Question

NCERT Solutions Class 11, Geography, India Physical Environment, Chapter-2, Structure and Physiography

For success in board and competitive exams, it’s crucial to achieve a deep understanding of Class 11 Geography, and NCERT Solutions are a valuable tool. Developed by experts, these resources emphasize significant themes in each chapter while adhering to the CBSE curriculum, providing essential assistance in your academic journey.

In these NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Geography, we have discussed all types of NCERT intext questions and exercise questions.

Concepts covered in Class 11 Geography, India Physical Environment, Chapter-2 Structure and Physiography, are-

• The Peninsular Block
• The Himalayas and Other Peninsular Mountains
• Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain
• Physiography
• The North and Northeastern Mountains
• The Peninsular Plateau
• The Indian Desert
• The Coastal Plains
• The Islands

Our NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Geography offer detailed explanations to assist you with homework and assignments. By mastering the concepts in each chapter through these solutions, you'll be well-prepared to achieve top marks in your exams. Start your journey to academic success today!

Quickly access all the solutions and practice questions you require to improve your study habits and prepare thoroughly for academic success.

Answer 1

NCERT Solutions Class 11, Geography, India Physical Environment, Chapter-2, Structure and Physiography

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.

(i) In which part of Himalayas do we find the Karewa formation?

(a) North-eastern Himalayas

(b) Himachal-Uttarakhand Himalayas

(c) Eastern Himalayas

(d) Kashmir Himalayas

Solution:

(d) Kashmir Himalayas

(ii) In which of the following states is Loktak lake situated?

(a) Kerala

(b) Uttarakhand

(c) Manipur

(d) Rajasthan

Solution:

(c) Manipur

(iii) Which one of the water bodies separates the Andaman from the Nicobar?

(a) 11° Channel

(b) Gulf of Mannar

(c) 10° Channel

(d) Andaman Sea

Solution:

(c) 10° Channel

(iv) On which of the following hill range is the ‘Dodabeta’ peak situated?

(a) Nilgiri hills

(b) Anaimalai hills

(c) Cardamom hills

(d) Nallamala hills

Solution:

(a) Nilgiri hills

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) If a person is to travel to Lakshadweep, from which coastal plain does he prefer and why?

Solution:

In the Arabian Sea, there are group of islands known as Lakshadweep. These islands are situated between 280 and 480 kilometres off the coast of Kerala. It is closest to the Malabar Coast. As a result, we will arrive at the Lakshadweep islands from the Malabar Coast in the shortest period of time.

(ii) Where in India will you find a cold desert? Name some important ranges of this region.

Solution:

The Kashmir Himalayas’ north-eastern region is a cold desert between the Greater Himalayas and the Karakoram mountains. Principal ranges of this region are Ladakh, the Karakoram, the Jasker, and the Pir Panjal.

(iii) Why the western coastal plain is devoid of any delta?

Solution:

Rivers on the western shore have a fairly high incline. As a result, these rivers have a single, continuous flow. Therefore, they do not create a delta. Therefore, we are unable to locate any delta along the western shore.

3. Answer the following questions in not more than 125 words.

(i) Make a comparison of the island groups of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Solution:

Lakshadweep islands are located in the Arabian Sea, and Andaman and Nicobar islands are located in the Bay of Bengal.

(a) There are roughly 572 islands in the Bay of Bengal island groups. These are located between 92°E and 94°E and between 6°N and 14°N. T he two main island groups are are Labyrinth and Richie’s archipelago. The Andaman (north) and Nicobar islands comprise the entire group of islands (south). They are separated by the 10° Channel, a huge body of water. Some smaller islands were formed by volcanic activity. The Nicobar Islands contains a lonely island and India’s only active volcano the Barren Island.

(b) In the Arabian Sea there are the Lakshadweep Islands. They are dispersed between latitudes 71°E and 74°E and between 8°N and 12°N. These are situated between 280 and 480 kilometres inland from Kerala’s coast. The entire island chain is made of deposits of coral. There are around 36 of them, and 11 of them are inhabited. The largest island is Minicoy.

(ii) What are the important geomorphological features found in the river valley plains?

Solution:

Alluvial fans are created when streams from higher elevations come down foot slope plains with a low gradient. Streams running across steep slopes typically carry relatively coarse loads. This burden eventually becomes too heavy for the streams to carry across milder gradients, so it is discharged and dispersed as an alluvial fan, a wide low to high cone-shaped deposit. Typically, streams that flow across fans are not kept in their original channels for very long. Instead, they move positions across the fan, creating a number of distributaries. In humid environments, alluvial fans generate low cones that are typically low with a gradual slope. Delta is similar to alluvial fans but forms in a different area. The rivers’ mass is stretched out and emptied into the ocean. This weight spreads and builds if it is not dispersed along the shore or taken far out to sea. These locations above flood plains include gritty sediments that were built up by abandoned or cut-off channels. Silt and clay are considerably finer materials carried  by the flood deposits of water spills. The term “delta plains” refers to the flood plains in a delta. A significant river depositing landform is the floodplain. Large-sized sediments are deposited first when the stream channel transitions into a moderate slope. As a result, fine-grained materials like sand, silt, and clay are typically carried by relatively slow-moving streams in gentler channels that are most often found on  the plains, where they are then dumped over the bed and during floods above the bed. The lush alluvial soil in these river valley plains supports a wide range of crops, including wheat, rice, sugarcane and jute, and as a result, it sustains a sizable population.

(iii) If you move from Badrinath to Sunderbans delta along the course of the river Ganga, what major geomorphological features will you come across?

Solution:

Along the Ganges River’s path from Badrinath to the Sunderbans Delta, we would come across the following significant geomorphological features:

(a) V-shaped Valleys: Valleys develop as small, narrow rills that gradually grow into long, wide gullies. The gullies then continue to deepen, expand, and extend to form V-shaped valleys.

(b) Gorge: A gorge is a deep valley with abruptly straight or extremely steep sides.

(c) Canyon: A canyon can be as deep as a gorge and is characterised by steep, step-like side slopes. A gorge is almost equal in width at its top as well as at its bottom.

(d) Waterfall: This natural phenomenon occurs when rivers in hilly areas begin to fall into holes.

(e) Plunge pools: After a tiny, shallow depression appears, stones and boulders gather there and are spun by the water, which causes the depressions to enlarge.

Such depressions gradually merge together in a sequence, deepening the stream valley. Large potholes that are fairly deep and wide also occur at the base of waterfalls as a result of the force of the water and the rotation of the stones.

Answer 2

More Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is the highest peak of western ghats?

(a) Anaimudi
(b) Nilgiri
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Barabar

Solution:

(a) Anaimudi

2. Which of the following is not a part of Meghalaya Plateau?

(а) The Garo Hills
(b) The Khasi Hills
(c) The Jaintia Hills
(d) Kaimoor Hills

Solution:

(d) Kaimoor Hills

3. Old alluvial soil is called:

(a) Khadar
(b) Bangar
(c) Bhabar
(d) Kareva

Solution:

(b) Bangar

4. New alluvial soil is called:

(a) Khadar
(b) Bangar
(c) Bhabar
(d) Kareva

Solution:

(a) Khadar

5. Which of the following hills are not a part of eastern ghats?

(a) Javadi hills
(b) Nallamala hills
(c) Nilgiri hills
(d) Mahendragiri hills

Solution:

(c) Nilgiri hills

6. Which of the following hills are not a part of western ghats?

(a) Anaimalai hills
(b) Nilgiri hills
(c) Cardamom hills
(d) Palconda range

Solution:

(d) Palconda range

7. Lesser Himalayas is called by what name in Uttaranchal?

(a) Dholadhar
(b) Nagtia
(c) Kayal
(d) Kareva

Solution:

(b) Nagtia

8. Which of the following is not included in central highlands?

(a) Satpura ranges
(b) Vindhyan ranges
(c) Kaimur ranges
(d) Mahendragiri ranges

Solution:

(d) Mahendragiri ranges

9. Which of the following is not a tributary of river Brahmaputra?

(a) Subansiri
(b) Dihang
(c) Kormang
(d) Morhar

Solution:

(d) Morhar

10. Which of the following is not a tribe living in Arunachal Himalayas?

(a) Monpa, Daffla
(b) Abor, Mishmi
(c) Nishi, Nagas
(d) Manjhi, Dusadh

Solution:

(d) Manjhi, Dusadh

11. What is the east-west length of greater Himalayas?

(a) 2000 km
(b) 2500 km
(c) 3000 km
(d) 3200 km

Solution:

(b) 2500 km

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What are Dims?

Solution:

Duns are flat-floored structural valleys between the Siwalik and Himachal.

For example: Dehradun.

2. What are North-western Himalayas?

Solution:

It comprise a series of ranges such as the Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar and Pir Panjal. The north-eastern part of the Kashmir Himalayas is a cold desert, which lies between the Greater Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges.

3. What are central highlands?

Solution:

These are bounded by the Aravalli range to the west, the satpura range on the north generally at an elevation varying between 600 m to 900 m.

4. In how many categories can Himalayas be divided on the basis of relief, alignment of ranges and other geomorphological features?

Solution:

On the basis of relief, alignment of ranges and other geomorphological features, the Himalayas can be divided into the following sub-divisions:

• Kashmir or North-western Himalayas
• Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas
• Daijeeling and Sikkim Himalayas
• Arunachal Himalayas
• Eastern Hills and Mountains.

5. In how many divisions can India be divided physiographically?

Solution:

India can be divided into the following physiographic divisions:

• The Northern and North-eastern Mountains.
• The Northern Plain.
• The Peninsular Plateau.
• The Indian Desert.
• The Coastal Plains.
• The Islands.

6. Based on the variations in its geological structure and formations, in how many categories can India be divided?

Solution:

India can be divided into three geological divisions. These geological regions broadly follow the physical features:

• The Peninsular Block.
• The Himalayas and other Peninsular Mountains.
• Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain.

7. When and how was Indo-Ganga- Brahmaputra plain was formed?

Solution:

Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain is a geological division of India that comprises the plains formed by the river Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. Originally, it was a geo-synclinal depression which attained its maximum development during the third phase of the Himalayan mountain formation approximately about 64 million years ago. Since then, it has been gradually filled by the sediments brought by the Himalayan and Peninsular rivers.

8. What is called Molassis basin?

Solution:

Manipur is also called Molassis basin.

9. What is Bhabar?

Solution:

Bhabar is a narrow belt ranging between 8-10 km parallel to the Shiwalik foothills at the break-up of the slope. As a result of this, the streams and rivers coming from the mountains deposit heavy materials of rocks and boulders, and at times, disappear in this zone.

10. What is tarai?

Solution:

South of the Bhabar is the Tarai belt, with an approximate width of 10-20 km where most of the streams and rivers re-emerge without having any properly demarcated channel, thereby,’creating marshy and swampy conditions known as the Tarai.

11. What are the local names given to Western Ghats?

Solution:

Western Ghats are locally known by different names such as Sahyadri in Maharashtra, Nilgiri hills in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and Anaimalai hills and Cardamom hills in Kerala.

12. Where is Nehru Trophy Vallamkali held?

Solution:

The Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) is held in Punnamada kayal in Kerala.

13. Name some important ports on the eastern coast?

Solution:

Tuticorian, Vishakhapatnam, Paradeep, Chennai, Kolkata are important ports.

14. Give sub divisions of Meghalaya Plateau.

Solution:

The Meghalaya plateau is further sub-divided into three:

1. The Garo hills
2. The Khasi hills
3. The Jaintia hills

15. Give two features of Chotanagpur Plateau.

Solution:

• Chotanagpur plateau is rich in mineral resources like coal, iron ore, limestone and uranium.
• This area receives maximum rainfall from the south-west monsoon.

Answer 3

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Explain about Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas.

Solution:

Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas:

• Very small segment but is of great significance.
• Some portion lies in Bhutan also.
• High flowing rivers like Tista are there.
• The high mountains peaks Kanchenjunga is present here and the regions has deep valleys.
• Lepcha tribes are seen in higher reaches.
• The southern part is having mixed tribe of Nepalis, Bengalis, etc.
• It has moderate slope, thick soil cover with high organic content.
• It has well distributed rainfall and mild Winter Sikkim and Darjeeling are known for scenic beauty, flora and fauna and fruit orchids.

2. Write the features of Peninsular Plateau?

Solution:

• Delhi ridge in the north-west, (extension of Aravali), the Rajmahal hills in the east, Gir range in the west and the cardamom hills in the south constitute the outer extent of the peninsular plateau.
• In north-east in the form of Shillong and Karbi-Anglong Plateau.
• It is made up of a series of patland plateaus such as the Hazaribagh Plateau, the Ranchi plateau, the Malwa plateau, the Coimbatore plateau and the Karnataka plateau.
• It is one of the oldest and most stable landmass of India.
• The general elevation of the plateau is from the west to the east.
• The western and north-western part of the plate has an emphatic presence of black soil.

3. Write the features of central highlands?

Solution:

• Central highlands are bounded to the west by the Aravalli range and Satpura range on the south.
• Elevation varies between 600-900 m above.
• The general elevation of the central highlands ranges between 700,1,000 m above the mean sea level and it slopes towards the north and north¬eastern directions.
• Banas is the only significant tributary of the river Chambal that originates from the Aravalli in the west.

4. Write a short note on features and location of Thar Desert.

Solution:

• It lies towards the western margins of Aravallis hills.
• It vast expand is covered with sand dunes which change their shape very frequently.
• It is a land of undulating topography dotted with the longitudinal dunes.
• Crescent shape are common which are known as barchans.
• This area receives very low rainfall less than 150 mm per year.
• It has arid climate with lack of vegetation.
• The vegetation common in the region are Cacti, Kher, Kikar, Babool, Aclacia, Rhododendrons, etc.
• During rainy season some streams appear which disappear in summer. Luni is an important river of the region.
• Lakes and Palayas have brackish water which is important for obtaining salt. The largest salt water lake is Sambhar lake which is seen here.
• Low precipitation and high evapo-ration makes it water deficit region.
• Mushroom rocks, shifting dunes, oasis can be seen in the region.
• On the basis of orientation Thar desert is divided as:
  • Northern parts sloping towards Sindh.
  • The southern part sloping towards Rann.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Write a detailed on Kashmir or north-western Himalayas.

Solution:

Kashmir or North-western Himalayas:

• Region extents over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal.
• It comprises of Ladakh, Zaskar and Pir Panjal.
• The north-eastern parts of Kashmir Himalayas is a cold desert which lies between greater Himalayas and Karakoram ranges.
•  Between Pir Panjal and Great Himalayas in Dal Lake and Valley of Kashmir.
• Important Glaciers here are:
  • Siachen
  • Baltora
  • Babura
  • Hispar.
• Kashmir valleys are known for Karewas. Karewas are thick deposits of glacial clay and other material embedded with moraines (Zafran-Saffron is cultivated here):
• Important passes: Zoji La on the Great Himalayas, Banihal on Pir Panjal range, Photu La-Zaskar range, Kharaung La on Ladakh range. Thadala, Nitila, Lepulekh in Uttaranchal Nathula in Sikkim in Himachal Pradesh.
• Himalayas are spread between river Indus to river Mahi. The total extent of western Himalayas is 700 km and 400 km in width.
• Kashmir Himalayas, Punjab Himalayas and Kumaon Himalayas are its sub-division.
• The important lakes are: Dal lake and Wular lake (in Jammu and Kashmir and they are freshwater lakes), Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri ( they are salt water lakes and they are situated in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Important rivers: Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
• Important pilgrimages Vaishno Devi, Amaranth and Charar-e-Sharif.
• The southernmost part of the region has longitudinal valleys known as Duns, e.g. Jammu Dun and Pathankot Dun.

2. Explain the characteristics or features of Northern plains?

Solution:

The Northern Plains-

• These plains extend approximately 3,200 from the east to the west.
• The average width of these plains varies between 150-300 km.
• The maximum depth of alluvium deposits varies between 1,000-2,000 m.
• The area covered by northern plains is 7 lakhs square km and is most densely populated region of country.
  From north to South, these plains can be divided into three sub divisions: Bhabar, Tarai and Alluvial Plains. The alluvial plains can be further divided into the Khadar and the Bhangar.

Bhabar-

• It is a narrow belt ranging between 8-16 km parallel to the Shiwalik foothills at the breaking of the slopes.
• The streams and rivers coming from the mountain deposit heavy materials of rocks and boulders and at times, disappear in this zone.

Tarai-

• Its approximate width is of 20-30 km where most of the streams and river re-emerge without having any properly demarcated channel, thereby, creating marshy and swampy condition known as the Tarai.
• It has a luxurious growth of natural vegetation and houses a varied wild life.

Alluvial Plains-

• These plains have characteristic features of mature stage of fluvial erosional and depositional landforms such as sand bars, meanders, ox- bow lakes and braided channels. The Brahmaputra plains are known for their riverine islands and sand bars.
• The mouths of these mighty rivers also form some of the largest deltas of the world, for example, the famous Sunderbans delta.
• These river valley plains have a fertile alluvial soil cover which supports a variety of crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane and jute, and hence supports a large population.

Answer 4

3. Explain the physical features of coastal plains.

Solution:

On the basis of the location and active geomorphological processes, it can be broadly divided into two:

• The western coastal plains;
• The eastern coastal plains.

The western coastal plains are an example of submerged coastal plain. It is a narrow belt and provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbours. Kandla, Mazagaon, JLN port. Navha Sheva, Marmagao, Mangalore, Cochin, etc. are some of the important natural ports located along the west coast.

Extending from the Gujarat coast in the north to the Kerala coast in the south, the western coast may be divided into following divisions- the Kachchh and Kathiawar coast in Gujarat, Konkan coast in Maharashtra, Goan coast and Malabar coast in Karnataka and Kerala respectively. As compared to the western coastal plain, the eastern coastal plain is broader and is an example of an emergent coast.

There are well- developed deltas here, formed by the rivers flowing eastward in to the Bay of Bengal. These include the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri. Because of its emergent nature, it has less number of ports and harbours. The continental shelf extends up to 500 km into the sea, which makes it difficult for the development of good ports and harbours.

It is believed that the city of Dwaraka which was once a part of the Indian mainland situated along the west coast is submerged under water. Because of this submergence it is a narrow belt and provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbours. Kandla, Mazagaon, JLN port Navha Sheva, Marmagao, Mangalore, Cochin, etc. are some of the important natural ports located along the west coast.

4. How are Arunachal, Himachal, Purvachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas different from each other?

Solution:

Arunachal Himalayas-

• These extend from east of Bhutan to Diphu pass in East.
• Important peaks are- Kangtu and Namcha Barwa.
• They are bisected by fast flowing rivers forming deep gorges.
• Brahmaputra flows through deep a gorge after crossing Namcha Barwa.
• Subansiri, Dihang, Dibang and Lohit are the important rivers. Perennial rivers have high rate of fall which helps to generate hydro-electricity.

The Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalayas-

• It lies between river Ravi and Kali in the east.
• Northernmost part is the extension of the Ladakh desert.
• All these ranges Nimadi, Himachal and Chivalric are prominent here.
• Hill stations are Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Shimla, Ranikhet and Almora.
• Shiwaliks are important for dun formation. For example- Kalka dun, Nalagarh dun (Dehradun is the largest- dun, its length is 35-45 km and width is 22-25 km.)
• Tribes common are Dhotia’s which migrates to higher region in summer.
• Valley of flowers- Nanda devi is also situated here.
• Gail’s, the Manipur Pilgrimages common are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib.

The Eastern Hills and mountains or Purvachal-

• General alignment from the north to south direction.
• In north, they are known as Patkai Bum, Naga hills, the Manipur hills and in the south, as Mizo or Lushai Hills. This forms Purvanchal range.
• Most of these ranges are separated from each other by numerous small rivers.
• The barak is an important river in Manipur and Mizoram.
• Mizoram has a large lake known as ‘loktak lake is made up of soft unconsolidated deposits.
• Mizoram and Manipur are tributary of Barak river, which is the turn tributary of Meghna rivers in eastern part of Manipur are tributaries of Chindwin which is in turn is a tributary of Ireawady of Myanmar.

5. Differentiate between:

(i) Bhabar and Tarai

(ii) Bhangar and Khadar

(iii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats

(iv) Peninsular Plateau and Indo-Gangetic Plateau

(v) Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains

(vi) Northern Plains and Coastal Plains

(vii) Himalayas and Central Highlands

Solution:

(i) Bhabar and Tarai

Basis	Bhabar	Tarai
Location	It lies along the foot of shiwalik from Indus to Tista	It lies to the south of Bhabar and runs parallel to it.
Width	It is 8 to 16 km wide.	It is 20-30 km wide.
Composition	It comprises of pebbles studded rocks in the shape of porous bed.	It is composed of firmer alluvial particles and is covered by forests.
Appearance	Due to the porousity of rocks the stream disappear and flow underground.	The underground streams of Bhabar reappear here giving rise to a wet marshian.
Suitability	It is not suitable for agriculture.	It is reclaimed for agriculture purpose.

(ii) Bhangar and Khadar

Basis	Bhangar	Khadar
Composition	It is a highland composed of old alluvium.	It’s a lowland composed of new alluvium.
Flood	It is always above the level of flood plains.	It is flooded almost every year.
Fertility	It comprises of canvanious nodules	It comprises of clay soil which is normally fertile
Suitability	It is not much suited for agriculture.	It is suited for agriculture. Intensive agriculture is practiced.
Other name	It is known as dhaya in Punjab.	It is known as bate in Punjab.

(iii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats

Basis	Western Ghats	Eastern Ghats
Location	They form continuous chain from Gulf of Combay to Kanniyakumari.	They form a discontinuous chain of low hills from Odisha to Coromandel coast.
Peaks	They are having an elevation of 900-1100m.	They are denuded peaks and have lesser elevation than 900 km.
Hills	They are divided as four regions or the four hills Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra, Nilgiri in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Anaimalai hills and Cardamom hills in Kerala.	Some of the important ranges include the Javadi hills, the Palconda range, the Nallamala hills, the Mahendragiri hills, etc.
Rainfall	The western ghats get southward monsoon.	The eastern ghat gets rainfall from north-east monsoon.
Highest Peak	The highest peak in western ghat is Anamudi (2695 m)	Highest peak of eastern ghat is Mahendragiri (1501 m)
Change in height	The height of the mountain increases from north to south.	Height increases from south to north.
Rivers	The westward flowing river are Narmada and Tapi.	Eastward flowing rivers are Godavari Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi, etc.

Answer 5

(iv) Peninsular Plateau and Indo-Gangetic Plateau

Basis	Peninsular Plateau	Indo-Gangnetic Plateau
Stretch	It is triangular plateau bounded by Vindhyas western ghats, and eastern ghats.	It is alluvial plain stretching from Punjab to Assam valley.
Level	The relief of this plateau is uneven. Its average height is more than 600 m above the sea level.	This is a level plain for about 200 m in height above the sea level.
Climate	The climate is hot and humid.	The summers are hot and winters are cold.
Rivers	Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmada, Tapi are seasonal rivers.	Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra are perennial rivers.
Soil	Area has black soil.	Alluvial soil is found.
Known for	Known as storehouse of minerals and important for industries.	Known for agriculture and provide employment to people.

(v) Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains

Basis	Western coastal plain	Eastern coastal plain
Location	They lie between western ghats and Arabian sea.	They lie between eastern ghats and bay of Bengal.
Width	They are narrow alluvial plain which are separate by hilly terrains.	They are wider plain (80-120 km) with well developed deltas of the rivers.
Further Classification	The western coastal plains are further divided into two parts: Konkan coast, Malabar coast	They are further divided as northern circus and Coromandel coast.
Known For	They are known for lagoons estuary and kayals (backwater), which are known for fishing and Inland transportation.	They are known for deltas formed by the rivers and is more suitable for agriculture.
Rainfall	They receive rainfall from south­west monsoons.	They receive rainfall by retreating or north-west monsoon.
Rivers	The important rivers are Narmada, Tapi	The important rivers are Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi, etc.
Merging	They are submerged coast.	They are emergent coast.

(vi) Northern Plains and Coastal Plains

Basis	Northern Plains	Coastal Plains
Location	They are located on foot hills of Himalayas and above peninsular plateau.	They lie between Arabian Sea, Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal.
Stretch	They spread between the area of 3200 square km and the width is 240-320 km.	They are spread from Gujarat to Kanniyakumari and Odisha to Kanniyakumari.
Rivers	Rivers originating from Himalayas and peninsular plateau has form these plains by depositing sediments brought by rivers.	Most of the rivers originating from peninsular plateau like Krishna, Kaveri, Godavari, Mahanadi move eastward and form delta whereas Narmada and Tapi move westward from Estuaries.
Suitability	Due to fertile alluvial soil and water supply they are known for agriculture.	They are drained by perinial rivers and are important for fishing, lagoons, and harbours.
Divisions	They are divided as Indus plains, Ganga plains and Brahmaputra plains.	They are divided as Konkan coast and Malabar coast, Northern Circar on eastern side and Coromandel coast.
Known For	They are important for riverine features like natural leaves, sand bars, etc.	They are important for ports, harbours, kayals and backwaters.

(vii) Himalayas and Central Highlands

Basis	Himalayas	Central Highlands
Young vs. Old	They are the young fold mountains of comparatively recent origin.	They are part of oldest structure of Indian subcontinents.
Height	They are the world’s highest mountains and the Mount Everest is the highest peak of the world.	They are formed of low hills and no high peak is there worth mentioning in the area.
Rivers	The mighty rivers like Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra originate beyond the Himalayas.	Quite a few rivers like Tapi, Chambal, Betwa, Narmada, originate from these highland.
Composition	They are made up of sedimentary rocks.	They are formed by Igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Location	They are formed at the edge of northern plains.	They are formed at the edge of Deccan Plateau.
Hill stations	Important hill stations are Srinagar, Shimla, Dhalauzi, Dharamshala, Mussoorie, etc.	They are no well-known hill stations.
Glaciers and rivers	Himalayas are known for glaciers and perennial rivers.	No glaciers and non- perennial river are there.
Scenic beauty	They have beautiful passes and river valleys.	They are low-lying hills with less common features.

Hots Questions

1. Why ports and harbour are less on East coast?

Solution:

• Rivers flowing eastward into the Bay of Bengal include the deltas of Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri are well developed deltas.
• Because of its emergent nature, it has less number of ports and harbours.
• The continental shelf extends upto 500 km into the sea, which makes it difficult for the development of good ports and harbours.

2. “Physical divisions of India are alternative to each other” Justify.

Solution:

• Himalayas are the storehouse of water as they give rise to Perennial rivers which provide ample water for irrigation.
• Himalayas serve as a climatic divide and they are the source of forest produce.
• Northern plains have fertile soil which is suited for agriculture and also provide raw material for industries.
• The peninsular India is the store house of minerals, which have been used by industries.
• The Ghats are responsible for generating hydroelectricity.
• The coastal plains are important for ports, arrival of monsoons, international trade, fishing, etc.
• Island groups are known for scenic beauty.
• Deserts are known for tourist attraction. Thus, no part of India can grow and develop in insolation. One part needs the support and cooperation of other.

Answer 6

Value Based Questions

1. What is the relevance of northern plains for our country?

Solution:

Northern plains are very relevant for our country because:

• It is made up of alluvial deposits brought by rivers due to which it is very fertile.
• It is plain therefore; it is easier to develop means of transport and communication in this region.
• It is suitable for human habitation.

2. All physical divisions of India have their own importance. Which value does it reflect? How do we need to incorporate this value in our life style?

Solution:

It is very much clear that all landforms are important in their own ways. Mountains provide scenic beauty, biodiversity, flora and fauna; plains provide aerable land, living conditions for human habitation; plateau provides minerals and coastal plains sea products. It teaches us the value of respect for all. This value is very important to maintain peace and harmony in the society. The world could not be place of human survival without diversity. Therefore, each one of us need to learn to respect people who are not alike. Each human being is unique like landforms but has its own relevance.

Map Skills

1. Locate on the political map of India:

(i) Highest peak, Palk Strait, Mahanadi Delta and Lowest point of India.

(ii) Important hills

(iii) Coasts, Western and Eastern Ghats, Central Highlands, Desert, Island groups and Deccan plateaus.

(iv) Important hill stations

Solution:

(i) Highest peak, Palk Strait, Mahanadi Delta and Lowest point of India.

(ii) Important hills

(iii) Coasts, Western and Eastern Ghats, Central Highlands, Desert, Island groups and Deccan plateaus.

(iv) Important hill stations

2. Locate different parts of the Himalayan mountains on a physical map of India.

Solution: