Major Physical Features of India

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What are the major physical features of India mentioned in the content?

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

How do the Himalayan Mountains differ geologically from the Peninsular Plateau?

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

In what direction do the Himalayan Mountains stretch across India?

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

What is the significance of the altitudinal variations in the Himalayas?

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

What type of rocks predominantly compose the Peninsular Plateau?

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

What forms the basis of the Northern Plains' formation?

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

Describe the topographical features of the Himalayas.

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

Identify the states where Mussoorie, Nainital, and Ranikhet are located.

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

Name one glacier and one pass located in the Great Himalayas.

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

What are the outermost ranges of the Himalayas called?

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

What is the altitude range of the Shiwaliks?

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

What marks the eastern-most boundary of the Himalayas?

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

What are the valleys between the lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks known as?

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

Name two hills included in the Purvachal region.

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

What type of rocks predominantly compose the hills in the Purvachal?

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

How are the divisions of the Himalayas marked on a regional basis?

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

What factors contribute to the strategic importance of the Lakshadweep Islands?

<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

What is the significance of coral polyps in the formation of coral reefs?

<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

How do the unique physiographic units of India complement each other?

<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

What led to the renaming of the Laccadive Islands to Lakshadweep in 1973?

<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

What environmental conditions are necessary for coral polyps to thrive?

<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

What are the names of the famous hill stations mentioned that are located in the Peninsular plateau?

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

What is the geological origin of the black soil area known as Deccan Trap?

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

Which geographical feature lies on the western and northwestern margins of the Peninsular plateau?

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

What are the three sections of the western coastal strip of India?

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

Which river is noted as the only large river in the Indian Desert region?

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

What climatic conditions are prevalent in the Indian Desert area?

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

How does water typically behave in the streams during the rainy season in the Indian Desert?

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

What distinguishes the Peninsular plateau from the surrounding coastal plains?

<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

What is the rainfall level typically experienced by the Indian Desert region?

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

What characteristic do the hills of the Aravali range exhibit?

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

What are khadar and how do they contribute to agriculture in the floodplains?

<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

What is the significance of the Chotanagpur plateau in relation to the Damodar river?

<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

Describe the composition of the Peninsular Plateau.

<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

What distinguishes the Deccan Plateau from other plateaus in India?

<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

Identify and describe the two divisions of the Peninsular Plateau.

<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

Where are the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills located?

<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

Explain the geographical significance of the Vindhyan range.

<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

What role do the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats play in the geography of the Deccan Plateau?

<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

How does the physical geography of the Peninsular Plateau affect human activity?

<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

What is the relationship between calcareous deposits and soil in the mentioned region?

<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

Flashcards

What are the Himalayas?

The Himalayas are a young mountain range that stretches across northern India, from the Indus to the Brahmaputra rivers. They are known for their high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, making them a formidable natural barrier.

How are the Himalayas divided?

The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges, with valleys in between. These ranges are known for their significant altitudinal variations, which are greater in the eastern part of the Himalayas.

How are the Northern Plains formed?

The Northern Plains of India are formed by the alluvial deposits carried by rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna. They are flat, fertile, and densely populated, making them ideal for agriculture.

What is the Deccan Plateau?

The Deccan Plateau is an ancient landmass composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is characterized by gentle slopes, wide valleys, and a variety of mineral resources.

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What are the main physical features of India?

India's physical features are diverse, including the Himalayas, the Northern Plains, the Deccan Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands. These features contribute to the country's unique geography and rich cultural heritage.

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Describe the physical variations of India.

India's landmass displays significant variations in its physical features. From the ancient Deccan Plateau to the young Himalayas, the country offers a wide range of diverse landscapes.

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Shiwaliks

The outermost range of the Himalayas, characterized by low altitude and unconsolidated sediments.

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Duns

Longitudinal valleys located between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks. They are filled with gravel and alluvium.

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Purvachal

The easternmost part of the Himalayas, extending beyond the Dihang Gorge. They are characterized by strong sandstones and dense forests.

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Dehra Dun

A well-known Dun located in Uttarakhand, known for its scenic beauty.

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Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, Mizo Hills

Parallel mountain ranges and valleys in the north-eastern Himalayas, known for their dense forests.

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Glaciers and Passes in the Great Himalayas

Glaciers and passes located in the Great Himalayas.

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States with Highest Himalayan Peaks

The states where the highest peaks of the Himalayas are located.

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Regional Divisions of the Himalayas

The Himalayan ranges are categorized based on their location from west to east, demarcated by river valleys.

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Kotli Dun and Patli Dun

A longitudinal valley nestled between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks, known for its distinctive beauty.

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What are the Lakshadweep Islands?

Lakshadweep Islands are a group of small coral islands located near the Malabar coast of Kerala, known for their diverse flora and fauna. They are also known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive, and they are a significant strategic area for India.

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Where is India's only active volcano located?

Located on Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar group, it is the only active volcano in India.

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What are coral reefs made of?

Coral reefs are formed from the calcium carbonate skeletons of coral polyps, tiny animals that live in colonies. They grow in shallow, warm waters.

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What are the different types of coral reefs?

Coral reefs are classified into three main types: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls, depending on their location and formation.

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Peninsular Plateau

The older, more stable landmass of the Peninsular Plateau, formed from ancient crystalline rocks.

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Khadar

The newer, fertile deposits on floodplains in the Peninsular Plateau, renewed annually by river floods.

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Bhangar

The older, less fertile deposits of the Peninsular Plateau, often containing calcareous deposits.

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Central Highlands

The Central Highlands of the Peninsular Plateau, located north of the Narmada river.

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Deccan Plateau

The triangular shaped plateau in the south of the Peninsular Plateau, characterized by gentle slopes and mineral resources.

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Distributaries

These are channels branching off the main river, found on the Peninsular Plateau.

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Western Ghats

Western edge of the Deccan Plateau, marked by high hills and cliffs.

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Eastern Ghats

Eastern edge of the Deccan Plateau, marked by low hills and plateaus.

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Meghalaya Plateau

A plateau in the northeastern part of the Peninsular Plateau, separated by a fault from the Chotanagpur Plateau.

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Garo Hills

A hill range in the northeastern part of the Peninsular Plateau, part of the Meghalaya Plateau.

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What is the Deccan Trap?

A large plateau in India, formed by volcanic activity, known for its black soil, which is fertile due to the weathering of igneous rocks.

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What are Barchans?

Located near the Indo-Pakistan border, these crescent-shaped sand dunes are a notable feature of the Indian desert.

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Which river flows through the Indian desert?

A major river in the Indian desert, known for its unique characteristic of disappearing into the sand before reaching the sea.

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What are the Aravali Hills?

Located on the western and northwestern margins of the Peninsular Plateau, these hills have been significantly eroded over time, resulting in a fragmented landscape.

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What are the Western Coastal Plains?

These coastal plains are located along the western coast of India, stretching between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. They're known for their three distinct sections.

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What is the southern part of the Western Coastal Plains called?

The southern portion of the Western Coastal Plains is known as the ______ coast.

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What is another name for Udagamandalam?

This famous hill station in Tamil Nadu is also known as Ooty.

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Where are the Shevroy Hills and Javadi Hills located?

The Shevroy Hills and Javadi Hills are located to the ______ of the Eastern Ghats.

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What is the origin of the black soil in the Deccan Plateau?

A defining feature of the Peninsular Plateau, these black soils are formed from the weathering of ______ rocks.

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Which mountain ranges are the youngest in India?

These are the youngest mountain ranges in India, formed from the collision of tectonic plates.

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Study Notes

Physical Features of India

  • India is a vast country with varied landforms
  • Major physical features include mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands
  • The Peninsular Plateau is one of Earth's oldest landmasses, considered stable
  • The Himalayas and Northern Plains are relatively recent landforms
  • The Himalayan Mountains are a young, folded mountain range running west-to-east
  • The range is about 2,400 km long and its width varies from 150–400 km
  • The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges: the Great Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Shivalik Hills
  • The Great Himalayas are the loftiest, with an average height of 6,000 meters
  • The Himalayas contain prominent peaks, such as Mount Everest
  • The Northern Plains are formed of alluvial deposits from rivers, primarily the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra
  • These plains are fertile and densely populated
  • The Indian Desert is characterized by sandy plains, low rainfall, and minimal vegetation
  • The Coastal Plains lie along the coasts of the Indian peninsula
  • India's eastern coastal plains are wider than the western ones

Major Physiographic Divisions

  • Himalayan Mountains
  • Northern Plains
  • Peninsular Plateau
  • Indian Desert
  • Coastal Plains
  • Islands

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