Physical Features of India Class 9 Worksheet Geography Chapter 1

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called as
(a) Himachal
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Purvachal
(d) none of the above
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The term Purvachal refers to the mountain ranges in eastern India that form the natural boundary with Myanmar. This system includes hill ranges such as the Patkai, Naga and Manipur hills and lies in the north-eastern states of India.

Q2: The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The highest peak of the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri, with an elevation of about 1,501 metres. It is situated in the state of Odisha. The Eastern Ghats are generally lower and more broken than the Western Ghats.

• The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri, standing at an elevation of 1,501 metres.
• It is located in the state of Odisha.
• Other notable peaks in the Eastern Ghats include Arma Konda and Javadi Hills.

Q3: A landmass bounded by sea on three sides is referred to as
(a) Coast
(b) Island
(c) Peninsula
(d) none of the above
Ans: (c)
Explanation: A landmass surrounded by the sea on three sides is called a peninsula. The Indian Peninsula is a prime example. An island is surrounded by water on all sides, while a coast is the strip of land along the sea.

• A landmass surrounded by sea on three sides is called a peninsula.
• Examples of peninsulas include the Indian Peninsula and the Florida Peninsula.
• In contrast, an island is completely surrounded by water, while a coast refers to the land along the edge of the sea.

Q4: The northern most range of the Himalayas is known as
(a) Himadri
(b) lesser Himalaya
(c) Shivalik
(d) None of the above.
Ans: (a)
Explanation: The northernmost and highest range of the Himalayas is the Himadri (or Great Himalayas). It contains the loftiest peaks and extensive snowfields and glaciers.

• Being the highest among the Himalayan ranges.
• Containing the tallest peaks, including Mount Everest.
• Its continuous stretch across northern India.

Q5: Majuli is a riverine island located in the river
(a) Ganga
(b) Brahmaputra
(c) Yamuna
(d) Kaveri
Ans: (b) 
Explanation: Majuli is situated in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is notable for being one of the largest inhabited riverine islands in the world, formed by the river's depositional activity in its lower course.

• Majuli is located in the Brahmaputra River.
• It is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world.
• The island is formed due to the river's depositional work in its lower course.

Q6: The soil containing calcareous deposits is locally known as
(a) Bhangar
(b) Khadar
(c) Bhabar
(d) Kankar
Ans: (d)
Explanation: The calcareous nodules or deposits found in older alluvial soils are locally called Kankar. These are usually calcium carbonate accumulations and are typical of certain Bhangar (older alluvium) soils.

• Kankar is a type of soil found in certain regions.
• It is characterised by the presence of calcium carbonate.
• This soil is often associated with older alluvial deposits.

Q7: Barchans are found in
(a) desert regions
(b) plains
(c) plateaus
(d) hilly regions
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Barchans are crescent-shaped sand dunes formed by wind action and are typically found in desert regions where vegetation is sparse and sand supply is ample.

• Barchans are typically found in desert regions.
• These are crescent-shaped sand dunes.
• They form in areas with limited vegetation and low moisture.

Q8: Lake Chilika lies in the state of
(a) Jharkhand
(b) Telangana
(c) Odisha
(d) Tamil Nadu
Ans: (c)  
Explanation: Lake Chilika is a large brackish water lagoon situated on the coast of Odisha. It is an important wetland and supports rich birdlife and fisheries.

Q9: Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called as
(a) Himachal
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Purvachal
(d) none of the above
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The eastern mountain system of India along the border with Myanmar is known as Purvachal, comprising ranges like the Patkai, Naga and Manipur hills.

Q10: The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The tallest peak of the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri (about 1,501 metres), located in Odisha. The Eastern Ghats are lower and more discontinuous compared with the Western Ghats.

• Mahendragiri at 1,501 metres.
• It is located in the state of Odisha.
• The Eastern Ghats are lower in elevation compared to the Western Ghats.

Fill in the Blank

Q1: The most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres is known as the ________ .
Ans: The most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres is known as the Himadri

The Himadri, also known as the Greater Himalayas, contains the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest.

Q2: The part lying between Teesta and Dihang rivers is the ________ .
Ans: The part lying between Teesta and Dihang rivers is the Assam Himalayas

The Assam Himalayas are characterized by their unique geographical features and biodiversity, situated in the northeastern part of India.

Q3: The hills of Purvachal or the Eastern hills are composed of ________ .
Ans: The hills of Purvachal or the Eastern hills are composed of Sedimentary rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of mineral and organic particles, which is typical of the geological composition of the Purvachal hills.

Q4: The largest delta in the world is ________ .
Ans: The largest delta in the world is Sunderban Delta

The Sunderban Delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and mangrove forests.

Q5: The flow of rivers, the Chambal, the Sindh, the Betwa and the Ken, is from ________ .
Ans: The flow of rivers, the Chambal, the Sindh, the Betwa and the Ken, is from southwest to northeast.

These rivers originate in the Vindhya and Satpura ranges and flow towards the northeast, contributing to the river systems in northern India.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: What are Duns?
Ans: A dun is a long, narrow valley lying between the Lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks. Well-known examples include Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun and Patli Dun.

Q2: Why does India have diversity in its relief? State any two reasons for it.
Ans: 

• Different geological periods: India has undergone many geological eras and movements, producing a variety of landforms.
• Different geological processes: Processes such as folding, faulting, erosion and deposition have acted at different places and times, creating diverse relief features.

Q3: Which river has the largest inhabited riverine island in the world?
Ans: Majuli, in the Brahmaputra River, is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world.

Q4: Write a short note on Aravali hills
Ans: The Aravali Hills lie along the western and north‑western edge of the Peninsular Plateau. Key points:

• They are highly eroded and appear as broken ranges rather than continuous high hills.
• The range extends from Gujarat in the southwest to Delhi in the northeast.
• They run in a southwest–northeast direction.

Q5: What are the features of Khadar? 
Ans: Features:
(i) Khadar refers to the newer, younger alluvial deposits of flood plains.
(ii) These deposits are renewed frequently by floods and are therefore very fertile, making them ideal for intensive agriculture.

Q6: Which is the highest peak in Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats?
Ans: The highest peak of the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri (about 1,501 metres) in Odisha. The highest peaks in the Western Ghats include Anai Mudi (about 2,695 metres) and Doda Betta (about 2,637 metres).

Q7: What do you mean by the 'Theory of Plate Tectonics'?
Ans: The Theory of Plate Tectonics states that the Earth's crust is divided into several large and small plates that move slowly over the semi‑fluid layer beneath. Important points:

• Movement of these plates causes folding and faulting of the crust.
• Interactions between plates can lead to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Q8: What are the two parts of the eastern coastal plains?
Ans: The eastern coastal plain lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal and is divided into two parts:

• The northern section is the Northern Circar.
• The southern section is the Coromandel Coast.

Q9: What is the Deccan Trap?
Ans: The Deccan Trap is an extensive area of igneous (volcanic) rock in the peninsular plateau formed by successive lava flows. Over time weathering of these rocks has given rise to the black soils found in parts of the Deccan.

• It is of volcanic origin, meaning the rocks are igneous.
• Over time, these rocks have eroded, leading to the formation of the black soil.

Q10: Which continents of today were part of the Gondwana land?
Ans: The Gondwana land included what are now India, Australia, South Africa, South America and Antarctica as one single land mass.

Q11: Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
Ans: The Himalayas are divided into three main ranges:

• Great Himalayas (or Himadri) - the northernmost range, featuring the highest peaks.
• Lesser Himalayas (or Himachal) - located south of the Great Himalayas, known for rugged terrain and important hill stations.
• Shiwaliks - the outermost range, characterised by lower hills and broad valleys.

Q12: Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Ans: The Lakshadweep Islands are of coral origin and lie close to the Malabar coast of Kerala.

• Previously known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive.
• Renamed Lakshadweep in 1973.
• Cover a small area of 32 sq km.
• Kavaratti Island serves as the administrative headquarters.
• Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
• Pitti Island, which is uninhabited, features a bird sanctuary.

Q13: What are tectonic plates?
Ans: The Earth's crust is divided into several large and small sections called tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi‑fluid layer beneath and their movements shape the Earth's surface.

• There are seven major tectonic plates.
• They include both large and small plates.
• Tectonic plates are responsible for geological activities like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Q14: What is the bhabar?
Ans: The bhabar is a narrow, stony belt about 8 to 16 km wide formed by rivers descending from the mountains. Here streams usually disappear into porous deposits. To the south of the bhabar, streams reappear, forming the wet terai region.

• It consists of a narrow belt, approximately 8 to 16 km wide.
• This belt lies parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks.
• All streams in this area typically disappear.
• To the south of the bhabar, rivers and streams re-emerge, creating a wet, swampy region known as terai.

Q15: Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
Ans: The Malwa plateau lies between the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges.

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Why are the Himalayas called as young mountains?
Ans: The Himalayas are called young mountains because:

• They were formed relatively recently in geological terms through the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
• They show sharp relief with very high peaks and deep valleys, indicating little time for erosion to reduce their heights.
• They are still rising due to ongoing tectonic activity, and are thus geologically active.

Q2: Write a short note on ‘coral polyps’.
Ans: Coral polyps are tiny marine animals that live in colonies. Key points:

• They thrive in shallow, warm, clear waters free from silt.
• Each polyp secretes a hard calcium carbonate skeleton; these accumulate to form coral reefs.
• Coral reefs occur as fringing reefs, barrier reefs and atolls. The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is an example of a large barrier reef.

Q3: What do you mean Great Himalayas? Write its two characteristics.
Ans: The Great Himalayas, also known as the Himadri, form the northernmost and highest Himalayan range.
(a) They are the most continuous range and contain the loftiest peaks with an average height of about 6,000 metres and above.
(b) Their core is mainly composed of granite and they are perennially snow‑bound, giving rise to many glaciers and perennial rivers.

Q4: Which part of the Himalayas is known as Purvachal? Write a short note on the Purvachal Himalayas.
Ans: The eastern hills and mountains that run along India’s eastern boundary adjacent to Myanmar are known as the Purvachal. They lie in the north‑eastern states and include the Patkai, Naga, Manipur and Mizo hills. These ranges are mainly composed of strong sedimentary rocks, are covered with dense forests and occur as parallel ranges and valleys. The Brahmaputra marks the eastern-most boundary of the Himalayan system before it bends southwards to form these hills.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: What is the significance of the Northern Plains?
Ans: The Northern Plains are of great importance for India for several reasons:

- The plains are formed of rich alluvial soil deposited by rivers, making them extremely fertile and suitable for crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, pulses and oilseeds. They are often called the country’s food bowl.
- The land is largely flat and level, which makes irrigation easy by wells, tubewells and canals. This has helped make the plains the largest producer of foodgrains in India.
- The plains receive adequate rainfall and have many rivers and streams; together with fertile soil this supports dense vegetation and influences the climate - hot summers and cold winters in many parts.
- The region supports a very high population density; some of India’s most populous states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar lie in these plains. Good river systems and fertile land have supported human settlement, trade and civilisation for millennia.

Q2: How do different physiographic regions of India complement each other?
Ans: A study of India’s physiographic regions shows how they support and complement one another:

(a) Each region contributes different natural resources and together they make the country rich in variety.
(b) The mountains supply water through snowfields and glaciers, and provide forests and medicinal plants.
(c) The Northern Plains are the main agricultural belt and provided the base for early civilizations.
(d) The plateau regions are rich in minerals and have been important for industrial development.
(e) The coastal regions and islands offer fishing grounds, ports and opportunities for trade and tourism. Together, these complementary features support the country’s economy and development.

Q3: Write in detail about the Himalayan mountains.
Ans: The Himalayas extend roughly between the Indus and the Brahmaputra rivers, covering a distance of about 2,400 kilometres. They consist of three parallel ranges from north to south: the Himadri (Great Himalayas), the Himachal (Lesser Himalayas) and the Shiwaliks.

The Himadri or Great Himalayas is the highest and most continuous range with an average height of over 6,000 metres. It contains some of the world’s highest peaks such as Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Nanda Devi and others. South of the Himadri lies the Himachal range, with heights varying between about 3,600 and 4,500 metres. Many famous hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Nainital and Darjeeling are situated here. The outermost Shiwaliks are lower hills (about 900–1,100 metres) and include broad longitudinal valleys called duns, such as Dehradun. Important mountain passes such as Shipki La, Nathu La and Bomdi La provide routes through the ranges.

Q4: What is the significance of Himalayas?
Ans: The Himalayas have great physical, climatic and economic significance:

(a) They act as a massive mountain barrier separating the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia.
(b) Their snowfields and glaciers feed many perennial rivers that provide water for irrigation, navigation and hydropower.
(c) The Himalayas influence climate by blocking cold central Asian winds and affecting the monsoon pattern.
(d) They are rich in forests and wildlife and host many protected areas and sanctuaries.
(e) The ranges contain popular hill stations and scenic landscapes that attract tourists.

Q5: Write a short note on Deccan Plateau.
Ans: The Deccan Plateau is a large triangular landmass south of the Narmada River. Main features:

• The Satpura Range lies near its northern margin.
• Eastern extensions include the Mahadev, Kaimur Hills, and Maikal Range.
• The plateau is higher in the west and slopes gently towards the east.
• In the northeast, related uplands include the Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong and North Cachar Hills.
• It is separated from the Chotanagpur Plateau by faults and depressions.
• The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats form its western and eastern boundaries respectively.

Q6: Describe the river systems of the Northern Plains.
Ans: The Northern Plains are formed by three major river systems:

• Brahmaputra: Flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and joins the Ganga delta system in its lower course.
• Ganga: Extends roughly between the Ghaggar and Teesta rivers; drains states like Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal. Major tributaries include the Yamuna, Gomati, Ghaghara, Son, Gandak and Kosi.
• Indus: Mostly in Pakistan; its important Himalayan tributaries on the Indian side are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Satluj.

These plains are covered by alluvial soil, very fertile and favourable for agriculture. The plains are about 2,400 km long and 240–320 km wide and can be divided into bhabar, terai, bhangar and khadar regions.