Geography of Amazon and Ganga-Brahmaputra Basins

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Questions and Answers

What is the name given to the evergreen rainforests of the Amazon Basin?

  • Prairie
  • Savanna
  • Tundra
  • Selva (correct)

The Amazon River Basin is the smallest river basin in the world.

False (B)

What type of rainfall occurs almost every day in the afternoon in the Amazon Basin?

Convectional rainfall

The Amazon River Basin is hot and ______, as the equator passes through the region.

<p>wet</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following tree products with their respective uses:

<p>Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood = Hard timber Cinchona bark = Malaria cure Chicle tree juice = Chewing gum</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mountain range borders the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin to the north?

<p>Himalayan Mountains (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ganga River is the longest river in India.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one major port located in the Amazon Basin.

<p>Belem</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is a part of the __________ of India.

<p>Great Northern Plains</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the rivers with their location in India:

<p>Ganga = India Yamuna = India Damodar = India Kosi = India</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a main crop grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?

<p>Coffee (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ganga Action Plan aims to enhance agricultural productivity in the basin.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one important industry in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.

<p>Cotton textiles</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers offer inland __________ for transport.

<p>waterways</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following major towns with their significance:

<p>New Delhi = Administrative capital Kolkata = Large industrial city Haridwar = Religious center Kanpur = Industrial city</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest part of the veld called?

<p>High Veld (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The veld has a tropical climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What government action is being taken regarding wildlife in the veld?

<p>Protect wildlife</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Limpopo, Sabi, Orange, and Vaal rivers drain the veld region, forming waterfalls and ___ where rivers drop down the plateau edges.

<p>rapids</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following veld regions with their elevation ranges:

<p>High Veld = 1200 m - 1800 m Middle Veld = 600 m - 1200 m Low Veld = 150 m - 600 m Witwatersrand = Runs through the High Veld</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major agricultural product of sheep farming in South Africa?

<p>Fine wool (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Johannesburg is known for its coal mining industry.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the administrative capital of South Africa.

<p>Pretoria</p> Signup and view all the answers

South Africa is a major producer of _____ and mohair from sheep farming.

<p>wool</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cities with their significance:

<p>Johannesburg = Major gold-producing area and industrial hub Pretoria = Administrative capital of South Africa Kimberley = Famous for diamond industry Cape Town = Not mentioned in the context</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the temperate regions?

<p>They have a moderate climate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prairies are characterized by dense forests and mountainous terrain.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two rivers that flow through the prairies in the USA.

<p>Mississippi and Missouri</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prairies in North America are primarily located in ______ and the ______.

<p>Canada</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the grassland names with their respective regions:

<p>Prairies = North America Pampas = South America Steppes = Eurasia Veld = South Africa</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary tree species that gives the Sundarbans its name?

<p>Sundari (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Brahmaputra River flows through the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta before joining the Ganga River.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one mammal found in the Brahmaputra Plain.

<p>One-horned rhinoceros</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin predominantly experiences a ______ climate.

<p>monsoon</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following locations with their key features:

<p>Sundarbans = World's largest mangrove forest Brahmaputra River = Originates in Tibet Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta = Largest and fastest-growing delta Ganga Plain = Dense human population</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors contributes to the highly productive agricultural lands of the prairies?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The combination harvester is a modern machinery used in large-scale farming to reap, thresh, winnow, and pack the grain in a single process.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do prairie farms focus on commercial agriculture?

<p>Prairie farms are predominantly commercial because they produce crops for sale in the market.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ River and its tributaries are important inland waterways in the prairies for transporting goods.

<p>Mississippi</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cities with their respective roles in the prairies:

<p>Chicago = Major meat-packing center and railway junction Winnipeg = Gateway to the Prairies Calgary = Prominent city in the Canadian prairies Saskatoon = Prominent city in the Canadian prairies</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the dwindling population of American bison in the prairies?

<p>Reckless hunting (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prairies experience mild winters due to ocean influences.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of vegetation is primarily found in the prairies?

<p>Short grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees</p> Signup and view all the answers

During winter, a local warm wind called ______ raises temperatures and melts snow in the prairies.

<p>Chinook</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following activities with their descriptions:

<p>Cattle rearing = Raising livestock for dairy and beef products Farming = Cultivating crops for human consumption Wildlife conservation = Protecting endangered species Ranching = Self-contained units managing cattle like factories</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animals does NOT inhabit the Amazon Basin?

<p>Penguins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Amazon Basin has a high population density due to its favorable climate and robust infrastructure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural practice is commonly used in the Amazon Basin that involves clearing and burning land?

<p>Shifting agriculture or slash-and-burn agriculture</p> Signup and view all the answers

The rivers in the Amazon Basin are home to a variety of fish, including the ____.

<p>piranha</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following items with their corresponding descriptions:

<p>Tropical Trees = Habitat for monkeys and sloths Rubber Plantations = Commercial agriculture Cassava = A common crop in slash-and-burn agriculture Trans-Amazonian Highway = The only major highway in the region</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases is NOT mentioned as prevalent in the Amazon Basin?

<p>Typhoid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Armadillos are known to occupy both the trees and the ground in the Amazon Basin.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of mineral that is commercially exploited in the Amazon Basin.

<p>Gold, iron ore, tin, copper, manganese, or bauxite</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the Veld?

A broad, grassy area in South Africa, situated on a plateau, with elevations ranging from 150 m to 1800 m.

What is the High Veld?

The highest area of the Veld, with elevations between 1200 m and 1800 m, characterized by a ridge called the Witwatersrand.

What is the Middle Veld?

The middle area of the Veld, with elevations between 600 m and 1200 m.

What is the Low Veld?

The lowest area of the Veld, with elevations between 150 m and 600 m.

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What is an Oryx?

A type of antelope found in the Veld, known for its long, straight horns.

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Prairie Soil

The soil in the Canadian Prairies is rich in organic matter and fertile, making it ideal for agriculture.

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Prairie Terrain

The rolling terrain and gentle slopes of the Canadian Prairies are well-suited for the use of farm machinery.

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Wheat: The King of the Prairie

Wheat is the most important crop grown in the Canadian Prairies, planted in the spring for harvest later in the year.

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Combine Harvester

The combine harvester is a powerful machine used in large-scale farming to reap, thresh, winnow, and pack grain in one efficient operation.

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Winnipeg: Gateway to the Prairies

Winnipeg, located in the Canadian Prairies, is a major transportation hub and is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Prairies".

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Cattle and Sheep Farming in South Africa

Rearing cattle is common in warmer, wetter eastern areas of South Africa, while sheep are raised in cooler, drier western areas. This industry provides dairy products, meat, and leather.

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Mining in South Africa

Gold, uranium, diamonds, coal, and iron-ore are abundant in the veld, making mining a major economic activity. Kimberley is famous for its diamond industry.

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Agriculture in the Veld

Crop cultivation in the veld is limited due to low rainfall, droughts, and poor soils. However, maize is a key crop grown in humid areas.

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Transportation in the Veld

The veld region is well-connected by roads, railways, and air services. Rivers within the region are not navigable due to waterfalls and rapids.

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Johannesburg - South Africa's Industrial Hub

Johannesburg, a significant industrial and commercial hub, is the largest city in the region. It's located in a major gold-producing area.

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Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin

One of the largest river systems in the world, covering a vast area of northern India and Bangladesh. It's shaped by the Himalayan Mountains to the north and the Peninsular Plateau to the south.

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Formation of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin

The Great Northern Plains of India were formed by sediment carried from the Himalayas and deposited by rivers. This land is characterized by features like floodplains, embankments, meanders, and oxbow lakes.

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Major Tributaries of the Ganga River

The longest river in India, the Ganga River, is joined by various tributaries like the Yamuna, Ghaghra, Gomti, Gandak, Kosi, Son, and Damodar.

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Major Cities in the Amazon Basin

The Amazon Basin is a large rainforest area in South America, known for its vast biodiversity. It has few major cities, with Manaus, Belem, and Iquitos being notable.

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Changes in the Amazon Basin

The Amazon Basin is undergoing significant changes due to deforestation caused by migration and development. This environmental impact poses a threat to numerous plant and animal species and the planet's overall health.

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Prairies: Climate

The prairies are a biome with extreme climates characterized by cold winters and hot summers, receiving around 50 cm of rainfall annually, mostly during spring and summer. A unique feature is the Chinook wind, which warms temperatures and melts snow in winter.

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Prairies: Vegetation and Wildlife

Due to the low rainfall, the prairies are covered in short grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees. The diverse wildlife includes animals like wolves, coyotes, jackals, prairie dogs, antelopes, rabbits, and birds like hawks, owls, and eagles. Notably, the American bison was once abundant, but now their numbers are significantly reduced due to excessive hunting.

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Prairies: Human Activities

The main human activities in prairies are cattle rearing and farming. Dairy farms focus on producing milk, butter, and cheese near populated areas, using tall, nutritious grasses. Beef cattle are raised on large ranches in the western and southern regions, managed like factories by cowboys.

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American Bison

The American bison is a large, herbivorous mammal native to the North American prairies. They were once abundant but their populations have been greatly reduced due to hunting.

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Cattle Ranches in Prairies

Cattle ranches on the prairies resemble factories, with cowboys managing the cattle year-round. Their operations are self-contained units, focusing on raising beef cattle for commercial purposes.

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Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin: Occupation

The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is a large area in South Asia known for its fertile land and abundance of water, supporting agriculture as the main occupation.

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Main Crops in the Basin

Rice, wheat, jute, cotton, sugarcane, and tea are some of the major crops cultivated in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin due to its favorable conditions.

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River Pollution: Sources

River pollution in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is primarily caused by sewage, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial waste.

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River Cleaning Programs

The Ganga Action Plan and Yamuna Action Plan are programs aimed at cleaning up the polluted rivers in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.

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Transportation in the Basin

The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin has a well-developed transportation system due to its flat terrain, including road, rail, and waterways. Major cities have access to air travel.

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Brahmaputra River

A river originating in Tibet, known as Tsangpo, that flows through Arunachal Pradesh in India and joins with tributaries like the Manas, Lohit, Subansiri, and Kopili.

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Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta (or Sunderban Delta)

The world's largest and fastest-growing delta formed by the confluence of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers in Bangladesh.

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Langur

A type of monkey found in the Brahmaputra Plain.

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Sundarbans

The world's largest mangrove forest located in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta, named after the Sundari tree.

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Sundari Tree

A tree species found in the Sundarbans, which gives the mangrove forest its name.

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Amazon Basin Wildlife

The Amazon Basin hosts diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, pumas, jaguars, tapirs, anteaters, armadillos, crocodiles, alligators, turtles, iguanas, snakes, piranhas, toucans, hummingbirds, parrots and insects.

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Amazon Basin Population Density

The Amazon Basin has a low population density due to harsh climate, dense forests, limited transportation and frequent outbreaks of diseases like malaria and yellow fever.

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Indigenous Amazonian Life

Tribal people in the Amazon Basin live a simple life, relying on gathering, hunting and fishing. They often build small huts on raised platforms to avoid flooding.

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Amazonian Communities

More developed communities in the Amazon Basin live in villages and practice agriculture. They cultivate crops like yam, cassava, maize, bananas and vegetables.

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Shifting Amazonian Agriculture

A common agricultural practice in the Amazon Basin is shifting agriculture, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture. This involves clearing and burning forest land to plant crops.

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Amazonian Resources and Industries

The Amazon Basin is rich in resources like rubber, coffee, cocoa, nuts and minerals. Iron ore, gold, tin, copper, manganese and bauxite are commercially exploited in some areas.

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Amazonian Transportation

Transportation in the Amazon Basin is challenging due to dense forests and swamps. Waterways are the primary mode of transportation, with the Trans-Amazonian Highway being the only major road.

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Impact of Shifting Agriculture

Slash-and-burn agriculture in the Amazon leads to soil depletion after a few years, forcing people to move and clear more land.

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What are temperate regions?

The temperate regions are located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere. These regions have a moderate climate, neither as hot as tropical regions nor as cold as polar regions.

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What are prairies?

The prairies are treeless plains in the interiors of continents located between 40 and 55 degrees latitude in the Northern Hemisphere and 30 and 40 degrees in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Where are the North American prairies located?

The prairies are found in Canada and the USA. In Canada, they include Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and western Ontario. In the USA, they are found in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

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Who inhabited the prairies before European settlement?

Before European settlement, the prairies were inhabited by American Indians.

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Which rivers flow through the prairies?

The Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Dakota rivers flow through the prairies in the USA, while the Canadian prairies are drained by the Saskatchewan River and its tributaries.

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4 o'clock rain

The Amazon River Basin, home to the largest rainforest in the world, receives heavy rainfall almost daily in the afternoon due to convectional precipitation.

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Amazon Alluvial Plain

The Amazon River Basin is a vast area where the Amazon River and its tributaries transport sediment from the mountains, creating a large, flat area.

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Amazon Rainforest

The dense, evergreen rainforests of the Amazon Basin, known for their tall trees with broad leaves, form a thick canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the forest floor.

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Amazon Basin Climate

The Amazon Basin stretches across a vast area close to the equator, leading to hot and humid weather with no distinct seasons and consistently high temperatures.

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Important Amazon Trees

The Amazon Basin is home to valuable trees like ebony, mahogany, and rosewood, which are coveted for their strong and durable wood.

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Study Notes

The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin

  • Located in Northern India and Bangladesh
  • Bounded by the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Peninsula in the south
  • The Ganga River is the longest river in India, joined by the Yamuna, Ghaghra, Gomti, Gandak, and Kosi
  • The basin covers a large part of northern India and Bangladesh, shaped by alluvial plains formed by deposited river sediments
  • Depostional features like ox-bow lakes, flood plains, and natural embankments are common
  • The length of the basin is ~2500 km and its width varies from 100 to 400 km
  • In the east, the Brahmaputra River stretches up to the Himalayas, before merging with the Indus river system.

Human Activities

  • The main occupations of the people are cattle rearing, and mining
  • The warmer and wetter parts of the region are suitable for dairy farming.
  • Sheep rearing in the high Veld is important for its wool, and mohair is obtained mostly from Merino sheep.
  • The region is a major producer of goats and wool.

Transport and Cities

  • The land is level and gently sloping, making it ideal for road and railway construction
  • The region has excellent road and railway networks
  • Rivers like the Mississippi and its tributaries play a crucial role in transportation
  • Several major towns are located along the rivers, often serving as administrative centers.
  • Some major cities in the area include Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Kimberly

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