📚 CBSE Class 9 Geography - Question Paper & Answer Key
India's Physical Features (80 Marks)
What is the average height of the Himadri range?
Name the only large river in the Indian Desert.
What is 'Bhabar'?
Which is the largest saltwater lake in India?
Name India's only active volcano and its location.
What type of rocks compose the Peninsular Plateau?
Which hills lie on the western margin of the Peninsular Plateau?
Differentiate between Bhangar and Khadar with examples.
Why are the Himalayas geologically young and unstable?
Describe the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas from north to south.
Explain orographic rain and how Western Ghats cause it.
Compare the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats (height, continuity, dissection).
Why is the Northern Plain called the "granary of India"?
Explain the formation of the Northern Plains with reference to rivers.
What are Duns? Give two examples.
What is the Deccan Trap and why is it agriculturally important?
Describe the characteristics and arid nature of the Indian Desert.
What are barchans? Where are they found?
Name the three divisions of the Western Coastal Plains.
Distinguish between Western and Eastern coasts in terms of width, deltas, and features.
What are coral islands? Name the coral island group of India.
Describe the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and their significance.
Explain the relief variations in the Northern Plains (Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar, Khadar). How do these affect human activities? (Draw a diagram)
Compare the Peninsular Plateau with Himalayan Mountains in terms of geological age, structure, and stability.
Discuss how India's diverse physical features contribute to economic development and the role of each major division.
Explain factors responsible for the arid nature of the Indian Desert and describe its major landforms.
With examples, explain how physical features influence human settlement patterns in India.
| Feature | Bhangar | Khadar |
|---|---|---|
| Alluvium Age | Older | Younger |
| Location | Above floodplains | Within floodplains |
| Soil | Contains kankar | Rich & fertile |
| Renewal | Not annual | Every year |
- Fold mountains from tectonic plate collision
- High peaks, deep valleys show ongoing uplift
- Fast-flowing rivers indicate steep slopes
- Frequent earthquakes prove instability
- Still being shaped by Earth forces
1. Himadri (Great Himalaya): Northernmost, highest (6000m avg), continuous, snow-bound, granite core, contains Mt. Everest
2. Himachal (Lesser Himalaya): Most rugged, 3700-4500m height, compressed rocks, famous valleys (Kashmir, Kangra, Kullu), hill stations
3. Shiwaliks: Outermost, lowest (900-1100m), unconsolidated sediments, 10-50 km width, contains Duns (Dehra Dun)
Definition: Rain caused by moist air forced to rise over mountains, cool, and release moisture
Western Ghats mechanism:
- Moist winds from Arabian Sea hit western slopes
- Air forced upward, cools, water condenses
- Heavy rain on windward (western) side
- Leeward (eastern) side in rain shadow—dry
| Aspect | Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 900-1600m (higher) | 600m avg (lower) |
| Continuity | Continuous | Discontinuous |
| Crossing | Only through passes | Can cross easily |
| Dissection | Less dissected | Heavily dissected by rivers |
| Rainfall | Orographic rain (heavy) | Moderate rainfall |
- Vast area of 7 lakh sq km, 2400 km long
- Fertile alluvial soil deposited by Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra
- Adequate water supply from rivers
- Favorable climate for agriculture
- Highest agricultural productivity in India
- Feeds entire nation with grain production
- Formed by three major river systems: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra
- Alluvium deposited over millions of years at Himalayan foothills
- Rivers brought sediment from mountains
- In lower courses, reduced velocity caused silt deposition
- Resulted in vast, flat, fertile plain suitable for dense settlement
Definition: Longitudinal valleys between Lesser Himalaya and Shiwaliks
Examples: Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, Patli Dun
Definition: Black soil area of volcanic origin in Peninsular Plateau
- Igneous rocks of volcanic origin
- Rocks denuded over time, forming black soil
- Excellent for cotton cultivation
- Rich in minerals and nutrients
- High agricultural productivity
Arid Factors:
- Rainfall below 150 mm/year
- Aravali Hills block moisture-bearing winds
- High evaporation rates
- Low vegetation cover
Landforms: Sand dunes, barchans (crescent-shaped), undulating sandy plains, dry riverbeds
Definition: Crescent-shaped sand dunes found in deserts
Location in India: Prominent near Indo-Pakistan border in Rajasthan (Jaisalmer)
- Konkan: Mumbai to Goa
- Kannad Plain: Central stretch
- Malabar Coast: Southern part (Kerala)
| Feature | Western Coast | Eastern Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Narrow | Wide & level |
| Divisions | Konkan, Kannad, Malabar | Northern Circar, Coromandel |
| Deltas | Minimal | Extensive (Mahanadi, Godavari, Kaveri) |
| Features | Bounded by Western Ghats | Lake Chilika, fertile deltas |
Definition: Islands formed from coral deposits (calcium carbonate from coral skeletons)
India's Coral Island Group: Lakshadweep Islands
- Location: Bay of Bengal, elongated north-south chain
- Formation: Elevated parts of submarine mountains
- Andaman (north) & Nicobar (south) divisions
- Equatorial climate, thick forest cover
- Great biodiversity & wildlife
- Strategic importance; Home to Barren Island volcano
Four Relief Zones:
1. Bhabar (8-16 km wide): Pebbles & rocks parallel to Shiwaliks; all streams disappear; unsuitable for agriculture
2. Terai: South of Bhabar where streams re-emerge; wet, swampy, marshy; thick forests (once); converted to agricultural land
3. Bhangar: Largest zone above floodplains; older alluvium with kankar; less fertile; used for less intensive farming
4. Khadar: Floodplain deposits renewed annually; extremely fertile; ideal for intensive agriculture; high productivity
Human Activities Impact: Settlement concentrated in fertile Khadar & Bhangar; grazing in Terai; minimal use in Bhabar
| Aspect | Peninsular Plateau | Himalayas |
|---|---|---|
| Geological Age | Ancient (oldest landmass) | Geologically young (40-50 million years) |
| Structure | Tableland with broad valleys | Fold mountains with deep valleys |
| Rock Type | Igneous & metamorphic | Sedimentary & granitic |
| Stability | Stable; ancient crust | Unstable; still forming |
| Topography | Rounded hills, gentle slopes | High peaks, steep slopes, fast rivers |
Mountains: Water source for rivers, hydroelectric power, forests, tourism, minerals
Northern Plains: Agricultural production feeds nation, densely settled, supports industries, trade routes
Peninsular Plateau: Rich mineral deposits (iron, copper, coal), industrial base, mineral wealth for nation-building
Indian Desert: Limited resources but teaches adaptation, wind energy potential, tourism
Coasts & Islands: Fishing industry, maritime trade, shipping routes, ports, tourism, strategic importance
Conclusion: Diverse features create balanced economy—agriculture, industry, trade, mining, tourism
Factors for Aridity:
- Low rainfall (below 150mm/year) due to rain shadow of Aravali Hills
- High evaporation rates due to high temperatures
- Distance from moisture sources
- Atmospheric circulation patterns block moisture
Major Landforms:
- Sand dunes of various types (barchans, longitudinal)
- Undulating sandy plains
- Dry riverbeds (seasonal streams)
- Rocky outcrops
Himalayan Regions: Settlements in valleys (Kashmir, Kangra) where water & fertile soil available; limited by steep terrain and cold climate
Northern Plains: Highest concentration of population due to flat terrain, fertile soil, water availability, favorable climate; major cities (Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad)
Peninsular Plateau: Scattered settlements; rivers determine settlement; mining areas attract population; less densely populated than plains
Coastal Areas: Major ports and cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata) due to trade opportunities; fishing communities
Desert Regions: Sparse population; settlements near oases and water sources; pastoral nomads
