Major Physical Features of India

The major physical features of India include the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands.

The Himalayas are geologically young and unstable, while the Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest stable landmasses on Earth.

The Himalayan Mountains stretch in a west-east direction across northern India.

<p>The altitudinal variations in the Himalayas contribute to diverse ecosystems and climatic conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Peninsular Plateau is predominantly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Northern Plains are formed by alluvial deposits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Himalayas feature high peaks, deep valleys, and fast flowing rivers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mussoorie is in Uttarakhand, Nainital is also in Uttarakhand, and Ranikhet is situated in Uttarakhand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One glacier is the Gangotri Glacier, and one pass is the Nathu La Pass.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The outermost ranges of the Himalayas are called the Shiwaliks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The altitude of the Shiwaliks varies between 900 and 1100 meters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Brahmaputra River marks the eastern-most boundary of the Himalayas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They are known as Duns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Patkai hills and the Naga hills are part of the Purvachal region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The hills in the Purvachal are mostly composed of strong sandstones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The divisions of the Himalayas are demarcated by river valleys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The strategic importance of the Lakshadweep Islands is due to their location close to the Malabar coast, their rich biodiversity, and their role in enhancing India's natural resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Coral polyps are significant because they secrete calcium carbonate, which builds up over time to form coral reefs, crucial for marine ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The unique physiographic units of India complement each other by providing varied resources; mountains offer water and forests, while plains serve as granaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The islands were renamed from Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive to Lakshadweep in 1973 to reflect their status and cultural heritage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Coral polyps thrive in shallow, mud-free, and warm waters, which are essential for their growth and reproduction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Udagamandalam (Ooty) and Kodaikanal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is of volcanic origin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Aravali Hills.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Konkan, Kannad Plain, and Malabar coast.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Luni.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It has an arid climate with very low rainfall and low vegetation cover.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streams appear during the rainy season but soon disappear into the sand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Peninsular plateau is elevated and consists of igneous rocks, while coastal plains are flat and low-lying.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The region receives very low rainfall, below 150 mm per year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They are highly eroded and appear as broken hills.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Khadar are newer, younger deposits in the floodplains that are renewed almost every year, making them highly fertile and ideal for intensive agriculture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Chotanagpur plateau marks the eastern extension of the plateau region and is drained by the Damodar river.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Peninsular Plateau is composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks and formed from the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Deccan Plateau is characterized by its triangular shape, higher elevation in the west, and a gentle slope towards the east.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The two divisions of the Peninsular Plateau are the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau, each with unique geographical features.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills are prominent hill ranges located to the north of the Narmada river, forming part of the Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong Plateau.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Vindhyan range forms a boundary, separating the Central Highlands from the Deccan Plateau, and is flanked by the Satpura range to the south.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats mark the western and eastern edges of the Deccan Plateau, respectively, impacting local weather and ecology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The physical geography, including its mountains and valleys, influences agriculture, settlement patterns, and transportation in the region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The soil in this region contains calcareous deposits, locally known as kankar, which can affect its fertility and agricultural suitability.</p> Signup and view all the answers