Sure Shot Questions for Board Exams: Resources and Development | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Ans: (a)
Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of fine particles such as silt, clay, and sand carried by rivers and streams. The Gangetic plain, which includes regions around the Ganges and its tributaries, is known for having extensive deposits of alluvial soil. This type of soil is fertile and supports agriculture, making it suitable for the cultivation of various crops.
On the other hand, the other options do not represent accurate soil-geography matches:
(b) Black Soil is commonly found in the Deccan Plateau, not the Himalayan Region.
(c) Arid Soil is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, not in the Western Ghats.
(d) Laterite Soil is often found in tropical regions with high rainfall and temperature, such as parts of the Western Ghats, but it is not associated with desert areas.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Alluvial Soil - Gangetic plain.

Ans: Alluvial soil is the most widely spread and significant type of soil in India.

• It covers the entire northern plains, formed by deposits from three major Himalayan river systems: the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra.
• Alluvial soil also extends into Rajasthan and Gujarat through a narrow corridor.
• In the eastern coastal plains, it is found particularly in the deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.

This soil is known for its high fertility, making it ideal for growing crops like:

• Sugarcane
• Paddy
• Wheat
• Other cereals and pulses

Regions with alluvial soil are often intensively cultivated and densely populated due to their agricultural productivity.

Ans: There are two ways to address the issue of land degradation:
(1) Planting more trees and managing grazing activity can both help to some extent.
(2) In arid regions, planting plant shelter belts and stabilising sand dunes with thorny bushes are two of the most effective techniques.
(3) In industrial and suburban areas, wasteland management,  control of mining activity, and control of industrial effluent disposal and discharge will all help to lessen land degradation.

Ans: Over irrigation in Punjab leads to significant land degradation through the following processes:

• Water logging: Excessive irrigation saturates the soil, preventing proper drainage.
• Increased salinity: Water logging raises the salt concentration in the soil, harming plant growth.
• Alkalinity issues: The accumulation of alkaline substances further reduces soil fertility.

These factors collectively lower the soil's fertility, making it less suitable for agriculture.

Ans: Laterite soil

Develops in high rainfall areas: Laterite soil forms in regions with heavy rainfall and high temperatures, which accelerate the process of leaching.

Intense leaching process takes place: Due to heavy rainfall, soluble minerals are washed away, leaving the soil poor in essential nutrients.

Humus content is low: The leaching process also reduces the organic content in the soil, resulting in low humus.

These characteristics are typical of Laterite soil, which is commonly found in parts of India with tropical monsoon climates, such as Kerala, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra.

Ans: The different steps of resource planning are:
(i) Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country.
(ii) Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and institutional set-up.
(iii) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.

Ans: The importance of judicious use of resources includes:

• Sustainability: It helps maintain the availability of resources for future generations.
• Limited Availability: Resources are finite and must be used wisely.
• Development: Resources are essential for any developmental activities.

Ans: Renewable: Replenished by nature e.g., crops and plants.
Non-renewable: Resources which get exhausted after years of use, e.g., crude oil.

Ans: Resource planning is crucial for the sustainable existence of all forms of life. It plays a key role in managing resources effectively. 
Here are some important points:

• Identification of Resources: Resource planning helps to identify various resources available in different regions.
• Reducing Waste: It aids in minimising the wastage of resources, ensuring they are used efficiently.
• Equal Distribution: It promotes fair distribution of resources, especially in areas facing shortages.

Ans: Types of soil erosion:

• Gully erosion: This occurs when running water cuts through clayey soil, forming deep channels known as gullies. The affected land becomes unfit for cultivation and is referred to as badland or ravines.
• Sheet erosion: In this type, water flows as a sheet over large areas, washing away the topsoil.

Human activities causing soil erosion:

• Deforestation: The removal of trees leads to a loss of soil stability.
• Over-grazing: Excessive grazing by livestock can strip the land of vegetation.
• Mining: Excavation activities disturb the soil and leave it vulnerable to erosion.

Ans: (c)
Arid soil is red to brown in colour and saline in nature. It is sandy in texture and lacks humus and moisture.

Ans: (a)
 Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is complete leaving deep scars and traces of overburdening. This is a major cause of land degradation in Odisha.