalism.
As the cattle move during grazing, they stir up and flush out
the insects from the vegetation which otherwise be difficult
for the egret to find and catch. Here the cattle gets no benefit
from egret. The examples of commensalisms are ‘clown fish
hiding in the colony of sea anemone’, ‘orchid growing as an
epiphyte on mango tree’ and the ‘barnacle growing on the back Prickly pear Lantana
of whale’. Here, sea anemone, mango tree and whale derive no 3. Predation also reduces competition amongst preys species
benefit from the association. and maintains species diversity. (When Pisaster (star
fish), a predator, was removed from American pacific
coast, about 10 species of invertebrates got extincted
because of interspecific competition).

Competition
It is defined as an interspecific process in which the fitness of
one species (measured in terms of ‘r’) is significantly lower
Clown fish with sea anemone Egret and Buffalo
in the presence of another species. It is (–, –) relationship.
Mutualism Charles Darwin also considered the interspecific competition
a potent force in organic evolution. The competition generally
In this interaction both the species are benefitted (+, +). occurs when closely related species compete for the same but
Lichens is such relationship between fungus and photosynthetic limiting or depleting resources.
algae/ cyanobacteria. The Mycorrhizae is also a similar
The competition may ever occur when resources like food and
association between fungus and the roots of higher plants. The
space etc. are abundant, since the feeding efficiency of one
fungi here, helps the plant in absorption of essential nutrients species may be reduced due to interfering presence of other
from the soil, while plant provides the food to the fungus. species. This competition is called interference Competition.
In plant-animal association there has occurred co-evolution of
Gause’s ‘competition exclusion principle’ states that two
mutualism. In many species of fig trees there is a close one-to-
closely related species competing for the same resource
one relationship with the species of wasp, for pollination. The
cannot co-exist indefinitely and the competitively inferior will
female wasp pollinates the fig inflorescence while searching
be eventually eliminated. This is, however, true only when
for suitable site for egg laying (oviposition). She lays the eggs
resources are limited.
inside the fruit and the seeds of the fruit are also consumed by
the developing larvae of the wasp. Thus, both are mutually Amensalism
benefitted. In this association one species is harmed but the other remains
neutral (–, 0). For example the fungus, Penicillium notatum
growing close to bacteria, like Staphlococcus, kills the bacteria
due to the secretion of penicillin, whereas the fungus remains
unaffected. Similarly the leaves falling from the tree either
kill or adversely affect the growth of the seedling population
underneath the tree.

Fig and Wasp Ophrys (Orchid) Ecological Niche

Ecological Niche : It is the interactions between a
Predation species and the its biotic and abiotic environment, which
Like parasitism, in this interspecific interaction also one represents a very basic and fundamental ecological
species is benefitted and the other is harmed (+, –). The concept. Every niche has two sides; one indicates the
common examples of predator and prey are, Tiger and deer, effects of environment on a species and other indicates
cat and mouse, and lion and zebra. In a broader ecological effect of species on the environment. If we give more
sense the sparrow feeding on seed, or the herbivorous animals emphasis on the above given aspect within one framework
eating plants, are also predators. The predators have following then ecological niche can be defined as an ecological
important roles in the community. space where species can live and utilize the environmental
1. They (herbivores) act as a conduit for transferring energy, resources and perform its functions.
fixed by plants, to higher trophic levels. It can be defined as a collective set of roles and
2. They keep prey population under check. Otherwise, the characteristic that an organism plays in the environment.
Ecology and Environment EE-9

Niche as ecological function of the species Land biome include Tropical rain forest Coniferous forest,
Every species has some particular role in an ecosystem and Temperate broad leaf deciduous forest, Mediterranean forest,
that same role can be fulfilled by different species in different Tropical deciduous forest, Tropical scrub, Grassland, Tundra
and Desert.
places. Charles Elton, has emphasized the functional role of
1. Tropical rainforest: Tropical rainforest are the earth’s
species. This is the functional niche which can be referred to a most complex biome and have great diversity of plants
species position in food webs and trophic chains. and animals. It is located between the tropic of cancer and
Fundamental and realized niche tropic of Capricorn. It covers around 5% of the earth’s
land surface and has 50% of all known species of the
Hutchinson gave the idea of fundamental niche in which he earth. These forests have average temperature of 20-
indicated that as, a multidimensional cloud of favorable 25˚C which can varies throughout the year. The primary
conditions determined by all abiotic and biotic components productivity is high but has low net primary productivity.
where the species can reproduce and flourish, whereas the
The important characteristics of tropical rainforest that has
realized niche is a subset of fundamental niche.
low nutrient in soil but has tight cycling of nutrients, all the
Competitive exclusion principle: This principle was nutrients are present in the buttresses of the trees. Species
formulated by the biologist G.F. Gause. According to which diversity is highest in the tropical rainforest. Drip tips
no species can occupy the same niche at the same time. facilitate drainage of precipitation from the leaves make it
Resource partitioning: rain even when it is not raining. In this forestStrangler are
It is a concept of niche separation which is ensured by the plants present as an epiphytes in the canopy and send
species coexistence. According to Gause’s principle no two their roots downward to the forest floor. The fig family is
species can coexist on the same limiting resource. Species well represented among the stranglers.
avoid competition by partitioning resources and habitat 2. Coniferous forest: Coniferous forest is mainly consists
among themselves. of evergreen gymnosperms with needle shaped leaves.
Intra-specific competition and inter-specific It is the largest biome on the Earth. Soil of the forest
Intra-specific competition can occur between the same is thin, nutrient poor and acidic as conifer needles get
species that have nearly identical niche. If natural resources decomposed here and bacterial activity is slowed down at
are limited then that can check the population abundance lower pH. Precipitation is primarily in the form of snow
distribution and density due to intra-specific competition. 40-100 cm annually and temperature ranges from 0˚C to
Inter-specific competition can restrict the size and distribution 5˚C. There are two types of Coniferous trees: Northern
of competing population as two different species compete for Boreal Forest and Temperate Coniferous Forest.
the same natural resource of an ecosystem for example Lion Northern Coniferous Forest: South of the tundra and to
and Leopard shows inter-specific competition as both have the north of deciduous forests & grasslands between 50˚C
the common pray. to 60˚C N latitude in Canada Europe.
Temperate Coniferous Forest: Lower latitude of North
II. Biotic Components (Biodiversity) America, Europe and Asia in high elevation of mountain.
Biotic components are the living organism which shapes the 3. Temperate Broadleaf Deciduous Forest : Such type
ecosystem and comes regularly in contact with each other. of forest is mostly found in western and central Europe
Eastern Asia and eastern North America. The stratum in
Biotic Components
the forest is trees, understory shrubs, herbaceous sub-
stratum and ground layer. Broadleaf forest has moderate
to high rainfall and temperature, and the average
precipitation being 700mm and average temperature being
A. Terrestrial Lives B. Aquatic Lives
10.8˚C. Broadleaf trees are dominated with trees such as
It includes all the It includes marine and Oak, Maple and Fagus etc.
major types biomes which fresh water lives.
4. Mediterranean Forest : Located in the west coastal
can be study under community regions between 30° and 40° North and South latitude
Ecology or Synecology. (mild temperate region) usually surrounded by desert and
grassland. Mediterranean forest has hot and dry season in
A. Terrestrial Lives the summer, and cool and moist winter season. Average
Community Ecology or Synecology: precipitation is 262 mm and average temperature in
Community ecology is a study of pattern and processes the forest is 14.7°C. In such forest plants moves to the
involving at least two species on many spatial and temporal dormant condition during dry summer and spiny shrub
scale which include the distribution, structure, abundance, dominate at that time.
demography, and interactions between coexisting populations. 5. Tropical deciduous Forest or Tropical dry Forest: Such
Biomes: Biome is a large ecosystem that have common types of forest are found on the fringes of the tropical
characteristic due to similar climates and can be found over rainforest. These forests rank second after tropical
a range of continent. In other words biomes are large natural rainforest in species richness. Common tree species are
eco-system wherein we study the total assemblage of plant Shorea robusta, Tectona grandis, Hopea odorata and
and animal communities. Though a biome includes both plant Dipterocarpus indicus etc.
and animal communities but a biome is usually identified and 6. Tropical scrub: Such forest has low tree vegetation type
named on the basis of its dominant vegetation. Most of the that grow in hot somewhat dry to semiarid lowlands
ecologists have recognized at least nine different biomes.
EE-10 Ecology and Environment

between desert and Savanna on the one hand and tropical retention quality. The roots of these plants re near to the
deciduous forest and tropical rain forest on the other surface so that they can get water before water drains to
hand. the soil. Animals of these deserts comprise rough skinned
7. The Grassland : It is found in all ranges of climate from amphibians, birds of prey, scavenger mammal’s reptiles
mesic to xeric and from cold to warm condition. They and insects. Animals here are largely nocturnal during the
are generally open and continuous in fairly flat areas warmer months.
dominated by grasses. They experience wide range of
temperature from about -20˚C to 30˚C in extreme winter •• Cold deserts: they are the deserts which occur mainly in
and warm summer. There are two main division of the cold regions. Here the temperature during the warmest
grassland: month is 10 C. they are mostly covered with snow and
Temperate grassland: Such types of grassland have ice and due to this they do not support life. Animals in
cold winters and warm summers. Summer temperature the cold desert are burrowers, even the carnivores and
ranges to 38˚C in summer and as low as -40˚C in winter. reptiles, which even though cold-blooded, have made
Various species of grassland which include purple needle their homes in the cold desert. Antarctica is the largest
grass, blue grass, and buffalo grass are found here. cold desert.
Located between temperate forest at high latitude and
B. Aquatic Lives
desert at subtropical latitude and nown by different names
in different parts of the world as: Aquatic lives are present in Marine and freshwater
ecosystem.
The Prairies of the great plains of North America
The Pampas of South America 1. Sea Life
The Veldt of South Africa Sea regions are broadly divided into coral reefs, estuaries
The Steppes of Central Euraisa and oceans.
The Savanna in Africa • Oceans: they are the biggest and the most varied of the
8. Tundra: Tundra is the world coldest and driest biome. ecosystem. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere is
This type of biome is totally snow covered vegetation at generated by the algae. Here salt water evaporates and
mountain tops. Soils are rich in organic matter due to turns to rain which in turn falls on land. Large amount of
slow decomposition rate and it is also one among the carbon dioxide is absorbed by the algae in the atmosphere.
Earth’s three major carbon dioxide sink. There are three Inter - tidal zone is the zone which connect ocean to the
types of tundra- 1. Arctic Tundra 2. Antarctic Tundra 3. land. Only few species exist in rocky coastal areas as very
The Alpine Tundra few tides reach there.
9. Desert : Desert biome is the driest of all the biome and • Other oceanic zones: deep sea which is also called benthic
is located at 30˚ North & South and cover about one zone is the host to slit, sand and slowly decomposing
fifth of the Earth’s surface Most of the desert receive organisms. Sunlight does not reach these areas so these
about 250 mm of rain . Due to poor canopy and sparse areas are very cold. There are only few plants here and
distribution of plants. The leaf area index is less than one animals include starfish, anemones, sponges, amongst
and productivity is also less. Most of the desert receive others, as well as several micro-organisms. Abyssal zone
about 250 mm of rain per year as compared to rainforest is the deepest part of the ocean. Fishes such as oddities
which receive over 2,000 mm. The largest desert on Earth and many species of invertebrates are found here.
is Antarctica. They are classified into: • Coral Reefs: they are the marine ridges and mounds
•• Arid deserts: these types of deserts are found in which are formed due to the decomposition of calcium
North-America, South-America, Africa, and Southern carbonate of living organisms. Coral consist of animal and
Asia where there is low latitudes. Here generally the algae tissues. It is a living organism. Corals use tentacles
temperature is hot and dry with few occurrence of rainfall to catch microorganisms like animals do and feed by the
in winters. In daytime it is very hot as there are no clouds process of photosynthesis like plants. The coral reef is
to cover the Earth. The soil here is mostly sand or coarse also host to other species such as starfish, octopi and other
and rocky. Here vegetation is mostly shrubs and small mollusks. Coral animals cannot live in water cooler than
trees and leaves are adapted to retain water. Here the 65 °F (18 °C), therefore coral reefs are found mostly in
animals are generally active during night. warm, shallow, and tropical seas.
•• Semi-arid deserts: These deserts are found in North- • Estuaries: transition area between river and sea is called
America, Europe, Russia and Northern Asia. Here also estuary. They are highly productive and rich in nutrients.
there is low rainfall during winters. Here animals can be There are many different names of estuaries like bays,
found in daytime but under the tress or shades. sounds, inlets, harbors, and sloughs.
•• Coastal deserts: these deserts are found in areas which are 2. Fresh water Life
warmer to cooler such as in Neotropic and Nearctic area.
The name freshwater is due to the less salt content in
Here the summers are long and warmer while the winters
them. They exist in various forms such as lakes, rivers,
are short and cold. Here the sand consists of alkaline and
ponds, swamps or wetland and are host to wide variety of
the soil is porous so that rain water can enter the ground.
plants and animals.
Mostly the vegetation here is thick foliage with good water
Ecology and Environment EE-11

• Lakes: lakes are the water bodies which can exists for up in ocean or other water body. Flora and fauna are
centuries other than others like ponds which dry up different here from the lakes and ponds as the water is
frequently. The littoral zone, which is close to the shore, continuously flowing. Depending upon water temperature
is host to a extensive range of species due to its warm and and the exposure of riverbank to the sunlight small fishes
shallow environment. Several species of invertebrates, such as river trout and crayfish can be found in several
crustaceans, plants and amphibians bloom in this areas. Salmon and other vigorous fishes can be found in
environment and in turn offer food for predators such as cold areas while fishes like catfish, carp, and other bottom
birds, reptiles and other creatures inhabiting the shoreline. feeders can be found in warm areas which are rich in
• Wetlands: large variety of flora and fauna grows in sediments and decaying matter. River plants comprise
other still water bodies or wetlands like swamps, glades floating weeds and algae, mostly found forming around
and marshes. Trees such as Cypress which are highly rocks and submerged tree roots.
adaptable to high humidity of this region also grow in The area where freshwater meets saltwater, is called an
wetland. Other plants such as pond lilies and sedges also estuary; this area generally features distinctive features,
grow here. Animals found here are different types of trees and algae, seaweed, wetland flora, and several
reptiles, mammals, amphibians and birds and hundreds species of invertebrates, birds, reptiles and crustaceans
of insects. Starting point of rivers and streams are mostly congregate into a composite ecosystem, serving as a trade
snow and ice melting and spring. At the end they end center to the world’s aquatic biomes.
EE-12 Ecology and Environment

1. What is true of ecosystem? very old age distribution.

(a) primary consumers are least dependent upon 10. What is a keystone species?
producers (a) a species which makes up only a small proportion
(b) primary consumers out-number producers of the total biomass of a community, yet has a huge
(c) producers are more than primary consumers impact community’s organization and s
(d) secondary consumers are the largest and most (b) a common species that has plenty of biomass yet has
powerful. a fairly low impact on the community organization
2. Homeostasis is (c) a rare species that has minimal impact on the
(a) tendency of biological systems to change with biomass and on other species in the community
change in environment (d) a dominant species that constitutes a large proportion
(b) tendency of biological systems to resist change of the biomass and which affects many other species.
(c) disturbance of self regulatory system and natural 11. The population of an insect species shows an explosive
controls increase in numbers during rainy season followed by its
(d) biotic materials used in homeopathic medicines. disappearance at the end of the season. What does this
3. Food chain in which microorganisms breakdown the show?
food formed by primary producers is (a) the food plants mature and die at the end of the rainy
(a) parasitic food chain season
(b) detritus food chain (b) its population growth curve is of J-type
(c) consumer food chain (c) the population of its predators increases enormously
(d) predator food chain. (d) S-shaped or sigmoid growth of this insect.
4. If we completely remove the decomposers from an 12. Which one of the following statements is correct?
ecosystem, its functioning will be adversely affected, (a) Both Azotobacter and Rhizobium fix atmospheric
because nitrogen in root nodules of plants.
(a) mineral movement will be blocked (b) Cyanobacteria such as Anabaena and Nostoc are
(b) the rate of decomposition will be very high important mobilizers of phosphates and for plant
(c) energy flow will be blocked nutrition in soil
(d) herbivores will not receive solar energy. (c) At present it is not possible to grow maize without
5. The abundance of a species population, within its habitat, chemical fertilizers
is called (d) Extensive use of chemical fertilizers may lead to
(a) relative density (b) regional density eutrophication of nearby water bodies.
(c) absolute density (d) niche density. 13. Atmospheric nitrogen is converted to nitrogen oxides
6. The primary succession refers to the development of (a) when fossil fuels are burned at high combustion
communities on a temperatures.
(a) forest clearing after devastating fire (b) if the sun is shining brightly and there is a temperature
(b) newly-exposed habitat with no record of earlier inversion.
vegetation (c) on cloudy days when carbon and soot levels are
(c) freshly cleared crop field unusually high.
(d) pond, freshly filled with water after a dry phase. (d) if radon gas is present when gasoline is burned in
7. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? automobiles.
(a) parasitism – intra-specific relationship 14. Having covered millions of acres of grasslands, the
(b) uricotelism – aquatic habitat toxic weed leafy spurge has caused serious damage to
(c) excessive perspiration – xeric adaptation the lower regions of Himachal. Being toxic in nature it
(d) stream lined body – aquatic adaptation. is avoid by both cattle and horses alike. Leafy spurge
8. The ‘niche’ of a species is meant for has spread completely across many neighboring states
(a) habitat and specific functions of a species of Uttaranchal. If left uncontrolled in these states, leafy
(b) specific place where an organism lives spurge populations will
(c) specific species function and its competitive power (a) keep growing indefinitely.
(d) none of these. (b) reach their carrying capacity.
9. Certain characteristic demographic developing countries (c) shift from a S-curve to a constant rate of growth.
are (d) shift from an S-shaped curve to a J-shaped growth
(a) high fertility, low or rapidly fall rate, rapid curve.
population growth and age distribution 15. Some beetles escape from a ship and fly to a small island
(b) high fertility, high density, mortality rate and a very covered with grass but with no trees or beetle predators.
young age As the beetles feed, they destroy all the grasses. But with
(c) high infant mortality, low fertility population growth abundant food, the beetle population soars, doubling in
and a very distribution size every month. After about a year, the population
(d) high mortality, high density, uneven growth and a crashes as thousands of beetles have destroyed almost
Ecology and Environment EE-13

all of the plants and there is little left to feed the large (c) the shortage of nutrients.
population. This scenario best illustrates (d) low temperature.
(a) constant growth followed by equilibrium. 22. The economic gap between developing and industrialized
(b) a population that has stabilized near its carrying countries may best be narrowed by
capacity. (a) the adoption of democratic forms of government in
(c) exponential growth followed by a population crash. developing countries.
(d) logistic growth ending at its carrying capacity. (b) industrialized countries increasing shipments of
16. Which of the following is NOT true regarding biotic food supplies to developing countries.
potential? (c) industrialized countries harvesting more natural
(a) Environmental resistance factors such as disease resources in developing countries.
and available space can prevent a population from (d) stabilizing population growth in developing
maximizing its biotic potential countries.
(b) The biotic potential is the average rate of growth of 23. Certain communities frequently have worms, clams
a population over time shrimp, and many other organisms clustered together.
(c) The ratio of males to females in a population is These communities nestle around hydrothermal vents
a characteristic that is used to determine biotic where super heated water, springs from the bottom of
potential the ocean. The bacteria present in these communities
(d) The number of individuals of re-productive age in have special enzyme that allows them to form organic
matter through chemosynthesis. They are found off the
a population is a parameter used to determine biotic
shore in Japan, deep in the ocean where no sunlight can
potential.
penetrate. In this unusual ecosystem :
17. Which one of the following statements about the carbon,
(a) there is no photosynthesis
phosphorus, and nitrogen cycles is true ?
(b) no energy is transferred between trophic levels
(a) The major source of carbon used by plants is the soil (c) temperature is the most important biotic factor
(b) The major source of nitrogen used by plants is the (d) producers eat consumers
air. 24. Biomes with permafrost are most likely:
(c) Phosphorus has no atmospheric component. (a) covered in coniferous forests at high latitudes.
(d) Bacteria drive the phosphorus cycle. (b) in temperate zones with deciduous trees.
18. Energy (c) located near the poles and without any trees.
(a) and nutrients flow through ecosystems. (d) located at high altitudes nearest the equator.
(b) and nutrients ecosystem within ecosystems. 25. Consumers that eat plants rely upon
(c) cycles within ecosystem nutrients flow through (a) chemical energy stored in organic molecules
ecosystems. produced by photosythesis.
(d) flows through and nutrients cycle within ecosystems (b) kinetic energy stored in organic molecules produced
19. Flea beetles alone arc unlikely to eliminate all of the leafy by photosynthesis.
spurge in a region. (c) photosynthesis to convert potential energy to kinetic
Instead, the number of leafy spurge plants and the number energy.
of flea beetles in a particular community may stabilize. (d) entropy to generate heat to drive kinetic processes in
At this point, the leafy spurge and flea beetle populations: their bodies.
(a) have exhibited exponential growth followed by a 26. Creation of sustainable ecosystems can be achieved
crash. through
(b) have experienced constant growth. (a) a reduction in world population growth.
(c) are still experiencing exponential growth (b) decreasing poverty so that people are not consumed
(d) are experiencing environmental resistance of immediate needs (food, shelter) and can
20. Humans often manipulate the environment in ways that focus more on human’s long-term impact on the
decrease the overall ecosystem capital because environment.
(a) short term gains are often local while long-term (c) decreased human consumption of everything, and
losses in regulating and cultural services are thus a lower production of waste.
experienced regionally. (d) all of the above
(b) short term gains are often regional while long- 27. Deciding to use a natural enemies approach to control the
term losses in regulating and cultural services are mites that infect her crops, a farmer purchases 10,000
experienced locally. ladybugs in the spring and spreads them over her 100
(c) long term gains are often local while short term acre fields. This represents the use of natural:
losses in regulating and cultural services are (a) predators (b) parasitoids
experienced regionally. (c) pathogens (d) plant-eaters
(d) long term gains are often regional while short- 28. Deep in the ocean off the shore of Japan, are communities
nestled around hydro thermal vents where super heated
term losses in regulating and cultural services are
water, springs from the bottom of the ocean. No
experienced locally.
sunlight ever penetrates to these deep regions. In these
21. Primary productivity of the open oceans is very limited
communities, bacteria have special enzymes that allow
because of
(a) the shortage of water. them to form organic matter by chemosynthesis. These
(b) the shortage of light. communities frequently have worms, clams, shrimp,
EE-14 Ecology and Environment

and many other organisms clustered together. In such (c) inverted, in which more energy is transferred from
a system, fish feed on shrimp that feed on the bacteria. one trophic level up to the next.
This food chain represents a: (d) more efficient than terrestrial food pyramids.
(a) tertiary consumer eating a secondary consumer 35. For more than 20 years, scientists have been analyzing
eating a primary consumer. expected climate change and the impact on crops grown
(b) primary consumer eating a secondary consumer in particular regions. For example, states that typically
eating a tertiary consumer. plant corn and soybeans may need to switch to growing
(c) consumer eating a producer which then consumes cotton. Such a change is an example of :
chemoautotrophic bacteria. (a) mitigation (b) a cap-and-trade policy
(d) secondary consumer eating a primary consumer (c) adaptation (d) stabilization wedge
which then eats a producer. 36. In a forest, deer, raccoons, squirrels, and other animals
29. Density-independent factors such as earthquakes and eat and find shelter. A detritus food web occurs as their
hurricanes are: wastes accumulate on the forest floor. In this detritus web
(a) abiotic factors that maintain a population near (a) deer and raccoons function as the producers.
equilibrium. (b) fungi and earthworms function as producers.
(b) biotic factors that maintain a population near (c) decomposers function as consumers.
equilibrium. (d) the deer and raccoons represent decomposers.
(c) abiotic factors that are not involved in maintaining a 37. In an ecosystem with many similar species, we typically
population near its equilibrium. find
(d) biotic factors that are not involved in maintaining a (a) intense interspecific competition for food.
population near its equilibrium. (b) competitors using different resources.
30. Developing a new form of ecological pest control, (c) intense interspecific competition for nesting sites.
researchers engineer crops to produce the pheromones (d) adaptations for battles and interspecific competition.
of the pest. The crops now produce the pest pheromone, 38. In an ecosystem, the replacement of one new species
overwhelming the fields and causing the male pests to fail for another because of direct competition for the same
to find a mate. This new form of ecological pest control resources defines
combines: (a) intraspecific competition.
(a) natural enemies and cultural control. (b) the competitive exclusion principle.
(b) cultural and natural enemies control. (c) character displacement.
(c) genetic and cultural control. (d) resource partitioning.
(d) genetic and natural chemical control. 39. Maintaining sustainable human exploitation of ecosystem
31. Dung beetles feeding on the waste of cattle, grazing on capital will be increasingly difficult because of
hay in a field, represent (a) the over reliance on grains and other plants as a
(a) a decomposer feeding on the wastes of a consumer significant portion of the human diet.
eating a producer. (b) the expanding number of viral and bacterial human
(b) a producer feeding on the wastes of a producer diseases.
eating a consumer. (c) the growing human population on Earth.
(c) a producer feeding on the wastes of a consumer (d) decreases in worldwide ocean levels.
eating a producer. 40. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) reach toxic levels in
(d) a consumer feeding on the wastes of a decomposer organisms in natural ecosystems in large part because of
eating a producer. biomagnification, in which the highest concentrations of
32. Ecosystem sustainability primarily results from the POPs are found in
(a) relationships between the organisms in an ecosystem. (a) primary producers (b) secondary producers
(b) number of predators found in the ecosystem. (c) primary consumers (d) secondary consumers
(c) frequency of fires or other natural disasters in an 41. Some birds have been seen to consume certain soils in
ecosystem. what is called geophagy. In some cases, the soils help the
(d) total amount of biomass that exists in an ecosystem. birds digest toxins that occur in their diets. These birds
33. Ecotones eating soil represent a member of the
(a) contain only species found in the bordering ecosystems. (a) biosphere consuming a component of the lithosphere.
(b) have the same abiotic characteristics as the bordering (b) hydrosphere consuming a component of the atmosphere.
ecosystems. (c) lithosphere consuming a component of the biosphere.
(c) consist of two or more landscapes. (d) atmosphere consuming a component of the hydrosphere.
(d) are transitional regions between ecosystems. 42. The cattle were removed from a field and shrubs and
34. Energy transfer between trophic levels in aquatic systems bushes were seen dotting the grass-covered hillsides. A
is generally few years later, small pine trees and then larger deciduous
(a) less efficient than terrestrial food pyramids. trees appeared. Now, there are so many trees and shaded
(b) less efficient than a detritus food web because regions it is difficult to tell that this was once a field.
aquatic systems lack fungi. What once was an open pasture on a long abandoned
Ecology and Environment EE-15

farm has changed over time, without the direct influence livestock.
of human. In this wooded region that was once pasture, a (d) are essential but difficult to value in monetary terms.
mature forest of towering trees has taken over. However, 48. The phrase “ecosystem capital” is better than the phrase
change is still apparent, as a large patch of young shrubs “natural resources” because ecosystem capital
and small trees are growing where several large trees (a) includes the ecological value of natural ecosystems.
were toppled by a storm several years ago. Collectively, (b) includes the economic value of an ecosystem’s
this wooded regions represents goods and services.
(a) a climax ecosystem (b) primary succession (c) does not include the value of natural ecosystems.
(c) a sustained biome (d) intermediate succession (d) does not include the economic value of an
43. What once was an open pasture on a long abandoned ecosystem’s goods and services.
farm has changed over time, without the direct influence 49. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian
of humans. After the cattle had been removed, shrubs animal species. The animal has no predators in that area
and bushes could be seen dotting the grass-covered but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its
hillsides. A few years later, small pine trees and then habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?
larger deciduous trees appeared. Now, there are so many (a) Indian wild buffalo (b) Indian wild ass
trees and shaded regions it is difficult to tell that this was (c) Indian wild boar (d) Indian gazelle
once a field. The changes in this field, from grasses to 50. In addition to global climate change, humans are
shrubs to trees, represent negatively impacting coral reefs by
(a) ecological succession (a) destructive harvesting of fish for food or pets.
(b) climax production (b) using large amounts of coral rock to pave roads.
(c) biological evolution (c) destroying large regions of coral reefs for
(d) ecological adaptation commercial aquaculture.
44. Which of the following represents a type of mutualism? (d) introducing alien species that are thought to be more
(a) A red-tailed hawk pounces on a field mouse for productive.
dinner. 51. The concept of sustainable development relates to
(b) A large herd of zebra graze lazily across the broad (a) consumption levels
savannah (b) exhaustible resources
(c) A mosquito draws a blood meal from the back of an (c) social equity
elk. (d) Intergenerational equity
(d) A nectar-feeding bat swoops in to drink nectar from 52. The variability among living organisms from all sources
some flowers. including terrestrial, marine and other ecosystems and
45. Which one of the following illustrates interspecific the ecological complexes of which they are part which
competition? includes diversity within species, between species of eco-
(a) The largest wolves in a pack are the first to feed on systems refers to
a freshly killed deer. (a) geographical diversity
(b) Two honeybees from the same colony converge on (b) zoological diversity
a flower to collect pollen & nectar. (c) ecological diversity
(c) Advertising its nectar with red colors, a columbine (d) biological diversity
flower attracts a hummingbird for a meal. 53. ‘Population dividend’ refers to
(d) Standing near the dead antelope, vultures wait for (a) total number of population
the lions to finish their meal. (b) youthful age structure of a population
46. Why are there so few ecosystems with more than four (c) relatively high proportion of experienced aged
levels of consumers? people
(a) because biomass decreases by about 90% at each (d) migration from richer region to poorer region
level moving up. 54. Inclusion strategy does not focus on
(b) because top consumers compete with and kill each (a) reduction of inequality
other with increasing population size. (b) reduction of poverty
(c) because consumers at these highest levels typically (c) diversifying livelihood for tribal population
form social groups that stop reproducing at high (d) getting poorer countries close
densities. 55. Which one of the following is the best description of the
(d) because predators at the highest levels simply are term ‘ecosystem’? (CSAT 2015-1)
not intelligent enough to hunt other top predators. (a) A community of organisms interacting with one
47. Regulating and cultural services provided by natural another.
ecosystems (b) That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living
(a) are typically the most economically valued organisms.
components of ecosystems. (c) A community of organisms together with the
(b) are public goods usually provided by markets. environment in which they live
(c) include goods such as fresh water, wild foods, and (d) The flora and fauna of a geographical area
EE-16 Ecology and Environment

7. Which one is not the dynamic aspect of an ecosystem?

Statement Based MCQ 1. Producers and mineral cycles
2. Consumers and mineral cycles
1. Which of the following groups contains only easily 3. Producers and energy flow
biodegradable items? 4. Energy flow and mineral cycles
1. Grass, flower and leather Which of the above is/are correct?
2. Grass, wood and plastic (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4
3. Fruits, peel cake and lime juice (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) All of these
4. Cake, wood and grass. 8. Which of the following statements are true about
Which of the above is/are correct? ecosystem? Select the correct answer from the codes:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 1. Ecosystem comprises both biotic and abiotic
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) All of these components.
2. Consider the following statements : 2. Solar radiation is the main driving force of the
1. The amount of usable energy remains constant as it ecosystem.
is passed from one trophic level to another. 3. Ecosystem is a closed system.
2. The energy within an ecosystem is fixed and never 4. Ecosystem does not have its own productivity
changes. Codes:
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct ? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 and 4
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 9. Which of the following are the incorrect statements about
3. Select the correct combination of statements (I - IV) ‘Keystone species’.
regarding the characteristics of productivity. 1. Keystone species are the small-sized plants
1. The rate of biomass production is called productivity and organisms which have large effect on the
and is expressed in terms of a kcal m–2. environment.
2. Gross primary productivity is rate of production of 2. Keystone species play critical role in maintaining
biomass during photosynthesis. the structure of an ecological community.
3. Gross primary productivity minus respiration loss is 3. Keystone species do not generally affect other
called net primary productivity. organisms.
4. Primary productivity depends only on the plant (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
species inhabiting a particular area. (c) 1 and 3 (d) All are correct
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 10. Which of the following are correct statements about light
(a) 1,2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 in aquatic environments?
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 1. Water selectively reflects and absorbs certain
4. Food chains differ from food webs in that wavelengths of light.
1. food chains are single sequence of who eats whom 2. Photosynthetic organisms that live in deep water
in a community. probably utilize red light.
2. food chains better represent the entire community. 3. Light intensity is an important abiotic factor in
3. food webs represent the complex interaction among limiting the distribution of photosynthetic organisms.
food chains. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
4. food chain is the flow of energy in a population. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 11. The producers in ecosystems include which of the
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 following?
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 1. prokaryotes 2. algae
5. Which of following is/are tend (s) in ecological succession ? 3. plants
1. An increase in complexity of species (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. An increase in productivity (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3
3. An increase in community stability and species 12. Aquatic primary productivity is often limited by which of
diversity the following?
4. A decrease in nonliving organic materials. 1. light 2. nutrients
Which of the above is/are correct? 3. pressure
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 4 (a) 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2, and 3
6. Which of the following include(s) ecosystem services ? 13. Consider the following statements:
1. Purification of air and water by forests 1. Interactions between the two organism in which one
2. Forests mitigate droughts and flood organism kills sand feed on the second organisms, is
3. Forests act as store house of carbon called Parasitism.
4. Forests influence hydrological cycle 2. Mutualism is the way two organisms of different
Which of the above is/are correct? species biologically interact in a relationship in
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 which each individual derives a fitness benefit.
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ecology and Environment EE-17

Which of the statements given above is/are true? 21. With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only following statements:
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None 1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of
14. Consider the following: organisms feed upon each other.
1. Bioaccumulation is the increases in concentration 2. Food chains are found within the populations of a
of a pollutant from the environment to the first species.
organism in a food chain. 3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each
2. Biomagnification is then increases in concentration organism which are eaten by others.
of pollutant from one link in a food chain to another. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None 22. With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which
15. Consider the following statements: of the following kinds of organism is/are known as
1. In ecology, an ecosystem is a naturally occurring decomposer organism/organisms?
assemblage of organism (plant, animal and other 1. Virus 2. Fungi
living organism - also referred to as a biotic 3. Bacteria
community of biocoenosis) living together with their Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
environment (or biotope), function as a unit of sorts. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
2. The term “ecosystem” first coined by Arthur (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Tansely. 23. Consider the following :
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. Bats 2. Bears
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. Rodents
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed
16. Which of the following statements is true? in which of the above kinds of animals?
1. Circulation of energy in the biosphere ecosystem is (a) 1 and 2 only
cyclical. (b) 2 only
2. Circulation of matter in the biosphere ecosystem is (c) 1, 2 and 3
unidirectional.
(d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
24. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) None
1. Volcanic action
17. Consider the following statements :
1. Waste are of two types, biodegradable and non- 2. Respiration
biodegradable. 3. Photosynthesis
2. Blue-green algae are producers. 4. Decay of organic matter
3. Biodegradable wastes should be separated and kept Select the correct answer using the code given below.
in blue colour bins for garbage collectors. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct ? (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 25. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the
18. Not all parasitism involves feeding on the body of the following statements :
host. The exception is 1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted
1. Ectoparasitism 2. Endopasitism from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of
3. Parasitoids 4. Brood Parasitism propane and butane only that can be extracted
Choose the option from the codes given below: from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist,
(c) 3 only (d) 4 only but so far no shale gas sources have been found.
19. What factor does not contribute to the rapid loss of Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
nutrients from terrestrial ecosystems? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Clear cutting native forests (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Early seral stages 26. The study of relationship of living organism with each
3. Climax communities other and with their environment is called ____.
4. Low diversity 1. Economy
Choose the correct option from the codes given below: 2. Ecology
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 3. Geography
(c) 3 only (d) 3 and 4 4. Environment
20. When two organisms attempt to utilize the same resource, Which among the following defines the statement
the result is: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. A fundamental niche (c) 3 only (d) 4 only
2. Competition 27. Consider the following statement related to Abiotic
3. Commensalism 1. Abiotic components of ecosystem are the living
4. Mutualism features of ecosystem on which the living organism
Choose the correct option from the codes given below: depends.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only 2. Abiotic component is referred to the physical
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 environment and its numerous interacting variables.
EE-18 Ecology and Environment

Which among the following statement is correct 2. Clouds are formed when the vaporized water is
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only cooled and condensed.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the Above Which of the following statement is correct?
28. What is the name of processes of Nitrogen cycle? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Nitrogen Fixation (c) 1 and 2 (d) None of the Above
2. Nitrification 37. Name the elements that help in creating phosphorous
3. Assimilation cycle?
4. Denitrification 1. Rocks 2. Earth crust
Choose the correct option 3. Air 4. Water
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 Choose the correct code
(c) 1, 2, 3 (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
29. Which equation explains Nitrification? (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 4
1. NH3 → NO2 → NO3- 38. Why phosphorous is not found in atmosphere?
2. NH3 → NO3 → NO2- 1. It doesn’t combine well with other elements
3. NH3 → NO4 → NO2- 2. It just cannot be found
Select the correct answer from the following codes 3. The sun evaporates it
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 4. At normal temperatures and pressure, phosphorous
(c) 3 only (d) All of the Above is at a liquid state
30. Atmosphere contains 21% of which gas? Choose the correct code from the following statement
1. Nitrogen regarding phosphorous
2. Oxygen (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. Phosphorous (c) 3 only (d) 4 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 39. How does phosphorous enter plants in the soil?
(c) 3 only (d) None of the Above 1. Photosynthesis 2. Water in the soil
31. What is the purpose of Ozone layer? 3. Rocks on the sand
1. Protects UV rays to reach on earth Choose the correct answer
2. Helps UV rays to reach earth (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. The source of ozone is the oxygen in the atmosphere (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3
Choose the correct code 40. What is the impact of human on phosphorous cycle?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 1. Killing plants
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 2. No impact
32. Consider the following statements 3. Pollution
1. Burning fossil fuel decreases oxygen in atmosphere 4. Use fertilizers that are not natural
2. Burning fossil fuel increases carbon dioxide Choose the correct code
3. The main source of oxygen is atmosphere (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which among the following code is incorrect? (c) 3 only (d) 4 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 41. Megatherms is defines as
(c) 3 only (d) None of the Above 1. Organisms living in tropical regions
33. How is the oxygen cycle effected? 2. Organisms living in subtropical regions
1. Human activities 3. Organisms living in temperate regions
2. Running of automobiles Choose the correct definition of Megatherms
3. Consumption of fossil fuels (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Choose the correct code (c) 3 only (d) None of the Above
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 42. Consider the following related to humidity
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 1. Humidity is the water vapor present in the
34. With reference to the process of photosynthesis for carbon atmosphere.
dioxide, which of the following statement is correct? 2. Humidity is measured by barometer
1. Through the process of photosynthesis carbon enters 3. Humidity is defined as molecules of water/unit
into non-living world in the form of carbon dioxide. volume
2. Recycling of carbon is done by the burning of fossil Choose the correct code
fuels. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
Select the correct answer from the following codes (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 only 43. ____ are the living organism that shapes the ecosystem
(c) 1 and 2 (d) Neither of the Above and comes regularly in contact with each other.
35. Which of the following is not involved in the continuous (a) Abiotic components
water exchange? (b) Biotic componenets
1. Stones 2. Air (c) Antibiotic components
3. Land 4. Sea (d) None of the Above
Choose the correct code 44. Consider the following statement in regards to ecosystem
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. Components of an ecosystem include Biotic
(c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 and 4 2. Components of an ecosystem include Abiotic
36. Consider the following statement Which of the following statement is correct?
1. Evaporation takes water into atmosphere in the form (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
of vapours. (c) 1 and 2 (d) None of the Above
Ecology and Environment EE-19

45. The process of cycling of minerals and components Choose the incorrect statement
through the ecosystem is called_____ (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Biological cycle (c) 3 only (d) None of the Above
2. Biogeochemical cycle 54. Consider the following statements
3. Biochemical cycle 1. Three-fourth of the earth surface is covered by water
Choose the correct code but less than 3% is fresh water used for human
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only consumption.
(c) 3 only (d) None of the Above 2. Of the total fresh water available, Ice-cap has highest
46. Name the forest that is found in Asia, Europe. share of 2% followed by ground water 0.68%.
1. Boreal Forest Select the correct answer using the code given below.
2. Temperate Deciduous Forests (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. Tropical or Rainforests (c) 1 and 2 (d) Neither of the Above
Choose the correct name 55. With reference to phosphorus cycling, consider the
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only following statements
(c) 3 only (d) All of the Above 1. The natural reservoir of phosphorus is atmosphere,
47. Consider the following statement which contains phosphorus in the form of phosphates.
1. The soil of Temperate Deciduous forests is richer 2. Herbivores and other animals obtain phosphorus
than boreal forests. from plants.
2. Temperate Deciduous forests are mostly found in 3. Unlike carbon cycle, there is no respiratory release
the equatorial belt of the plant. of phosphorus into atmosphere.
Which statement is incorrect? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of the Above (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3
48. Which forest does not see winter season? 56. What is the name of the cycle where the continuous
1. Boreal Forest and balanced process of evaporation, precipitation,
2. Temperate Deciduous Forests transpiration and runoff of water takes place.
3. Tropical Forest 1. Hydrological
Choose the correct code 2. Tropological
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 3. Hyper logical
(c) 1, 2, 3 (d) 3 only Choose the correct option
49. How much desert area exists on the planet? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) One third (b) Half (c) 3 only (d) None of the Above
(c) One fifth (d) One fourth 57. With reference to ecosystem stability, consider the
50. Marine lives are found in which place? following statements
1. Ocean 1. A diverse and complex ecosystem is more stable.
2. Lake 2. Ecosystem stability increases with decrease in
3. Ponds number of links in food web.
4. Sand Which of the statements given above is/are correct
Choose the correct code (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1, 2 (b) 3, 4 (c) and 2 (d) None of the Above
(c) 1, 2, 3 (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 58. Water in a wetland can be
51. Consider the following statement 1. Fresh
1. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere is generated 2. Brackish
by the algae. 3. Static
2. Evaporation of salt and water turns into rain Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
3. Large amount of carbon dioxide is absorbed by the (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3
algae in the atmosphere. (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which statement is incorrect? 59. Consider the following statement related to humidity
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. Specific humidity
(c) 3 only (d) None of the Above 2. Absolute humidity
52. The water that has less content of salt is called _______. 3. Relative humidity
1. Sea 4. Non relative humidity
2. Fresh water Which among the following is not the type of humidity?
3. Oil (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Choose the correct code (c) 3 only (d) 4 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 60. Consider the following statement
(c) 3 only (d) All of the Above 1. Steppe is found in low latitudes and middle latitudes.
53. Consider the following statement 2. Prairies are humid and densely covered tall
1. Atmospheric temperature of the place depends upon grasslands
the slope, altitude, latitude, topography. 3. Savanna are the areas of thick high grasses
2. Temperature increases as we go from equator to Choose the correct code
poles. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. Temperature lowers as we go from equator to poles (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3
EE-20 Ecology and Environment

EXERCISE-1 lined body consists of compression of head, body

1. (c) An ecosystem may be defined as a structural and and tail into a curved stream lined form.
functional unit of the biosphere comprising living There is no protruberance over the body so that the
organisms and their non-living environment that animal can move easily through water. Parasitism
interact by means of food chains and chemical is a relationship between two organisms of different
cycles resulting in energy flow, biotic diversity and species in which one organism called parasite obtains
material cycling to form a stable, self supporting its food directly from another living organism called
system. host.
The organisms in an ecosystem are classified In xeric adaptation perspiration is reduced to
into 3 main categories-producers, consumers and conserve water. Uricotelism is characteristic of
decomposers. The consumers utilize materials and terrestrial animals which excrete uric acid.
energy stored by the producers. Decomposers obtain 8. (a) Niche is specific part of habitat occupied by
their food molecules from the organic materials of individuals of a species which is circumscribed
dead producers and consumers. In a true ecosystem, by its range of tolerance, range of movement,
producers are more than consumers (herbivores and microclimate, type of food and its availability,
carnivores). shelter, type of predator, and timing of activity.
2. (b) The ability to maintain a steady state within A habitat has several ecological niches and supports
constantly changing environment is essential for the a number of species. An ecological niche is used by
survival of living systems. The maintenance of a a single species. Two or more species cannot use the
constant internal environment is called homeostasis. same niche despite having a mutualistic association.
3. (b) The dead organic matter of plant or animal is called 9. (a) In developing countries the conditions are becoming
as detritus. While a part of it remains on the soil better for survival of human beings. So the mortality
surface as litter, the other part enters the soil. Many rate or the number of individuals dying per unit of
animals such as protozoan’s, nematodes, insects time is low.
etc. depend on detritus and hence they are called as Mortality or the average number of individuals
detrivores. Even the human beings are detrivores produced by a population in a unit of time is high.
when they eat cooked food. From detritus, the chain So that there is rapid population growth and there
proceeds to detrivores, then to carnivores and finally are more individuals in the pre-reproductive age
to top carnivores. group. So there is young age distribution.
4. (a) Decomposers are aprotrophs which decompose the 10. (a) Keystone species are those species which has
organic remains by secreting extracellular digestive significant and disproportionately large influence
enzymes. They are also known as mineralisers as on the community structure and characteristics. It
they release minerals trapped in organic remains. has often considerably low abundance and biomass
So in the absence of microorganisms the flow of as compared to dominant species. Removal of such
mineral will stop. species causes serious disruption in structure and
5. (d) Niche is specific part of habitat occupied by function of community.
individuals of a species which is circumsribed 11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (b) 15. (c)
by its range of tolerance, range of movement, 16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (a)
microclimate, type of food and its availability, 21. (c) 22. (d) 23. (a) 24. (c) 25. (a)
shelter, type of predator, and timing of activity. A 26. (d) 27. (a) 28. (d) 29. (c) 30. (d)
habitat has several ecological niches and supports a 31. (a) 32. (a) 33. (d) 34. (c) 35. (c)
number of species. An ecological niche is used by a 36. (a) 37. (b) 38. (b) 39. (c) 40. (d)
single species. Two or more species cannot use the 41. (a) 42. (a) 43 (a) 44. (d) 45. (d)
same niche despite having a mutualistic association. 46. (a) 47. (d) 48. (a) 49. (b) 50. (a)
The abundances of a species population within its 51. (d) Intergenerational equity is a concept that says that
habitat is called niche density. humans ‘hold the natural and cultural environment
6. (b) When succession begins on an area which has not of the Earth in common both with other members of
been previously being occupied by a community the present generation and with other generations,
e.g. a new exposed rock area, sand dunes, new past and future. It means that we inherit the Earth
islands, deltas, shore or recent lava flow, it is known from previous generations and have an obligation
as primary succession. The first group of organisms to pass it on in reasonable condition to future
(plants or animals) which become established in generations. The goal of sustainable development is
such an area is termed the pioneer community. Intergenerational equity.
7. (d) Streaming body is a secondary aquatic adaption. It is 52. (d) Biological diversity is used to refer to the total
found in animals that live permanently in water but number of different species on Earth. A collection
most of them are amphibious in nature. The stream of this biodiversity would include human beings,
Ecology and Environment EE-21

Bengal tigers, sugar maples, oyster mushrooms, found among birds, fish or insects, involving the
bacteria, and the millions of other living organisms manipulation and use of host individuals either of
found on Earth. the same (intraspecific brood-parasitism) or different
53. (b) Population dividend or Demographic dividend refers species (interspecific brood-parasitism) to raise the
to a period - usually 20 to 30 years - when fertility young of the brood-parasite.
rates fall due to significant reductions in child and 19. (c) In ecology, climax community, or climatic climax
infant mortality rates. It occurs when the proportion community, is a historic term that expressed a
of working people in the total population is high biological community of plants and animals and
because this indicates that more people have the fungi which, through the process of ecological
potential to be productive and contribute to growth succession — the development of vegetation in an
of the economy. area over time — had reached a steady state. This
54. (d) equilibrium was thought to occur because the climax
55. (a) An ecosystem includes all of the living things community is composed of species best adapted to
(plants, animals and organisms) in a given area, average conditions in that area.
interacting with each other, and also with their 20. (b) Since a community comprises all the species that
non-living environments (weather, earth, sun, soil, occur at a particular location, one of the most
climate, atmosphere). important things about communities is how the
EXERCISE-2 species interact with one another.
Four different types of interactions between
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (c)
6. (d) 7. (c) different species (inter specific interactions) have
8. (a) Ecosystem is the dynamic community of living been identified:
organism with physical environment. Thus, it Competition -Two organisms mutually harm one
comprises of both biotic and abiotic components. another
Solar energy is the ultimate source of energy in Predator–prey or parasite–host- One organism
it, so is the main driving force. Dynamic energy benefits, the other is harmed
transfers occur making it an open system. The Mutualism- Both organisms benefit
autotrophs make the ecosystem’s biotic components Commensalism- One organism benefits, the other is
self-sufficient. not affected
9. (c) Keystone species are not necessarily small sized 21. (a) A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of
though they put great effect on the environment. They organisms feed upon each other.
play very critical role in maintaining the structure of A food chain is the sequence of who eats whom in a
an ecological community by affecting many other biological community to obtain nutrition.
organisms. An ecosystem may experience a dramatic Sample:- Grassland Biome
shift if a keystone species is removed, even though GRASS > GRASS HOPPER > RAT> SNAKE
that species may be small part of the ecosystem by > HAWK
measures of biomass or productivity.
22. (b) 23. (c) 24. (c) 25. (d)
10. (c) 11. (d) 12. (c)
26. (b) The branch of science which deals with the study
13. (b) In Parasitism, the parasite does not kill the host rather
of relation between plants and animals to each other
it derives its nutrition from the host in which the later
along with their environments is called ecology.
is not affected. The interaction in which an organism
kills the other for food is called Predation. 27. (b) Abiotic components of ecosystem are the nonliving
features of ecosystem on which the living organism
14. (c) Bioaccumulation refers to the accumulation of
depends. It is basically referred to the physical
substances, such as pesticides, or other organic
chemicals in an organism. Bioaccumulation occurs environment and its numerous interacting variables.
when an organism absorbs a toxic substance at a 28. (d) Nitrogen cycle is necessary because Plants cannot
rate greater than that at which the substance is lost. absorb nitrogen directly instead it is absorbed in the
Biological magnification often refers to the process form of nitrate. Nitrogen cycle have 5 important
whereby certain substances such as pesticides or heavy processes i.e. fixation, ammonification, nitrification,
metals move up the food chain. assimilation and denitrification.
15. (c) Sir Arthur Tansley first used the term ecosystem in 29. (a) Nitrification is the process of conversion of
1935. ammonia.
16. (d) Circulation of energy in the biosphere ecosystem is 30. (b) Atmosphere contains 21% of Oxygen.
unidirectional, it is derived from the sun and goes 31. (c) The source of ozone is the oxygen in the atmosphere.
through one trophic level to another. The matter Ozone layer protects the living being from the UV
however circulated in cyclic manner. radiation which reaches the earth.
17. (a) Biodegradable wastes should be separated and kept 32. (d) Oxygen is a very important element for the existence
in green colour bins for garbage collectors. of all flora and fauna. Atmosphere contains 21% of
18. (d) Brood parasites are organisms that use the strategy oxygen. The main source of oxygen is atmosphere.
of brood parasitism, a kind of kleptoparasitism Plants and animals absorb oxygen through
respiration either from water or air and leaves
EE-22 Ecology and Environment

through photosynthesis. In respiration process 47. (a) Tropical or Rainforests are mostly found in the
some of the oxygen returns to the atmosphere in the equatorial belt of the plant.
form of carbon dioxide and water vapour. During 48. (d) Tropical or Rainforests are found in the equatorial
the process of photosynthesis gaseous oxygen is belt of the plant. There is no winter season in these
released completing the oxygen cycle.The source forests, sunlight fall for 12 hours and seasons
of ozone is the oxygen in the atmosphere. Ozone is mostly rainy or dry with small change in the
layer protects the living being from the UV radiation temperature.
which reaches the earth. By burning fossil fuels man 49. (c) Desert covers one fifth of the planet.
decreases the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere 50. (c) Marine lives are the plants, animals and living
and increases the carbon dioxide content. organisms which are found oceans, lakes, ponds etc.
33. (d) The oxygen concentration in atmosphere is 21%. 51. (d) Oceans: they are the biggest and the most varied of
The oxygen cycle is effected by human activities the ecosystem. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere
such as running automobiles and consumption of is generated by the algae. Here salt water evaporates
fossil fuels which release more carbon dioxide in and turns to rain which in turn falls on land. Large
the atmosphere. amount of carbon dioxide is absorbed by the algae in
34. (b) Process of photosynthesis of carbon dioxide is the atmosphere. Inter - tidal zone is the zone which
explained in following steps: connect ocean to the land. Only few species exist in
• Through the process of photosynthesis carbon enters rocky coastal areas as very few tides reach there.
into living world in the form of carbon dioxide. 52. (b) The water that has less content of salt is called fresh
• This organic compound (food) is then passed from water.
the producers to the consumers (herbivores & 53. (b) Atmospheric temperature of the place depends
carnivores). upon the slope, altitude, latitude, topography, etc.
• By the process of respiration or decomposition of temperature lowers as we go from equator to poles
dead bodies of plant and animals by decomposers – tropical, subtropical, temperate and arctic.
this carbon returns back to the surrounding medium. 54. (c) Three-fourth of the earth surface is covered by water
• Recycling of carbon is also done by the burning of but less than 3% is fresh water used for human
fossil fuels. consumption. Of the total fresh water available, Ice-
35. (a) There is a continuous exchange of water between cap has highest share of 2% followed by ground
living organisms, air, land and sea. water 0.68%.
36. (c) Evaporation of water takes place from oceans, rivers 55. (b) Herbivores and other animals obtain phosphorus
and lakes which takes water into atmosphere in the from plants. There is no respiratory release of
form of vapours. Clouds and water is formed when phosphorus into atmosphere.
these vaporized water is cooled and condensed. 56. (a) Hydrological cycle is the continuous and balanced
37. (a) Phosphorus cycle is also called as sedimentary cycle process of evaporation, precipitation, transpiration
because the main reservoir is rocks and the earth and runoff of water.
crust. 57. (a) Diversity increases the resilience of the system to
38. (d) Phosphorous is not found in atmosphere because at outside invasions of exotic organisms. So statement
normal temperature and pressure phosphorous is at 1 is correct. A large number of interacting feeding
a liquid state. links provide alternative channels for energy flow
39. (b) Phosphorous enters into the soil through water. and this generates a wide variety of adjustments
40. (d) Human use fertilizers that are not natural which of population to environment changes and stresses
impact phosphorous cycle. within the ecosystem. Therefore, ecosystem stability
41. (a) Organisms living in tropical regions are called increases with increase in number of links in food
regions are called mesotherms, in temperate regions web.
are called regions are called hekisthotherms. 58. (d) The Ramsar definition of wetlands is fairly wide,
42. (c) Humidity is the water vapor or water in gaseous form including “areas of marine water the depth of which
present in the atmosphere. It can also be defined as at low tide does not exceed six meters” as well as
molecules of water/unit volume. It is measured by fish ponds, rice paddies and salt pans. wetlands can
Hygrometer. be freshwater as well. Freshwater wetlands are not
43. (b) Biotic components are the living organism that connected to the ocean. They can be found along the
shapes the ecosystem and comes regularly in contact boundaries of streams, lakes, ponds or even in large
with each other. shallow holes that fill up with rainwater. Freshwater
44. (c) Components of an ecosystem include Biotic and wetlands may stay wet all year long, or the water
Abiotic. may evaporate during the dry season.
45. (b) The cycles (carbon and nitrogen cycle) involves 59. (d) Humidity is of 3 types: Specific, Absolute, Relative
phases of weathering of rocks, uptake and storage 60. (d) Steppe is found in low latitudes and middle
by organisms and return to the pool of soil, the latitudes. Prairies are humid and densely covered
atmosphere or ocean sediments. tall grasslands. Savanna are the areas of thick high
46. (a) Boreal or taiga forests forests are found in Asia, grasses.
Europe, Siberia and North America where there are
shorter and warmer summers with longer winters.
 BIODIVERSITY
2
Chapter

Introduction
Biodiversity mean diversity of heterogeneity at all levels of biological organisation, i.e from Micro molecules of the cells to
the Biomass. The word Biodiversity was popularized by the sociologist Edward Wilson.

Biodiversity

Introduction Levels Loss of Conservation

Biodiversity

Hotspots In situ Ex situ

Genetic Species Ecological

Biosphere National Sanctuaries

Alpha Beta Gamma Reserves Parks

Zoos, Botanical Seed Sacred

Gardens Bank Plants

The genetic diversity helps the population to adapt. If a

Biodiversity is the existence of a wide variety of plant and population has more diversity it can adapt better to the
animal species in their natural environments, which is the changed environmental conditions. The low diversity
aim of conservationists. Who are mainly concerned about leads to uniformity. The genetic variability is therefore,
considered to be the raw material for speciation.
indiscriminate destruction of rainforests and other habitats.
2. Species diversity
Important Levels of Biodiversity are The measurement of species diversity is its richness, i.e.
the number of species per unit area. The greater is the
1. Genetic diversity species richness the more will be the species diversity.
In nature, the number and kind of species, as well as the
It is the diversity at genetic level, or at subspecies level, number of individual per species, vary, and this leads to
i.e. below species level, in a single species. greater diversity.
EE-24 Biodiversity

3. Ecological diversity IUCN at a glance

It is the diversity at community level. It can be of 3-types • Founded in 1948 as the world’s first global environmental
organisation
(a) Alpha (a) diversity : It is the diversity of organisms
• Today the largest professional global conservation
within the same community or habitat.
network
(b) Beta (b) diversity : It is the diversity between communities • A leading authority on the environment and sustainable
or different habitats. Higher the heterogenecity in the development
altitude, Humidity and Temperature of a region, the • More than 1,200 member organizations including 200+
greater will be the dissimilarity between communities, government and 900+ non-government organizations
and higher will be the diversity.
• Almost 11,000 voluntary scientists and experts, grouped
(c) Gamma (g) diversity : It is the diversity of organisms in sixCommissions in some 160 countries
over the entire geographical area, covering several • IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in
ecosystems or habitats and various trophic levels and food 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO
webs. Such diversity is most stable and productive. and private sectors around the world. The Union’s
headquarters are located in Gland, near Geneva, in
Biodiversity of India: Switzerland.
• A neutral forum for governments, NGOs, scientists,
As per available data, the varieties of species living on the
business and local communities to find practical solutions
earth are 1753739. Out of the above species, 134781 are
residing in India although surface area of India is 2% of the to conservation and development challenges
earth’s surface. Wild life Institute of India has divided it into • Thousands of field projects and activities around the
ten biogeographical regions and twenty five biotic provinces. world
• Governance by a Council elected by member
Biogeographical regions are: organizations every four years at the IUCN World
(i) Trans Himalayas, Conservation Congress
(ii) Gangetic plain, • Funded by governments, bilateral and multilateral
(iii) Desert, agencies, foundations, member organisations and
(iv) Semiarid zone; corporations
(v) Western Ghats; • Official Observer Status at the United Nations General
(vi) Deccan peninsula, Assembly
(vii) North eastern zone, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ provides
(viii) Coastal lands taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on
(ix) Himalayas, plants, fungi and animals that have been globally evaluated
(x) Islands. using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This system
is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and
India is one of the twelve mega diversity nations the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and
of the world due to the following reasons: highlight those plants and animals that are facing a higher
(i) It has 7.3% of the global fauna and 10.88% of global risk of global extinction (i.e. those listed as Critically
flora as per the data collected by Ministry of Environment Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red
and forest. List also includes information on plants, fungi and animals that
(ii) It has 350 different mammals, 1200 species of birds- are categorized as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that
453 different reptiles, 182 amphibians and 45,000 plants cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information (i.e.,
spices. are Data Deficient); and on plants, fungi and animals that
(iii) It has 50,000 known species of insects which include are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that
13,000 butterflies and moths. would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific
(iv) It has 10 different biogeographical regions and 25 biotic conservation programme (i.e., are Near Threatened).
provinces having varieties of lands and species. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized
(v) In addition to geographical distribution, geological as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for
events in the land mass provide high level of biological evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
diversity. The IUCN Red List was updated three times in 2015. The
(vi) Several crops arose in the country and spread throughout IUCN Red List now includes 79,837 assessed species, of
the world. which 23,250 are threatened with extinction, with habitat loss
(vii) There is wide variety of domestic animals like cows, and degradation identified as the main threat to more than 80%
buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, horses etc. of species assessed.
(viii) The marine biota includes sea weeds, fishes, crustaceans,
molluses, corals, reptiles etc. Red data book
(ix) There are a number of hot spots (namely Eastern Ghats, A Red Data Book contains lists of species whose continued
Western Ghats, North Eastern hills etc.). existence is threatened. Species are classified into different
Biodiversity EE-25

categories of perceived risk. Each Red Data Book usually Mammals

deals with a specific group of animals or plants (e. reptiles, Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)
insects, mosses). They are now being published in many Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi)
different countries and provide useful information on the Himalayan wolf (Canis himalayensis)
threat status of the species. Andaman Shrew (Crocidura andamanensis)
By the end of 2014 India had 988 threatened species on the list, Jenkins’ shrew (Crocidura jenkinsi)
Nicobar shrew (Crocidura nicobarica)
which lists critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable Northern Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus
species. In 2013, the number was 973. With 659 species in sumatrensis lasiotis)
2008, the increase over seven years is 50 per cent, in part Kondana soft-furred rat (Millardia kondana)
due to better research identifying more threatened species and
Pygmy hog (Porcula salvania)
deforestation. (The Hindu, 2015)
Indian Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus
Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Indian lion, Indian Rhino,
Gaur, lion tailed macaque, Tibetan Antelope, Ganga river inermis)
dolphin, the Nilgiri Tahr, snow leopard, dhole, black buck, Malabar large-spotted civet (Viverra civettina)
great Indian bustard, forest owlet, white – winged duck and Elvira rat (Cremnomys elvira)
many more are the most endangered animals in India. Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
Kashmir stag (Cervus canadensis hanglu)
ENDANGERED SPECIES IN INDIA Coral
Birds Fire corals (Millepora boschmai)
White-bellied heron Spiders
Great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) Rameshwaram Ornamental or Parachute Spider
Forest owlet (Athene blewitti) (Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica)
Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri)
 Gooty Tarantula, Metallic Tarantula or (Poecilotheria
Spoon-billed sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus)
Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus) metallica)
White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) CITES
Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international
Himalayan quail (Ophrysia superciliosa) agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that
Jerdon’s courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants
Pink-headed duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea) does not threaten their survival. CITES (the Convention on
Red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its
Bugun liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum) aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild
Fish animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Knifetooth sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata) For many years CITES has been among the conservation
Pondicherry shark (Carcharhinus hemiodon) agreements with the largest membership, with now 181
Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus) Parties. Roughly 5,600 species of animals and 30,000 species
Deccan labeo (Labeo potail) of plants are protected by CITES against over-exploitation
Largetooth sawfish (Pristis microdon) through international trade. They are listed in the three CITES
Longcomb sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Appendices. The species are grouped in the Appendices
Humpback mahseer according to how threatened they are by international trade.
Reptiles and Amphibians They include some whole groups, such as primates, cetaceans
Northern river terrapin (Batagur baska) (whales, dolphins and porpoises), sea turtles, parrots, corals,
Red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga) cacti and orchids. However, in some cases only a subspecies
Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) or geographically separate population of a species (for example
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) the population of just one country) is listed.
Ghats wart frog (Fejervarya murthii)
Gundia Indian frog (Indirana gundia) Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Toad-skinned frog (Indirana phrynoderma) Change (INDIA)
Charles Darwin’s frog (Ingerana charlesdarwini)
Rao’s torrent frog (Micrixalus kottigeharensis) The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) is the
Amboli bush frog (Pseudophilautus amboli) nodal agency in the Central Government for overseeing the
White-spotted bush frog (Raorchestes chalazodes) implementation of India’s environment and forest policies
Griet bush frog (Raorchestes griet) and programmes relating to conservation of the country’s
Munnar bush frog (Raorchestes munnarensis) natural resources including lakes and rivers, its biodiversity,
Ponmudi bush frog (Raorchestes ponmudi) forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals and
Sacred Grove bush frog (Raorchestes sanctisilvaticus) prevention and abatement of pollution. While implementing
Shillong bubble-nest frog (Raorchestes shillongensis) these policies and programmes, the Ministry is guided by
Resplendent shrubfrog (Raorchestes resplendens) the principle of sustainable development. The Ministry is
Anaimalai flying frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus) also the nodal agency for the United Nations Environment
Patinghe Indian gecko (Geckoella jeyporensis) Programme (UNEP), South Asia Co-operative Environment
EE-26 Biodiversity

Programme (SACEP), International Centre for Integrated The Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI),
Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the United Nations Thiruvananthapuram .
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Centre for Animals and Environment, CARTMAN, Bengaluru.
The Ministry also coordinates with multilateral bodies such as
the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Global Loss of Biodiversity
Environment Facility (GEF) and regional bodies such as
Economic and Social Council for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) There is continuous loss of the earth’ treasure of species. For
and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation example, the colonization of tropical pacific Islands by human
(SAARC) on matters pertaining to environment. has led to extinction of more than 2000 species of native birds.
The broad objectives of the Ministry are: The Red list of IUCN documented the extinction of 784 species
• Conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests and in last 500 years. The last 20 years witnessed the disappearance
wildlife of 27 species.
• Prevention and control of pollution
Some important examples of recent extinctions are-
• Afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas
• Protection of environment, and Dodo (Mauritius), Quagga (Africa), Thylacine (Australia),
• Ensuring the welfare of animals. Steller Sea-cow (Russia), and subspecies of Tiger, like bali,
javan and caspian.
National biodiversity authority Presently, more than 15,500 species world–wide are facing the
The Biological Diversity Act 2002 came into force in 2003. threat of extinction. This includes 32% of amphibian species,
The Act extents to the whole of India. The objectives of the 23% of mammalian species and 12% of birds’ species. About
Act are conservation, sustainable utilization and fair and 31% of the gymnosperms species are also facing the extinction.
equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological The amphibians are however, more vulnerable in such cases.
resources and associated knowledge. The Act is being
implemented in a three tiered institutional structures (NBA Causes of loss of biodiversity
at National level, State Biodiversity Board at State level and The accelerated rate of species-extinction is largely due to human
Biodiversity Management Committee at local level). activities. There are 4-major causes, called ‘The Evil Quartet’,
The NBA is a body corporate established in accordance with for the loss of biodiversity –
the provisions of Sec.8 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002,
at Chennai w.e.f. 1st October 2003. It is an autonomous, 1. Habitat loss and fragmentation
statutory and regulatory organization which is intended to 2. Over-exploitation
implement the provisions of Biological Diversity Act, 2002. 3. Invasion of Alien or exotic species
The main objectives of NBA are: – 4. Co-extinctions
• To regulate access to biological resources of the country
to conserve and sustainable use of biological diversity. 1. Habitat loss and fragmentation
• To respect and protect the knowledge of local The cutting trees and burning of forest destroys the natural
communities related to biodiversity. habitat of a species. The construction of mines, dams,
• To secure sharing of benefits with the local people harbors, industries and buildings for human settlement has
as conservers of biological resources and holders
of knowledge and information relating to the use of also affected the biodiversity. The Habitat destruction is
biological resources. the primary and major reason for the loss of biodiversity.
• Conservation and development of area of importance The tropical rain forest is the example of the habitat loss
from the view point of biological diversity by declaring where forest covering has been reduced from 14% of land
them as biological diversity heritage sites. surface to 6%.
• Protection and rehabilitation of threatened species; The Amazon rain forest, called ‘The Lungs of the Planet’,
involvement of institutions of state government in the which harbors millions of species, is being cleared for
broad scheme of implementation of the Biological cultivating soybean or developing grasslands for raising
Diversity Act through constitution of committees. cattle. The pollution is also the factor for degradation of
habitat.
Centres of Excellence ( in India)
When large habitats are broken into small fragments due
• Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad . to various human activities, the population of migratory
• CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC),
animals, mammals and birds, that require a large territory,
Chennai.
are adversely affected.
• Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of
Science (IISc), Bengaluru. 2. Over-exploitation
• Centre of Mining Environment (CME), Indian School of
Mines, Dhanbad. When human need turns to human greed, for food and
• Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History shelter, it leads to overexploitation of natural resources.
(SACON), Coimbatore. Many species – extinction, like that of Stellar sea-cow
• Centre for Environment Management of Degraded and Passenger pigeon, in last 500 years, are due to over-
Ecosystem (CEMDE), University of Delhi, Delhi. exploitation by humans. Many marine fishes are also being
• Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai. over harvested. Over fishing from a water body, or over
• Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions harvesting a product is just like ‘killing a goose laying
(FRLHT), Bengaluru. golden eggs’.
Biodiversity EE-27

3. Invasion of Alien or exotic species • The illegal introduction of African cat fish (Clarias
When alien species are introduced into an explored area, gariepinus) for aquaculture purposes into the river has
some of the species turn invasive and cause decline or threatened indigenous cat fishes.
extinction of indigenous species. For example – 4. Co-extinctions
• Introduction of Nile perch into lake Victoria (E. Whenever a plant or animal species becomes extinct, its
Africa) led to the extinction of more than 200 species obligatory-associated species also becomes extinct. For
of Cichlid fish in the lake example, when a host species becomes extinct, the parasite
• Introduction of weed species, like Carrot grass also meets the same fate. In case of ‘plant pollinator
(Parthenium), Lantana and water hyacinth mutualism’ the extinction of one species leads to the
(Eicchornia) has posed threat to the native species extinction of the other.
and damage to environment.

Biodiversity conservation

In-situ conservation Ex-situ conservation

National Parks Biosphere Sacred Zoos, Seed Bank/ Sacred

and Sancturies reserves lakes and Botanical Gardens, Gene bank plants
forests Arboreta and (Cryopres
Aquaria ervation)
Terrestrial Marine

1. In situ conservation The 3-biodiversity hot spots of India, that cover rich-
In such conservation the endangered species are protected biodiversity regions, are
in their natural habitat with entire ecosystem. The 1. Western Ghat
conservationists, on global basis, have identified certain 2. Himalaya
Biodiversity Hot Spots (with high level of species richness 3. Indo-Burma
and high degree of endemism). The in situ conservation, in India, is done through 15–
(The endemic species are the ones which are confined to Biosphere reserves, 90-National Parks, more than 450
sanctuaries and several Sacred Groves or the tracts of
a particular region and are not found any where else) The
forests.
hot spots are also the regions of accelerated habitat loss.
Hot spots are the areas with high density of biodiversity 1. Biosphere reserves
or mega diversity which are most threatened at present. They represent natural biomes which contain unique
The concept was developed by environmental scientist biological communities. They include land as well as
Norman Myers of Oxford University in the United coastal environment. Biosphere reserves were created
Kingdom in an attempt to identify priority areas for under MAB (Man and Biosphere) programme of UNESCO
biodiversity conservation. Around the world, 35 areas in 1971. Till May 2000 there were 408 biosphere reserves
qualify as hotspots. They represent just 2.3% of Earth’s
in 94 countries of the world. In India there are 15 biosphere
land surface,but they support more than half of the world’s
plant species as endemics — i.e., species found no place reserves. There are 3-zones in a biosphere reserve.
else — and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile and (a) Core (natural) zone – It is inner most zone which is
amphibian species as endemics. legally protected and completely undisturbed from
The number of such hot spots is now 34. These hot spots human interference,
cover only 1 to 2 percent of earth’s land area, (b) Buffer zone - In this zone limited human activity is
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two allowed for research and education purposes.
strict criteria: (c) Transition (manipulation) zone – It is the outermost
• It must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — zone of biosphere reserve in which large number
which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant of human activities are permitted, eg. Cultivation,
life found nowhere else on the planet. A hotspot, in other domestication, harvesting of natural product, grazing,
words, is irreplaceable. forestry, settlement and recreation etc. In this zone
• It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. the traditional life style of tribals is protected with
In other words, it must be threatened. their live-stock.
EE-28 Biodiversity

*These national parks are running Tiger Project also. (The

Transition zone
maximum national parks are present in Madhya Pradesh).

Buffer zone 3. Sanctuaries

Core zone
In sanctuaries the protection is given to fauna only. The
Human (Tribe) activity like harvesting of timber, collection of forest
settlement products and private ownership rights are permitted so long
as they do not interfere with the well being of the animals.
The important wild life sanctuaries are Chilka wild life
sanctuary (Orissa), Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan),
Sultanpur Bird sanctuary (Haryana) and Jalpara sanctuary
Different zones of a Terrestrial Biosphere reserve
(West Bengal). Maximum sanctuaries belong to Andaman
Functions of biosphere reserves and Nicobar.
1. For conservation of landscape, ecosystem and genetic The Project Tiger was launched in India in year 1973 with
resources. the assistance of WWF (World Wild life Fund) after the
2. For economic development. recommendation of IBWL (Indian Board of Wild Life).
3. For scientific research , education and for exchange of At present there are more than 20 tiger projects. (WWF
information at national and global level. after its silver jubilee in 1986 has been renamed as World
In India the first biosphere reserve, Nilgiri was declared in 1986. Fund for Nature (WFN). The symbol of WWF is Giant
It includes parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. The list Panda.
of biosphere reserves of India is given below :- In India National Parks and Sanctuaries were created after
1. Nilgiri 2. Nandadevi
formulation of Wild life (protection) act in 1972. (This act
3. Uttrakhand
was amended in 1991).
4. Nokrek (Meghalaya) 5. Andamans
4. The sacred groves are found in Khasi and Jaintia hills
6. Simlipal (Orissa)
(Meghalaya), Aravalli hills (Rajasthan), Western ghats
7. Kaziranga (Assam) 8. Gulf of Mannar (T.N)
(Karnataka and Maharashtra) and Sarguja, Chanda and
9. Thar Desert
Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh.
10 Sundarbans (W.B.) 11. Kanha (M.P.)
12. Runn of Kutch (Guj) National Parks in India
13. Nicobar 14. Manas (Assam) Name State Notability
15. Namdapha (Ar. P.) Bandipur Na- Karnataka Chital, gray langurs, Indian giant
tional Park squirrel, Gaur, leopard, Sambar
2. National Parks (1974) deer, indian elephants, honey buz-
They are reserved for the betterment of wild life, both zard, red-headed vulture and other
animals.
fauna and flora. In national parks private ownership is not Bannerghatta Karnataka White Tiger, Royal Bengal Tiger,
allowed. The grazing, cultivation, forestry etc. is also not National Park Bear, other animals
permitted. The first national park of the world, Yellow (Bannerghatta
stone, in U.S.A., was founded in 1872. Biological Park)
Important state wise national parks of India are – (1974)
Betla National Jharkhand Tiger, Sloth Bear, Peacock, El-
Jammu and Kashmir - Dachigam, Salim Ali Park (1986) ephant, Sambar deer, mouse deer
Assam - Kaziranga, Manas* and other animals.
Meghalaya - Nokrek Bhitarkanika Odisha Mangroves, Saltwater crocodile,
West Bengal - Sunderbans National Park white crocodile, Indian python, black
Bihar - Hazaribagh, Palamau* (1988) ibis, wild pigs, rhesus monkeys,
chital and other animals
Uttaranchal - Corbett* ( Hailey ), Nanda Devi, Buxa Tiger Re- West Bengal  Tiger
Valley of flowers, Rajaji serve (1992)
U. P. - Dudhwa* Dachigam J&K Only area where Kashmir stag is
Gujrat - Gir, Marine National Park found
Rajasthan - Sariska*, Ranthambore*, Desert (1981)
Dudhwa National U.P Swamp deer, sambar deer, barking
Madhya Pradesh - Kanha* , Sanjay, Madhav, Panna, Park (1977) deer, spotted deer, hog deer, tiger,
Bandhavgarh*, Van Vihar, Fossil Indian rhinoceros,
Orissa - Simlipal Gir Forest Gujarat Asiatic lion
Karnataka - Bandipur* National Park
Kerala - Silent Valley, Periyar* (1965)
Biodiversity EE-29

Great Himalayan Himachal UNESCO World Heritage Site Wild Life Sanctuaries
National Park Pradesh,
India has 515 animal sanctuaries referred to as wildlife sanc-
(1984)
Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu Green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles tuaries category IV protected areas. Among these, the 48 tiger
Marine National and whales. reserves are governed by Project Tiger, and are of special
Park (1980) significance in the conservation of the tiger.
Indravati Nation- Chhattisgarh Wild Asian Buffalo, Tiger Reserve,
al Park (1981) Hill Mynas WILD LIFE SANCTUARIES IN INDIA
Jaldapara Nation- West Bengal Indian one horned rhinoceros
al Park (2012)
Name of the Location Major Species
Jim Corbett Uttarakhand Tiger Sanctuaries
National Park G i r W i l d L i f e Sasan Gir, Lion, Leopard, Chausinga, Chital, Hy-
Sanctuary Junagadh, Amreli ena, Sambar, Chinkara, Herpetofauna,
(1936)
Crocodiles and birds
Kanha National M. P. Swamp Deer, Tigers
Park (1955) Wild Ass Sanctuary Little Rann of Wild Ass, Chinkara, Blue bull,
Kachchh Houbara bustard, Wolf, Waterfowls,
Kaziranga Assam Indian rhinoceros, UNESCO World Herpetofauna
National Park Heritage Site
Hingolgadh Hingolgadh, Chinkara, Blue bull, Wolf, Hyena,
(1905) Sanctuary Rajkot Fox, Birds, Herpetofauna
Keibul Lamjao Manipur only floating park in the world
Marine Sanctuary Gulf of Kachchh, Sponges, Corals, Jellyfish, Sea horse,
National Park
Jamnagar Octopus,Oyster, Pearloyster, Starfish,
(1977) Lobster, Dolphin, Dugong, waterfowls
Keoladeo Nation- Rajasthan UNESCO World Heritage Site
Simlipal Sactuary Odisha Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Cheetal
al Park (1981)
Manas National Assam UNESCO World Heritage Site Kutch Desert Great Rann of Chinkara, Hyena, Fox, Flamingo, Peli-
Park (1990) Sanctuary Kachchh cans & other waterfowls, Herpetofauna
Mandla Plant M. P Plant Fossils National Park Rampara Sanctu- Rampara, Rajkot Blue bull, Chinkara, Wolf, Fox, Jackal,
Fossils National ary Birds, Herpetofauna
Park (1983) Ghana Bird Sanc- Rajasthan Water Bird, Black-buck, Cheetal,
Marine National Gujarat 70 species of sponges, Coral 52 tuary Sambar
Park, Gulf of species along with puffer fishes, sea Panchmarhi Madhya Pradesh Tiger, Panther, Sambhar, Nilgai,
Kutch (1980) horse and sting ray Baskeng, Deer
Namdapha Arunachal Snow Leopards, Clouded Dandeli Karnataka Tiger, Panther, Elephant, Cheetal,
National Park Pradesh Leopards, Common Leopards and Sanctuary Sanbhar, Wild Boar
(1974) Tigers Kutch Bustard Near Naliya, Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican,
Nanda Devi Uttarakhand UNESCO World Heritage Site Sanctuary Kachchh Houbara bustard, Chinkara, Blue bull,
Herpetofauna
National Park
(1982)
Neora Valley West Bengal clouded leopard, red panda and
Biosphere reserves in India Area-wise
National Park musk deer Name State Key Fauna
(1986) Nilgiri Biosphere Tamil Nadu, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed
Nokrek National Meghalaya UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Reserve Kerala and macaque
Park (1986) Karnataka
Periyar National Kerala Tigers Nanda Devi National Uttarakhand
Park (1982) Park & Biosphere
Ranthambore Rajasthan Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Reserve
National Park Sambar deer and Chital. Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu Dugong or sea cow
(1981) Nokrek Meghalaya Red panda
Sariska Tiger Rajasthan Tiger Sundarbans West Bengal Royal Bengal tiger
Reserve (1955) Manas Assam Golden langur, red panda
Simlipal National Odisha Tiger, Leopard, Asian elephant, Simlipal Odisha Gaur, royal Bengal tiger,
Park (1980) Sambar, Barking deer, Gaur, Jungle elephant
cat, Wild boar, and other animals. Dihang-Dibang Arunachal
Sultanpur Nation- Haryana Siberian crane, greater flamingo, Pradesh
al Park (1989) ruff, black-winged stilt, common Pachmarhi Biosphere Madhya Pradesh Giant squirrel, flying squirrel
teal, northern pintail, and yellow Reserve
wagtail.
Achanakmar-Am- Madhya Four horned antelope (Tet-
Sundarbans West Bengal UNESCO World Heritage Site arkantak Biosphere Pradesh, Chhat- racerus quadricornis), Indian
National Park Reserve tisgarh wild dog (Cuon alpinus), Saras
(1984) crane (Grus antigone), Asian
Valley of Flow- Uttarakhand Flying squirrel, Himalayan black white-backed vulture (Gyps
bengalensis), Sacred grove bush
ers National Park bear, red fox, Himalayan weaseland
frog (Philautus sanctisilvaticus)
(1982) Himalayan yellow-throated marten,
and Himalayan goral 
Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat Indian wild ass
EE-30 Biodiversity

Cold Desert Himachal Snow leopard environment. It is the world’s largest conservation organization
Pradesh with the slogan of “For a Living Planet.” The method of its
Khangchendzonga Sikkim Snow leopard, red panda working involves Lobbying Research and Consultancy. Basically
AgasthyamalI Bio- Kerala, Tamil Nilgiri tahr, elephants it’s a charitable trust. WWF’s giant panda logo originated from
sphere Reserve Nadu a panda named Chi Chi. It has been designed by Sir Peter Scott
Great Nicobar Bio- Andaman and Saltwater crocodile from preliminary sketches made by Gerald Watterson.
sphere Reserve Nicobar Islands
  The main missions of WWF are as follows:
Dibru-Saikhowa Assam Golden langur
•• conserving the world’s biological diversity
Seshachalam Hills Andhra Pradesh
•• ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is
Panna Madhya Tiger, chital, chinkara, samb- sustainable
Pradesh har and sloth bear
•• Promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful
2. Ex situ conservation consumption.
At present WWF’s current strategy of achieving its mission
In such type of conservation the threatened animals
which is related to restoring populations of 36 species (species
and plants are taken out of their natural habitat and are
or species groups that are important for their ecosystem or to
protected in special parks or areas like, Zoological parks,
people, including elephants, tunas, whales, dolphins and por-
Wild life safari parks and Botanical gardens* etc. The
poises), and ecological footprint in 6 areas (carbon emissions,
ex situ conservation also includes
cropland, grazing land, fishing, forestry and water).
• Cryopreservation of gametes of threatened species
in viable and fertile form. Animal Welfare Board of India
• Fertilization of eggs in vitro and propagation of plants
through ‘Tissue culture methods’ Functions
• Preservation of seeds through Seed banks •• To keep the law in force in India for the Prevention of
The historic conservation on Biodiversity, ‘The Earth Cruelty to Animals under constant study and to advise the
Summt’ was held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992. government on the amendments to be undertaken in any
In a follow-up, in 2002, through ‘World Summit on such law from time to time.
Sustainable development’ in Johannaesburg (S. •• To advise the Central Government on the making of rules
Africa), one hundred and ninety countries pledged their under the Act with a view to preventing unnecessary pain
commitment for a significant reduction in current rate of or suffering to animals and transported.
biodiversity-loss at global, regional and local level, by •• To advise in the design of vehicles so as to lessen the
2010. The next summit for the cause of biodiversity is to burden on draught animals.
be held in 2012. •• To take all such steps as the Board may think fit for
amelioration of animals by encouraging, or providing for
(*Botanical gardens – There are about 1500 botanical the construction of sheds, water troughs and the like and by
gardens and arboreta (a place where specific species of providing for veterinary assistance to animals.
trees or shrubs are cultivated for research or display) in •• To advise in the design of slaughter houses or its maintenance.
the world. They contain more than 80000 species. Some
botanical gardens also have facilities of seed bank and India Initiative towards Animal protection
tissue culture.)
Project Tiger an government of India initiative for conserving
its national animal, the tiger. The project was launched in 1973.
Animal Welfare Since then the no of tiger reserve has been increased from 9 to
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals 47 which accounts for 2.08% the total geographical area of our
(PETA) country. The area of tiger projects have been developed on core/
buffer strategy. The core areas are legally termed as National
It is a non-profitable American animal rights organization based Parks and the buffering areas are a mixture of forest and non-
in Norfolk, Virginia. Led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international forest land managed as a multiple used area. The project aims
president, founded in 1980 with a slogan of “Animals are not at fostering an exclusive tiger agenda in the core areas of tiger
ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse reserves, with an inclusive people oriented agenda in the buffer
in any other way.” It focuses its attention on the four areas in Project Rhino was joint venture of the Assam Forest Depart-
which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely ment and Wildlife Trust of India - InternationalFund for Animal
for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in the clothing Welfare (WTI-IFAW) and initiated in February 2006 with the
trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry. trans location of a hand-raised rhino calf to Manas Wildlife
Sanctuary. The projects aims at repopulatimg the one horn rhino
World Wide Fund for Nature
by displacing them to Manas wild life sanctuary from Kaziranga
The organisation was conceived in Morges, Switzerland (29, National Park. The whole project is supported by Bodoland
April, 1961). It is an international non-governmental organiza- Territorial Council and the Assam Forest Department.
tion in nature. Works in the field related to biodiversity con-
Project Crocodile Conservation was launched in 1975 in dif-
servation, and the reduction of humanity’s footprint on the
ferent States for protecting the endangered crocodile species like
Biodiversity EE-31

Gharial, Gavialis gangeticus; Mugger crocodile, Crocodylus •• legislation controlling the manufacture and sale of
palustris and Saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus were on the verge veterinary drugs
of extinction by the seventies. The funds and technical support •• in-situ conservation actions focused around the small but
for the project came from UNDP/ FAO through the Govern- key remaining vulture populations in the wild
ment of India.
•• an active research programme that underpins these activities
Project Elephant (PE) is a central government initiative to
and monitors their effectiveness
provide financial and technical support to major elephant bear-
ing states of India. It was launched in February 1992. It aims Project Dolphin Gangetic river dolphins is India’s national
at protecting the elephants, their habitat and corridor. It also aquatic animal and is often known as the ‘Tiger of the Ganges’.
looks after the human elephant issues. It is implemented in 13 This dolphin species is an indicator animal which represent
States / UTs, viz. Andhra pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, healthy river ecosystem in a same position as a tiger in a forest.
Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa,
Their population is estimated to be less than 2,000 in the coun-
Tamil Nadu, Uttranchal, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
try. Some of the major threats are habitat fragmentation due to
SAVE (Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction) is a
consortium of regional and international organization to construction of dams and barrages, direct killing, indiscriminate
co-ordinate conservation, campaigning and fundraising activities fishing and pollution of rivers.
to help the plight of south Asia’s vultures. The key strategies For conservation of dolphins, India’s first Dolphin Community
of vulture conservation SAVE is involved in a wide range of Reserve established in West Bengal to protect the endangered
conservation activities across South Asia including: mammal, Gangetic river dolphins. The reserve would be set up
•• breeding vultures in captivity so that their offspring can be
in the Hooghly River between Malda and Sundarbans as per
released back in to the wild when the environment is free
from diclofenac provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. State Forest depart-
•• an active advocacy programme targeting the vets and ment also has announced that it would also conduct a census to
farmers using diclofenac estimate the population of dolphins.
EE-32 Biodiversity

Exercise - 1
1. A keystone species 7. Within biological communities, some species are important
(a) has a disproportionately large impact on an in determining the ability of a large number of other spe-
ecosystem. cies to persist in the community. Such species are called
(b) typically reduces overall diversity of an ecosystem. (a) Keystone species (b) Allopatric species
(c) is typically an herbivore. (c) Sympatric species (d) Threatened species
(d) is an example of amensalism. 8. The diversity and productivity or coral reefs is most similar
2. Extinction of a weaker species by an aggressive alien spe- to that of
cies is the results of (a) desert environments (b) a natural prairie.
(a) Endemism of weaker species (c) tropic rain forests (d) a river system.
(b) Habitat loss 9. The risk of introducing a natural enemy to control an
(c) The Domino Effect invasive species is that
(d) All of the above. (a) it might drive the invasive species to extinction.
3. In the Lower Himalayan Mountains, several species of (b) the natural enemy might also become a pest.
salamander, an amphibian, live in or near a stream. The (c) the natural enemy might evolve into a new species
largest species lives in the stream and along its edges, a (d) the natural enemy may introduce genetic diversity
smaller species lives on land within a meter or two of the into the invasive species.
stream, and a smaller species lives about 3-5 meters away 10. Biodiversity is important because:
from the stream. In this region, these three salamander (a) it is necessary to maintain ecosystems.
species are using (b) humans can use new sources of food.
(a) different niches within the same habitat (c) without certain species, photosynthesis may not be
(b) the same niche and microhabitat possible.
(c) the same landscape but different ecosystems (d) certain species are necessary to provide oxygen in
(d) the same habitat but different niches the atmosphere.
4. Invasive species are dangerous because 11. Compared to forests using sustainable forest management,
(a) they are almost all predators, disturbing ecological commercial forests managed for maximum sustainable
relationships by eating other species. yield of commercially valuable species will
(b) they carry viruses that spread disease in new (a) support more biological diversity.
ecosystems. (b) be more resistant to pests.
(c) the native species have not evolved with these (c) produce a greater variety of wood.
organisms. (d) have greater erosion problems.
(d) they tend to be secretive, going unnoticed in their 12. Endemic species are:
new ecosystems. (a) secure groups that show the least risk of extinction.
5. Protection and preservation of endangered species away (b) limited to just one habitat.
from their natural habitat under human care in zoos, (c) widely distributed, found especially on large continents.
nurseries and laboratories is known as (d) usually the dominant species within an ecosystem.
(a) In-situ conservation 12. The greatest loss of biodiversity in the last two centuries
(b) Ex-situ conservation has resulted from:
(c) Biodiversity conservation (a) the introduction of alien species to new ecosystems.
(d) None of the above (b) the use of fossil fuels to power transportation and
6. Protection of biodiversity around the world requires: electrical production.
(a) basic science to produce government policies and (c) the physical alteration of habitats.
laws that then must be enforced. (d) the use of rivers, lakes, and oceans for transportation.
(b) changes to social structure and political organizations 14. Which of the following represents the greatest conservation
that drive basic science. of the genetic hank?
(c) new technologies and techniques that are still being (a) the human genome center, analyzing the components
developed. of the human genome.
(d) the introduction of new species into new regions to (b) seed banks that store seeds of thousands of plants
spread a species range. from around the world.
Biodiversity EE-33

(c) the field of proteomics, investigating the many ways (c)

Tropical Dry Forests
the proteins function in organisms. (d) Tropical Moist Forests
(d) all of the varieties of corn wheat, and rice currently 23. In wildlife conservation which one among the following
serving as crops. best defines an ‘endemic species’?
15. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to (a) When the critical number of a species declines in a
the category of endangered species ?
forest due to parasitic attack
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and
(b) A species which is cosmopolitan and can be
Asiatic Wild Ass
commonly found in biosphere
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian
Bustard (c) An endangered species which is found in a few
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and restricted areas on the Earth
Saras (Crane) (d) A species confined to a particular region and not
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur found anywhere else
and Cheetal 24. Veliconda hills, which is a part of Eastern Ghats, is situ-
16. Which one of the following national parks is located near ated in
Chamoli? (a) Odisha (b) Tamil Nadu
(a) Dudhwa National Park
(c) Karnataka (d Andhra Pradesh
(b) Great Himalayan Park
25. Biodiversity is richer in
(c) Jim Corbett National Park
(d) Nanda Devi National Park (a) tropical regions (b) polar regions
17. Which one of the following is included in the world list (c) temperate regions (d) oceans
of biosphere reserves by UNESCO? 26. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate
(a) Kinnaur Region (b) Spiti Valley that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and
(c) Nallamalai Hills (d) Sunderbans arctic? [CSAT 2015-1]
18. Which one of the following is a global biodiversity (a) Khangchendzonga National Park
hotspot in India? (b) Nandadevi National Park
(a) Western Ghats (c) Neora Valley National Park
(b) Western Himalayas (d) Namdapha National Park
(c) Eastern Ghats
27. In India, in which one of the following types of forests is
(d) Northern Himalayas
teak a dominant tree species? [CSAT 2015-1]
19. In which one of the following states is Ranganathittu Bird
Sanctuary located? (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala (b) Tropical rain forest
(c) Karnataka (d) Andhra Pradesh (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
20. For which one of the following is Sualkuchi famous? (d) Temperate forest with grasslands
(a) Bird sanctuary (b) Temple city 28. Which of the following National Parks is unique in be-
(c) Silk centre (d) Hill station ing a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich
21. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the biodiversity? [CSAT 2015-1]
given tiger reserves of India from North to South? (a) Bhitarkanika National Park
(a) Dudwa-Kanha-Indravati-Bandipur (b) Keibul Lamjao National Park
(b) Kanha-Bandipur-Dudwa-Indravati
(c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park
(c) Indravati-Kanha-Dudwa-Bandipur
(d) Sultanpur National Park
(d) Dudwa-Kanha-Bandipur-Indravati
29. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal
22. Kanha National Park belongs to which one among the
following biogeographical areas in the world? of India? [CSAT 2015-1]
(a) Tropical Sub-humid Forests (a) Saltwater crocodile (b) Olive ridley turtle
(b) Tropical Humid Forests (c) Gangetic dolphin (d) Gharial
EE-34 Biodiversity

Exercise - 2
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related
Statement Based MCQ
to genetic/biological resources can not be made
without the approval of NBA.
1. Consider the following pairs
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Protected area Well-known for
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
1. Bhiterkanika, Odisha — Salt Water Crocodile
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Desert National Park, — Great Indian Bustard
Rajasthan 6. Consider the following protected areas:
3. Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolak Gibbon 1. Bandipur 2. Bhitarkanika
Which of the pairs given above is / are correctly matched ? 3. Manas 4. Sunderbans
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
(c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
2. Three of the following criteria have contributed to the (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
recognition of Western Ghats , Sri Lanka and Indo Burma 7. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity
regions as hotspots of biodiversity of a geographical area?
1. Species richness 1. Global warming
2. Vegetation density 2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Endemism 3. Invasion of alien species
4. Ethno-botanical importance 4. Promotion of vegetarianism
5. Threat perception
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
6. Adaption of flora and fauna to warm and humid
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
conditions
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
Which three of the above are correct criteria in this
context? 8. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the
(a) 1, 2 and 6 (b) 2, 4 and 6 following ways:
(c) 1, 3 and 5 (d) 3, 4 and 6 1. Soil formation
3. Consider the following statements 2. Prevention of soil erosion
1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical 3. Recycling of waste
regions. 4. Pollination of crops
2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which of the statements given above is / are correct? 9. Which of the following regions of India have been desig-
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only nated as biodiversity hotspots?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
4. The “Red Data Books’’ published by the International 1. Eastern Himalaya 2. Eastern Ghat
Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources
3. Western Ghat 4. Western Himalaya
(IUCN) contain lists of ?
Codes:
1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the
biodiversity hotspots. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
2. Threatened plant and animal species. (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural 10. The steps taken by the Government of India for conversion
resources in various countries. endangered species are
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1. The Central Government has enacted the Wild Life
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (Protection) Act, 1972 for protection of wildlife
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only including birds.
5. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in 2. Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules
protecting the Indian agriculture? 2010 have been framed for protection of wetlands,
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the in the States, which are habitats of birds.
indigenous and traditional genetic resources. 3. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been established
2. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) directly for control of illegal trade in wildlife, including
monitors and supervises the scientific research on endangered species of birds and their parts and
genetic modification of crop plants. products.
Biodiversity EE-35

4. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Plan 15. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity
for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-System also of a geographical area?
provides assistance to the States for management of 1. Global warming
wetlands including Ramsar sites in the country. 2. Fragmentation of habitat
Select the answer from the codes given below-
3. Invasion of alien species
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
4. Promotion of vegetarianism
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) All of the above
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
11. Consider the following statements
1. Tree Foundation, an NGO engaged in conservation (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
of the sea turtle found more than 100 dead Olive (c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ridley Turtles in the shores of Nagapattinam. 16. The “Red Data Books’’ published by the International
2. The Olive Ridley turtles find the coastline of Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources
Nagapattinam as a favourable nesting habitat and (IUCN) contain lists of ?
that’s why they reach to the shore from December 1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the
to March every year.
biodiversity hotspots.
3. The Olive Ridley looks very similar to the Kemp’s
2. Threatened plant and animal species.
Riddle, but has a deeper body and slightly up-turned
edges to its carapace (shell). 3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural
4. Olive Ridley weighs around 45 kilograms and are resources in various countries.
70cm in size and this makes them the smallest of the Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
sea turtles along with Kemp riddles. (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only
Which of the following statements are correct? (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 17. Consider the following statements:
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) All of the above 1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by
12. Which of the following statement is/are correct? legislation.
1. First Climate Change theatre in India (second theatre
2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few
in the world) was opened at Pusa, New Delhi in
specific species of flora and fauna.
January 2014.
2. The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change 3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference
(IPCC) UN report on 17 January 2014 reported that is permitted.
during 2000 to 2010, the CO2 has grown by 2.2 Which of the statements given above is / correct ?
percent per year and this rise is almost twice higher (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3
from the growth of the period of 1970 to 2000. (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer from the codes given below: 18. One Carbon Credit is defined as ____ .
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Credit permit to release one ton of carbon dioxide.
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) None of these
2. providing loans to establish a unit which produces
13. Which of the following two criteria have to be met in order
carbon dioxide for industrial use.
to qualify as a ‘biodiversity hotspot’ on the world hotspots
map? 3. Finding out one new business which can use and
1. The region must contain at last 0.5% or 1500 species recycle greenhouse gases.
of vascular plants as endemic species. Which of the following statements(s) is/are correct?
2. The region has to have lost at least 70% of its (a) 3 only (b) 2 only
primary vegetation. (c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 19. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only protecting the Indian agriculture?
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the
14. Sumatran rhino populations have declined steadily to a
indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
point near extinction. Because of its population decline,
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific
this unusual forest dwelling rhino is near its :
1. carrying capacity research on genetic modification of crop plants.
2. officially listed as threatened 3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related
3. critical number to genetic/biological resources cannot be made
4. officially listed as endangered without the approval of NBA.
Which of the above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 (a) 1only (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
EE-36 Biodiversity

20. Three of the following criteria have contributed to the 26. Consider the following fauna of India:
recognition of Western Ghats , Sri Lanka and Indo Burma 1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle
regions as hotspots of biodiversity 3. Swamp deer
1. Species richness Which of the above is/are endangered?
2. Vegetation density (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
3. Endemism (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
4. Ethno-botanical importance 27. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see
5. Threat perception some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the
6. Adaption of flora and fauna to warm and humid insects disturbed by their movement through grasses.
conditions Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
Which three of the above are correct criteria in this 1. Painted Stork 2. Common Myna
context? 3. Black-necked Crane
(a) 1, 2 and 6 (b) 2, 4 and 6 Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(c) 1, 3 and 5 (d) 3, 4 and 6 (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
21. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only
the following ways 28. With reference to the International Union for Conserva-
1. Soil formation tion of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the
2. Prevention of soil erosion Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
3. Recycling of waste of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following
4. Pollination of crops statements is/are correct? [CSAT 2015-1]
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES
(a) 1,2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 is an international agreement between governments.
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the
22. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity world to better manage natural environments.
of a geographical area? 3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have
1. Global warming joined it, but this Convention does not take the place
2. Fragmentation of habitat of national laws.
3. Invasion of alien species Select the correct answer using the code given below.
4. Promotion of vegetarianism (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the codes given below : (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 29. With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 International’, which of the following statements is/are
23. Consider the following statements : correct? [CSAT 2015-1]
1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by 1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation
legislation. Organizations.
2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few 2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated
specific species of flora and fauna. from this organization.
3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference 3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important
is permitted. Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
Which of the statements given above is / correct ? Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
24. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque 30. Consider the following sanctuaries of India
found in its natural habitat? 1. Periyar 2. Dachigam
1. Tamil Nadu 2. Kerala 3. Sariska 4. Kanha
3. Karnataka 4. Andhra Pradesh
Which one among the following is the correct sequence
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
of location of the above sanctuaries from South to North?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1, 4, 2, 3 (b) 4, 1, 3, 2
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 4, 3, 2 (d) 3, 1, 4, 2
25. Consider the following:
31. Which of the following are UNESCO recognised world
1. Star tortoise 2. Monitor lizard
heritage sites?
3. Pygmy hog 4. Spider monkey
1. Caves of Ajanta.
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
2. Temple and Caves at Ellora.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
3. Mandapas of Mahabalipurarn.
(c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
4. Caves of Kanheri.
Biodiversity EE-37

Select the correct answer using the codes given below 36. List-I List-II
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 3 (Malor Biome) (Physical characterstics)
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 A. The Northern most of 1. Foristically poor (i.e., a
32. Consider the following statements the Temperate continuous belt across
1. Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park Formations North America and
of india. Northern Eurasia)
2. It was one of the nine tiger reserves created at the B. Arctic Tundra 2. Boreal Forest
launch of the Project Tiger in 1973. Vegetation
3. Initially it was named as ‘Hailey National Park’. C. Marine 3. Pelagic division
Which of the statements given above are correct? D. The Terrestrial Biomes 4. Savanna woodland
(a) 1 and 2 (b) All of these of the Tropics
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 5. Soviet Steppe and North
American Prairie
Matching Based MCQ Select the correct option from the codes given below:
A B C D
(a) 2 4 3 1
Directions (Q. 33 to 38): Match List-I with List-II and select
(b) 2 1 3 4
the correct answer using the codes given below the lists.
(c) 4 3 5 2
33. List-I    List-II
(d) 4 1 3 2
A. Biodiversity 1. G. Tansley
B. Wildlife 2. E.O. Wilson 37. Match the following
C. Ecosystem 3. E. Haeckel List I List II
D. Ecology 4. W.T. Hornaday (Biosphere Reserve) (Places)
Codes: A. Manas 1. Meghalaya
A B C D B. Pachmarhi 2. Asom
(a) 2 4 3 1 C. Nokrek 3. Madhya Pradesh
(b) 2 4 1 3 D. Achanakmar Amarkantak 4. Chhattisgarh
(c) 4 2 3 1
Codes
(d) 4 2 1 3
A B C D A B C D
34. Consider the following pairs: (a) 4 3 1 2 (b) 2 1 3 4
1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve : Garo Hills
(c) 4 1 3 2 (d) 2 3 1 4
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range
38. Match the following
3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? List I List II
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (Biosphere Reserve) (State)
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None A. Nilgiri 1. Odisha
35. Consider the following pairs : B. Manas 2. Madhya Pradesh
1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram C. Panchmarhi 3. Tamul Nadu
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim D. Simes lipal 4. Asom
3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland Codes
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (a) 3 2 4 1 (b) 1 4 2 3
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 3 4 2 1 (d) 1 2 4 3
EE-38 Biodiversity

EXERCISE-2 27. (a) The tropical moist deciduous forests are found in
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (d) Sahyadris, the north-eastern parts of the peninsula
6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (a) and along the foothills of the Himalayas. Teak and
11. (d) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (b) sal are found in these forests.
15. (a) Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass, are endangered 28. (b) The Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park
species. located in Manipur. It is 40 km in area and the only
16. (d) The Nanda Devi National Park is a national park floating park in the world which is located in North
situated around the peak of Nanda Devi( 7,816 m) East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake.
in Uttarakhand. 29. (c) The Gangetic dolphins have been declared as the
17. (d) The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal National Aquatic Animal of India .River Dolphin is
halophytic mangrove forest in the world. The the National Aquatic Animal of India. The Ministry
Sundarban forest lies in the vast delta on the Bay of Environment and Forests notified the Ganges
of Bengal formed by the super confluence of the River Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal
Ganges, Padma, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on 18th May 2010. This mammal is also said to
across southern Bangladesh. It is a UNESCO World represent the purity of the holy Ganga as it can only
Heritage Site. survive in pure and fresh water.
18. (a) Western Ghats are UNESCO World Heritage Site
and is one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological EXERCISE-2
diversity in the world.
19. (c) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located in Karnataka.
1. (b) • Bhiterkanika, Odisha is a protected area for salt
20. (c) Sualkuchi is located in Assam. This is the textile water crocodile, where breeding is the main
center of Assam. Muga silk and Pat silk along with purpose of that protected area.
Eri silk and Endi cloth from this region is famous for • Great Indian Bustard is protected in desert area
its quality. of Rajasthan.
21. (a) 1. Dudwa National park - Uttar Pradesh • The Eravikulam National Park was established
2. Kanha National Park- Madhya Pradesh to protect the Nilgiri tahir (wild goat) species.
3. Indravati National Park - Chattisgarh 2. (c) To qualify as a hotspot, a region must
meet two strict criteria: it must contain
4. Bandipur National Park- Karnataka
at least 1,500 species of vascular plants
22. (c) Kanha National Park belongs to tropical moist dry (> 0.5 percent of the world’s total) as endemics, and
deciduous forest. It is a tiger reserve of India and it has to have lost at least 70 percent of its original
the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh. habitat. So we choose Species richness as well as
23. (d) An endemic species is one whose habitat is restricted Endemism. Along with this Threat perception is
to a particular area. The term could refer to an animal, necessary to take, because it makes the base of this
a plant, a fungus, or even a microorganism. Some of concept. Adaptation of flora is an arbitrary option,
the endemic species in India are Grey-headed Bulbul, Ethno-botanical importance does nothing with the
Malabar Lark, Nilgiri Flycatcher and Grey Jungle Biodiversity Hotspot selection criteria, vegetation
Density is also discarded.
fowl etc.
3. (d) Biodiversity hot spots are located in temperate
24. (d) Veliconda Hills are situated in southeastern Andhra regions and hotspots are present in eastern Himalayas,
Pradesh state. They form the eastern flank of the Western Ghats and Andaman Islands.
Eastern Ghats. 4. (b) The red data book is contain only 8 lists of threatened
25. (a) Biodiversity is richer in tropical regions. Biodiversity plant and animal species.
is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Greater 5. (c) The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) an
biodiversity implies greater health. Biodiversity is autonomous body was established in 2003 to
in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002).
tropical regions are typically rich whereas Polar 6. (b) Bandipur National Park, a tiger reserve is located in
Regions support fewer species. the south Indian state of Karnataka.
26. (d) Namdapha National Park is located in Arunachal Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is
Pradesh. The climate of this area varies from tropical a National Park, UNESCO Natural World Heritage
to subtropical, temperate and arctic. It is tropical site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve
and subtropical in southern regions and arctic type and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. The Sundarban
found in northern part of the park. National Park is a National Park, Tiger Reserve,
Biodiversity EE-39

and a Biosphere Reserve in India. It is a part of building with a seating capacity of 125 persons.
the Sundarbans on the Ganges Delta of India and The 25-minute film shows what worst can happen if
Bangladesh. humans do not take action on current or impending
Bhitarkanika National Park is a national park problems which could threaten civilization. The
located in the Kendrapara District Odisha, which is film starts by giving a glimpse of future - floods,
not specifically for Tiger reserve. droughts, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
7. (a) Global Warming, fragmentation of habitat and 13. (c) To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot on Myers 2000
invasion of alien species can be threats to the bio- edition of the hotspot-map, a region must meet two
diversity of a geographical area. strict criteria: it must contain at least 0.5% or 1,500
8. (d) Biological diversity helps in the formation and species of vascular plants as endemics, and it has to
maintenance of soil structure and the retention of have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation.
moisture and nutrient levels. Trees on the other 14. (b) The Sumatran Rhino Crisis Summit opened with the
hand, lower the water table and remove deposited shocking news that rather than 130-190 Sumatran
salt from the upper soil horizons. rhinos as previously estimated, there are in fact
9. (b) A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region fewer than 100 individual animals.
with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is 15. (a) Except promotion of vegetarianism all other acts are
under threat from humans. Around the world, as threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area.
many as 25 areas qualify to be the hotspots. Out of 16. (b) The red data book contains only 8 lists of threatened
which India has 2 hotspots: Eastern Himalayas and plant and animal species.
Western Ghats. 17. (c) The fix boundary of national park is described in
10. (d) For conversion endangered species Wildlife Crime Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and the actual area
Control Bureau has been established for control of of the national park is notified by state government.
illegal trade in wildlife, including endangered species A biosphere reserve conserves an ecosystem and not
of birds and their parts and products. Research and just few specific species of plants and animals.
monitoring activities on birds are promoted by the 18. (c) A carbon credit is a generic term for any tradable
Government through reputed research organizations. certificate or permit representing the right to emit
Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History one tonne of carbon dioxide or the mass of another
society and Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology greenhouse gas with a carbon dioxide equivalent
and Natural History are some of the research (tCO2e) equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide.
organizations undertaking research on conservation 19. (d) National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) checks the
of birds. The Indian government has banned the biopiracy and protects the indigeneous and traditional
veterinary use of diclofenac drug that has caused genetic resources. It directly monitors and supervises
rapid decline in vulture population across the Indian the scientific research on genetic modification of
Subcontinent. Conservation Breeding Programmes crop plants application for intellectual property
to conserve these vulture species have been initiated Rights related to genetic biological resources cannot
at Pinjore (Haryana), Buxa (West Bengal) and Rani, be made without the approval of NBA.
Guwahati (Assam) by the Bombay Natural History 20. (c) To qualify as a hotspot, a region must
Society. meet two strict criteria: it must contain
11. (d) The Olive Ridley turtles are rusty coloured carapace at least 1,500 species of vascular plants
and have slightly smaller head and shell than the (> 0.5 percent of the world’s total) as endemics, and
Kemp turtles. These Olive Ridley turtles generally it has to have lost at least 70 percent of its original
occur through the Antilles, around the north coast of habitat. So we choose Species richness as well as
South America, in West Africa, the Indian Ocean, Endemism. Along with this Threat perception is
Australia and Southeast Asia. As per the reports necessary to take, because it makes the base of this
the populations of Olive Riddles have declined in concept. Adaptation of flora is an arbitrary option,
Pakistan, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand, and Ethno-botanical importance does nothing with the
possibly on the east coast of India, south of Orissa Biodiversity Hotspot selection criteria, vegetation
and in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Density is also discarded.
12. (b) First Climate Change theatre was opened at Pushpa 21. (d) Biological diversity helps in the formation and
Gujral Science City in Kapurthala, Punjab on 16 maintenance of soil structure and the retention of
January 2014. The theatre will educate people on moisture and nutrient levels. Biodiversity supports
climate change. This is the second theatre in the ecosystem services including air quality, climate
world to be opened after Canada. The theatre is 18 water purification, pollination, and prevention of
metre in diameter and it is set up in a dome-shaped erosion.
EE-40 Biodiversity

22. (a) Except promotion of vegetarianism all other acts are of bird populations. The program was developed
threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area. and sites are identified by BirdLife International.
23. (c) The fix boundary of national park is described in 30. (c) Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and the actual area is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and
of the national park is notified by state government. Pathanamthitta in Kerala.
A biosphere reserve conserves an ecosystem and not Kanha National Park is one of the tiger reserves
just few specific species of plants and animals. of India and the largest national park of Madhya
24. (a) Lion-tailed Macaques are found in the mountain Pradesh.
forests scattered across three Indian states stated The Sariska Tiger Reserve is an Indian national park
located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.
above. The lion-tailed Macaques are endangered as
Dachigam National Park is located in Jammu and
per IUCN.
Kashmir.
25. (a) Star tortoise is found in India in the dry and scrub
31. (b)
forests. Pygmy Hog is an endangered species found
32. (b) All statements are correct.
in Assam. Only 150 animals are left. Monitor
33. (b) The concept of biodiversity was propounded by E.O.
Lizard is found in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Wilson. The concept of wildlife was propounded
Spider Monkey is the inhabitant of tropical forests
by W. Hornaday. The concept of Ecosystem
of Central and South America. propounded by G. Tansley. The concept of Ecology
26. (c) Gharial is critically endangered according to IUCN. was propounded by E. Haeckel.
Overhunting for skin and trophies, habitat loss due 34. (a) Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is situated in Garo Hills
to construction of dams and barrages has been the in Meghalaya. Logtak Lake is in Manipur. Barail
reason for their decline. Leather back turtles are Range is in Assam. Though Namdapha National
endangered due to human carelessness. Swamp deer Park and Dafla Hill both are in Arunachal Pradesh,
occupies a place in the list of the endangered species the two are separate entities.
of the world. Deforestation, draining of swamps and 35. (c) Dampa Tiger Reserve, the largest wildlife sanctuary
marshes for farming has led to the destruction of in Mizoram. Saramati peak is in Nagaland. It is
their natural habitat. located near Tuensang town with a height of 3,826
27. (b) Common Myna are birds stalking alongside m. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is famous wildlife
the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their reserve in Tripura.
movement through grasses. The common myna is 36. (b)
readily identified by the brown body, black hooded 37. (d) 1. Manas- Asom
head and the bare yellow patch behind the eye. 2. Pachmarhi - Madhya Pradesh
28. (b) IUCN is not an organ of UN. It has observer and 3. Nokrek - Meghalaya
consultative status at the United Nations. 4. Achanakmar-Amarkantak- Chhattisgarh,
29. (c) BirdLife international is a global partnership of 38. (c) The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International
conservation organisations that strives to conserve Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri
birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. It is Hills ranges of South India. Manas Wildlife Sanctu-
working with people towards sustainability in the ary is situated in Assam and UNESCO Natural World
use of natural resources. It is the World’s largest Heritage site which is a Project Tiger Reserve.The
partnership of conservation organisations, with over Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve is situated in the
120 partner organizations. An Important Bird and Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh state.Simlipal
Biodiversity Area (IBA) is an area recognized as National Park is a national park and a tiger reserve
being globally important habitat for the conservation situated in the Indian state of Odisha.
 ENVIRONMENTAL 3
ISSUES Chapter

Introduction
Environmental issues are harmful effects of human activity on the biophysical environment. Environmentalism, a social and
environmental movement, addresses environmental issues through advocacy, education and activism.
Our environment is constantly changing, which no one can deny. With these great environment changes, it becomes highly
important for us to become increasingly aware of the environmental problems as well. With a monumental inundation of natural
disasters, warming and cooling periods, different types of weather forms and much more, people should be aware of what types
of environmental problems our Earth is facing.
Our planet is on the verge of a severe environmental crisis. Current environmental problems make us susceptible to disasters and
tragedies, now as well as in the future. We are in a phase of planetary emergency, with environmental problems blooming around
us. Unless we address the various issues proactively and sincerely we are surely going to be wrecked with these disasters. All the
current environmental problems need urgent attention.

DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND ITS EFFECT ON CLIMATE

Environmental issues are increasing day by day and it has a •• Earth’s temperature will rise by 1-30°C in next few
very adverse effect on climate. Some of the Environmental decades, leading to extreme weather changes (heat waves,
issues are discussed below: hurricanes and severe winters), changes in ocean currents
and marine life. The largest glacier chain in the tropics
Global Warming is melting fast because of rising temperatures and peaks
are turning brown. This trend is endangering future water
Climate changes like global warming are the result of human supplies. Glaciers serve agriculture, hydel plants and feed
practices like emission of Greenhouse gases. Global warming rivers that supply water to the sprawling cities and shanty
leads to rising temperatures of the oceans and the earth’s towns on Peru’s bone-dry Pacific coast. Quelccaya, in
surface causing melting of polar ice caps, rise in sea levels and southern Peru, the world’s largest tropical ice-cap, is
also unnatural patterns of precipitation such as flash floods, retreating at about 200 feet per year, up from 20 feet
excessive snow or desertification. per year in the 1960s. Lonnie Thompson, a leading
glacier expert of Ohio State University, monitoring
Effects of Global Warming glacier retreat on the Andes, Himalayas and Kilimanjaro,
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that the rate of ice loss in glaciers all over the world
was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological is actually accelerating.
Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment •• If CO2 concentration doubles, Earth’s temperature may
Programme (UNEP) in recognition of the problem of global rise by 50°C. Coastal areas will see a rise in water levels
warming. IPCC has estimated the following effects of global by 0.5 - 5.0 feet due to melting of mountain glaciers,
warming: polar ice-caps, etc.
EE-42 Environmental Issues

•• Islands like Maldives would get submerged. In 1999, two Greenhouse Gases
uninhabited islands in the South Pacific (Tebua Tarawa
A greenhouse gas (GHG) is a gas in an atmosphere that
and Abanuea) were submerged by rising sea levels, and
absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range.
two neighboring inhabited islands (Kiribati and Tuvalu)
This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect.
are on the brink of submersion as well.
The primary greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere are water
•• The biggest glacier in the Peruvian Andes was retreating
vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and
by 5 meters per year some 20 years ago; today it is
chlorofluorocarbons.
shrinking by 33 meters per year. The second largest
glacier on Earth, the Greenland ice sheet, is thinning at •• Water vapour contributes to 36-72% of Greenhouse
an unprecedented rate of one meter each year. effect.
•• The Arctic Sea ice has thinned by 40% in the last two •• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) arises from burning fossil fuels
decades, while Mount Everest is losing height at the rate and as a result of deforestation. It contributes to 9-26%
of 1.5 meters per year. of Greenhouse effect. It is the primary greenhouse gas
As global warming’s, terrifying threat increases, our planet’s emitted through human activities.
nations come together at the paries climate conference (2015) •• Methane (CH4), also called “Marsh gas”, arises from
to fight for our future. rice paddies, wetlands, enteric fermentation in cattle,
In the wake of the paries conference America must lead the burning of wood, and landfills. It is responsible for about
fight against global warming. We need to embrace clean 4-9% of Greenhouse effect.
energy and leave our dirty fossil fuels in the ground. •• Nitrous Oxide (NO2) contributes (5%) which arises
Here are five key steps president Obama and other U.S. leaders from coal burning, biomass burning, and breakdown of
should take to protect our planet. chemical fertilizers.
(i) Suppost a just, ambitions and binding international •• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and their replacements
climate treaty: (15%) are 1000 times more heat absorbent than carbon
Under the paris framework and beyond, the U.S. should dioxide. They reach the atmosphere from refrigeration
back efforts to end fossil fuel use in developed nations by and air conditioning, aerosol sprays, and foam packaging
2050. industry.
(ii) Strengthen the clean power plan: •• Ozone contributes to 3-7% of Greenhouse effect. The
The U.S. needs to move rapidly away from all fossil fuels largest net source of tropospheric ozone is influx from the
and toward wildlife-friendly sources of clean energy. stratosphere. Large amounts of ozone are also produced in
(iii) Cut pollution from airoplanes and other unregulated the troposphere by photochemical reactions, the amounts
sources: increasing with high levels of air pollution.
The Environmental protection Agency acknowledges that Unfortunately, recent human activities such as burning fossil
airoplane pollution endangers our climate. fuels to run automobiles, heat homes and businesses, and power
(iv) Halt new fossil fuel development in America’s oceans factories are causing increased concentrations of greenhouse
and on our public lands: gases, thereby resulting in more heat being trapped. The
Ending new fossil fuel leasing on public lands and offshore planet is losing less heat and, as a result we are beginning to
areas controlled by the U.S. would keep upto 450 billion experience Global Warming.
tons of green house gases from polluting the atmosphere, Estimates indicate there has been a 25% increase in CO2,
according, to a recent analysis prepared for the centre by concentration in the last 100 years and this is expected to double
scientists at Ecoshift.
in the next 50 years, e.g. Brazil alone contributes billions of
(v) Crack down on fossil fuel exports and transport tons of CO2, every year due to deforestation.
We must halt the dangerous push to send America’s dirty 20% GREEN HOUSE EFFECT 15% GREEN HOUSE EFFECT
fossil fuels abroad.
CHLORO-FLUORO-CARBON (CFC)
(METHANE (CH4) (1000 times more heat absorbent
Green House Effect (Marsh Gas) than (CO2)
Arises from:
1. Paddy fields,
1. Refrigeration
The Earth gets energy from the sun in the form of sunlight. 2. Wet lands,
2. Air Conditioning
3. Burning of wood,
The Earth’s surface absorbs some of this energy and heats up. 4. Land Fills,
3. Aerosol sprays
That’s why the surface of a road can feel hot even after the sun 5. Water locked land
4. Foam packaging

has gone down because it has absorbed a lot of energy from

60% GREEN HOUSE EFFECT 5% GREEN HOUSE EFFECT
the sun. The Earth cools down by giving off a different form of CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) NITRONS OXIDE (NO2)
energy, called infrared radiation. But before all this radiation
can escape to outer space, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere Arises from:
1. Burning of coal
absorb some of it, which makes the atmosphere warmer. As the 1. Burning
2. Burning of Bio mass
fossil fuels
atmosphere gets warmer, it makes the Earth’s surface warmer, 2. Deforestation 3. Fertilizers
too. Without this Greenhouse effect the Earth would be at least Green House Gases
30 degrees cooler, in which life would not exist. (GHG)
Environmental Issues EE-43

Ozone depletion (iv) Fires

(v) Mining
Ozone (O3) is a gas found throughout the atmosphere, but
(vi) urbanization/Industrialization and Infra-structure.
most highly concentrated in the stratosphere, between 10 and
50 km above the sea level, where it is known as the “Ozone (vii) Air Pollution
layer”. (viii) Wars and role of military
•• This Ozone layer forms a protective shield for the earth (ix) Tourism
from the harmful ultra-violet radiation from outer space, (x) Over population and poverty
particularly UV-B rays which affects DNA molecules, (xi) land rights, land tenure and inequitable land distribution
causing damage to the outer surface of plants and animals resources
and also marine life. In humans it causes skin cancer, eye (xii) Economic, i.e. development/land conversion value, fiscal
cataracts and is a general immuno-suppressant. policies, etc.
•• “Ozone Holes” were first discovered over Antarctica by (xiii) Under valuing the forest
the British Antarctica Survey in 1983. Levels of ozone (xiv) Corruption and political cause
are dropping very fast, resulting in parts of the layer
becoming thin and ‘holes’ developing because only a Effects of
small percentage of O, gets naturally replenished every Deforestation
year.
•• In 1974, Mario Molina and Sherwood Roland of the
University of California discovered that a group of Loss of Loss of Reduced
Loss of Soil
synthetic chemical substances known as CFCs and HCFCs traditional forest absorption
species Erosion
destroy ozone in the stratosphere. These chemicals are culture products CO2
inert, non-flammable, non-toxic, and lighter than air and
can remain intact for years. They contain Chlorine and Desertification
Fluorine, common being CFC-ll, CFC-12, CFC-22 and
CFC- 13.
Floods
•• ‘Halons’ containing ‘Bromine’ and used in the fire-
fighting industry, are 100 times more potent than CFCs. Fuelwood Global
CFCs are commonly used in Air-conditioners and the Landslides scarcity Warming
Refrigeration industry (Freon gas), aerosol propellants (in
perfumes and deodorants), in the foam packaging industry Strategies to reduce deforestation
(Styropor, Thermocol) and as solvents for greases and Strategies to reduce deforestation should be a combination of
glues. pro-active role of national, state, municipalities, civil societies
•• Compounds like Carbon Tetrachloride and Methyl and private sector in the following ways-
Chloroform are also found to release Chlorine (Halogens) (i) Reducing Population growth
which ultimately destroy the stratospheric Ozone.
(ii) Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest
•• Du Pont (USA) and ICI (UK) have developed certain degradation
substitutes like HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) and HCFC
(iii) Increase the area and standard of management of protected
(Hydro-Chloro-Fluoro Carbon), e.g. HCFC-123 which
contain less Chlorine than CFC, but these are not areas
effective, permanent solutions. (iv) Increase the area of forest reserved for timber production
•• Cheaper alternatives for refrigeration being developed are (v) launch the mass awareness programme regarding value of
Propane and Ammonia as coolants, which are completely forest.
environment friendly. (vi) Encouraging substitutes
Deforestation (vii) Increase area of forest plantation
(viii) Government initiatives through policies and action-plan
The process of clearance of forest by burning or logging is
(ix) Participatory forest management and rights
called deforestation. The main reasons for deforestation
are trees or derived charcoal are used as, or sold, for fuel (x) Increase investment in research, education and extension
or as a commodity, while cleared land is used as grassland (xi) Improve the information base and monitoring
for livestock, plantations of commodities, and settlements.
Deforested areas usually sustain extensive adverse soil erosion Air Pollution
and regularly damage into wasteland.
The main issue among environmentalists and researchers
Causes of deforestation
especially in developed countries is air pollution.
There are numerous causes of deforestation such as
(i) Expansion of farming land •• The main pollutants of air pollution are particulate matter,
(ii) Logging and fuel wood PAHs, lead, ground-level ozone, heavy metals, Sulphur
(iii) Overgrazing dioxide, benzene, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
EE-44 Environmental Issues

•• Air pollution is also responsible for climate change due to Effects

the higher greenhouse effect, acid rain, and the depletion •• There is mounting evidence that our whole planet is
of the ozone layer that constitute important global affected by pollution. The South Pole seems fairly clean
environmental problems. because 90 % of earth’s population lives in northern
•• Air pollution is the main reason of ill health and death by hemisphere. Yet in 1985 scientists detected a major hole
natural and man-made sources. in protective ozone screen over Antarctica.
•• Tobacco smoke, house cleaning items, insecticides •• The North Pole, on the other hand, resembles a cool town.
industries, automobiles, power generation, combustion In winter when the Arctic is tilted into long nights and the
of solid fuels for cooking, poor maintenance of cars and sun cannot generate cleansing winds and precipitation, the
other automobile, etc. are the main cause of air pollution. largest single mass of pollution sits atop the globe like
•• Air pollution can be of two types: indoor and outdoor. a dirty cap composed of mixture of gases and particles,
•• Indoor air pollution is restricted to buildings only. It is the sulphates and soot.
amount of chemical, biological and physical contaminants •• Tracing pollutants has become a vital necessity as air
in the air inside a building. Building materials, central currents do not respect political boundaries. Many
heating and cooling devices, painting colours, stoves, countries are blaming their neighbors for polluting their
gas heater, and tobacco smoke, etc. are the examples of air space. Air pollutants weaken the trees and then they
indoor air pollution. are killed by drought and pathogens. Trees weakened
by climatic variations are finished off by air pollution.
•• Release of several air pollutants into the atmosphere which
Perhaps the most controversial issue of the decade is acid
causes severe threat to living organisms or upsetting
rain. We are trying to understand the full effects on an
the functioning of environment is called outdoor air atmosphere acidified by burning fossil fuel.
pollution.
For millions of years the ingredients of such substances have
Contributors of Pollutants been cycling through the ecosystem, constantly changing their
form. They pass in animal and plant tissues, sink in sea, return
•• There are natural pollutants of air like animal decay. to the earth and are vaulted aloft in some geologic event to
•• Volcanic eruptions release more sulphur fumes than all begin the cycle again. An atom of oxygen completes this cycle
power plants and all industries in the world. generally once in 2000 years. We are in the midst of a chemical
•• Lightning bolts create nitrogen oxides just as automobiles revolution in which some 65,000 commercial compounds enter
and industrial furnaces do. our environment each year. Some are proven carcinogens. A
•• Trees emit hydrocarbons called terpenes causing bluish modern city suffers from many air pollutants which form a
haze. complex mixture of smog.
Pollutants and their Effects
Sr.
Pollutant Origin Effect
No.
1. Arsenic (As) Coal, oil furnaces, glass factories Lung and skin cancer
2. Benzene (C6H6) Refineries, motor vehicles Leukemia
3. Cadmium (Cd) Smelters, coals, oil furnaces Damage to lung, kidney, bones
4. Chlorine (Cl) Chemical Industries, volcanic activities Causes irritation
5. Carbon monoxide (CO) Motor vehicles, smelters, coal steel plants Starves body of oxygen, damages heart
6. Fluoride (F) Smelters, steel plants Mottles teeth in children
7. Hydrocarbons Unburnt gasolene fumes, motor vehicles Combines with nitrogen oxides in sunlight to
form smog, causes irritation in eyes and nose
8. Formaldehyde (HCHO) Chemical plants Allergenic, carcinogenic, headaches, burning
sensation in the throat, and can aggravate
asthma symptoms
9. HCl (Hydrogen chloride) Incinerators Irritates eyes and lungs
10. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) Fertilizer plants Smelters Irritates skin, eyes, mucous membrane
11. Mercury (Hg) Coal, smelters oil furnaces Tremors, nerve troubles
12. Nitric acid (HNO3) Formed from NO2 causes acid rain Respiratory diseases
13. Nitrous acid (HNO3) Formed from NO2 and water vapour Respiratory disease
14. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) Refineries, Pulp mills Nausea, irritates eyes
15. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) Formed from SO2 in sunlight with Respiratory diseases hydroxyl ions
16. Manganese (Mn) Steel and sulphur dioxide power plants Parkinson’s diseases
17. Nickel (Ni) Smelters, coal, oil Lung Cancer furnaces
18. Nitric Oxide (NO) Motor Vehicles, coal, oil furnaces Oxidizes to NO2
Environmental Issues EE-45

19. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Formed in Sunlight from NO Bronchitis Loss of resistance to influenza
forms Ozone
20. Ozone (O3) Ground level ozone formed from nitrogen Asthma, irritates eyes sunlight from nitrogen
oxides (NOx) and volatile organic oxides and hydrocarbons
compounds (VOCs)
21. Lead (Pb) Motor vehicles, high smelters Brain damage
22. Silicon Tetra fluoride (SiF4) Chemical plants Lung diseases
23. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Smelters Coal, Oil furnaces Irritates eyes, breathing problems
Prevention of air pollution Diseases caused by Water Pollution
Air pollution can be reduced with the help of- The most common water pollution diseases involve digestive
(i) using smokeless sources of energy like smokeless stoves, system and infections diseases, it may cause many others
biogas, solar and wind energy like-
(ii) using devices for filtering smoke in chimneys of factories
(a) Infections diseases caused by pathogens from animal fecal
and power houses
origins involving :- Typhoid, Giardiasis, Amoebiasis,
(iii) Planting more trees
Ascariasis, Hookworm
(iv) Locating industries away from residential areas
(v) Strictly checking pollution levels in automobiles exhaust (b) Diseases caused by polluted beach water :- Gastroenteritis,
emission. Diarrhea, Encephalitis stomach craps and aches, vomiting,
Hepatites, Respiratory infections
Water Pollution (c) Liver damage and cancer caused by chlorinated solvents,
MTBE.
•• Water pollution is a kind of pollution which involves the
contamination of water sources or bodies on which several (d) Kidney damage caused by a series of chemicals found in
aquatic animals depends on for their life support. contaminated water.
•• Polluted water comprises of Industrial discharged wastes, (e) Neurological problems due to pesticides (eg. DDT)
sewage water, and rain water pollution. (f) Reproductive and endocrine damage
•• Quality of soil and vegetation is affected by the polluted (g) Bathing in polluted water causes rashes, ear aches and
water. Pollutants in water comprise a extensive kind of
pink eyes.
chemicals, pathogens, and physical chemistry or sensory
changes. Many of the chemical substances are toxic or Water Pollution treatment
even dangerous.
•• Pathogens can produce water borne disease in humans
Industrial
and animals.
treatement
•• Polluted water is discharged in water polluting the aquatic
flora and fauna.
•• Washing clothes near lakes and rivers is one of the reason
of water pollution since, detergents cause a condition called
“Eutrophication” which blocks sunlight from entering
inside that water body thus reducing oxygen standards in
the water and causing an inhabitable environment.

Types of Water Pollution based on causes &

pollutants Water can be treated by many ways, i.e. denitrification,
industrial treatment, Septic tank and Ozone waste water
treatment. Raw sewage should be treated in water treatment
plant before releasing it in environment. In water treatment
plant sewage goes through many chambers and chemical
processes which reduce its toxicity. Denitrification is an
ecological method to prevent the discharge of nitrates in soil,
and stops ground water pollution with nutrients. Septic tanks
treat sewage at the place where it is located and used to treat
sewage from an individual building. Untreated sewage from
a property streams into the septic tank and the solids are
separated from the liquid. Breaking of pollutants into water
sources is done by ozone generator. By using Ultraviolet
radiation and Electric discharge field oxygen is converted into
s
ozone by the generators.
EE-46 Environmental Issues

BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) Effects of sound pollution

BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), also often referred to Health and behaviour of humans are disturbed by the noise
as biological oxygen demand, is a test performed to measure pollution. Unwanted sounds can damage physiological and
the potential of wastewater and other waters to deplete the
psychological health. Sound pollution can cause annoyance and
oxygen level of receiving waters. In other words, the BOD test
aggression, hypertension, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing
is performed to determine what effect dirty water, containing
loss, sleep disturbances, and other harmful effects. Due to
bacteria and organic materials, will have on animal and plant life
when released into a stream or lake. When there is an abundance increase in sound level there can be lack of concentration at
of bacteria and organic materials, the bacteria will take in oxygen work which can lead to low productivity and performance.
in order to breakdown these molecules. If bacteria are taking in High sound levels can increase in cardiovascular effects in
large amounts of oxygen, this will have a detrimental effect on humans which is very dangerous for health.
the surrounding ecosystem. On the contrary, when there are low
levels of organic waste in the water, there are fewer bacteria
present, the BOD will be lower and the dissolved oxygen levels
higher. In wastewater treatment plants, they often calculate the
percentage removal of BOD to determine the efficiency of the
treatment process. For this reason, BOD is sometimes referred
to as a water contaminant.
A BOD level of 1-2 ppm is considered very good. There
will not be much organic waste present in the water supply.
A water supply with a BOD level of 3-5 ppm is considered
moderately clean. In water with a BOD level of 6-9 ppm, the
water is considered somewhat polluted because there is usually
organic matter present and bacteria are decomposing this
waste. At BOD levels of 100 ppm or greater, the water supply
is considered very polluted with organic waste.
A pH of 6.5 to 8.2 is optimal for most organisms. Rapidly
growing algae or submerged aquatic vegetation remove CO2
from the water during photosynthesis, significantly increasing
pH levels. pH levels > 9.0 begin to be harmful to salmonids
(trout) and perch. Rainwater naturally has a pH of 5.5; pH Central Government’s Regulation & Control
< 5.5 is harmful to freshwater shrimp, snails, and clams; of Noise Pollution
metals normally trapped in sediments may be released into the These regulations are meant for the following :
acidified water. (i) Implementation of noise standards in different zones/
Acidic < 6.5 pH Basic > 7.5 pH areas.
(ii) Restrict the use of loud-speakers.
Sound Pollution (iii) Restrict the over-usage of horns , sound creating
Unwanted sounds created by humans, animals and machines equipments for construction and fire-crackers.
which disturbs the environment and humans is called as sound (iv) Allotting responsibility to state pollution control boards
pollution. The word noise comes from the Latin word nausea and central pollution control board to provide data about
meaning seasickness. the noise pollution, so that measures may be taken to
control noise pollution.
Sources of Sound
The main source of noise is transportation system including Agro-chemicals & Its effect
rail noise, aircraft noise and vehicle noise. People leaving near
factories experience sound pollution because of the unwanted Agro chemicals are developed by the use of modern technology
sounds coming from factories. Other sources of sound that depends on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Excess use
pollution are car alarms, emergency service sirens, office of these fertilizers can lead to immediate harmful effect or
equipment, factory machinery, construction work, grounds can also be long lasting. Although many benefits are there by
keeping equipment, barking of dogs, appliances, power tools, the use of agro chemicals which are related to increase yield
lighting hum, audio entertainment systems, loudspeakers, and of plants and animal crops and less wastage during storing.
noisy people. Use of loudspeakers for political purposes and These profits are substantial. In combination with genetically
other purposes is also the cause of sound pollution. enhanced varieties of crop species, agrochemicals have made
significant contributions to the accomplishments of the “green
Measurement of sound revolution.” However there are certain environmental and
Sound pollution is measured in decibels.Humans can’t sleep at ecological damages also related to the use of agro chemicals.
45 decibels; hearing begins to damage in 85 decibels and pain For example excess use of fertilizers can contaminate the ground
in ears start at 120 decibels. water with nitrate, making it unfit for the consumption of humans
Environmental Issues EE-47

and livestock. If there is large concentration of nitrogen in water in 1872 by Robert Angus Smith, after a link was established
it can poison animals by immobilizing some hemoglobin in blood between sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the burning of
and hence reducing the ability to transport oxygen. However if coal in Manchester and acidification of nearby rainfall. Rainfall
the fertilizers are in the water such as streams, lakes, etc. can with pH less than 5.6 is called Acid rain.
cause an increased productivity of those aquatic ecosystems, a
problem known as eutrophication. Due to eutrophication there Sources of Acid Rain
can be excessive growth of algae, wide mortality of fish and •• Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that starts when
other aquatic animals and a bad taste of water. sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the
There can be many environmental problems due to the use of air.
pesticides. As we all know that pesticides are used to reduce •• These compounds can rise very high into the atmosphere,
the abundance of species of pets. But while using pesticides where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other
humans also come in contact with them which are harmful chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, called as acid
to them. When the entire fields are spayed with pesticides by rain. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are highly soluble
the use of tractor or airplane or helicopter many non-targeted in water and can be carried very far by the wind.
organisms come in contact with the pesticides. This happens •• Consequently, the two compounds can travel long
on the treated site, and also on nearby off-sites as a result of distances where they become part of the rain, sleet, snow,
“drift” of the sprayed agrochemical. These non-target contacts and fog that humans experience on specific days.
cause several unnecessary poisonings and deaths of organisms •• Though there are few natural causes also for acid rain, but
that are not agricultural pests. still human activities are considered to be the main cause
There is a global contamination of environment with pesticides of acid rain.
such as DDT, Dieldrin, and Aldrin.This contamination
•• During last few decades, human beings have released
includes the extensive presence of pesticide residues in almost
various chemicals into the air, which has altogether
all wildlife, well water, food, and even in humans. Residues
changed the composition of gases in the atmosphere.
of some of the chemicals used in animal husbandry are also
Power plants release huge amount of sulfur dioxide and
thought by some people to be a problem, for example, when
nitrogen oxides when they burn fossil fuels, like coal, to
traces of antibiotics and bovine growth hormones arise in
produce electricity. Additionally, the exhaust from light
consumer products such as meat or milk.
and heavy vehicles releases nitrogen oxides and sulfur
The worst examples of the use of pesticides are the use of DDT. dioxide into the air. These pollutants are the main cause
Modern use of pesticides includes the use of pesticides that are of acid rain.
less persistent than DDT and related chlorinated hydrocarbon.
However humans are also at the risk of the use of some Effects of Acid Rain
pesticides. There are about almost one million pesticides •• Acid rain leads to acidification of water bodies such as
poisoning all over the world with nearly 20,000 fatalities. lakes and streams. It contributes to the damage of trees
About one-half of the human poisonings happen in poorer, at high elevations (e.g. red spruce trees at the height of
less-developed countries, even though these places account for 2,000 feet and above) and many sensitive forest soils.
only 20% of the world’s use of pesticides. This is due to the
•• Additionally, acid rain stimulates the decay of building
illiteracy in these countries and to negligent enforcement of
materials and paints. Before reaching the earth, sulfur
regulations about the use of pesticides.
dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases and their particulate
Example of the damage cause by the pesticides to humans matter derivatives (sulfates and nitrates) lead to visibility
includes Bhopal tragedy in India which occurred in 1984, in degradation and harm people health.
the area of a factory that was manufacturing an agricultural
•• Acid rain has been held responsible for ruining the marble
insecticide. In that case, there was an accidental discharge of
walls and pillars of one of the Seven Wonders of the
about 45 tons (40 tonnes) of deadly methyl isocyanate vapor
World, Taj Mahal in India.
to the atmosphere. This agrochemical-related emission caused
the deaths of about 3,000 people, and more than 20,000 others •• Acid rain reacts with calcium to form calcium bicarbonate,
were seriously injured. which can be easily washed away.
Researchers are continuously searching for non-chemical means •• St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the Statue of Liberty
of dealing with several of these agricultural requirements. in New York are known to be few victims of acid rain.
Organic methods are been invented in enhancing the soil As the concentration of Sulphur dioxide is increasing in
fertility and dealing with pests. Therefore, modern agricultural the air of Delhi, there may be a danger of corrosion of
industries will continue to depend on heavily on the use of the Red Fort and similar other historical buildings and
agrochemicals to achieve their problems of fertility, soil monuments made up of stones.
quality, and pests. •• In Calcutta also, architectures such as the marble-built
Victoria Memorial Hall may be in similar danger in the
Acid Rain near future.

Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is Measures to control Acid Rain
unusually acidic, meaning that it possesses elevated levels of Some of the major procedures that must be followed to control
hydrogen ions (low pH). The term “acid rain” was coined acid rain are as follows:
EE-48 Environmental Issues

•• Reduce amount of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen •• EFFLUENT WASTES: Domestic as well as industrial
released into the atmosphere. effluents that contaminate river water if allowed to flow
•• Use cleaners fuels unchecked.
•• Flue (waste) gas desulphurisation (FGD) •• CITY WASTES: All the waste resulting from the
•• Use other sources of electricity (i.e. nuclear power, maintenance of streets, roads, parks, and schools, paper,
hydro-electricity, wind energy, geothermal energy, and dry leaves, animal wastes, sludge, carcasses of small
solar energy). animals and slaughter house wastes. The responsibility
•• Reduce the effects of Acid Rain by liming the soil and water. of the solid waste management department is only to look
after the disposal of domestic wastes, city wastes and the
Solid Waste Management domestic sewage.

Solid waste management is one of the major challenges faced Method of Collection
by many countries around the globe. Inadequate collection, The 90% of the refuse is collected from refuse bins and 10%
recycling or treatment and uncontrolled disposal of waste in
of the refuse is collected by house to house collection method,
dumps can lead to severe hazards, such as health risks and
environmental pollution. as described below.
No other pollutant is discussed about more vociferously among •• Refuse storage: which may sometimes require delivery of
environmentalists, politicians and the people at large than the refuse by the householder over a considerable distance.
garbage which is the bulky plastic and refuse heap variety trash •• Where the householder delivers the refuse to the vehicle
that accumulates in different corners of the cities. These piles at the time of collection.
are quite often taller than the city halls. What we throw away •• Door-to-door collection, where the collector enters the
is the closest we come to the pollution problem as we rarely see
premises and collects the refuse and the householder is
the acid rain or spot those CFCs.
not involved in the collection process.
The growing accumulation of garbage reduces the land values,
increases truck traffic, and ruins health, aesthetics and the
necessities of life - the air we breathe and the water we drink. Radioactive Waste Management
Radioactive waste which arises from civil nuclear activities as
Sources well as from defense related nuclear weapon activities, poses a
Solid waste refers to the non-liquid waste materials arising terrible problem for handling and keeping the environment to
from domestic (garbage debris and night soil) activities, trade be safe to the present and future generations. The techniques
and commercial activities (hazardous and non-hazardous) used emphasizes on waste minimization and volume reduction.
industrial activities, agricultural activities, mining and public Nuclear waste is categorized into high, intermediate and low
services (office and hospital wastes). levels depending on the level of radioactivity in it.
Effects Spent fuel is stored for long time to reduce the level of
radioactivity in it and then reprocessed at reprocessing plants
It may be emphasized that unsanitary disposal and utilization
for gathering fissile elements. The generation of high level
of wastes result in high incidence of illness and death from
faecal borne diseases. The faecal borne diseases are bacillary waste is at reprocessing plants. The amount of this waste in our
dysentery, typhoid fever and enteritis. Therefore, it is necessary country is much lesser due to our adoption of the closed fuel
to provide adequate and sanitary measures of disposal of cycle. High level waste produced from the reprocessing plant is
wastes. vitrified into a glassy form, enclosed in multiple barrier vessels
and stored for a temporary period of three to four decades
Types of Wastes in engineered vaults with essential observation services. After
Urban wastes are discarded as organic and inorganic substances cooling down in these storage facilities, waste vessels will be
in the form of solid, semi-solid, liquid and gases, which are stored for long term in deep geological repositories.
residues or derivatives of human, vegetable material and Reprocessing and Waste Management plants are currently
industry. These wastes are broadly classified into the following being operated by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
categories:
•• HOUSEHOLD WASTES: Waste generated in the Harmful Effects
preparation and consumption of food, human excreta, Radioactive wastes have the harmful effects in the following
generally termed as garbage. ways:
•• COMMERCIAL WASTES: These wastes include a (i) Pollutes the earth to a dangerous level of toxicity.
high proportion of paper, cardboards and plastics. They
(ii) Are absorbed in water and then enter in living beings
result from activities in office buildings, stores, markets,
theatres, hospitals, and restaurants. through food chains.
•• INDUSTRIAL WASTES: Wastes due to different types (iii) Emit harmful radiations which damage cells, tissues and
of production activities. This category of waste, contains, Red blood corpuscles (RBC).
hazardous wastes that are harmful to human beings and (iv) Can cause cancer, leukemia, etc.
hence should be stored and treated separately. (v) Are threats for aquatic life.
Environmental Issues EE-49

Control Measures for Radioactive wastes Heavy-Metal Pollution from Plastics

With respect to control of the materials composition radioactive Lead and cadmium compounds are added as stabilizers in PVC.
waste can be grouped into: Manufacturing these chemicals are used in the manufacture of
(i) The treatment and packaging has to be performed soft plastic items such as vinyl flooring sheets, soft toys, etc. to
according to a qualified process. increase their durability. Lead and cadmium can leach out during
(ii) Conditioned waste products being qualified with respect human contact, or when disposed in land-fills. Incineration of
to the radiological requirements. such rejected plastic items produces ash with high heavy metal
(iii) Legacy waste products need to be qualified by sport content. Use of lead compounds in the manufacturing process
checking according to composition requirements. can be a potential hazard to workers in the PVC industry.
Lead and cadmium are known neurotoxins and nephrotoxins
Plastic Waste Management respectively. Neurotoxins damage the nervous system, whereas
nephrotoxins affect the kidneys. Strict adherence to process
Plastics have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. controls in industry, and quality control of products can greatly
Invented in 1935, they are wonderful products of polymer reduce the risk of heavy-metal pollution.
chemistry produced from the by- products of petroleum
refining. They are classified as into two main categories: Nature of Plastics
•• Thermoplastics: They are substances that become plastic Articles made of plastics are environment friendly if properly
on heating. A plastic material can be repeatedly melted or used and handled. Plastics are non-biodegradable because
softened by heat without change of properties. This property of their chemical structure. They cannot be bio-chemically
makes it possible to recycle the used plastic articles. decomposed by the microbes and as such, there is no threat
•• Thermosetting plastics: Plastics that have once been of pollution. Being non-biodegradable they become virtually
subjected to heat and pressure, lose their plasticity. inert materials and remain in the environment for very long
periods. They obstruct the natural and man-made activities in
Environmental aspects of Plastic Manufacturing a physical way and do not easily participate in any reactions.
All the varieties of plastics are manufactured from petrochemical These activities can be avoided by little care and common
based hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons, and the plastic sense while discarding used plastics. That proves the fact that
manufacturing processes involved possess environmentally plastic, an ‘environment friendly’ product has been made an
critical characteristics. enemy by the callousness of humans. It is the misuse or abuse
The raw materials and intermediate products used in the of plastic that is creating problems and not the plastics that are
manufacture of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - Ethylene, Chlorine, derived from the depths of Mother Earth.
Hydrogen chloride, Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM), and The importance of plastic should be seen in their utility some of
Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) — are known hazardous materials. their uses and contributions to the environment are presented
Additives, fillers, and coloring pigments used in plastic goods below.
can also exhibit hazardous properties.
Use Negative effects of not using plastics, and
Environmental issues using other materials
•• Escape of gaseous hydrocarbons, chlorine, and hydrogen
chloride gas into the atmosphere. (i) Carry bags and packing amount environment
•• Waste-water from the processes and wash-waters can carry If paper is used in place of plastic, a great amount of biomass
pollutants. has to be extracted either from Natural forests or commercial
•• Dioxins can be liberated due to mishaps in the process. wood plantations for paper-making. In any case either
•• Most significant health and safety issue in the manufacture environment loses greenery. Instead, the nutrients circulated
of PVC is the exposure of plant operators to Vinyl these plants and trees could be used for producing food. Further,
Chloride Monomer (VCM). In earlier days over exposure manufacturing of paper in pulp and paper mills produces large
of workers to high concentrations of VCM was found to quantities of highly polluting waste-waters, which are difficult
increase the risk of angiosar-coma of the liver — a rare and expensive to treat and clean of their pollution effects. If
cancer of the blood vessels of the liver. Exposure levels discharged without treatment they pose an equally big threat as
are now monitored and controlled; fugitive emissions are that of unscientific discarding of plastics to the environment.
avoided by good house-keeping in the plastic industry, (ii) Food packaging using plastics
greatly reducing the VCM-related health problems.
Milk Supply: In earlier days milk supplied in glass bottles
•• Fire hazards in plastic industry and in godowns storing plastic
which involved Jobs, like supply the milk and then next day,
goods release toxic dioxins. PVC being a very widely used
to collect and transport back empty bottles to the dairy plant.
plastic in electrical cable insulation, and building construction
Thus the glass bottles were adding to transportation cost and
has a high fire risk, one particular advantage of PVC is that
transport related air pollution problems. Now more milk can
it does not itself burn, but is charred by the heat of a fire. If
be transported per truck in plastic sachets whereas glass bottles
there are no other fuels present; it will self-extinguish. This
is one of the strengths of PVC in the electrical cabling and used to occupy large space as they were bulky and heavy.
building construction industry. Loading and unloading of milk bottles and empty bottles was
EE-50 Environmental Issues

also difficult, and required more labour. Elaborate washing of Problems Arising from Indiscriminate
milk bottles for refilling was another big job. Bottle washing Discarding of used Plastics, particularly
was consuming large quantity of scarce fresh water releasing
highly polluted wastewater adding to water treatment costs. Carry Bags
If discharged without treatment wastes create severe pollution Thin plastic carry bags are found strewn everywhere on
problems including odour. Use of plastic sachets for milk land, water bodies and in drains. They have become a main
transportation has eliminated these problems. Earlier dairies component of municipal solid waste. Being non-biodegradable,
used to receive complaints of milk getting spoiled due to they stay in the environment for very long periods. Several ill
improper washing of bottles, which does not happen with effects of these plastic items have been recognized:
plastic sachets. Food packaging: food ingredients, precooked •• They choke storm water drains, often causing overflow of
and ready to cook and use foods are widely available in the storm water on roads.
market and are popular in cities. Plastics are the mainstay of •• Some people have a callous attitude of dumping solid
the packaged food industry. wastes including plastic carry bags into the sewer system
with utter disregard to the consequences. This happens
(iii) Drinking water suppliedin plastic bottle when manhole covers are missing, extending an invitation
Drinking water outside the home was a big menace earlier. for people to dump the garbage into them. The obvious
It is a recognized fact that drinking contaminated or unsafe water effect is the choking of sewers.
is a major cause for spread of contagious diseases. •• It is a common scene to sight floating plastic bags of
Though expensive, packaged water bottles have reduced the various colours in vicinity of towns, preventing the entry
risk of contamination. of sunlight into the water, thus hindering, photosynthesis
process, which is a source of oxygen supply for the fish
(iv) In the field of medicine and health services life. Direct transfer of molecular oxygen into water is
Before the advent of plastic injection syringes and needles, also affected. Another aspect of inadequate presence of
glucose bottles and many other glass appliances had to be dissolved oxygen in such water bodies is the development
sterilized and reused in hospitals. There was always a risk of of anaerobic conditions leading to foul odours.
improper sterilization, which had the potential for spreading •• Plastic carry bags often end up in agricultural fields
infection. This could have happened even in blood collected directly or indirectly when domestic solid wastes stored
in bottled. Imagine the use of improperly sterilized glass in plastic bags are used as manure along with cattle dung.
articles in a scenario where HIV-AIDS infected patients are During tilling they get embedded in the soil and cannot
handled. Disposable syringes, blood sachets and many other be removed easily. Labour costs hinders removal of their
hospital items made of plastic have greatly reduced the risks plastics, thereby leaving them in the soil. They obstruct the
and hazards of contamination. root zone activities reducing the agricultural productivity.
Being non-biodegradable they remain in the soil for a very
(v) Water supply pipes and Industrial piping
long time, thus affecting the farm economy.
Transportation of water in PVC pipes is very common as it has
•• Attracted by food left-over in plastic carry bag in marriage
several advantages over conventional G1 Pipes.
halls, religious places, tourist places large catering houses,
•• They are light and plumbing work is easy cows and other domestic animals eat them. The plastic
•• Corrosion problem is eliminated and hence corrosion accumulated in their digestive system, often resulting in
related contamination of water is avoided and life of the their death.
pipes increases.
•• Inner surface of pipes may be made smooth to reduce Prevention of Plastic-Disposal — Related
friction losses, thus saving on electricity bills and Problems
conserving energy. In industries whenever aggressive Do not burn the plastics. They are valuable resource. Also
chemicals are to be transported PVC pipes of different gaseous emissions from combustion of plastics pollute the air
varieties are used. PVC containers are commonly used for and some of them are considered to be toxic. Combustion of
storage of water and many industrial chemicals. plastics, particularly in high temperature incinerators produces
(Dioxins) and (Furan) as by-products. (Dioxins) are a family of
(vi) Construction material more than 75 different chlorinated hydrocarbons while Plastic
Plastics are extensively used as construction materials such as or PVC – polyvinyl chloride is a chlorinated hydrocarbon.
doors and windows house hold. Articles such as chairs, table Some of them are highly toxic and are persistent chemicals
holding racks, bucket and more. Use of plastics is reducing the that stay in the environment for a very long period. (Furans)
burden on conventional materials such as wood and metals.If (e.g. Furfuran) a colorless liquid, with a low boiling point of
these are all the advantages of using plastics, why so much of 320°C- used as an intermediate chemical in manufacture of
a hue and cry is being raised about the ill effects of plastics synthetic resins are also toxic in nature.
on the environment? In this regard we have to recognize the
fact that plastic is not the culprit; it is humans and society Recycling
who, after use of plastics, discard them indiscriminately into The best way to tackle the plastic-disposal problem is to adopt
the environment creating problems that are easily avoidable. suitable methods for collection and conveyance of plastic
Environmental Issues EE-51

articles and practice recycling. With proper quality control, •• The prescribed authority of enforcement of provisions
reprocessed plastics can be made as good as first- generation relating to use, collection, segregation, transpiration and
products are cheaper than good reprocessed plastic goods. disposal is with District collector, Deputy Commissioner
Methods should be devised to make up this extra cost through of the concerned district, where no such Authority
taxes or subsidy. The extra monetary expenses involved in has been constituted by the State Government/Union
purifying the used plastic may become small compared to the Territory administration under any law regarding non-
environmental burden imposed by indiscriminate discarding of biodegradable garbage.
plastics. •• SPCB’s / PCC’s are the prescribed authority for enforcement
of provisions relating to manufacture and recycling.
Should Plastics be banned?
Some environmental activists are arguing in favour of Difficulties in Recycling
completely banning low-end plastic items and recycled Almost the entire content of the discarded plastics is made up of
plastics. This is not very sound thinking particularly in India. thin carry bags and small food-packaging pouches. Laminations
Thousands of families are dependent on the collection of made on books, electronic goods, compact discs, cassettes,
plastic wastes and small-scale reprocessing. Besides, more and many consumer goods add to this problem. The tendency
area would be deforested to supply raw materials to paper of people particularly house wives is to preserve the thick large
manufacturing industries for producing packing paper and bags and discard the thin carry bags with the domestic garbage.
carry bags. Once they get mixed up with the garbage these carry bags are
difficult to separate. Cost of retrieval becomes more. Even the
Government Regulations on Manufacture and rag pickers do not find it attractive to collect the carry bags.
Use of Recycled Plastics If housewives, shopkeepers, and other users discard the carry
The Ministry of Environment and Forests issued the Recycled bags in a container for periodic collection by some designated
Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules 1999, and amended agency for recycling, the problem of plastics in environment
it in 2003 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for can be greatly reduced.
regulating and managing plastic carry bags and containers.
Salient features of the Rules are:- Bio-degradable Plastics
•• No vendor shall use carry bags and containers of recycled An alternative to the plastic disposal problem has evolved in the
plastics for storing carrying and / or packaging of foodstuffs. form of ‘Bio-degradable plastics’. It is possible to collect these
items along with the municipal solid waste (MSW) for suitable
•• Carry bags and Container used for packaging of foodstuff
disposal. MSW collection and disposal is not satisfactory in
shall be made of virgin plastic and of natural shade or
most of the towns in India. The bio-degradable plastics will
white.
add to the already piling up municipal garbage. The immediate
•• Carry bags and Container made from recycled plastics must benefits of recovery and recycle of normal plastics is also lost
be manufactured using pigments and colorants as per IS: if bio-degradable plastics are introduced. As of now, compared
9833/ 1981 notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS); to normal plastic, the bio-degradable plastics are expensive and
•• Minimum thickness of Carry bags made of virgin or the technology for manufacture is not easily available. It may
recycled plastics must not be less than 20 microns. be possible to treat bio-degradable plastics in countries where
•• Manufactures of recycled carry bag shall code/ mark carry solid waste management systems are working satisfactorily and
bags and containers as per IS: 14534: 1998 and mark extensively.
them as “Recycled “along with percentage of recycled
material. Reuse of Plastics
•• Manufactures shall print on words packet containing carry Mixing shredded PVC bags with asphalt for road making has
bags the words “Recycled marital” or “Virgin Plastics’ as been experimented with reasonable success. Rope-making
the case may be. using fiber removed from knitted cement bags is done in rural
areas. These ropes are used in farming activities.
•• No vendor shall use carry bags made of virgin or recycled
plastic below 8 × 12 inches {20 × 30 cm} in size; and
50 bags of such will have minimum weight of 105 grams; Mercury Pollution
and proportionate increase in weight to the increased size Mercury pollution arises from a variety of sources. There is
of the carry bags; for selling any commodity. mercury mining although this is overwhelmingly now only in
•• Every occupier manufacturing carry bags or containers China and some Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan. It
shall apply in prescribed form to the State Pollution is also very heavily used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining
Control Board/Pollution Control Committee for grant of to separate gold from the ore. Mercury is used in the chemical
Registration and renewal of Registration. and petrochemical industries and also in household products like
•• The State Pollution Control Board / Pollution Committee compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and thermometers. Mercury
shall issue and renew the Registration after ascertaining emissions to the atmosphere also take place from coal-fired
that the unite meets the norms prescribed under these power plants. Mercury is present in industrial effluents that
rules and also possesses a valid cosset under Air and are let into water bodies and the sea and enters the human food
Water Act as per requirements of the State Pollution chain through the consumption of fish. This is, in fact, what
Control Board / Pollution Control Committee. caused the disaster at Minamata in the 1950s. Contaminated
EE-52 Environmental Issues

sites including old mines, landfills and waste disposal locations

EARTH HOUR
are also important sources of mercury pollution.
India dragged its feet a bit, but in the end signed up to the WWF’s Earth Hour is an annual global celebration where
Minamata Convention on Mercury on 30 September, a year people switch off their lights for one hour to show they care
after it was adopted. The Minamata Convention gives India five about the future of our planet. This year’s celebrations will
years to control and, where feasible, to reduce emissions from be on Saturday 19 March from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
new power plants and 10 years to do so for existing power plants. Since it first began in Sydney Australia in 2007, the number
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect of countries taking part in Earth Hour has grown to an
human health and the environment from the adverse effects of incredible 172 countries and territories.
mercury. It was agreed at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental India joined the Earth Hour campaign in 2009 and over
Negotiating Committee in Geneva, Switzerland at 7 a.m. on the the years has seen an exponential growth in participation
morning of Saturday, 19 January 2013. across cities, towns and even far-flung villages of rural
The major highlights of the Minamata Convention on Mercury India. Iconic monuments of the country like the Rashtrapati
include a ban on new mercury mines, the phase-out of existing Bhawan, Gateway of India, India Gate, Howrah Bridge and
ones, control measures on air emissions, and the international the Victoria Memorial, among others, switch off their non-
regulation of the informal sector for artisanal and small-scale essential lights in support of this global campaign.
gold mining.

ECO SENSITIVE ZONES

The concept of ecologically sensitive areas is very much an foremost criterion for identification of ESA is endemism.
Indian invention, rooted in attempts by civil society to use the Western Ghats harbours well over two thousand endemic
EPA to promote sustainable development alongside protection species of flowering plants, fish, frogs, birds and mammals
of the natural heritage. The term ‘Ecologically Fragile Area’ amongst the better known groups of organisms, and thousands
was first used in 1991 for Dahanu Taluka in Maharashtra, more amongst less studied groups. Amongst themselves these
followed by the declaration of other ESAs like Mahabaleshwar- span the entire Western Ghats and all conceivable habitats,
Panchgani and Matheran. These are all initiatives of civil including highly disturbed ones. The Western Ghats region
society organisations or are a consequence of a resolution of also qualifies as an ESA under several other Sen Committee
the Indian Board for Wildlife in 2002 to protect areas up to criteria.
10 kilometres from the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and Under ESZ, commercial mining, polluting industries and
national parks. large hydro-power projects are prohibited as per the ministry
Initially, there were no guidelines available on what areas may guidelines. At present the 29 ESZ notified by the Central
be considered ecologically sensitive, nor on working out an government are spread across Haryana, Gujarat, Jharkhand,
appropriate management regime. These issues were addressed Karnataka, Sikkim, Goa, Maharasthra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and
in 2000 by the Pronab Sen Committee. The Sen Committee’s Uttarakhand.
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONAL FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Convention Place Crucial documents
United nation Conference on environment Rio de Janeiro, Draft Earth Charter
and Development or Earth Summit (1992) Brazil Convention on climate change and Biological Diversity
Convention on Forest
Agenda 21
The United Nations Framework Convention Kyoto, Japan Gather and share information on greenhouse gas emissions,
on Climate Change (1994) national policies and best practices
Launch national strategies for addressing greenhouse gas
emissions and adapting to expected impacts, including
the provision of financial and technological support to
developing countries 
Cooperate in preparing for adaptation to the impacts of
climate change
Convention on Biological Diversity (1993) The conservation of biological diversity
The sustainable use of the components of biological diversity
The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of
the utilization of genetic resources
Ramsar Convention on Wetland (1971) Ramsar, Iran Halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and
To conserve, use and management, those that remain.
This requires international cooperation, policy making,
capacity building and technology transfer.
Environmental Issues EE-53

Convention on International Trade in Washington, U.S.A. Help in conservation of species

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (1963)
International Tropical Timber Organization Geneva Provide an effective framework for cooperation between
(1983) tropical timber producers and consumers
To encourage the development of national policies aimed at
sustainable utilization 
Conservation of tropical forests and their genetic resources
United Nations Forum on Forests (2000) Implementation of agreements and foster a common
understanding on sustainable forest management;
To provide policy development and dialogue among
Governments and international organizations,
To enhance cooperation
To foster international cooperation and
To monitor, assess and report on progress of the above
functions and objectives
To strengthen political commitment to the management,
conservation and sustainable development.
Global tiger forum (1994) New Delhi, India Set up to embark on a worldwide campaign to save the wild
tiger
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Stockholm, Sweden It develops a risk management evaluation
Pollutants (2001) Determines whether the substance fulfills POP screening.
Manage and dispose of POPs wastes in an environmentally
sound manner
Basel Convention on the Control of Trans Basel, Switzerland To reduce hazardous waste generation and promote
boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes environmental sound management system for their disposal.
and Their Disposal (1989) Restrict trans boundary movement of such wastes and
Provide regulatory system applying to cases where such
movement is allowable.
United Nations Convention to Combat promotes a global response to desertification, land
Desertification (1994) degradation and drought
International Whaling Commission Washington, D.C., to keep under review and revise as necessary the measures
(1946) United States, laid down in the Schedule to the Convention which govern
the conduct of whaling throughout the world
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Helsinki, Finland Play role in controlling the ozone depletion
Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987)

COP 17th session 28th Nov.-09th Dec. 2011 Durban (South Africa)
The UNFCCC entered into force on 21 March 1994. Today, 18th session 26th Nov.- 7th Dec. 2012 Doha (Qatar)
it has near-universal membership. The 195 countries that have 19th session 11th Nov. - 22nd Nov. 2013 Warsaw (Poland)
ratified the Convention are called Parties to the Convention. The
COP is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention. 20th session 1st – 12th Sec. 2014 Lima (Peru)
All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented 21st session 30th Nov. - 11th Dec. 2015 Paris (France)
at the COP, at which they review the implementation of the
Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP Cop 21 Agreement - In Brief
adopts and take decisions necessary to promote the effective • Reaffirm the goal of limiting global temperature increase
implementation of the Convention, including institutional and well below 2 degrees Celsius, while urging efforts to
administrative arrangements. limit the increase to 1.5 degrees;
The COP meets every year, unless the Parties decide otherwise. • Establish binding commitments by all parties to make
The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March, “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs), and to
1995. pursue domestic measures aimed at achieving them;
COP (from 2009-2015) • Commit all countries to report regularly on their
emissions and “progress made in implementing and
15th session 7th- 18th Sec. 2009 Copenhagen (Denmark) achieving” their NDCs, and to undergo international
th th th
16 session 29 Nov. -10 Dec. 2010 Cancun (Mexico) review;
EE-54 Environmental Issues

• Commit all countries to submit new NDCs every five •• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess
years, with the clear expectation that they will “represent Act, 1977
a progression” beyond previous ones; •• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess
• Reaffirm the binding obligations of developed countries Rules, 1978
under the UNFCCC to support the efforts of developing •• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
countries, while for the first time encouraging voluntary •• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982
contributions by developing countries too; •• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Extend the current goal of mobilizing $100 billion a •• The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
year in support by 2020 through 2025, with a new, •• Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989
higher goal to be set for the period after 2025;
•• Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical
• Extend a mechanism to address “loss and damage”
Rules, 1989
resulting from climate change, which explicitly will
not “involve or provide a basis for any liability or •• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
compensation” •• The Forest (Conservation) Rules, 1981
• Require parties engaging in international emissions •• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
trading to avoid “double counting;” •• The Wildlife (Transactions and Taxidermy) Rules, 1973
• Call for a new mechanism, similar to the Clean •• The Wildlife (Stock Declaration) Central Rules, 1973
Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol, •• The Wildlife (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters
enabling emission reductions in one country to be for Consideration) Rules, 1983
counted toward another country’s NDC.
•• The Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 1995
•• The Wildlife (Specified Plants - Conditions for Possession
Environmental Acts by Licensee) Rules, 1995
•• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, •• The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
1974 •• The Public Liability Insurance Rules, 1991
•• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, •• The National Environment Tribunal Act, 199
1975 •• The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997
Environmental Issues EE-55

1. Green house effect is warming due to (c) become invasive

(a) infra-red rays reaching earth (d) become agricultural products
(b) moisture layer in atmosphere 10. Environmental pollutants such as PCB’s contaminate
(c) increase in temperature due to increase in carbon oceans and other aquatic systems. Plankton in the ocean
dioxide concentration of atmosphere become contaminated by PCB’s and pass this along
(d) ozone layer of atmosphere. through the food chain. A pregnant woman has been cau-
2. Acid rain is due to increase in atmospheric concentration tioned to limit her consumption of food that may be high
in PCBs. If she consumes food from a nearby contami-
of
nated ocean, we would expect that the most contaminated
(a) ozone and dust (b) CO2 and CO foods would be:
(c) SO2 and CO (d) SO2 and NO2. (a) shrimp
3. The two great industrial tragedies namely, MIC and (b) clams
Chernobyl tragedies respectively occurred where and at (c) fish that eat shrimp
which time? (d) kelp and other ocean plants
(a) Bhopal 1984, Ukrain 1986 11. In clean water the concentration of
(b) Bhopal 1986, Russia 1988 (a) BOD is low but DO is high
(c) Bhopal 1984, Ukrain 1990 (b) Both BOD and DO are high
(c) BOD is high but DO is low
(d) Bhopal 1984, Ukrain 1988
(d) Both BOD and DO are low
4. If there was no CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere, the tem- 12. Examining an old abandoned home several months after a
perature of earth’s surface would be flood, a relief worker suddenly experiences difficulty breath-
(a) higher than the present ing.
(b) dependent on the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere At the hospital she learns that she experienced:
(c) same as present (a) a chronic respiratory illness more common in the
(d) less than the present. developed world.
5. How carbon monoxide, emitted by automobiles, prevents (b) a chronic respiratory illness more common in the
developing world.
transport of oxygen in the body tissues?
(c) an acute respiratory illness more common in the
(a) by forming a stable compound with haemoglobin developed world.
(b) by obstructing the reaction of oxygen with (d) an acute respiratory illness more common in the
haemoglobin developing world.
(c) by changing oxygen into carbon dioxide 13. Harmful algal booms appear to be linked to unusually high
(d) by destroying the haemoglobin. levels of nutrient pollution. Which of the following is the
6. What is B.O.D.? most likely source of nutrient pollution in a river drainage
(a) The amount of O2 utilized by organisms in water system associated with an algal bloom?
(b) The amount of O2 utilized by micro-organisms for (a) a coal-fired power plant
decomposition (b) a nuclear power plant
(c) The total amount of P2 present in water (c) chicken and hog farms
(d) a large shopping mall
(d) All of the above.
14. Health problems associated with indoor air pollution in
7. Which one of the following pairs is mismatched?
developing countries is most commonly associated with:
(a) fossil fuel burning – release of CO2 (a) chlorine gas released from tap water.
(b) nuclear power – radioactive wastes (b) the use of biofuels for cooking and heating.
(c) solar energy – greenhouse effect (c) poor hygiene and sanitation inside the home.
(d)  biomass burning – release of CO2. (d) the widespread use of pesticides to control disease
8. Acid rain concentrated in the eastern portions of the United vectors.
States is primarily the result of 15 The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has
(a) nuclear power plants in the region been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the
(b) coal-burning power plants in the Midwest formation of this hole ?
(c) hydro electric power plants in northeastern Canada (a) Presence of prominent tropo-spheric turbulence;
(d) off-shore oil drilling rigs along the east coast of the and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
United States (b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric
9. Alien species that cause the most harm are those that clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
(c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds;
(a) struggle to fit into new ecosystems and eventually
and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons.
die out. (d) Increased temperature at polar region due to global
(b) eventually become naturalized warming.
EE-56 Environmental Issues

16. Recent studies indicate that two of the most dangerous 23. The negative impacts of ozone pollution on forests are
components of air pollution around major cities in the expected to increase as
developed nations are: (a) ocean levels rise and wind patterns shift.
(a) fine particles and sulfur pollution. (b) organisms spread northward because of warming
(b) carbon monoxide and ozone. climate conditions.
(c) lead and volatile organic compounds. (c) the increasing demand for timber further stresses the
(d) radon and carbon monoxide. growth of trees,
17. The decline of the polar ice caps because of increasing (d) temperatures increase and precipitation becomes
temperatures at the poles will more unpredictable.
(a) increase the amount of fresh water available for 24. The pesticide that directly attacks the nervous system is
human use. (a) Aldrin (b) DDT
(b) decrease the largest reserve of fresh water on Earth. (c) Organic Phosphates (d) None of the above
(c) increase the amount of fresh water available in 25. The pesticides that also function as endocrine disruptors
aquifers. cause disease by
(d) decrease global sea levels. (a) causing excessive secretion of stomach acids.
18. The developed countries of the world have contributed the (b) mimicking the effects of estrogenic hormones.
most to global climate change. By applying the polluter (c) causing muscle spasms and cramping in major
pays and equity principles, we would expect that the: muscle groups.
(a) developed countries will provide funds for (d) greatly reducing the ability of the intestines to absorb
adaptations in the developing countries. nutrients.
(b) developing countries will provide funds for 26. The quality of the final treated wastewater effluent from
adaptations in the developed countries. a modern treatment plant is typically:
(c) precautionary principle will guide the payment of (a) lower in organic and nutrient content than the body
compensation to developed countries. of water into which it is discharged.
(d) stabilization wedge approach to global climate (b) lower in organic content but higher in nutrient
change will help to equalize the funds for adaptations. content than the body of water into which it is
19. The evolution of pesticide resistance resurgence, and discharged.
secondary-pest outbreaks are only some of the problems (c) higher in organic and nutrient content than the body
that result from reliance on of water into which it is discharged.
(a) crop rotation and biological controls, which disrupt (d) higher in organic content but lower in nutrient
the natural dynamics of ecosystems. content than the body of water into which it is
(b) pesticides, creating the need to alternate between a discharged.
pesticide and an herbicide every other year. 27. Brightly colored antique children’s toys from before 1970
(c) rodenticides to kill weeds and insect pests and may be colored with paints that are contaminated with:
prevent the spread of viral diseases. (a) heavy metals
(d) pesticides, creating a never-ending pesticide (b) toxic plastic compounds.
treadmill requiring new pest-fighting strategies. (c) synthetic organic compounds.
20. The most dramatic temperature shifts in the past few (d) synthetic inorganic compounds.
decades have been 28. By design, the molecules that resist biodegradation and
(a) on land near the equator. include some of the most problematic persistent organic
(b) in the oceans nearest the equator. pollutants are the :
(c) in the north and south polar regions. (a) synthetic organic compounds
(d) in the innermost regions of the North. American and (b) synthetic inorganic compounds
African continents. (c) recycled heavy metals
21. The most effective way to reduce GHG emissions is to (d) chlorinated heavy metals
increase 29. Carcinogens arc dangerous because they affect
(a) the production of electric cars. (a) oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
(b) energy efficiency and renewable energy. (b) the ability of the lining of the lungs to absorb
(c) our reliance on widely available natural gas oxygen.
(d) the use of coal gasification plants and scrubber (c) DNA molecules inside cells.
technologies to reduce sulfur emissions. (d) the ability to absorb nutrients in the wall of the
22. The most likely sustainable solutions of ecological prob- intestines.
lems are 30. CFCs primarily contribute to the destruction of the ozone
(a) Incorporate the concerns of economists, ecologists, by:
and sociologists. (a) producing chlorinated gases that reflect back a
(b) emphasize ecology over all other fields. significant amount of ultraviolet light.
(c) emphasize economics over all other fields. (b) releasing carbon monoxide into the stratosphere,
(d) emphasize ecological and social is - “Use over which reacts with the oxygen in ozone.
economic concerns.
Environmental Issues EE-57

(c) releasing gases into the stratosphere that block the (c) VOCs release ozone when they are broken apart by
enzymes that create ozone. solar energy.
(d) contributing chlorine, which acts as a catalyst in the (d) more carbon dioxide is available to contribute
breakdown of ozone. additional oxygen for ozone formation.
31. At an international conference on global climate change, 37. The greatest progress in reducing atmospheric levels of
a representative of a developing country admits that each lead pollution resulted from
year, his country contributes the same amount of green- (a) the elimination of leaded gas.
house gases to the atmosphere as a particular developed (b) the switch from lead to graphite in pencils.
nation. However, he argues that because his country has (c) the development of new types of batteries that use
only 10% of the wealth of that developed nation, the lithium instead of lead.
developed nation should pay much more of the costs of (d) new types of lead scrubbers on smokestacks that
adaptation. This representatives arguments illustrate the: removed lead from the air.
(a) polluter pays principle. 38. The inside of a car or greenhouse would not heat up as
(b) precautionary principle. much in the presence of sunshine if
(c) equity principle. (a) air was circulated within the car or within the
(d) conservation of the commons principle. greenhouse.
32. Concerned with the expensive disposal their hazardous (b) infrared radiation passed through glass as easily as
wastes, a company learns that it can purchase another sunlight.
chemical that will neutralize the company’s hazardous (c) infrared radiation could not pass through glass as
wastes into a nontoxic form. The strategy used by this easily as sunlight.
company is most consistent with which of the following (d) sunlight could pass through glass more easily than
hazardous-waste disposal system methods ? through air.
(a) secure landfill 39. Villagers living in a heavily forested region surrounding
(b) deep-well injection a remote district in Punjab decided to reduce air pollution
(c) on-site surface impoundment in their village. In thc autumn season, after the leaves had
(d) best-demonstrated available technology fallen from the trees, the villagers blew all of the dead
33. Freshwater becomes polluted: leaves into the village pond. About 8 months later, they
(a) by oil spills in ocean water moving inland. noticed a large number of dead fish in the pond. What is
(b) primarily by contaminants from aquifers moving to the most likely cause of the fish kill?
surface waters. (a) the dead leaves released poisons that killed the fish.
(c) as a result of eutrophication. (b) the decomposing leaves depleted the levels of
(d) from runoff associated with urban areas chemicals oxygen.
used in farming in rural areas. (c) bacteria fed on the leaves and then the bacteria
34. In developing countries, contaminated water is responsible infected the fish.
for the deaths of more than 1.6 million people. Contribut- (d) carbon dioxide from the decaying leaves reached
ing to this problem is the use of toxic levels and killed the fish.
(a) groundwater for consumption and the disposal of 40. Which of the following represents an alarming positive
human sewage. feedback loop of global warming ?
(b) groundwater for consumption and the disposal of (a) increasing temperature raise humidity, which further
human sewage in surface waters. increases temperatures.
(c) surface waters for consumption and the disposal of (b) decreased pH of the ocean increases the rate at which
human sewage. carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans from the
(d) surface waters for consumption and the disposal of atmosphere.
human sewage in groundwater. (c) increased use of fossil fuels adds sulfate aerosols
35. In general, temperatures along an ocean coastline vary into the atmosphere, which traps more heat.
less than temperatures 100 miles inland. This moderation (d) increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide
of temperatures along coastlines is because increases photosynthesis, which further increases
(a) as the oceans evaporate it cools off the coastlines. carbon dioxide atmospheric levels.
(b) the sun shines more intensely away from the ocean 41. Which one of the following generally increases the pollu-
coastlines tion of the air?
(c) ocean temperatures change more quickly than air (a) bright sunlight.
temperatures. (b) generation of hydroxyl radicals.
(d) ocean temperatures do not change as quickly as air (c) sea salt aerosols entering the air over an ocean.
temperatures. (d) gases released by a volcanic eruption.
36. Ozone levels increase in the atmosphere when volatile 42. Wood pellets are produced from the waste sawdust of
organic compounds (VOCs) are present because: lumber and paper mills. Home-heating stoves burning
(a) less nitric oxide is available to react with ozone. these pellets can heat homes directly, instead of relying
(b) VOCs react with atmospheric nitrogen to form on other energy sources. Heating your home with wood
ozone. pellets is :
EE-58 Environmental Issues

(a) sustainable, less polluting, and about 3 times as either by crossing certain varieties or deliberately trans-
efficient as heating a home using electricity from a ferring genes using transgenic techniques. These methods
coal-fired power plant. select for plants that produce their own defenses against
(b) sustainable, slightly more polluting, and is about pests with chemicals or physical barriers. Helping to feed
30% more efficient than using electricity from a the world, this represents an example of :
coal-fired power plant. (a) cultural control
(c) not sustainable but is less polluting and is about as (b) natural enemies control
efficient as using electricity from a coal-fired power (c) genetic control
plant. (d) natural chemical control
(d) not sustainable and actually pollutes more than using 48. The eagle predators, the amount of acorns produced an-
electricity from a coal-fired power plant. nually, nesting sites in the trees, and cold winter tempera-
43. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a mechanism tures limits the squirrel population in the Punjab region.
to reduce greenhouse gas emission as per Kyoto Protocol The many factors listed above that can affect the squirrel
implies that population represent:
(a) industrial countries receive carbon credits by funding (a) environmental resistance.
carbon saving projects in another relatively affluent (b) the carrying capacity of the squirrel population.
nation (c) the squirrel’s life history.
(b) industrial countries reduce their carbon emission by (d) the biotic potential of the squirrel population.
using environment friendly technology in production 49. The most widespread negative health impact of air pollu-
(c) developed countries invest in carbon reduction in tion is the
developing countries and receive carbon credit in (a) destruction of the cellular component of the immune
return system.
(d) developed nations purchase carbon credit from other (b) loss of the ability to absorb vital nutrients by thc
nations digestive system.
44. A gardener applied heavy doses of the same insecticide (c) disruption of the signaling processes of the endocrine
to his garden for two consecutive years to kill squash system.
bugs. During the third year, the man called in an expert (d) chronic stress that weakens many systems of the
to explain why he had an abundance of new pests that body.
were destroying her garden. The expert explained that 50. The population of a particular type of fish, called Kubani
the abundant new pests were largely due to his previous found and in the Chilka lake only, is under heavy fishing
use of a insecticide in a phenomenon known as pressure. If too many Kubians are caught, its population
(a) pesticide resistance will crash and future years of fishing Kubani will suffer.
(b) secondary-pest outbreak Kubani can exhibit logistic growth under certain circum-
(c) triennial pest emergence stances. Assuming logistic growth, it would be best to
(d) bounce back resurgence manage Kubani population by permitting the harvesting
45. A gardener has a large garden and decides this year he will of just enough fish to keep the Kubani population.
not let the pests get beyond control. At the earliest sign of (a) at 1/10 of its carrying capacity.
insect pests, he applies an organic insecticide and continues (b) at half its carrying capacity.
to apply it every month throughout the growing season. The (c) at its full carrying capacity.
next year he decides not to use any insecticides, thinking that (d) above its carrying capacity.
he must have eliminated the pests with the prior year’s treat- 51. In the lower regions of Uttaranchal, a toxic weed called
ments. Unfortunately, the pests reappear in numbers greater leafy spurge was accidentally introduced and has grown
than he has ever seen before, and his plants are destroyed. and spread rapidly, covering millions of acres of grass-
Investigating this phenomenon, he learns that he has just lands. Leafy spurge is generally avoided by cattle and
experienced a phenomenon known as horses and may be toxic to them. Thus, grasslands where
(a) resurgence (b) pesticide resistance leafy spurge has spread has been damaged by the invasion
(c) natural selection (d) emergence of this plant. Plants such as leafy spurge can double their
46. Moss invades and establishes itself on bare rock, accumu- population size every year in part because of their efficient
lating the beginnings of soil. After several years, enough production of large amounts of seeds. Populations that can
soil has become established that grasses begin to grow double every year, such as leafy spurge.
where there was once bare rock. (a) can do so endlessly, eventually covering all of the
Without the moss building up soil, the grasses would have land on Earth.
had no chance. The mosses changed the environment (b) exhibit constant growth increasing by the same
enough to permit grasses to grow in a process called: amount every year.
(a) sublimation. (b) facilitation. (c) exhibit a state of equilibrium when they are
(c) regeneration. (d) improvisation. spreading.
47. Most of the wheat, rice and corn raised in the world has (d) exhibit exponential growth as they spread to new
resulted from genetic engineering of one sort or another, regions.
Environmental Issues EE-59

52. Which one of the following statements best reflects the 58. ‘El Nino’ associated with the formation of the South West
overall position of current science on the role of biodiver- Monsoon of India is
sity in ecosystems? (a) an abnormally warm ocean current
(a) The more species in an ecosystem, the greater the (b) a periodic warm air-mass
biomass production. (c) a periodic warm wind
(b) The more species in an ecosystem, the greater the (d) a periodic low pressure centre
drought resistance.
59. Ozone holes are more pronounced at the
(c) The effects of biodiversity on the functioning of an
(a) Equator (b) Tropic of Cancer
ecosystem are not consistent.
(c) Tropic of Capricorn (d) Poles
(d) Almost every species in an ecosystem is essential to
maintain the overall ecosystem. 60. Acid rains are produced by
53. Widely applying pesticides may lead to resurgence and (a) excess NO2 and SO2 from burning fossil fuels
secondary-pest outbreak because: (b) excess production of NH3 by industry and coal gas
(a) the insecticide also killed the natural predators of the (c) excess release of carbon monoxide by incomplete
pests. combustion
(b) the plants have now lost their ability to fight the (d) excess formation of CO2 by combustion and animal
pests. respiration. (1988, 89)
(c) pesticides typically harm plants in ways that take 61. ‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Land-
several years to appear. scapes’ is managed by the (CSAT 2015-I)
(d) new species that are more resistant to insecticides (a) Asian Development Bank
have evolved. (b) International Monetary Fund
54. Protection of endangered species by preserving the entire (c) United Nations Environment Programme
ecosystem is known as: (d) World Bank
(a) In-situ conservation 62. Which one of the following is associated with the issue
(b) Ex-situ conservation of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting
(c) Biodiversity conservation substances? (CSAT 2015-I)
(d) None of the above (a) Bretton Woods Conference
55. Ramsar Convention 1971 aimed at the conservation of (b) Montreal Protocol
(a) Wasteland (b) Wetland (c) Kyoto Protocol
(c) Desert (d) All of the above (d) Nagoya Protocol
56. Building on scientific research and careful measurements, 63. What is Rio+20 Conference, of ten mentioned in the
the 1987 Montreal Protocol represented : news? (CSAT 2015-I)
(a) global stewardship to limit the destruction of the (a) It is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable
ozone. Development
(b) agreements to maintain sustainable levels of (b) It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade
agricultural productivity. Organization
(c) sound science to better understand the impact of (c) It is a Conference of the Inter-governmental Panel
acid precipitation. on Climate Change
(d) stewardship by the Canadian government to limit (d) It is a Conference of the Member Countries of the
the production of greenhouse gases. Convention on Biological Diversity
57. Over the past 20 years, vultures in India and Pakistan have 64. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Cli-
declined by more than 95% due to : mate Fund’ is/are correct? (CSAT 2015-I)
(a) increased hunting and fear from villagers that the 1. It is intended to assist the developing countries
vultures will kill their domestic cattle. in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter
(b) the destruction of their nesting habitat in cliffs climate change.
bordering the Indus River. 2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD,
(c) the spread of respiratory viruses common in Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
domestic chickens. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(d) the widespread use of an anti-inflammatory drug in (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
cattle that were eaten by vultures. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
EE-60 Environmental Issues

1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice

Statement Based MCQ cultivation cause the emission of methane.
2. When nitrogen based fertilizers are used, nitrous
1. Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustain- oxide is emitted from the cultivated soil.
able solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?
which of the following statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
be used in biomass gasification. 7. Gases commonly referred as green house gases are :
2. The combustible gases generated from biomass 1. CH4 2. CO2
gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide 3. CFC 4. NH3
only. Which of the above is/are correct?

3. The combustible gases generated from biomass (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3

gasification can be used for direct heat generation (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) All of these
but not in internal combustion engines. 8. Fertilizers cause
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
1. eutrophication of water bodies
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3
2. survival of most microorganisms
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. destruction of crumb structure of soil
2. Eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay along the eastern 4. all the above
edge of Maryland bas resulted in low oxygen levels in Which of the above is/are correct?
the water and alteration of food webs. The cause of this (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4
eutrophication appears to be pollution that contains high (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) All of these
levels of: 9. Chipko movement is
1. nitrogen 2. carbon 1. A movement of political strength held in Assam
3. phosphorus 4. sulphur under the supervision of Rajeev Gandhi
Which of the above is/are correct? 2. A environment movement held in uttarakhand under
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 the guidance of sunderlal bahuguve.
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) All of these 3. A movement for independence under the guidance
3. Consider the following statements: of Nehruji
1. Kyoto protocol came into force in the year 2005. 4. A movement of independence under the guidance of
2. Kyoto protocol deals primarily with the depletion of Gandhi ji.
the ozone layer. Which of the following statements(s) is/are correct?
3. Methane as a green house gas is more harmful than (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
carbon dioxide. (c) 3 only (d) Both 1 and 4
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 10. Eutrophication of a lake most likely is the result of
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 1. Elevated nitrogen gas level in water.
(c) 1 only (d) 3 only 2. Elevated phosphorus levels in water.
4. Compared to 50 years ago, the thinning ozone layer has 3. Excessive concentration of CO2.
produced dramatic increases in cases of : 4. A decrease in oxygen content of the water.
1. asthma 2. color blindness Which of the above is/are correct?
3. cataracts 4. skin cancer (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3
Which of the above is/are correct? (c) 1 and 2 (d) 1 and 4
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 11. Ozone layer can be destroyed by pollutants such as
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) All of these 1. Hydro carbons 2. Carbon mono oxide
5. If atmospheric carbon dioxide was eliminated from our 3. Sulphur dioxide 4. Nitrogen oxides
atmosphere, we would expect that : (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
1. the Earth would cool considerably (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 4
2. photosynthesis would dramatically increase 12. Climatologist warm of a tipping point when global tem-
3. the Earth would heat up considerably perature trigger catastrophic events and rise levels rise
4. photosynthesis would dramatically decrease more than 50 feets. What would cause the sea level rise
Which of the above is/are correct? so greatly and how much warmer does the world need to
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 get for this tripping point to happen
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 1. 1°C
6. Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may 2. 3°C
be contributing to global warming. To what possible rea- 3. Melting of Greenland ice sheet
son/reasons is this attributable ? 4. thermal expansion of oceans
Environmental Issues EE-61

Which of the above is/are correct? Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 Codes:
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 4 (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 4
13. One Carbon Credit is defined as ____ . (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
1. Credit permit to release one ton of carbon dioxide. 19. Which of the following conditions indicate the impact of
2. providing loans to establish a unit which produces global warming?
carbon dioxide for industrial use. 1. Melting of glaciers
3. Finding out one new business which can use and 2. Rise in sea level
recycle greenhouse gases. 3. Changes in weather conditions
Which of the following statements(s) is/are correct? 4. Rise in global temperature
(a) 3 only (b) 2 only Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(c) 1 only (d) All 1, 2 and 3 Codes:
14. Humans have contributed to habitat destruction by (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3
1. clearing land for farming (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. excessive use of chemicals 20. As per National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-tration
3. producing green-house gases through use of fossil (NASA) research scientists found that concentrations of
fuels mercury near the ground level had increased in the Arc-
4. exploitation of land and water for mining of scarce tic Sea by mercury-pumping reaction which takes place
resources because -
Which of the above is/are correct? 1. of open water in a lead is much warmer than the air
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 above it.
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) All of these 2. of the temperature difference, the air above the lead
15. Global climate change threatens coral reefs by churns like the air above a boiling pot.
1. increasing the temperature 3. the mixing is so strong that it actually pulls down
2. decreasing the temperature mercury from a higher layer of the atmosphere to
3. increasing the pH of the oceans near the surface.
4. decreasing the pH of the oceans Select the answer from the codes given below-
Which of the above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All of the above
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 21. A new nuclear waste disposal strategy announced by
16. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this United States include-
phenomenon a cause of concern? 1. a “pilot interim store” will become operational in
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton 2021
will be adversely affected. 2. a larger “full-scale interim store” will open be open
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be by 2025
adversely affected. 3. an underground disposal facility to be established by
3. The survival of some animals that have 2048 to permanently dispose of the material.
phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. 4. a new organisation will be established to manage
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be the siting, development and operation of the future
adversely affected. waste stores.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct? Select the answer from the codes given below-
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 only (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) All of the above
17. Which of the following countries suffer from the acid 22. Which of the following statements are correct ?
rains? 1. A new study has found that changes in solar activity
1. Canada 2. France contributed no more than 10 per cent to global
3. Norway 4. Germany warming in the 20th century published in the journal
Select the correct answers from the codes given below: Environmental Research Letters.
Codes: 2. It has been proposed that cosmic rays may have a
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 role in cooling the earth by encouraging clouds to
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4 form, which subsequently reflect the sun’s rays back
18. Which of the following statements about Radioactive pol- into space.
lution are correct? 3. Researchers found high correlation between cosmic
1. It causes genetic changes in the animals. rays and global temperatures occurring every 22
2. It causes disbalance among different minerals in the years.
soil. Select the answer from the codes given below-
3. It hinders blood circulation. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
4. It causes cancers. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All of the above
EE-62 Environmental Issues

23. There is a concern, over the increases in harmful algal 29 Gases commonly referred as green house gases are :
blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the caus- 1. CH4 2. CO2
ative factors for this phenomenon? 3. CFC 4. NH3
1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries. Which of the above is/are correct?
2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon. (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
3. Upwelling in the seas. (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Select the correct answer from the codes given below: 30. Climatologist warn of a tipping point when global tem-
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 perature trigger catastrophic events and rise levels rise
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 more than 50 feets. What would cause the sea level rise
24. With reference to India, consider the following Central so greatly and how much warmer does the world need to
Acts get for this tripping point to happen
1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 1. 1°C
2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 2. 3°C
1957 3. Melting of Greenland ice sheet
3. Customs Act, 1962 4. thermal expansion of oceans
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927 Which of the above is/are correct?
Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the (a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 3
biodiversity conservation in the country ? (c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 4
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2,3 and 4 31. Due to improper/ indiscriminate disposal of old and used
(c) 1,2,3 and 4 (d) None computers or their parts, which of the following are re-
25. Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustain- leased into the environment as e-waste?
able solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, 1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium
which of the following statements is/are correct? 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor
1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can 5. Mercury 6. Lead
be used in biomass gasification. 7. Plutonium
2. The combustible gases generated from biomass Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide (a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
only. (c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
3. The combustible gases generated from biomass 32. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the
gasification can be used for direct heat generation drinking water in some parts of India?
but not in internal combustion engines. 1. Arsenic 2. Sorbitol
Select the correct answer using the codes given below : 3. Fluoride 4. Formaldehyde
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 5. Uranium
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
26. The safest method for biomedical waste disposal is: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only
1. Incineration (c) 1, 3 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
2. Autoclaving 33. Consider the following international agreements :
3. Sharp pit encapsulation 1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic
4. Precipitation Resources for Food and Agriculture
Which of the above is/are correct? 2. The United Nations Convention to Combat
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 Desertification
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 3. The World Heritage Convention
27. Forests that experience high levels of acid precipitation Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
expose trees to soil that has : (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
1. more dissolved calcium (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. more dissolved aluminium 34. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’:
3. less dissolved calcium 1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
4. less dissolved aluminium 2. It is a movement in which the participants switch
Which of the above is/are correct? off the lights for one hour on a certain day every
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 year.
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the
28. Excessive exposure of humans to UV-rays results in climate change and the need to save the planet.
1. damage to immune system Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2. damage to lungs (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
3. skin cancer (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
4. peptic ulcers 35. With reference to a conservation organization called
Which of the above is/are correct? “Wetlands International’, which of the following state-
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 ments is/ are correct?
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 4
Environmental Issues EE-63

1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed 1. Terrace cultivation

by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar 2. Deforestation
Convention. 3. Tropical climate
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize Select the correct answer using the code given below.
knowledge, and use the practical experience to (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
advocate for better policies. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct answer using the code given below. 42. The scientific view is that the increase in global tem-
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only perature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 °C
36. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible
the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? impact/impacts on the world?
1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers source.
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural
4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible
chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
anywhere in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
37. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household 43. Which of the following are some important pollutants
products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there released by steel industry in India?
some concern about their use? 1. Oxides of sulphur 2. Oxides of nitrogen
1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the 3. Carbon monoxide 4. Carbon dioxide
environment. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals. (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 1and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 44. Global climate change threatens coral reefs by
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. increasing the temperature
38. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the 2. decreasing the temperature
following statements is/are correct? 3. increasing the pH of the oceans
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared 4. decreasing the pH of the oceans
under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Which of the above is/are correct?
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
those zones except agriculture. 45. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’,
Select the correct answer using the code given below. which of the following statements is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. It is a global partnership of governments,
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples.
39. Consider the following statements : 2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established scientists and institutions involved in scientific
under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. forestry research to develop eco-friendly and
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a climate adaptation technologies for sustainable
forest management.
statutory body.
3. It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+ (Reducing
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired
Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
by the Prime Minister.
Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? financial and technical assistance.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
40. Which of the following have coral reefs? (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 46. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India,
2. Gulf of Kachchh which of the following statements is/an; correct?
3. Gulf of Mannar 1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
4. Sunderbans 2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. 3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Select the correct answer using the code given below.
41. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
which of the following? (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
EE-64 Environmental Issues

47. What are the effects that IPCC has predicted regarding (a) I & II (b) Only III
global warming? (c) Only II (d) All the above
I. Earth’s temperature will rise by 1-30°C in next few 53. Which of the following statement is correct regarding
decades, leading to extreme weather changes (heat CFC’s and HCFC’s?
waves, hurricanes and severe winters), changes in I. These chemicals are inert, non-flammable, non-
ocean currents and marine life. toxic, and lighter than air and can remain intact for
II. If CO2 concentration doubles, Earth’s temperature years
may rise by 50°C. II. CFCs are commonly used in Air-conditioners and
III. The biggest glacier in the Peruvian Andes was the Refrigeration industry (Freon gas), aerosol
retreating by 5 meters per year some 20 years ago; propellants (in perfumes and deodorants), in the
today it is shrinking by 33 meters per year. foam packaging industry (Styropor, Thermocol) and
IV. The Arctic Sea ice has thinned by 40% in the last as solvents for greases and glues.
two decades, while Mount Everest is losing height III. They contain Chlorine and Fluorine, common being
at the rate of 1.5 meters per year. CFC-ll, CFC-12, CFC-22 and CFC- 13.
(a) Only I (b) I & II (a) I & II (b) II & III
(c) Only III (d) All the above (c) Only III (d) All the above
48. Which statement is correct regarding the steps taken to 54. Which statement is correct regarding deforestation?
reduce global warming? I. The process of clearance of forest by burning or
I. Cleaning up and gasification of coal (for which logging is called deforestation
technology is available) will result in lesser pollution. II. The main reasons for deforestation are trees or
II. Increased use of natural gas contains only half of the derived charcoal are used as, or sold, for fuel
carbon and no Sulphur. or as a commodity, while cleared land is used as
III. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, grassland for livestock, plantations of commodities,
photo-voltaic and fuel cells, tidal, etc. and settlements.
IV. Manufacture of fuel-efficient vehicles. III. Deforested areas usually sustain extensive adverse
(a) I & II (b) Only III soil erosion and regularly damage into wasteland.
(c) Only II (d) All the above (a) I & II (b) II & III
49. Which statement is correct regarding greenhouse gases? (c) Only III (d) All the above
I. A greenhouse gas (GHG) is a gas in an atmosphere 55. Deforestation includes which of the following?
that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal I. Felling, and removal of forest litter
infrared range II. Browsing
II. Water vapour contributes to 36-72% of Greenhouse III. Grazing and trampling of seedlings
effect IV. Repeated lopping
III. Nitrous Oxide contributes to about 10% of Select the correct answer:
Greenhouse effect (a) Only I (b) I and III
IV. Ozone contributes to 3-7% of Greenhouse effect (c) III and IV (d) All the above
(a) I & II (b) I, II & III 56. Consider the following statements
(c) I, II & IV (d) All the above I. As a greenhouse gas (GHG) methane is even more
50. Ozone layer in the outer atmosphere helps in: harmful than carbon dioxide
II. Methane has been included in the list of six GHGs in
I. Reflecting radio waves and makes radio
Kyoto Protocol.
communication possible
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
II. Absorbing U-V radiations
(a) Only I (b) Only II
III. Regulating the temperature of atmosphere
(c) Both I & II
IV. Absorbing cosmic ray particles
57. Increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would
(a) I & II (b) Only II
impact the plants in many ways. These can be:
(c) Only III (d) All the above
I. Decrease in photosynthetic productivity of plants
51. Ozone depletion would impact the plant community in
II. Proliferation of weeds
several ways. These include :
III. Increase in number of insects and other pests.
I. Increase in photosynthesis (a) I & II (b) II only
II. Decline in water use efficiency (c) II & III (d) All the above
III. Decline in yield of plants
58. Relative contributions of CO2, CH4, CFCs and N2O
(a) I & II (b) Only III
towards global warming are:
(c) II & III (d) All the above
I. 50 %, 30 %, 10 % , and 10 % respectively
52. Nitrogen Oxide is responsible for the depletion of Ozone II. 60%, 20%, 14%, and 6% respectively
layer, which of following is source of Nitrogen Oxide? III. 40 %, 30%, 20% and 10% respectively
I. Industrial emission IV. None of the above
II. Fertilizers which are used in agricultural activities (a) Only II (b) Only III
III. Thermonuclear weapons (c) Only I (d) None of the above
Environmental Issues EE-65

59. What is denitrification? coal, to produce electricity which can cause acid
I. It prevents the discharge of nitrates in soil, and stops rain
ground water pollution with nutrients. (a) I & II (b) II & III
II. In this solids are separated from the liquid (c) Only III (d) All the above
III. In this sewage goes through many chambers and 66. Acid rain reacting with calcium forms:
chemical processes which reduce its toxicity. I. Calcium bicarbonate
(a) I & II (b) Only I II. Calcium Nitrate
(c) II & III (d) All the above III. Calcium Sulphate
60. Which statement is correct regarding noise pollution? IV. Calcium Carbonate
I. The word noise comes from the Latin word nausea (a) I & IV (b) Only I
meaning seasickness. (c) Only II (d) Only III
II. The main source of noise is transportation system 67. What among the below is/are the cause of ground water
including rail noise, aircraft noise and vehicle noise contamination?
III. Sound pollution is measured in decibels I. Septic tanks II. Septic tanks
(a) I & II (b) II & III III. Landfills
(c) Only III (d) All the above (a) Only II (b) I & III
61. Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting sub- (c) II & III (d) All the above
stances, are used: 68. Which statement is correct regarding Ozone Hole?
I. In the production of plastic foams I. Ozone destruction rate is equal to the its formation
II. In the production of tubeless tyres rate
III. In cleaning certain electronic components II. Ozone formation and destruction keep on happening
IV. As pressurizing agents in aerosol cans III. Ozone destruction rate is higher than its formation
(a) Only I (b) I, III & IV rate
(c) II & III (d) All the above (a) I & II (b) II & III
62. Which of the following gases are responsible for acid rain (c) Only III (d) Only I
in environment? 69. Which statement is not true regarding Ozone?
I. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen I. Ozone is covered under Montreal Protocol.
II. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide II. Montreal protocol binds countries to adopt measures
III. Ozone and carbon dioxide to curb ozone depleting substances.
IV. Nitrous oxide and Sulphur dioxide III. HFC was used to replace ozone depleting substances.
(a) I & II (b) Only II IV. Ozone is also covered under Kyoto Protocol.
(c) Only IV (d) All the above (a) I & II (b) Only III
63. Spraying of DDT on crops causes pollution of: (c) Only IV (d) II & III
I. Soil and Water 70. Which of the following is not the feedback of the example
II. Air and Soil in which human activity is responsible for the global cli-
III. Crops and Air matic changes in the temperature?
IV. Air and Water I. Global warming causes snow to melt in polar regions
(a) I & II (b) II & III II. Global warming causes increased rainfall, plant
(c) Only I (d) All the above growth and photosynthesis
64. Which statement is correct regarding Agro-Chemicals? III. Global warming causes increased CO2 release from
I. Agro chemicals are developed by the use of modern biomass decomposition
technology that depends on inorganic fertilizers and IV. Tropical deforestation causes warming and drying
pesticides so that remaining forests begin to decline
II. Excess use of these fertilizers can lead to immediate (a) I & II (b) Only iii
harmful effect or can also be long lasting. (c) Only II (d) II & IV
III. In combination with genetically enhanced varieties 71. What is effluent waste?
of crop species, agrochemicals have made significant I. This category of waste, contains, hazardous wastes
contributions to the accomplishments of the “green that are harmful to human beings and hence should
revolution.” be stored and treated separately.
(a) I & II (b) Only II II. These wastes include a high proportion of paper,
(c) Only III (d) All the above cardboards and plastics.
65. Which statement is correct regarding acid rain? III. Domestic as well as industrial effluents that
I. Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that starts contaminate river water if allowed to flow
when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides unchecked.
(NO2) are released into the air IV. All the waste resulting from the maintenance of
II. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are highly soluble streets, roads, parks, and schools, paper, dry leaves,
in water and can be carried very far by the wind animal wastes, sludge, carcasses of small animals
III. Power plants release huge amount of sulfur dioxide and slaughter house wastes.
and nitrogen oxides when they burn fossil fuels, like
EE-66 Environmental Issues

(a) I & II (b) Only III 77. What are the environmental issues regarding the manu-
(c) Only IV (d) II & IV facturing of plastics?
72. What are the methods of collection of solid wastes? I. Escape of gaseous hydrocarbons, chlorine, and
I. Refuse storage which may sometimes require hydrogen chloride gas into the atmosphere.
delivery of refuse by the householder over a II. Waste-water from the processes and wash-waters
considerable distance can carry pollutants.
II. Door-to-door collection, where the collector III. Dioxins can be liberated due to mishaps in the
enters the premises and collects the refuse and the process.
householder is not involved in the collection process. IV. Health and safety issue in the manufacture of PVC
III. Dumping in river or stream is the exposure of plant operators to Vinyl Chloride
(a) I & II (b) Only II Monomer (VCM)
(c) Only I (d) All the above (a) I & II (b) II & III
73. Which statement is correct regarding radioactive waste (c) Only IV (d) All the above
material? 78. What are the advantages of using PVC in Water supply
I. This arises from civil nuclear activities as well as
pipes and Industrial piping over GI pipes?
from defense related nuclear weapon activities
I. They are heavy and plumbing work is difficult
II. The techniques used emphasizes on waste
minimization and volume reduction II. Corrosion problem is eliminated and hence
III. Nuclear waste is categorized into high, intermediate corrosion related contamination of water is avoided
and low levels depending on the level of radioactivity and life of the pipes increases
in it III. Inner surface of pipes may be made smooth to
(a) I & III (b) Only III reduce friction losses, thus saving on electricity
(c) Only I (d) All the above bills and conserving energy
74. Which statement is correct regarding the disposal of High (a) I & II (b) II & III
level waste produced from radioactive material? (c) Only III (d) All the above
I. High level waste produced from the reprocessing 79. What are the problems from Indiscriminate Discarding of
plant is vitrified into a glassy form, enclosed in used Plastics?
multiple barrier vessels I. They choke storm water drains, often causing
II. They are stored for a temporary period of three overflow of storm water on roads.
to four decades in engineered vaults with essential II. Being non-biodegradable they remain in the soil for
observation services a very long time, thus affecting the farm economy
III. After cooling down in these storage facilities, III. Direct transfer of molecular oxygen into water is
waste vessels will be stored for long term in deep
also affected
geological repositories
(a) I & II (b) Only II
(a) I & II (b) Only II
(c) Only III (d) All the above (c) Only III (d) All the above
75. Which statement is correct regarding plastic waste man- 80. Which statement is correct regarding the rule of the
agement? Forests issued the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and
I. Plastic was invented in 1960 Usage Rules 1999 which was amended in 2003 under the
II. They are the products of polymer chemistry produced Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
from the by- products of petroleum refining I. No vendor shall use carry bags and containers
III. They are characterized into thermoplastics and of recycled plastics for storing carrying and / or
thermosetting plastics packaging of foodstuffs
(a) I & II (b) II & III II. Carry bags and Container used for packaging of
(c) Only III (d) All the above foodstuff shall be made of virgin plastic and of
76. Which sentence is correct regarding the manufacturing of natural shade or white
plastic? III. Minimum thickness of Carry bags made of virgin or
I. All the varieties of plastics are manufactured from recycled plastics must not be less than 20 microns
petrochemical based hydrocarbons (a) I & II (b) II & III
II. The raw materials and intermediate products used (c) Only III (d) All the above
in the manufacture of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 81. What is the main health risks associated with greater
- Ethylene, Chlorine, Hydrogen chloride, Vinyl
UV radiation through the atmosphere due to depletion of
Chloride Monomer (VCM), and Ethylene Dichloride
stratospheric ozone?
(EDC) — are known hazardous materials
III. Additives, fillers, and coloring pigments used I. Increased skin cancer
in plastic goods can also exhibit non-hazardous II. Damage to eyes
properties III. Increased liver cancer
(a) I & II (b) Only ii IV. Reduced immune system
(c) Only III (d) All the above (a) I & II (b) III
(c) II & III (d) All the above
Environmental Issues EE-67

82. What are the negative effect regarding bio degradable 87. Consider the following statements regarding Ozone:
plastics? I. Ozone contributes to 3-7% of Greenhouse effect
I. The bio-degradable plastics will add to the already II. The largest net source of tropospheric ozone is
piling up municipal garbage influx from the stratosphere
II. bio-degradable plastics are expensive and the III. Large amounts of ozone are also produced in the
technology for manufacture is not easily available troposphere by photochemical reactions, the amounts
(a) only I (b) only II increasing with high levels of air pollution.
(c) Both I & II (d) only III (a) I & II (b) II & III
83. Which of the following reasons does not help regulate (c) Only III (d) All the above
global carbon dioxide concentrations?
88. What are the causes of deforestation?
I. Alterations in rainfall patterns
I. Population growth and overpopulationand
II. Storing carbon in the soil and biomass
urbanization
III. Absorbing carbon dioxide for photosynthesis
IV. Releasing carbon dioxide following decay II. Globalization
(a) I & II (b) II & III III. Dishonesty of government institutions
(c) Only I (d) All the above (a) Only I (b) Only II
84. The main function of ozone layer is: (c) I & II (d) All the above
I. Heating the stratosphere 89. Which statement is correct regarding acid rain?
II. Maintaining the temperature of atmosphere I. The term “acid rain” was coined in 1972 by Robert
III. Absorbing the ultraviolet solar radiation Angus Smith
(a) I & II (b) Only II II. Rainfall with pH less than 5.6 is called Acid rain.
(c) Only III (d) All the above III. Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that starts
85. Which statement is correct regarding methane? when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides
I. Methane (CH4), also called “Marsh gas” (NOX) are released into the air
II. It arises from rice paddies, wetlands, enteric (a) I & II (b) Only II
fermentation in cattle, burning of wood, and landfills (c) II & III (d) All the above
III. It is responsible for about 4-9% of Greenhouse 90. Lead and cadmium compounds are added as stabilizers
effect. in PVC. Which statement is correct regarding lead and
(a) I & II (b) II & III
cadmium?
(c) Only III (d) All the above
I. Lead and cadmium can leach out during human
86. Which statement is correct regarding CFC’s?
I. They are 1000 times more heat absorbent than contact, or when disposed in land-fills
carbon dioxide II. Lead and cadmium are known neurotoxins and
II. They reach the atmosphere from refrigeration & air nephrotoxins respectively
conditioning, aerosol sprays, and foam packaging III. These chemicals are used in the manufacture of soft
industry. plastic items such as vinyl flooring sheets, soft toys
III. They are responsible for 30% of greenhouse effect etc. to increase their durability
(a) I & II (b) II & III (a) I & II (b) II & III
(c) Only III (d) All the above (c) Only III (d) All the above
EE-68 Environmental Issues

1. (c) The mean global temperature rise by 2° – 6°c and aimed at fighting global warming. This protokol
the concentration of carbon dioxide increases in the adopted on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.
troposphere upto 600 ppm. Hence, the surface of the Under the protocol 37 countries commit themselves
earth becomes warm which causes global warming. to a reduction of four greenhouse gases and two
The phenomenon is similar to that of green house groups of gases.
in which the glass enclosed atmosphere gets 44. (b) 45. (a) 46. (b) 47. (c) 48. (a)
heated up due to its insulation from the rest of the 49. (d) 50. (b) 51. (d) 52. (c) 53. (a)
environment. Hence, global warming is also known 54. (b) 55. (b) 56. (a) 57. (d)
as green house effect and the gases responsible for it 58. (a) ‘El Nino’ is a warm ocean current. The term El
are called green house gases e.g CH4, CO2 etc. Niño refers to the large-scale oceanatmosphere
2. (d) SO2  and NO when present in large quantities climate interaction linked to a periodic warming in
dissolved in water vapour form sulphuric acid and
sea surface temperatures across the central and east-
nitric acid which dissolve in rain water resulting in
central Equatorial Pacific.
acid rain (H2SO4) and (HNO3) which in turn causes
59. (d) Ozone holes are more pronounced at the polar
great damage to forests and vegetation.
3. (a) The Bhopal gas tragedy occurred on 3rd Dec. 1984 regions especially over Antarctica.
in which methyl isocyanate gas was released from 60. (a) Acid rain refers to the precipitation with a pH of
a fertilizer manufacturing plant of Union Carbide less than 5. It is a mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3, the
causing death of approximately 2500 persons. ratio of the two acids vary depending on the relative
Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, quantities of sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides
from an explosion at the chernobvl power station present in the atmosphere. These oxides are mainly
which released a huge radioactive cloud into the produced by combustion of fossil fuels, smelters,
atmosphere in Ukrain. industries, power plants, automobile exhausts etc.
4. (d) Carbon dioxide is one of the important green house 61. (d) Housed within the Carbon Finance Unit of the
gas. It allows the shorter wavelength of infra red World Bank, the Bio Carbon Fund is a public-
radiations to pass through it but does not allow these private sector initiative mobilizing financing to
radiations to leave the earth’s atmosphere. This help for development of projects that sequester or
results in warming of the atmosphere. If the amount conserve carbon in forest and agro-ecosystems. It
of CO2decreases then there will not be any increase was created in 2004.
in temperature. 62. (b) The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty
5. (a) designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out
6. (b) Strength of sewage or degree of water pollution is the production of numerous substances that are
measured in terms of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen responsible for ozone depletion.
Demand) value. BOD may be defined as, ‘number 63. (a) The United Nations Conference on Environment
of milligrams of O2required for decomposition and Development (UNCED), also known as the Rio
of one litre of waste or water by decomposing
Summit or Earth Summit. It was a major United
microorganisms (bacteria)’.
Nations conference held in Rio de Janeiro from
7. (c) Due to heavy industrilization and transportation
3 to 14 June 1992. In 2012, the United Nations
(modernization), CO2  concentration is increasing
Conference on Sustainable Development was also
day by day in the atmosphere. CO2  has capacity
for absorbing heat radiations and thus increases held in Rio, and is also commonly called Rio+20 or
temperature. This increase in global temperature Rio Earth Summit 2012.
(global warming) is mainly due to CO2 concentration 64. (a) The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a fund within the
is called green house effect. Complete combustion framework of the UNFCCC founded as a mechanism
of fossil fuels and biomass releases carbon dioxide. to redistribute money from the developed to the
Nuclear power plants releases radioactive wastes. developing world, in order to assist the developing
8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (b) 11. (a) 12. (c) countries in adaptation and mitigation practices
13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (b) 16. (a) 17. (b) to counter climate change. The Fund is governed
18. (a) 19. (d) 20. (c) 21. (b) 22. (a) by the GCF Board. The assets of the GCF will be
23. (d) 24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (a) 27. (a) administered by a trustee only for the purpose of,
28. (a) 29. (c) 30. (d) 31. (c) 32. (d) and in accordance with, the relevant decisions of
33. (d) 34. (c) 35. (d) 36. (a) 37. (a) the GCF Board. The World Bank was invited by
38. (b) 39. (b) 40. (a) 41. (d) 42. (a) the COP to serve as the interim trustee of the GCF,
43. (b) The Kyoto protocol is a protocol to the United subject to a review three years after operation of the
Nations Framework convention on climate change Fund.
Environmental Issues EE-69

EXERCISE-2 21. (d) The schedule is meant to reduce the growth of the
1. (c) Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be US government’s liabilities under the 1982 Nuclear
used in biomass gassfication. Waste Policy Act, under which it was to begin taking
Combustible gases generated from biomass spent reactor fuel from power companies in 1998.
gasification can be used for direct heat generation About 68,000 tonnes of used reactor fuel remains
at 72 different power plant sites across the country,
but not in internal combustion engines.
with the Department of Energy (DoE) reimbursing
2. (a)
power companies the cost. The current production
3. (b) The protocol was initially adopted on 11th December
rate of spent fuel is 2,000 tonnes a year. The two
1997. But it entered into force on 16th February
interim facilities will accept used reactor fuel at a
2005, after Kyoto, Japan. So, it is called Kyoto rate faster than this in order to reduce gradually the
protocol. inventory at power companies.
Kyoto protocol deals with reducing the green house 22. (b) The Researchers found a small correlation between
gases emission to a level at least 5% below 1990 cosmic rays and global temperatures occurring every
level. Methane is more effective or harmful green 22 years; however, the changing cosmic ray rate
house gas than carbon dioxide. lagged behind the change in temperatures by between
4. (b) 5. (c) one and two years, suggesting that the cause might
6. (c) Methane and nitrous oxide are the two green house not be down to cosmic rays and cloud formation
gases emitted from rice field. In rice field, the flooding but might be due to the direct effects of the sun. By
a field cuts off the oxygen supply from atmosphere comparing the small oscillations in the cosmic ray
resulting anaerobic condition which emittes methane rate, which were taken from data from two neutron
and nitrogen fertilizer which generally used in rice monitors, and temperature with the overall trends in
field for high production, emits nitrous oxide by the both since 1955, the research team found that less
reaction with atmospheric oxygen. than 14 per cent of the global warming seen during
7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (c) 11. (d) this period could be attributable to solar activity.
12. (c) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (c) 16. (a) 23. (d) There is no single factor which cause an algal
17. (b) United States and Canada are the countries which bloom. A combination of optimum factors such as
are mostly affected by acid rain because of high the presence of good nutrients, warm temperatures,
number of factories, power plants and large number surface runoff, upwelling in the sea can all contribute
of automotive plants. Europe, Poland, Germany, harmfull algal blooms.
24. (c) Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1947 and the
Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway and Finland are
Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation)
affected because of British and European factories.
Ordinance, 1992 (Ord. 11 of 1992) got repealed with
In Asia, India and China are mostly affected mainly
the enactment of Foreign Trade (Development And
because of the large number of factories.
Regulation) Act, 1992. But still the answer remains
18. (b) Radioactive contamination or pollution causes the same because the new act also has “bearing” on
severe life- threatening consequences in organisms. biodiversity conservation.
Because of the radioactive decay of the contaminants, 25. (c) Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can
which emit harmful ionising radiation such as alpha be used in biomass gasification.
or beta particles, gamma rays or neutrons, genetic Combustible gases generated from biomass
mutations occur which are hereditary. Carcinogenic gasification can be used for direct heat generation
contaminants cause cancers. but not in internal combustion engines.
19. (d) Global warming is the increase in the global 26. (b) Autoclaves use pressurized steam to destroy
temperature. It has put many negative impacts on microorganisms, and are the most dependable
glaciers causing them to start melting, so, rise of sea systems available for the decontamination of
level. Unpredictable weather conditions prevailing laboratory waste and the sterilization of laboratory
in some geographical areas are some of the other glassware, media, and reagents. For efficient heat
effects of global warming. transfer, steam must flush the air out of the autoclave
20. (d) Almost all of the mercury in the Arctic atmosphere chamber. Before using the autoclave, check the
is transported there in gaseous form from sources in drain screen at the bottom of the chamber and clean
areas farther south, from sources such as wildfires, if blocked. If the sieve is blocked with debris, a
coal burning and gold mining. Scientists have long layer of air may form at the bottom of the autoclave,
known that mercury in the air near ground level preventing efficient operation.
undergoes complex chemical reactions that deposit 27. (b) Forests that experience high levels of acid
the element on the surface. Once the mercury is precipitation expose trees to soil that has more
completely removed from the air, these reactions dissolved aluminum and less dissolved calcium.
stop. However, this newly discovered mixing 28. (c) Prolonged human exposure to solar UV radiation
ice forces down additional mercury to restart and may result in acute and chronic health effects on
sustains the reactions. the skin, eye and immune system. Over the longer
EE-70 Environmental Issues

term, UV radiation induces degenerative changes in signatories to Ramsar Convention.It works at the
cells of the skin, fibrous tissue and blood vessels field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and
leading to premature skin aging, photodermatoses use the practical experience to advocate for better
and actinic keratoses. policies.
29. (c) Greenhouse gases are those that can absorb and 36. (c) Statement 1, 3 and 4 are correct as per wwf and
emit infrared radiation, but not radiation in or near environment ministry.
the visible spectrum. In order, the most abundant 37. (c) Brominated flame retardants used in many household
greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere are: products are highly resistant to degradation in the
• Water vapor (H2O) environment and they are able to accumulate in
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) humans and animals.
• Methane (CH4) 38. (d) Eco-sensitive zones are the ecologically important
• Nitrous oxide (N2O) areas designated to be protected from industrial
• Ozone (O3) pollution and unregulated development under
• CFCs the Environment Protection Act of 1986. Only
30. (c) Greenland ice sheet melt water, which moves to the environmentally hazardous human activities are
sea under the ice in contact with the land surface, prohibited in those areas. Therefore, both the
may transport solids or dissolved material such as statements are incorrect.
iron to the ocean. Measurements of the amount of 39. (b) The Animal Welfare Board of India was established
available iron in melt water from the Greenland ice in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of
sheet shows that extensive melting of the ice sheet Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The National
might add an amount of iron to the Atlantic Ocean Tiger Conservation Authority is set up under the
equivalent to that added by airborne dust. This Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and
would increase biological activity in the Atlantic. Forests and is a statutory body. National Ganga
31. (b) Electronic waste or E-waste has ferrous and non- River Basin Authority was established by the
ferrous metals both. Non-ferrous metals like copper, Central Government of India, on 20 February 2009.
aluminium, silver, gold, platinum, palladium etc. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority.
The presence of elements like lead, mercury arsenic, 40. (a) Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held
cadmium, selenium and hexavalent chromium are together by calcium carbonate structures secreted
classified as hazardous waste. by corals. Andaman & Nicobar,Gulf of Kachchh
32. (a) Drinking water in some parts of India has and Gulf of Mannar have coral reefs. However
contaminants like Arsenic, Fluoride other than Sunderbans do not have coral reef.
many other contaminants. The sources of Arsenic 41. (b) In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated
are run off from orchards. The sources of fluoride with deforestataion .Terace cultivation helps in less
are erosion of natural deposits, discharge from erosion of soil.
fertilizers and aluminum factories. 42. (b) If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C
33. (d) The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources above the pre-industrial level then Terrestrial
for Food and Agriculture aims at guaranteeing biosphere tends toward a net carbon source and
food security through the conservation, exchange Widespread coral mortality will occur.
and sustainable use of the world’s plant genetic 43. (d) In steel furnace coke reacts with iron to release
resources for food and agriculture. The United pollutants like Oxides of sulphur, Oxides of
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification nitrogen, Carbon monoxide & Carbon dioxide.
is a Convention to combat desertification and 44. (c) Global climate change threatens coral reef by
mitigate the effects of drought. The World Heritage increasing the temperature and decreasing the ph
Convention is concerned with the protection of the level of the ocean. Much of the carbon dioxide
world cultural and natural heritage.All three of them that enters the atmosphere dissolves into the ocean.
have a bearing on the biodiversity. In fact, the oceans have absorbed about 1/3 of the
34. (c) Earth Hour is a worldwide movement for the planet carbon dioxide produced from human activities since
organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature 1800 and about 1/2 of the carbon dioxide produced
(WWF). The event is held worldwide annually by burning fossil fuels (Sabine et al. 2004). As carbon
encouraging individuals, communities, households dioxide in the ocean increases, ocean pH decreases or
and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights becomes more acidic.
for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. to raise the 45. (c) The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility is a global
awareness about the climate change and the need to partnership of governments, businesses, civil
save the planet. society, and Indigenous Peoples focused on reducing
35. (b) This organization is in partnership but not formed by emissions from deforestation and forest degradation,
Ramsar convention. The organization was formed forest carbon stock conservation, the sustainable
in 1954 and Ramsar convention was signed in 1971. management of forests, and the enhancement
“Wetlands International”, It is an intergovernmental of forest carbon stocks in developing countries
organization formed by the countries which are (activities commonly referred to as REDD+).
Environmental Issues EE-71

46. (c) The dugong is a medium-sized marine mammal. to immediate harmful effect or can also be long
Dugong is listed under schedule 1 of India Wildlife lasting. Although many benefits are there by the use
Protection Act, 1972. In 2008, a MoU was signed of agro chemicals which are related to increase yield
between the Ministry of Environment and Forests of plants and animal crops and less wastage during
and the Government of India, in order to conserve storing. These profits are substantial.
dugongs. In fact the highest level of legal protection 65. (d)
is accorded to dugongs in India. 66. (b) Acid rain reacts with calcium to form calcium
47. (d) 48. (d) bicarbonate, which can be easily washed away.
49. (c) Nitrous Oxide (NO2) (5%) arises from coal burning, 67. (d) 68. (b) 69. (c) 70. (c)
biomass burning, and breakdown of chemical 71. (c) Domestic as well as industrial effluents that
fertilizers. contaminate river water if allowed to flow
50. (b) unchecked.
51. (c) Photosynthesis would decrease as increased UV 72. (a) Refuse storage: which may sometimes require
radiations (due to ozone depletion) would make it delivery of refuse by the householder over (a)
difficult for leaves of green plants to exchange gases considerable distance. Where the householder
with the atmosphere. Due to increased temperature delivers the refuse to the vehicle at the time of
consequent upon increased UV radiation, the collection. Door-to-door collection, where the
evaporation rate of surface water will increase and collector enters the premises and collects the refuse
soil moisture would decrease leading to drying of and the householder is not involved in the collection
agricultural crops and hence reduced yield. process.
52. (d) 73. (d) Radioactive waste which arises from civil nuclear
53. (d) CFCs and HCFCs destroy ozone in the stratosphere. activities as well as from defense related nuclear
These chemicals are inert, non-flammable, non- weapon activities, poses a terrible problem for
toxic, and lighter than air and can remain intact for handling and keeping the environment to be safe to
years. They contain Chlorine and Fluorine, common the present and future generations. The techniques
being CFC-ll, CFC-12, CFC-22 and CFC- 13. used emphasizes on waste minimization and volume
54. (d) The process of clearance of forest by burning or reduction. Nuclear waste is categorized into high,
logging is called deforestation. The main reasons intermediate and low levels depending on the level
for deforestation are trees or derived charcoal are of radioactivity in it.
used as, or sold, for fuel or as (a) commodity, while 74. (d) High level waste produced from the reprocessing
cleared land is used as grassland for livestock, plant is vitrified into a glassy form, enclosed in
plantations of commodities, and settlements. multiple barrier vessels and stored for a temporary
Deforested areas usually sustain extensive adverse period of three to four decades in engineered vaults
soil erosion and regularly damage into wasteland. with essential observation services. After cooling
55. (d) Deforestation is the removal of vegetation in (a) down in these storage facilities, waste vessels will be
forest to the extent that it no longer supports its stored for long term in deep geological repositories.
natural flora and fauna. Deforestation is (a) very 75. (d) Plastics have become an indispensable part of our
broad term, which consists of cutting of trees daily lives. Invented in 1935, they are wonderful
including repeated lopping, felling, and removal products of polymer chemistry produced from
of forest litter, browsing, grazing and trampling of the by- products of petroleum refining. They are
seedlings. classified as into two main categories
56. (c) The six main greenhouse gases are – • Carbon dioxide 76. (a) All the varieties of plastics are manufactured
(CO2); • Methane (CH4); • Nitrous oxide (N2O); from petrochemical based hydrocarbons. These
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); • Perfluorocarbons hydrocarbons, and the plastic manufacturing
(PFCs); and • Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Methane processes involved possess environmentally critical
(CH4) is the second most important greenhouse characteristics. The raw materials and intermediate
gas. CH4 is more potent than CO2 because the products used in the manufacture of Polyvinyl
radiative forcing produced per molecule is greater. chloride (PVC) - Ethylene, Chlorine, Hydrogen
In addition, the infrared window is less saturated in chloride, Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM), and
the range of wavelengths of radiation absorbed by Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) — are known hazardous
CH4, so more molecules may fill in the region. materials. Additives, fillers, and coloring pigments
57. (c) used in plastic goods can also exhibit hazardous
58. (a) CO2 is largest contributor towards global warming. properties.
59. (b) 60. (d) 61. (b) 62. (c) 77. (d) 78. (b) 79. (d)
63. (c) spraying of DDT in soil results in the pollution of 80. (d) No vendor shall use carry bags and containers
soil and water. of recycled plastics for storing carrying and / or
64. (d) Agro chemicals are developed by the use of modern packaging of foodstuffs, Carry bags and Container
technology that depends on inorganic fertilizers and used for packaging of foodstuff shall be made of
pesticides. Excess use of these fertilizers can lead virgin plastic and of natural shade or white, Carry
EE-72 Environmental Issues

bags and Container made from recycled plastics 87. (d) Ozone contributes to 3-7% of Greenhouse effect.
must be manufactured using pigments and colorants The largest net source of tropospheric ozone is influx
as per IS: 9833/ 1981 notified by the Bureau of from the stratosphere. Large amounts of ozone are
Indian Standards (BIS), Minimum thickness of also produced in the troposphere by photochemical
Carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastics must reactions, the amounts increasing with high levels of
not be less than 20 microns. air pollution.
81. (b) 88. (d) There are numerous causes of current deforestation
82. (c) The bio-degradable plastics will add to the already such as dishonesty of government institutions,
piling up municipal garbage. The immediate the imbalanced distribution of wealth and power,
benefits of recovery and recycle of normal plastics population growth and overpopulation, and
is also lost if bio-degradable plastics are introduced. urbanization. Globalization is also main cause of
As of now, compared to normal plastic, the bio- deforestation, though there are cases in which the
degradable plastics are expensive and the technology effects of globalization have supported localized
for manufacture is not easily available. It may be forest recuperate.
possible to treat bio-degradable plastics in countries 89. (c) Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation
where solid waste management systems are working that is unusually acidic, meaning that it possesses
satisfactorily and extensively. elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). The term
83. (c) “acid rain” was coined in 1872 by Robert Angus
84. (c) The main function of the ozone gas found in the Smith, after a link was established between sulfur
ozonosphere is to absorb the ultraviolet solar dioxide (SO2) emissions from the burning of coal
radiation. Ozone absorbs the ultraviolet solar in Manchester and acidification of nearby rainfall.
radiation and through this process, the most harmful Rainfall with pH less than 5.6 is called Acid rain.
ultraviolet radiation is effectively filtered, thus 90. (d) Lead and cadmium compounds are added as
safeguarding life at earth. stabilizers in PVC. These chemicals are used in
85. (d) Methane (CH4), also called “Marsh gas”, arises the manufacture of soft plastic items such as vinyl
from rice paddies, wetlands, enteric fermentation flooring sheets, soft toys etc. to increase their
in cattle, burning of wood, and landfills. It is durability. Lead and cadmium can leach out during
responsible for about 4-9% of Greenhouse effect. human contact, or when disposed in land-fills.
86. (a) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and their replacements Incineration of such rejected plastic items produces
(15%) are 1000 times more heat absorbent than ash with high heavy metal content. Use of lead
carbon dioxide. They reach the atmosphere from compounds in the manufacturing process can be (a)
refrigeration & air conditioning, aerosol sprays, and potential hazard to workers in the PVC industry.
foam packaging industry Lead and cadmium are known neurotoxins and
nephrotoxins respectively