Learn about the geography chapter 2 Notes on "Physical features of India" for Class 9, covering India's Northern Plains, Mountain, and Plateau. Explore key concepts and important points for exams.
Physical Features of India
Geography
Chapter - 2
Class - 9
(NCERT Notes And Questions)
Introduction
India, known for its rich cultural heritage, also boasts diverse physical features. From towering mountain ranges to vast plains, India's geography shapes its environment and influences the lives of its people.
The Northern Plains
- Extending from the Punjab region in the west to the Brahmaputra basin in the east, the Northern Plains are one of India's most significant geographical features.
- - Formed by the alluvial deposits brought down by the rivers Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries, these plains are extremely fertile.
- - Known as the 'breadbasket' of India, the Northern Plains support extensive agriculture, making them the most densely populated region in the country.
- The Himalayan Mountains
- - Towering majestically in the northern part of the country, the Himalayas are the world's highest mountain range.
- - Spanning over 2,400 kilometers, the Himalayas act as a natural barrier protecting India from the cold winds of Central Asia.
- - These mountains are a source of many perennial rivers, including the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, which play a vital role in India's irrigation, transportation, and hydropower generation.
The Peninsular Plateau
Covering a vast area in the southern part of India, the Peninsular Plateau is a region of low, flat-topped hills known as 'Deccan Plateau.'
Rich in minerals such as iron ore, coal, and bauxite, the plateau is an essential industrial region of the country.
The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, two mountain ranges running parallel to the western and eastern coasts respectively, form the edges of the Peninsular Plateau.
The Coastal Plains
Surrounding the Peninsular Plateau are the Coastal Plains, which are divided into the Western Coastal Plains and the Eastern Coastal Plains.
The Western Coastal Plains are narrow and lie between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, while the Eastern Coastal Plains are broader and lie between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.
These plains are significant for agriculture, fishing, and trade, with many major ports situated along the coastline.
Islands of India
India is also home to several island groups, the most prominent being the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
These islands are known for their rich biodiversity, pristine beaches, and coral reefs, attracting tourists from around the world.
Understanding India's diverse physical features is essential not only for geographical knowledge but also for appreciating the country's natural beauty and understanding its economic and cultural diversity.
Read More:
Chapter 1: India size and location
Chapter 3: Drainage
Chapter 4: Climate
Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
Chapter 6: Population
(FAQ)
Physical Features of India - Class 9 Geography Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the major physical divisions of India?
Answer: India is divided into several major physical divisions, including the Northern Mountains, the North Indian Plain, the Peninsular Plateau, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.
2. Describe the Northern Mountains of India.
Answer: The Northern Mountains of India consist of the Himalayas, which are divided into three parallel ranges: the Himadri, Himachal, and Shiwalik ranges. These mountains act as a natural barrier to the cold winds from Central Asia and influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent.
3. What are the characteristics of the North Indian Plain?
Answer : The North Indian Plain is a vast, fertile region formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. It is agriculturally rich and densely populated, with extensive farming and urban settlements.
4. Discuss the Peninsular Plateau of India.
Answer: The Peninsular Plateau is a large plateau region located to the south of the Northern Plains. It is composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. This plateau is rich in minerals and has several hill ranges and plateaus within it.
5. What are the major coastal plains in India?
Answer: India has two major coastal plains: the Western Coastal Plain along the Arabian Sea and the Eastern Coastal Plain along the Bay of Bengal. These plains are narrow in the north and widen towards the south, and they are characterized by estuaries, lagoons, and deltas.
6. Name some prominent islands of India.
Answer : India has several islands, with the most prominent ones being the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea. These islands are known for their biodiversity, coral reefs, and unique cultural heritage.
7. How do the physical features of India influence its climate?
Answer: The physical features of India, such as the Himalayas, Northern Plains, and Peninsular Plateau, significantly influence its climate by affecting the distribution of rainfall, temperature variations, and wind patterns. For example, the Himalayas block the cold winds from the north, resulting in the Indian subcontinent's diverse climatic regions.
8. Explain the significance of the rivers in shaping India's landscape.
Answer: Rivers like the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra have played a crucial role in shaping India's landscape through erosion, deposition, and the formation of fertile plains. These rivers support agriculture, provide water for irrigation, and facilitate transportation and trade across the country.
9. How does India's diverse physical geography contribute to its biodiversity?
Answer : India's diverse physical geography, including mountains, plains, plateaus, and coastal regions, creates varied habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna. This biodiversity is essential for ecological balance, sustaining ecosystems, and supporting human livelihoods through resources like timber, medicinal plants, and fisheries.
Another type of Notes
Introduction
India’s physical features are diverse, including mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, and islands.
This diversity is the result of various geological processes and movements.
Major Physiographic Divisions
- The Himalayan Mountains:
- Formed by the tectonic collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
- Consist of three parallel ranges: the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and the Shivaliks.
- Features significant peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
- The Northern Plains:
- Created by the deposition of alluvium brought by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.
- Highly fertile and densely populated.
- Divided into three sections: the Punjab Plains, the Ganga Plains, and the Brahmaputra Plains.
- The Peninsular Plateau:
- Composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
- Divided into the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
- Bounded by the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.
- The Indian Desert:
- Located in the western part of Rajasthan.
- Characterized by sandy terrain, low rainfall, and extreme temperatures.
The Coastal Plains:
Stretch along the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east.
Western Coastal Plain (narrow) includes Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar Coast.
Eastern Coastal Plain (wider) includes the Coromandel Coast and the Northern Circar.
The Islands:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
The Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
The Himalayan Mountains
Greater Himalayas (Himadri): Northernmost range, includes high peaks.
Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): South of Himadri, includes hill stations like Shimla.
Shivaliks: Southernmost range, consists of valleys called ‘Duns’.
The Northern Plains
Formed by river deposits, known for extensive agriculture.
Subdivided into the Bhabar (pebbly), Terai (marshy), Bhangar (old alluvium), and Khadar (new alluvium) regions.
The Peninsular Plateau
Central Highlands: North of the Narmada River, includes Malwa Plateau.
Deccan Plateau: South of the Narmada River, bordered by the Satpura and Vindhya ranges.
Western Ghats are higher and continuous, Eastern Ghats are lower and discontinuous.
The Indian Desert
Also known as the Thar Desert.
Characterized by sand dunes, and receives less than 150 mm of rainfall annually.
The Coastal Plains
Western Coastal Plains: Narrow, divided into Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar regions.
Eastern Coastal Plains: Wider, includes deltas of rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
The Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Comprise 572 islands, known for biodiversity.
Lakshadweep Islands: Comprise 36 islands, known for coral reefs.
Conclusion
The diverse physical features influence the climate, vegetation, and human activities in India.
Understanding these features helps in appreciating the geographical diversity and planning for sustainable development.
Comments
Post a Comment