Physical Features of India
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Questions and Answers

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

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

Describe the geological significance of the Peninsular Plateau.

The Peninsular Plateau is one of the ancient landmasses and is considered one of the most stable land blocks on the earth's surface.

How do the Himalayan Mountains differ from the Northern Plains?

The Himalayas are geologically young, characterized by high peaks and rugged terrain, while the Northern Plains are formed from alluvial deposits and are flatter.

What is the orientation of the Himalayan Mountain system?

<p>The Himalayan Mountain system runs in a west-east direction from the Indus to the Brahmaputra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the Himalayan mountain ranges?

<p>The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges with high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are the altitudinal variations greater in the eastern half of the Himalayas?

<p>The eastern half of the Himalayas has more significant altitudinal variations compared to the western half.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of rocks primarily make up the Peninsular Plateau?

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

What geographical feature merges with the western extension of the region described?

<p>The sandy and rocky desert of Rajasthan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what direction does the flow of rivers like Chambal and Betwa drain in this region?

<p>From southwest to northeast.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average elevation range of the Western Ghats?

<p>900 to 1600 metres.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What local names refer to the eastward extensions of the Central Highlands?

<p>Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes orographic rain along the Western Ghats?

<p>The Western Ghats face rain-bearing moist winds, causing them to rise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the highest peak in the Western Ghats.

<p>Anai Mudi (2,695 metres).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate average elevation of the Eastern Ghats?

<p>600 metres.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do the Eastern Ghats stretch from?

<p>From the Mahanadi Valley to the Nilgiris.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats?

<p>Mahendragiri (1,501 metres).</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the Eastern Ghats differ from the Western Ghats in terms of continuity?

<p>The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and irregular.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the administrative headquarters of the Lakshadweep Islands?

<p>Kavaratti island is the administrative headquarters of Lakshadweep.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which oceanic region is India's only active volcano located?

<p>India's only active volcano is located on Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary conditions in which coral polyps thrive?

<p>Coral polyps thrive in shallow, mud-free, and warm waters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the former names of Lakshadweep Islands before 1973?

<p>They were formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the northern plains in India?

<p>The northern plains are significant as they are the granaries of the country.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of Mussoorie, Nainital, and Ranikhet's respective states?

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

Name two glaciers located in the Great Himalayas.

<p>The Gangotri Glacier and the Siachen Glacier.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Shiwaliks in the context of the Himalayas?

<p>The Shiwaliks are the outer-most range of the Himalayas, extending over a width of 10-50 km.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The highest peaks are primarily located in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Duns in relation to the Himalayan ranges?

<p>Duns are longitudinal valleys lying between the Lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock primarily composes the Purvachal or Eastern hills?

<p>The Purvachal is mostly composed of strong sandstones.</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

List the names of two mountain ranges included in the Purvachal.

<p>The Patkai hills and the Naga hills.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the Himalayas divided based on regions?

<p>The Himalayas are divided into regions from west to east, demarcated by river valleys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the distributaries in the context of the bhangar region?

<p>Distributaries are channels formed due to the deposition of silt in the bhangar region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of khadar soil?

<p>Khadar soil consists of newer, younger deposits in floodplains that are renewed almost every year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of rocks make up the Peninsular plateau?

<p>The Peninsular plateau is composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How was the Peninsular plateau formed?

<p>It was formed from the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main divisions of the Peninsular plateau?

<p>The main divisions are the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Chotanagpur plateau located?

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

What distinguishes the elevation of the Deccan Plateau?

<p>The Deccan Plateau is higher in the west and slopes gently eastwards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the prominent hill ranges of the northeastern extension of the Peninsular plateau?

<p>The prominent hill ranges are the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geographical feature bounds the Vindhyan range?

<p>The Vindhyan range is bounded by the Satpura range to the south and the Aravalis to the northwest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Western and Eastern Ghats, and how do they relate to the Deccan Plateau?

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

Flashcards

What are the Himalayas?

The Himalayan Mountains stretch across the northern border of India, forming a massive arc of towering peaks and deep valleys.

Are the Himalayas stable?

The Himalayas, geologically young, are still growing and shifting.

What is the significance of the Himalayas?

They form a natural barrier between India and other countries, influencing climate and culture.

How were the Northern Plains formed?

The Northern Plains are formed by the deposition of fertile soil by rivers flowing from the Himalayas.

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Why are the Northern Plains important?

These plains are crucial for agriculture and support a large population due to fertile soil and abundance of water.

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What is the Peninsular Plateau?

The Peninsular Plateau, a vast ancient landmass, is formed by igneous and metamorphic rocks.

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What are the characteristics of the Peninsular Plateau?

The Peninsular Plateau is characterized by gentle slopes, valleys, and hills, influenced by volcanic activity and erosion.

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Shiwaliks

The outermost range of the Himalayas, extending 10-50 km wide, with an altitude of 900-1100 meters. They are composed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges.

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Duns

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

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Eastern Boundary of the Himalayas

The Brahmaputra River marks the easternmost boundary of the Himalayas, forming a sharp bend towards the south after the Dihang gorge.

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Purvachal

The Purvachal or Eastern hills and mountains, located beyond the Dihang gorge, stretching along India's eastern boundary.

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Purvachal Structure

Strong sedimentary rocks primarily composed of sandstone, forming parallel ranges and valleys covered with dense forests.

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Regional Names of the Himalayas

The specific names given to the Himalayan ranges based on their location in different regions, from west to east, separated by river valleys

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Himalayan Divisions

The Himalayas are often divided into three categories based on their location from west to east: the Greater Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Shiwaliks.

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States with Highest Peaks

The highest peaks in the Himalayas are located in different states of India, each holding a significant position in the landscape.

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Glaciers and Passes in the Himalayas

The Himalayas are home to several glaciers and passes, important geographical features in the region.

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Andaman & Nicobar Islands

A group of islands located near the Malabar Coast of Kerala, known for its diverse flora and fauna, and is India's only active volcanic region.

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Lakshadweep Islands

These coral islands are located off the coast of Kerala, known for their diverse marine life and beautiful beaches.

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Coral Polyps

Tiny organisms that live in colonies and create calcium carbonate structures, forming coral reefs.

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Coral Reefs

Large underwater structures formed by the accumulation of coral skeletons, providing habitat for diverse marine life.

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Fringing Reef

A type of coral reef that grows outward from the shore in shallow waters.

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What is a plateau?

A type of landform characterized by flat, elevated areas, often with gentle slopes.

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How is the Peninsular Plateau divided?

The Peninsular Plateau is divided into two main parts: the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.

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What mountain ranges are located in the Central Highlands?

The Vindhyan Range, Satpura Range, and Aravali Range are all important mountain ranges that border the Central Highlands.

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What is the Deccan Plateau?

The Deccan Plateau is a vast triangular landmass located south of the Narmada River, known for its gently sloping terrain and fertile soil.

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What mountain ranges flank the Deccan Plateau?

The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are important mountain ranges that mark the western and eastern edges of the Deccan Plateau.

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Where is the Chotanagpur Plateau located?

The Chotanagpur Plateau is a significant plateau located in the eastern part of India and is drained by the Damodar river.

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What is the Malwa Plateau?

The Malwa Plateau, also known as the Central Highlands, is a highland area situated in the heart of India, encompassing the Vindhyan Range and Satpura Range.

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What is Khadar?

The newer, fertile deposits of alluvium on the floodplains are referred to as Khadar. They are replenished annually by floods, making them ideal for agriculture.

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What is Bhangar?

The older, less fertile deposits of alluvium on the floodplains are referred to as Bhangar. These deposits are often characterized by the presence of calcareous deposits, known as kankar.

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What are the Western Ghats?

The Western Ghats are a range of mountains running parallel to the west coast of India. They form a continuous barrier with passes allowing travel through them.

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What are the Eastern Ghats?

The Eastern Ghats are a range of mountains running parallel to the east coast of India. They are discontinuous and irregular with rivers cutting through them.

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Which mountain range is higher, Eastern Ghats or Western Ghats?

The Western Ghats are generally higher than the Eastern Ghats. Their average elevation is between 900-1600 meters compared to 600 meters for the Eastern Ghats.

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Where are the Eastern Ghats located?

The Eastern Ghats stretch from the Mahanadi Valley in the north to the Nilgiris in the south.

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How do the Western Ghats impact rainfall?

The Western Ghats cause orographic rain by forcing moist winds to rise along their western slopes, leading to precipitation.

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Are the Western Ghats known by different names?

The Western Ghats have various local names in different regions along their length.

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What is the trend in the height of the Western Ghats?

The Western Ghats progressively increase in height from north to south.

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What are the highest peaks in the Western Ghats?

The highest peaks in the Western Ghats include Anai Mudi (2,695 meters) and Doda Betta (2,637 meters).

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What is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats?

Mahendragiri (1,501 meters) is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats.

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What are the Eastern extensions of the Central Highlands known as?

The Central Highlands are wider in the west and narrower in the east. Their eastward extensions are known as Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand.

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Study Notes

Physical Features of India

  • India has a diverse range of landforms, including mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands.
  • The Himalayas are young, folded mountains stretching along the northern border. They run west to east, from the Indus to the Brahmaputra.
  • The Himalayas are one of the most rugged mountain ranges in the world, with peaks over 8,000 meters high.
  • The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges: the Himadri (highest), the Himachal, and the Shiwaliks.
  • The Northern Plains are formed by the interplay of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries, creating fertile alluvial soil.
  • The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landmasses on Earth, formed by the break-up of the Gondwana landmass.
  • The Deccan Plateau is part of the Peninsular Plateau, with a triangular shape and high elevation in the west, sloping gently to the east.
  • The Indian Desert is characterized by arid conditions, with very low rainfall and sand dunes.
  • The Coastal Plains stretch along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, with various regions like the Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar Coast. The Eastern Coastal Plains are wider than the Western Coastal Plains.
  • The islands of India include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, and the Lakshadweep Islands off the Malabar Coast. These are primarily coral islands.

Major Physiographic Divisions

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

Important Features

  • The Great Himalayas or Himadri form the highest range.
  • The Pir Panjal range is the longest and most important range in the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal).
  • The Shiwaliks are the outermost range.
  • The Ganga Plain covers a vast area, encompassing Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
  • The Deccan Plateau is known for its extensive plateaus that extend to the east and west coasts.
  • The Western Ghats are higher and more continuous than the Eastern Ghats, with significant diversity in elevations.
  • The Indian Desert is located in the western part of the country.

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Physical Features of India PDF

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Explore the diverse landforms of India through this quiz. Test your knowledge on the Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, and the Indian Desert. Understand their formation, characteristics, and significance in the geography of India.

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