Bihar Geography: Physical Features and PDF Notes

Study Notes

Physical Divisions of Bihar

Bihar has three main physical divisions: Central Gangetic Plain, Shiwalik foothills, and hilly extensions of the Hazaribagh and Chota Nagpur Plateau
The Central Gangetic Plain, also known as the Bihar Plain, covers a major part of the state with an average elevation of below 50 m
The Shiwalik foothills in the north have an elevation ranging from 200 m in the west to 100 m in the east
The hilly extensions of the Hazaribagh and Chota Nagpur Plateau in the south have an elevation between 200 m and 350 m

Types of Soil

Alluvial soil is deposited by rivers and consists of khadar (fertile new alluvium) and bhangar (older alluvium)
Khadar soil is deposited in lower areas and bhangar soil in higher valleys, which is coarse with calacareous/lime nodules called 'kankar'
Bhabar soil is loose, coarse, gravelly, and found along the foothills of the Shiwaliks
Red and yellow soils are found along the hilly southern borders

Climate

Bihar has a subtropical to warm temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters
Summer temperatures in the southern region can range from 35°C to 43°C
The lowest temperatures are found in the extreme north in the Shiwalik foothills, around 27°C
Winters are mild to cold, with temperatures ranging from around 15°C in higher regions to an average of 17°C to 20°C over the rest of the state

Rainfall

Rainfall in Bihar is brought by the Southwest Monsoon winds during late June-July
Pre-monsoon showers associated with hot, dry, and dusty winds may bring a little rainfall from April to May
Rainfall decreases from about 200cm in the east to 100cm in the west

Description

Explore the physical divisions of Bihar, including the Central Gangetic Plain, Shiwalik foothills, and Hazaribagh and Chota Nagpur Plateau. Learn about the types of soil found in the region. Test your knowledge of Bihar's geography!