Unit Test (Solutions): Physical Features of India | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M.: 30

Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: The Lakshadweep Islands are composed of which type of rock? (1 Mark)
(i) Basalt
(ii) Coral
(iii) Granite
(iv) Limestone

Ans: (ii) 
The Lakshadweep Islands, located in the Arabian Sea, are composed of coral deposits. These islands are the result of coral polyps' accumulation over thousands of years, forming coral reefs. This type of island formation is unique and contributes to the biodiversity of the region.

Q2: Which mountain range forms the boundary between India and Myanmar? (1 Mark)
(i) Himachal
(ii) Purvachal
(iii) Uttarakhand
(iv) Aravalli

Ans: (ii) 
The Purvachal hills, also known as the Eastern Hills, form the boundary between India and Myanmar. These hills are part of the larger Eastern Himalayas and include the Patkai, Naga, and Manipur hills.

Q3: The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is __________. (1 Mark)
(i) Anai Mudi
(ii) Kanchenjunga
(iii) Mahendragiri
(iv) Khasi

Ans: (iii)
Mahendragiri, with an elevation of 1,501 meters, is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats, a discontinuous range running along India's eastern coast. Unlike the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are lower in elevation and more fragmented.

Q4: The peninsular plateau is composed mainly of __________. (1 Mark)
(i) Sedimentary rocks
(ii) Igneous and metamorphic rocks
(iii) Alluvial deposits
(iv) Limestone

Ans: (ii) 
The peninsular plateau is one of the oldest and most stable landmasses in India, composed primarily of igneous and metamorphic rocks. This plateau was formed due to the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land.

Q5: The __________ is the highest range in the Himalayas. (1 Mark)
(i) Shiwaliks
(ii) Himachal
(iii) Himadri
(iv) Pir Panjal

Ans: (iii) 
Himadri, also known as the Great Himalayas or Inner Himalayas, is the highest range in the Himalayas, featuring some of the world's tallest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is the most continuous range with an average height of about 6,000 meters.

Q6: What is the Bhabar region, and where is it located? (2 Marks)
Ans:

• The Bhabar is a narrow belt lying parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks, about 8 to 16 km wide.
• It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the rivers descend from the mountains and deposit coarse sediments.

Q7: Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south. (2 Marks)
Ans:

The three major divisions of the Himalayas are:

1. Himadri (Great Himalayas)
2. Himachal (Lesser Himalayas)
3. Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas)

Q8: What are the differences between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats? (2 Marks)
Ans:

• The Western Ghats are continuous, higher (900–1600 meters), and run parallel to the western coast.
• The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous, lower (average height of 600 meters), and run along the eastern coast.

Q9: Describe the main characteristics of the Northern Plains of India. (3 Marks)
Ans:

• The Northern Plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.
• These plains are very fertile, making them one of the most agriculturally productive regions in India.
• They are broadly divided into three sections: the Punjab Plains, Ganga Plains, and Brahmaputra Plains.

Q10: What is the significance of the Deccan Plateau in India's geography? (3 Marks)
Ans:

• The Deccan Plateau is a large, triangular landmass that lies south of the Narmada River.
• It is rich in minerals and has broad and shallow valleys and rounded hills.
• The plateau slopes gently eastwards, and its western edge is marked by the Western Ghats.

Q11: Explain the formation and importance of the Indian Desert. (3 Marks)
Ans:

• The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is located in the western part of India, near the Aravali Hills.
• It is an undulating sandy plain with sand dunes, receiving very little rainfall (below 150 mm per year).
• The desert's streams only appear during the rainy season and quickly disappear into the sand. The desert's arid climate and sparse vegetation make it a unique ecosystem.

Q12: Discuss the major physiographic divisions of India and contrast the relief features of the Himalayan region with those of the Peninsular Plateau. (5 Marks)
Ans:

The major physiographic divisions of India are:

1. The Himalayan Mountains
2. The Northern Plains
3. The Peninsular Plateau
4. The Indian Desert
5. The Coastal Plains
6. The Islands

Himalayan Region: Young, geologically unstable, and consists of parallel mountain ranges (Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks). Features include high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers.

Peninsular Plateau: Geologically ancient and stable, with igneous and metamorphic rocks. Characterized by broad and shallow valleys, rounded hills, and a gentle slope towards the east.

Q13: Provide a detailed account of the formation and characteristics of the coastal plains of India. (5 Marks)
Ans: The coastal plains of India are narrow strips of land along the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east.

• Western Coastal Plains: Located between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, divided into Konkan (north), Kannad Plain (middle), and Malabar Coast (south). Known for the backwaters and lagoons, such as Kerala's backwaters.

• Eastern Coastal Plains: Located between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, broader and more level than the western plains. The eastern coast features extensive deltas formed by rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. The Chilika Lake, the largest saltwater lake in India, is located here. 
  The coastal plains are crucial for agriculture, fishing, and port activities.