All questions of Resources and Development for Class 10 Exam

Caves, arches, stacks, and stumps are erosional features that are commonly found on a headland. Cracks are widened in the headland through the erosional processes of hydraulic action and abrasion. As the waves continue to grind away at the crack, it begins to open up to form a cave.

The running water cuts through the clayey soils and makes deep channels known as gullies. The land becomes unfit for cultivation and is known as bad land. In the Chambal basin, such lands are called ravines. Chambal is in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Solar radiation, or sunlight, in general is an inexhaustible resource. This is so because it is a resource that will not get exhausted in the future ( a few hundred years ) . They are unlimited in nature. For example , air, water, sunlight, biomass are inexhaustible sources of energy.

The major energy sources are fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gases. They are an important source of energy for modern technology. Fossil fuels are used in industry, thermal plants, agricultural operations, automobiles etc.

Bacteria and fungi carry out the decomposition of plant residues, breaking them down and holding the nutrients in their bodies; this prevents the nutrients leaching out into the soil.

Biotic resources are resources or substances which are derived from the biosphere like living things and from forest and the materials derived from them.

All those things which are composed of non-living things are called abiotic resources. For example, rocks and metals.

Deserts soils are usually light coloured with minimal humus content due to which the plant productivity is low. Also, the water-retaining capacity is very less. However, they are rich in minerals- calcium carbonate (caliche), gypsum, and/or salts.

Intensive leaching is the primary explanation for the formation of laterite soils. Owing to heavy tropical rainfall more than 200 cms and high temperatures, leaching occurs.

Black cotton soil, also known as regur soil, is a type of soil found in the Deccan region of India. It is characterized by its deep black color and high clay content. This soil is highly fertile and is widely used for agricultural purposes in the region.

Black cotton soil is associated with volcanic rocks in the Deccan region. Here is a detailed explanation of this association:

1. Formation of Black Cotton Soil:
- Black cotton soil is formed by the weathering of basaltic rocks that are found in the Deccan Plateau.
- The Deccan Plateau is known for its extensive volcanic activity in the past, which led to the deposition of basaltic lava flows.
- Over time, the basaltic rocks undergo chemical weathering and breakdown, forming the black cotton soil.

2. Basaltic Rocks:
- Basaltic rocks are igneous rocks that are formed from solidified lava flows.
- These rocks are typically dark-colored and have a fine-grained texture.
- Basaltic rocks are rich in minerals such as feldspar, pyroxene, and olivine.

3. Weathering of Basaltic Rocks:
- The weathering of basaltic rocks involves the breakdown of minerals and the release of clay particles.
- The clay particles are responsible for the high clay content in black cotton soil.
- The weathering process also contributes to the deep black color of the soil.

4. Characteristics of Black Cotton Soil:
- Black cotton soil has a high water holding capacity due to its clay content.
- It swells when wet and shrinks when dry, leading to the formation of deep cracks.
- These cracks can be problematic for construction and infrastructure development.
- The high clay content also makes the soil sticky and difficult to work with.

In conclusion, black cotton soil in the Deccan region is associated with volcanic rocks, specifically basaltic rocks. The weathering of these rocks over time leads to the formation of the highly fertile black cotton soil.

Renewable resources are those which get renewed or replenished quickly, for ex- wind energy, solar energy etc.

Understanding Lateritic Soils
Lateritic soils are unique types of soils formed under specific climatic conditions, primarily in tropical regions. Their characteristics are largely influenced by the processes of weathering and leaching.
Formation through Leaching
- Lateritic soils are predominantly formed in regions with high rainfall and temperature.
- The intense weathering leads to a process known as leaching, where water filters through the soil, dissolving and removing soluble minerals and nutrients.
- This process results in the soil becoming relatively poor in nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.
Characteristics of Lateritic Soils
- Deep but Poor Fertility: Lateritic soils can be deep, but due to leaching, they often lack the fertility necessary for agriculture.
- Iron and Aluminum Rich: They are typically rich in iron and aluminum oxides, giving them a reddish color and making them hard when dry.
- Low Organic Content: The leaching process also means that organic material is not retained well, leading to low organic content in these soils.
Conclusion
In summary, lateritic soils are mostly deep but result from leaching processes that strip away nutrients, rendering them less fertile for agricultural purposes. This characteristic is what distinguishes lateritic soils from other types, making option 'C' the correct answer.

Black soil, also known as regur soil or black cotton soil, is a type of soil that is found in several regions across the world. It is particularly common in India. Black soil is known for its fertility and ability to retain moisture, making it suitable for agriculture. Let's go through each statement to understand the characteristics of black soil.

1) It develops cracks during hot weather:
During hot weather, black soil undergoes significant changes. It has a high clay content, which causes the soil to shrink when it dries out. This shrinkage leads to the development of cracks in the soil surface. These cracks can be quite deep and wide, making it difficult for plants to establish their roots. However, these cracks are beneficial as they help in the aeration and drainage of the soil.

2) Iron content present in this soil turns into iron oxide due to diffusion:
This statement is incorrect. The iron content in black soil does not turn into iron oxide due to diffusion. Iron in black soil is present in the ferrous form, which gives the soil its characteristic black color. However, when the soil is exposed to air, oxidation occurs, resulting in the formation of iron oxide. This process is commonly known as rusting. The presence of iron oxide gives the soil a reddish or brownish color. Therefore, the iron content in black soil does not turn into iron oxide due to diffusion.

3) It is made of fine clay particles:
Black soil consists of fine clay particles, which contribute to its unique properties. The clay particles in black soil are extremely small in size and have a high surface area. This allows the soil to retain moisture effectively and provides a good environment for plant roots to penetrate and grow. The clay particles also contribute to the soil's ability to hold nutrients, making it highly fertile.

4) It retains moisture for long:
One of the key characteristics of black soil is its ability to retain moisture for a long time. The fine clay particles in the soil have a high water holding capacity. They can absorb and retain a significant amount of water, allowing it to be available to plants for a longer duration. This is especially beneficial in regions with limited rainfall or dry periods, as black soil can sustain crops during these periods.

In summary, the correct statements regarding the characteristics of black soil are:

- It develops cracks during hot weather.
- It is made of fine clay particles.
- It retains moisture for a long time.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D: 1, 3, and 4 only.

A glacier erodes through a process called 'plucking' in which it lifts pieces of rock and transports them. In the Himalayan region, the glacier is the major weathering agent.

Natural resources are the resources that exist without action of humankind; this includes all valued characteristics such as magnetic, gravitational, electrical properties and forces etc.

Primary Purpose of the Plain Region
The plain region, covering about 43% of the land area in the country, primarily serves agricultural activities. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this is the case:
Fertile Soil
- The plains are often characterized by alluvial soil, which is rich in nutrients.
- This type of soil is ideal for growing a variety of crops, making it a vital agricultural zone.
Climate Conditions
- The climate in plain regions tends to be favorable for agriculture, with adequate rainfall and moderate temperatures.
- This climate supports the growth of both food crops and cash crops.
Accessibility
- Plains provide easy access to transportation networks, such as roads and railways, facilitating the movement of goods.
- This accessibility enables farmers to transport their produce to markets efficiently.
Diverse Crop Production
- The plains are suitable for cultivating a wide range of crops, including cereals, pulses, and vegetables.
- This diversity enhances food security and contributes to the economy.
Employment Opportunities
- Agricultural activities in plain regions create numerous job opportunities for local populations.
- This not only supports livelihoods but also promotes rural development.
Conclusion
In summary, the plain region's predominant purpose as an agricultural hub is due to its fertile soil, favorable climate, accessibility, and capacity for diverse crop production. This makes it integral to the country’s economy and sustenance of its population.