Worksheet Solutions: Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems | Geography Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: Water pollution occurs when the quantity of impurities in surface water increases beyond a certain level, rendering it unsuitable for human use and reducing its _______________ capacity.
Ans: self-purifying
Water pollution occurs when impurities in surface water exceed a certain level, diminishing its ability to self-purify and making it unsuitable for human use.

Q2: Industrial activities such as leather, pulp and paper, textiles, and chemical industries are primary contributors to _______________ pollution.
Ans: water
Industrial activities such as leather, pulp and paper, textiles, and chemical industries significantly contribute to water pollution by releasing pollutants into water bodies.

Q3: The use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture leads to surface water pollution due to _______________ infiltration.
Ans: soil
The use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture leads to surface water pollution as these chemicals infiltrate the soil and contaminate nearby water sources.

Q4: Noise pollution is measured in _______________ (dB).
Ans: decibels
Noise pollution is measured in decibels, representing the intensity of sound and its potential impact on human health and the environment.

Q5: Urban areas often face issues with the mismanagement of solid wastes, including metals, glass wares, and polythene bags, which can lead to various health problems such as _______________.
Ans: diseases
Mismanagement of solid wastes in urban areas, including metals and polythene bags, leads to various health problems such as diseases due to the spread of pathogens and toxins.

Q6: Urban areas with proper infrastructure and amenities are characterized by farmhouses, high-income neighborhoods, wide roads, and well-developed _______________.
Ans: greenbelts
Urban areas with proper infrastructure are characterized by amenities like greenbelts, farmhouses, wide roads, and high-income neighborhoods, indicating well-planned development.

Q7: Slum dwellers typically work in low-wage, high-risk, and unorganized sectors of the urban economy, which puts them at greater risk of health problems such as _______________.
Ans: malnutrition
Slum dwellers working in low-wage, high-risk sectors often face malnutrition due to economic constraints, impacting their overall health and well-being.

Q8: Land degradation can be caused by factors such as soil erosion, water logging, salinisation, and _______________.
Ans: alkalinisation
Land degradation can be caused by factors like soil erosion, water logging, salinisation, and alkalinisation, diminishing the land's productivity and ecological balance.

Q9: The National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in India is responsible for identifying and categorizing wastelands using remote sensing techniques to classify them based on the processes that have led to their _______________.
Ans: formation
The National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) categorizes wastelands based on the processes that led to their formation, utilizing remote sensing techniques for identification.

Q10: Wastelands affected by both natural and human factors may include land affected by salinity and alkalinity and land with and without scrubs that are degraded by both natural and human factors, such as _______________.
Ans: degradation
Wastelands affected by natural and human factors, such as salinity, alkalinity, and absence of vegetation, undergo degradation, impacting their ecological value and usability.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Water pollution is primarily caused by human activities, including industrial, agricultural, and cultural practices.
Reason: Natural sources like erosion and decay of plants and animals are not significant contributors to water pollution.
(a) If both the assertion and reason are true and the reason explains the assertion.
(b) If both the assertion and reason are true but the reason does not explain the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion is false but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the assertion and reason are true. Human activities are indeed the primary cause of water pollution. While natural sources contribute, they are not as significant as human-induced pollution. The reason correctly explains the assertion.

Q2: Assertion: Noise pollution is a significant cause of mental issues in large cities of India.
Reason: Noise pollution primarily affects rural areas and has a minimal impact on urban areas.
(a) If both the assertion and reason are true and the reason explains the assertion.
(b) If both the assertion and reason are true but the reason does not explain the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion is false but the reason is true.
Ans: (d)
The assertion is false. Noise pollution is a significant problem in urban areas, not just rural ones. It affects mental health, causing issues such as anxiety and tension. The reason is true, but it contradicts the assertion.

Q3: Assertion: The increase in urban population is primarily due to high birth rates and low mortality rates.
Reason: Rural-urban migration accounts for a small percentage of the growth in urban population.
(a) If both the assertion and reason are true and the reason explains the assertion.
(b) If both the assertion and reason are true but the reason does not explain the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion is false but the reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is false. The increase in urban population is primarily due to rural-urban migration, not high birth rates. Many people move from rural to urban areas in search of better opportunities, leading to urbanization. The reason is true but does not explain the false assertion.

Q4: Assertion: Slum areas are characterized by wide roads, high-income neighborhoods, and well-developed greenbelts.
Reason: Slum areas are environmentally compatible and have excellent living conditions.
(a) If both the assertion and reason are true and the reason explains the assertion.
(b) If both the assertion and reason are true but the reason does not explain the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion is false but the reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is false. Slum areas are characterized by narrow, overcrowded streets and lack basic amenities. They are not known for wide roads or high-income neighborhoods. The reason is false as it contradicts the assertion.

Q5: Assertion: Land degradation can be caused by both natural and human factors.
Reason: Land degradation always leads to the transformation of degraded land into wasteland.
(a) If both the assertion and reason are true and the reason explains the assertion.
(b) If both the assertion and reason are true but the reason does not explain the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion is false but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the assertion and reason are true. Land degradation can result from both natural factors like erosion and human activities like deforestation. However, not all degraded land turns into wasteland; intervention and conservation efforts can rehabilitate degraded land. The reason correctly explains the assertion.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is the main source of water pollution in modern times?
Ans: Industrial waste and sewage are the main sources of water pollution in modern times.

Q2: Name three industries that contribute to water pollution in rivers.
Ans: Three industries that contribute to water pollution in rivers are textile manufacturing, chemical production, and mining.

Q3: How does the use of inorganic fertilizers contribute to water pollution?
Ans: Inorganic fertilizers can contribute to water pollution by leaching into water bodies and causing excessive nutrient runoff, leading to algal blooms and ecosystem imbalances.

Q4: What is the measurement unit for noise pollution?
Ans: The measurement unit for noise pollution is decibels (dB).

Q5: Why do slum dwellers often work in low-wage, high-risk sectors?
Ans: Slum dwellers often work in low-wage, high-risk sectors due to limited access to education, skills, and opportunities, which restricts their employment options.

Q6: Name three factors that can cause land degradation.
Ans: Three factors that can cause land degradation are deforestation, overgrazing, and improper agricultural practices.

Q7: What is the role of the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in India?
Ans: The National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in India is responsible for collecting and analyzing remote sensing data to support various applications such as natural resource management, disaster management, and urban planning.

Q8: Give an example of a wasteland caused by both natural and human factors.
Ans: The Aral Sea in Central Asia is an example of a wasteland caused by both natural factors (reduced inflow of water from rivers) and human factors (excessive irrigation practices).

Q9: What is the primary cause of rural-urban migration in India?
Ans: The primary cause of rural-urban migration in India is the search for better economic opportunities and improved living conditions in urban areas.

Q10: What are the expected challenges of increased urbanization by 2050?
Ans: The expected challenges of increased urbanization by 2050 include increased strain on infrastructure, housing shortages, environmental degradation, and social inequality.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the two main sources of water pollution and provide examples of each.
Ans: The two main sources of water pollution are point source pollution and non-point source pollution.

• Point source pollution refers to the pollution that comes from a single identifiable source, such as a factory or sewage treatment plant. An example of point source pollution is when a factory releases untreated wastewater directly into a nearby river.
• Non-point source pollution, on the other hand, refers to pollution that comes from multiple sources and is difficult to trace back to a specific origin. This can include pollutants from agricultural runoff, urban runoff, or atmospheric deposition. For example, when rainwater washes pesticides and fertilizers from agricultural fields into nearby rivers, it leads to non-point source pollution.

Q2: Describe the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health and the environment.
Ans: Air pollution has several detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.

• On human health, air pollution can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. It can also worsen existing cardiovascular conditions and cause allergies and other allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can have long-term effects on the respiratory system and can even lead to premature death.
• In terms of the environment, air pollution can harm plants and animals. It can lead to the acidification of soils and water bodies, which can negatively impact plant growth and aquatic life. Air pollution also contributes to the formation of smog and can damage buildings and monuments through the process of acid rain.

Q3: Discuss the characteristics of slum areas and the challenges faced by slum dwellers.
Ans: Slum areas are characterized by inadequate housing, lack of basic services such as sanitation and clean water, and high population density. These areas often lack proper infrastructure and are marked by poor living conditions. The challenges faced by slum dwellers include a lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which leads to the spread of diseases. They often face issues of overcrowding, which can lead to social problems and increased vulnerability to disasters. Slum dwellers also face challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Q4: Explain how improper management of solid waste can lead to health problems and environmental issues.
Ans: Improper management of solid waste can have several negative impacts on both health and the environment.

• When solid waste is not properly disposed of or managed, it can lead to the contamination of air, water, and soil. This can result in the spread of diseases through the contamination of water sources and the breeding of disease-carrying organisms. Improper disposal of hazardous waste can also pose a direct threat to human health.
• In terms of the environment, improper solid waste management can contribute to the pollution of water bodies and the degradation of ecosystems. It can also lead to the emission of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the improper disposal of non-biodegradable waste can result in the accumulation of waste in landfills, leading to land and water pollution.

Q5: Describe the classification of wastelands in India based on their causes.
Ans: Wastelands in India are classified based on their causes into four categories:

• Waterlogged wasteland: This type of wasteland is characterized by excessive water accumulation, often due to poor drainage systems or high water tables. It is typically unsuitable for cultivation.
• Saline and alkaline wasteland: These wastelands have high levels of salt or alkali content in the soil, making it unsuitable for most crops. They often occur in arid or semi-arid regions where the water table is high.
• Degraded forest wasteland: This type of wasteland is a result of deforestation or unsustainable forest practices. It is characterized by the loss of forest cover and the degradation of soil fertility.
• Mining and industrial wasteland: These wastelands are a result of mining or industrial activities. They often have contaminated soil and water, making them unsuitable for most forms of life.

Q6: Analyze the factors contributing to the increase in the urban population and its potential consequences.
Ans: Several factors contribute to the increase in urban population. These include rural-urban migration, natural population growth, and the expansion of urban areas.

• Rural-urban migration occurs when people move from rural areas to cities in search of better economic opportunities and a higher standard of living. Natural population growth refers to the increase in urban population due to births exceeding deaths within the urban areas. The expansion of urban areas is driven by factors such as urbanization and urban development projects.
• The increase in urban population can have both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, urban areas can provide better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. They often have better infrastructure and amenities. However, the rapid increase in urban population can also lead to challenges such as increased demand for housing, strain on resources, environmental degradation, and social inequality.

Q7: Discuss the impacts of land degradation on agricultural productivity and land quality.
Ans: Land degradation has significant impacts on agricultural productivity and land quality.

• When land is degraded, it loses its fertility, which affects the growth and yield of crops. Soil erosion, for example, can lead to the loss of topsoil, which contains important nutrients for plant growth. This can result in reduced agricultural productivity and lower crop yields.
• Land degradation can also lead to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems. It can result in the depletion of water resources, as degraded land is less able to retain and store water. This can further impact agricultural productivity, as water is a crucial resource for crop growth.
• Additionally, land degradation can result in the release of carbon stored in the soil, contributing to climate change. It can also lead to the loss of land for future generations and pose challenges for sustainable land management.

Q8: Explain the role of the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in identifying and categorizing wastelands in India.
Ans: The National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) plays a crucial role in identifying and categorizing wastelands in India through the use of remote sensing technology.

• The NRSA utilizes satellite imagery and other remote sensing techniques to analyze the land and identify areas that are classified as wastelands. This technology allows for the assessment of land cover, land use, and changes in land patterns over time.
• By analyzing the satellite data, the NRSA can identify different types of wastelands, such as waterlogged areas, saline and alkaline soils, degraded forest lands, and mining and industrial wastelands. This information is essential for understanding the extent and distribution of wastelands in the country.
• The categorization of wastelands by the NRSA helps in planning and implementing land reclamation and restoration projects. It provides valuable data for policymakers and land managers to prioritize interventions and develop strategies for sustainable land management.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the main sources of water pollution, both natural and human, and the impact of industrial, agricultural, and cultural activities on water quality. Provide examples and explain the consequences of water pollution in India.
Ans: Water pollution is a significant environmental issue that arises from various sources, including both natural and human activities. Natural sources of water pollution include volcanic eruptions, mineral leaching, and natural runoff. However, human activities are the primary contributors to water pollution.

• Industrial activities have a significant impact on water quality. Industrial wastewater, containing various pollutants such as heavy metals, chemicals, and organic compounds, is often discharged into nearby water bodies without proper treatment. For example, in India, the Ganges River is highly polluted due to industrial effluents from tanneries, textile mills, and chemical factories located along its banks. The discharge of untreated or partially treated industrial waste leads to contamination of water, making it unsafe for human consumption and harmful to aquatic life.
• Agricultural activities also play a major role in water pollution. The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides in agriculture leads to the contamination of water bodies through runoff and leaching. These chemicals can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and public health. For instance, the excessive use of fertilizers in agricultural areas near rivers in India has resulted in high levels of nitrate pollution, leading to waterborne diseases such as methemoglobinemia, also known as "blue baby syndrome."
• Cultural activities, such as improper waste disposal and religious practices, also contribute to water pollution in India. For example, the immersion of idols made of non-biodegradable materials during religious festivals leads to the accumulation of pollutants in water bodies. Similarly, the improper disposal of solid waste, including plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, contaminates water sources. These activities degrade water quality and pose a threat to both ecosystem health and human well-being.

The consequences of water pollution in India are widespread and severe. Contaminated water sources pose a significant risk to public health, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery. The impact on aquatic ecosystems is also significant, with pollution causing the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, as well as the destruction of habitats. Moreover, water pollution can have negative economic effects, such as the loss of tourism revenue due to the degradation of popular water bodies.

Q2: Examine the challenges and problems associated with urban waste disposal in India, including the differences between metropolitan cities and smaller towns. Explain the health and environmental impacts of improper waste management and suggest solutions to address these issues.
Ans: Urban waste disposal in India faces numerous challenges and problems, with variations between metropolitan cities and smaller towns. The rapid urbanization and population growth in metropolitan cities have led to increased waste generation, overwhelming existing waste management infrastructure. On the other hand, smaller towns often lack proper waste management systems, exacerbating the problem.

• Improper waste management has severe health and environmental impacts. When waste is not properly segregated, collected, and treated, it ends up in open dumps or landfills, leading to the release of toxic gases and leachate into the environment. These gases, such as methane, contribute to air pollution and climate change. Leachate, a liquid formed from decomposing waste, can contaminate groundwater, posing a risk to human health and ecosystems.
• The health impacts of improper waste management are significant. Open dumping and burning of waste release harmful pollutants into the air, leading to respiratory problems and other illnesses. Additionally, scavengers who work in waste dumps are exposed to hazardous substances, risking their health. Inadequate waste management also contributes to the spread of vector-borne diseases, as waste becomes breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects and rodents.

To address these issues, several solutions can be implemented. First, there is a need for improved waste management infrastructure, including waste segregation at source, efficient collection systems, and appropriate treatment and disposal methods. Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about the importance of waste segregation and recycling. Additionally, promoting decentralized waste management systems, such as composting and biogas production, can reduce the burden on centralized facilities.

Q3: Analyze the trend of rural-urban migration in India and its implications for families and society. Discuss the reasons behind this migration, its impact on the labor force, and the challenges faced by migrant workers and their families.
Ans: Rural-urban migration in India refers to the movement of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of better economic opportunities and improved living conditions. This trend has significant implications for families and society as a whole.

• There are several reasons behind rural-urban migration in India. One primary reason is the lack of employment opportunities in rural areas, particularly in agriculture, which is the primary livelihood for many rural communities. Urban areas offer a wider range of job prospects in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and services. Additionally, urban areas often provide better access to education, healthcare, and other amenities, attracting migrants seeking improved quality of life.
• The impact of rural-urban migration on the labor force is twofold. On one hand, it leads to the availability of a larger workforce for urban industries and services, contributing to economic growth. Migrant workers often take up low-skilled and informal jobs that are crucial for urban development. On the other hand, rural areas face a depletion of their labor force, affecting agricultural productivity and rural economies.
• Migrant workers and their families face numerous challenges. Firstly, they often encounter difficulties in finding affordable housing in cities, leading to overcrowding and slum formation. Access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare can also be limited. Migrant workers often face exploitation, low wages, and poor working conditions, as they are vulnerable to labor rights abuses. Additionally, families are often separated, as migrant workers leave their hometowns in search of work, resulting in social and emotional challenges.

To address these challenges, policies should focus on creating employment opportunities in rural areas, promoting skill development, and improving access to basic services. Urban planning should prioritize affordable housing and infrastructure development in order to accommodate the influx of migrants. Social protection measures, such as ensuring fair wages and labor rights, are essential to safeguard the well-being of migrant workers and their families.

Q4: Explain the concept of land degradation, its causes, and the classification of wastelands in India. Discuss the potential effects of unchecked land degradation on agriculture and the environment, and propose strategies for land conservation and sustainable land use.
Ans: Land degradation refers to the deterioration of the quality and productivity of land, resulting from various factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, and chemical pollution. It is caused by both natural processes and human activities.

• Natural causes of land degradation include geological processes, climate change, and natural disasters. For example, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can cause land degradation by altering landforms and soil properties. Climate change-induced factors, such as increased aridity and erratic rainfall patterns, can lead to desertification and soil degradation.
• Human activities are the primary drivers of land degradation. Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, overgrazing, and improper irrigation techniques, contribute to soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urbanization leads to the loss of vegetation cover, further exacerbating soil erosion. Industrial activities, mining, and improper waste disposal also contribute to land pollution and degradation.
• In India, wastelands are classified based on their characteristics and potential for reclamation. These include degraded forests, barren and uncultivable land, land affected by salinity or alkalinity, and rocky or stony land. These wastelands are often unsuitable for agriculture and lack vegetation cover, posing challenges for sustainable land use and affecting biodiversity.
• Unchecked land degradation has significant effects on agriculture and the environment. It reduces soil fertility, leading to decreased agricultural productivity and food insecurity. Soil erosion, caused by land degradation, results in the loss of topsoil and nutrients, affecting crop growth and water quality. Additionally, land degradation contributes to the loss of biodiversity, as it destroys habitats and disrupts ecosystems.

To address land degradation and promote sustainable land use, various strategies can be implemented. These include promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming, agroforestry, and conservation tillage, to reduce soil erosion and improve soil health. Reforestation and afforestation efforts can help restore degraded land and prevent further degradation. Implementing proper land-use planning and regulations can ensure the sustainable use of land resources. Additionally, educating farmers and communities about the importance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices is crucial for long-term land conservation.