India's Physiography and Geography
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Questions and Answers

What was the geological history of India prior to 50 million years ago?

  • India was part of an ancient landmass called Gondwanaland. (correct)
  • India was connected to North America.
  • India did not exist as a landmass.
  • India was an island separate from Gondwanaland.

Which line divides India into two almost equal parts?

  • Prime Meridian
  • Equator
  • Tropic of Cancer (correct)
  • Tropic of Capricorn

How long is India's north-south and east-west stretch approximately?

  • 1,500 kilometers in both directions.
  • 2,000 kilometers combined.
  • 3,000 kilometers in both directions. (correct)
  • 3,000 kilometers in the north-south direction only.

Which location is the southernmost tip of India?

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

What effect does India's longitudinal stretch have on time?

<p>It results in a time lag of two hours. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does latitude affect temperature in India?

<p>Temperature generally decreases with increasing latitude. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What climatic zone does the southern half of India primarily fall into?

<p>Hot tropical zone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in day and night duration between Kanyakumari and Kashmir?

<p>Kanyakumari has almost equal day and night duration, while Kashmir has significant differences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the geographical shape of the Peninsular Plateau?

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

Which two groups is the Peninsular Plateau divided into?

<p>Central Highlands and Deccan Plateau (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which river bounds the Central Highlands to the south?

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

Which coastal plain extends from Kutch in Gujarat to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu?

<p>Western Coastal Plain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rivers does not form a delta on the western coast?

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

Which major island group is located in the Arabian Sea?

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

Which group of islands contains 204 islands and includes the Barren Volcano?

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

What type of islands are the Lakshadweep Islands primarily formed by?

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

Which coastal plain is known for having well-developed deltas formed by numerous rivers?

<p>Eastern Coastal Plain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ten Degree Channel separates which two islands?

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

What is the primary role of the Himalayas concerning India's climate?

<p>They protect India from cold north-eastern winds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What natural resources are predominantly found in the Northern Plains?

<p>Fertile soil and water resources. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical feature is the highest mountain range in the world?

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

Which of the following states is not located in north-eastern India?

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

Which rivers are responsible for forming the Ganga-Brahmaputra plain?

<p>Ganga and Brahmaputra. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir?

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

Which plateau is known for the Deccan Trap Region, suitable for cotton and sugarcane cultivation?

<p>Deccan Plateau. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region of India is known for its flat plains formed by rivers?

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

What defines the Great Indian Desert's climate?

<p>Very dry climate with low rainfall. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum altitude of the peaks in the Himalayas mentioned?

<p>8,000 metres. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mountain range is considered the outermost range of the Himalayas?

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

Which of the following states has Amaravati as its capital?

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

Which mountain range lies parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula?

<p>Western Ghats. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Eastern Ghats?

<p>Discontinuous low mountain ranges. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average height range of the Greater Himalayas?

<p>6,000 to 8,000 meters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which major passes can be found across the Himalayas?

<p>Nathu La, Zoji La, Rohtang Pass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which river is NOT mentioned as flowing through the northern plains?

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

Which zone includes states like Goa and Karnataka?

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

What type of land is referred to as 'doabs' in the context of Punjab?

<p>Alluvial land between converging rivers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the Northern Plains as agricultural land?

<p>They possess fertile soil and assured water supply. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city is the capital of the union territory Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

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

What is the highest peak in the Western Ghats?

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

What type of mountain formation is described by the Himalayas?

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

Which of these states is located in the southern region of India?

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

Which plateau lies between the Malwa Plateau and the Deccan Plateau?

<p>Chota Nagpur Plateau. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the geographical feature of the Ganges River plains?

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

What is the significance of the Brahmaputra River in relation to the Ganga?

<p>It flows into the Padma River in Bangladesh. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

India's latitudinal extent

India's north-south measurement, approximately 3,000 kilometers, creating differences in climate and day length.

Standard Meridian of India

Longitude 82°30′ East, used to determine India's standard time.

Tropic of Cancer

An imaginary line (23.5° North latitude) that divides India almost equally.

India's Shape

India's shape influenced by the tectonic plates' movements.

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Time Difference (India)

Two-hour time difference between east and west coasts.

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Climate Zones(India)

India's varied climate is due to vast latitudinal extent; warm tropics in South, temperate/subtropical in North.

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Indira Point

Southernmost point of India in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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Latitudinal impact on climate

The distance from the equator influences the temperature and day length, leading to diverse climates across India.

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Peninsular Plateau

The largest and oldest hard rock formation in India, a triangular tableland formed from ancient landmass Gondwanaland.

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Central Highlands

A part of the Peninsular Plateau situated between the Narmada River and the Northern Plains, bounded by the Aravallis and Satpura ranges.

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Deccan Plateau

The other part of the Peninsular Plateau, located in the southern part of India.

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Western Coastal Plain

A coastal plain stretching from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu, divided into four sections: Kutch and Kathiawar, Konkan, Goan, and Malabar.

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Eastern Coastal Plain

A coastal plain extending along the Bay of Bengal, broader than the western coast and with well-developed deltas of major rivers.

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Delta

A triangular area at the mouth of a river where it splits into several outlets, formed by sediment deposition.

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Two island groups located in the Bay of Bengal, consisting of 204 islands in total, known for the Barren Volcano on Barren Island.

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Lakshadweep Islands

An island group located in the Arabian Sea, consisting of 43 islands formed by coral reefs.

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Minicoy

The largest island in the Lakshadweep group.

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Nicobar Pigeon

A type of pigeon found on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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Himalayas: Meaning

The Himalayas are a mountain range named after the Sanskrit word "himalaya", which translates to "abode of snow".

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Himalayas: Location

The Himalayas stretch across the northern border of India, extending west to east from the Pamir Knot to the Purvanchal Range.

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Himalayas: Extension

The Himalayas' length is approximately 2,500 kilometers, while its width varies from 400 km in the west to 150 km in the east.

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Himalayas: Formation

The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed from sedimentary rocks, resulting from the collision of tectonic plates.

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Himalayan Ranges

The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges: the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and the Outer Himalayas (Sivaliks).

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Greater Himalayas

The Greater Himalayas form the northernmost range with an average height of 6,000 meters and a width between 120-190 km.

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Greater Himalayas: Peaks

The Greater Himalayas include peaks like Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, and Nanga Parbat, which have a height over 8,000 meters.

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Lesser Himalayas

The Lesser Himalayas lie south of the Greater Himalayas with an altitude between 1,000-4,500 meters and an average width of 50 km.

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Lesser Himalayas: Ranges

Prominent ranges in the Lesser Himalayas include Pir Panjal, Dhaula Dhar, Mahabharata, and others.

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Lesser Himalayas: Hill Stations

Popular hill stations like Manali, Kullu, Dalhousie, Mussoorie, Shimla, Nainital, and Darjeeling are located in the Lesser Himalayas.

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Outer Himalayas

The Outer Himalayas, also called the Sivaliks, are the outermost range with an altitude between 900-1,100 meters and a width of 10-50 km.

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Sivaliks: Characteristics

The Sivaliks are narrow, discontinuous, and merge with other ranges, forming valleys called 'Duns'

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Terai Region

At the foothills of the Sivaliks, lies a densely forested and marshy region known as the terai.

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Purvanchal Range

The Purvanchal Range is situated along the border of India and Myanmar in the east.

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Himalayas

A mountain range in Asia, bordering India, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. It has many peaks exceeding 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.

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Northern Plains

Located south of the Himalayas, formed by the deposition of sediments brought by rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra. Known as the "Gangetic Plains", they are very fertile and support a vast population.

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What are the key features of the Northern Plains?

The Northern Plains are known for their fertile soil, abundant water resources from the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, and favorable climate, making them excellent for agriculture. They also have a good transportation network, contributing to industrialization.

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Indo-Gangetic Plain

The main part of the Northern Plains formed by the rivers Ganges and Indus and their tributaries. Known for its fertile soil and agricultural importance.

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Brahmaputra Plain

The eastern part of the Northern Plains, formed by the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.

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Western Ghats

A mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India. Known for lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.

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Eastern Ghats

A discontinuous range of hills parallel to the eastern coast of India, extending from the Mahanadi Valley to the Nilgiri Hills. Known for its waterfalls and rivers.

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Nilgiri Hills

A mountain range in south India that connects the Western and Eastern Ghats. Known for its biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

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Great Indian Desert

Also known as the Thar Desert, located to the northwest of the Aravalli Hills, characterized by low rainfall and a dry climate. It is a region of inland drainage with salt lakes.

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Doab

An alluvial land found in the plains of the Punjab region, located between two converging rivers.

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Malwa Plateau

A plateau in central India, part of the Central Highlands, known for its fertile black soil and rivers like Betwa, Chambal, and Ken.

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Chhota Nagpur Plateau

A plateau in eastern India, also part of the Central Highlands, known for its mineral deposits and hills like Mahadeo, Kaimur, and Maikal.

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What is the importance of the Himalayas to India?

The Himalayas play a vital role in India's climate, resources, and environment. They protect India from cold winds, influence monsoon patterns, hold important resources, are a source of biodiversity, and attract tourists.

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Study Notes

India's Physiography

  • India has a complex geological history, evolving from Gondwanaland to its current position. Around 50 million years ago, the Indian subcontinent collided with the Tibetan landmass, forming the Himalayas.
  • India is the seventh largest country globally.
  • Its geographic span lies entirely within the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres.
  • Latitudinal extent: 8°4'N to 37°6′N; longitudinal extent: 68°7'E to 97°25'E. The southernmost point is Indira Point.
  • The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) roughly bisects the country.
  • The east-west and north-south dimensions are approximately 3,000 kilometers each, leading to a two-hour time difference between the east and west.
  • Standard Meridian of India is 82°30' East, passing through Prayagraj.
  • The latitudinal spread causes variations in temperature and day length. The southern part (peninsular India) is tropical and warm, while the northern part has a more diverse climate, including cold winters.

Boundaries of India

  • Northern and North-eastern borders: Himalayan mountain range.
  • North-western borders: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
  • North-eastern neighbours: China, Bhutan, and Nepal.
  • Eastern border: Bangladesh.
  • Far east border: Myanmar.
  • South-western border: separated from Sri Lanka by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar, Maldives are also a neighboring island nation..

Political Divisions

  • India is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories.
  • States and union territories are categorized into various zones based on location (e.g., North-western, Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, North-eastern, Southern).
  • A table lists states, union territories, and their respective capital cities.

Physiographic Divisions

  • India's diverse physical features are grouped into six major divisions.
  • Northern Mountains (Himalayas): The highest mountain range globally, including the Greater Himalayas (high peaks like Mt. Everest), Lesser Himalayas (hill stations), and Siwaliks (outermost range). The Purvanchal range is the eastern section of the Himalayas. The Karakoram range extends along the border of India, Pakistan, China..
  • Northern Plains: Formed by alluvial deposits from Himalayan rivers, particularly the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. A major agricultural region (the granaries of India). The Western Plain is formed by the Indus and its tributaries.
  • Peninsular Plateau: A broad, ancient plateau, divided into the Central Highlands and Deccan Plateau.
  • Great Indian Desert/Thar Desert: Characterized by very low rainfall (less than 150 mm annually) and a dry climate; located to the north-west of the Aravalli Hills.
  • Coastal Plains: Two plains run along the coasts – the Western Coastal Plain (narrow in the middle, wider at the north and south) and the Eastern Coastal Plain (broader than its western counterpart).
  • Islands: Two major island groups – the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (within the Bay of Bengal) and the Lakshadweep Islands (in the Arabian Sea).

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Explore the fascinating geological history and geographic features of India. This quiz covers the formation of the Himalayas, the country's dimensions, its position in the hemispheres, and the impact of latitude on climate. Test your knowledge on India's boundaries and significant meridians!

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