Resources and Development Class 10 Extra

Questions Geography Chapter 1

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is a Resource? Give two examples.

Answer: Everything available in our environment which can be

used to satisfy our needs, provided, it is technologically
accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable can be
termed as Resource. Coal, water, air, minerals etc. are some
examples of resource.

2. What is the role of humans in resource development ?

Answer: (i) Human beings interact with nature through

technology and create institutions to accelerate their economic
development.
(ii) Human beings transfer material available in our environment
into resource and use them.

3. How can the resources be classified on the basis of

origin ? [CBSE 2010]
Answer: Biotic and Abiotic.

4. What are abiotic resources? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: All those things which are composed of non – living
things are called abiotic resources.

5. A gas reserve has been discovered in an Ocean. The

reserve is 19 km from the coast of the nation. Will it be
considered an international resource or a national
resource.
Answer: All the resources upto 12 nautical miles (19.2 km) from
the coast are termed as national resources. So this will be a
national resource.

6. “There is enough for everybody’s need and not for

anybody’s greed”. Who said these words?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
7. It is important to use the available land for various
purposes with careful planning”. Give reason.
Answer: Because land is an asset of a finite magnitude.

8. How can the resources be divided on the basis of

exhaustibility?
Answer: Renewable and Non-renewable.

9. Classify the following resources as biotic and abiotic.

(i) Metals
(ii) Fauna

Answer: (i) Metals – abiotic (ii) Fauna – biotic

10. Give a single word for the following :

(i) Materials which have the potential to satisfy human
needs but human beings do not have the appropriate
technology.
(ii) The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by
physical, chemical or mechanical processes.
Answer: (i) Stock
(ii) Renewable

11. Name any two states of India which are well endowed
with solar energy.
Answer: Gujarat and Rajasthan.

12. Name any two factors on which resource development

depends.
Answer: (i) Technology
(ii) Quality of human resources.

13. What is total geographical area of India?

Answer: 3.28 million s km.

14. Mention any two factors which determines the land

use pattern of a nation.
Answer: (i) Topography (ii) Population

15. What is wasteland?

Answer: An unused area of land like rocky, arid and desert areas.
16. What is net sown area? [CBSE 2014]
Answer: Area sown once a year is known as net sown area.

17. What is gross sown area?

Answer: This represents the total sown area once/or more than
once in a particular year i.e. the area is counted as many as times
as there are sowings in a year.

18. Name any two states which have high percentage of

net sown area.
Answer: Punjab and Haryana

19. Name any two states Which have very low percentage
of net sown area.
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram

20. How much degraded land is present in India ?

Answer: 130 million hectares.

21. Name any two states where over grazing is one of the
main reasons for land degradation.
Answer: (i) Madhya Pradesh (ii) Rajasthan

22. What are biotic resources? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: These are obtained from biosphere and have life such
as human beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock etc.

23. Name any two states where over irrigation is

responsible for land degradation.
Answer: (i) Punjab (ii) Haryana

24. Name any two states where mining is responsible for

land degradation.
Answer: Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.

25. How over-irrigation leads to land degradation?

Answer: Over-irrigation degrades land due to water logging
leading to increase in salinity and alkalinity of the soil.

26. How can land degradation be checked in Rajasthan as

the state is having arid soil? Mention any two methods.
Answer: (i) Control on over grazing.
(ii) Stabilisation of sand dunes.

27. Suggest any two ways to check land

degradation. [CBSE 2013, 14]
Answer: (i) Afforestation
(ii) Proper management of grazing

28. Mention any two factors which have contributed in the

development of various types of soils.
Answer: (i) Varied relief features.
(ii) Varied climatic conditions.

29. ‘The entire northern plains are made of alluvial soils.

Name the rivers due to which the soils have been
deposited.
Answer: The Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.

30. How can the alluvial soil be classified according to

their age ?
Answer: (i) Khadar (ii) Bangar

31. Out of Khadar and Bangar soil which is more fertile ?

Give one reason.
Answer: Khadar soil is more fertile because it has more fine
particles.

32. Name any two minerals present in alluvial soil which

makes it ideal for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat
and other cereals.
Answer: Potash and lime.

33. Name one important crop cultivated in :

(i) Alluvial soil (ii) Black-soil
Answer: (i) Alluvial – Wheat (ii) Black – Cotton.

34. Which soil is ideal for growing cotton ? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: Black soil.

35. Which soil is well known for their capacity to hold

moisture ? Give reason.
Answer: Black soil. Because black soil is made up of extremely
fine clayey material.

36. Name a mineral in which the black soil is poor.

Answer: Phosphoric contents.

37. Why black soil is tilled immediately after the first

shower ?
Answer: These soils are sticky when wet and difficult to work on.

38. Name the soil which develops on crystalline igneous

rocks.
Answer: Red soil.

39. ‘Laterite’ has been derived from the Greek word

‘later’. What does the term later mean?
Answer: Brick.

40. The running water cuts through clayey soils and makes
deep channels. What are they called?

Answer: Gully erosion.

41. Which state has mostly laterite soil?

Answer: Karnataka.

42. Which soil types is the result of intense leaching due

to heavy rainfall?
Answer: Laterite soil.

43. Name the soil which develops in areas with high

temperature and heavy rainfall.
Answer: Laterite soil.

44. Name any two crops associated with laterite soil.

Answer: Tea and coffee.

45. Which soils are generally sandy in texture and saline

in nature?
Answer: Arid soils.
46. ‘The lower horizon of the arid soils are occupied by
kankar’. Give reason.
Answer: This is because of increasing calcium content
downwards.

47. Name any two natural factors which are responsible

for soil erosion.
Answer: Wind and glacier.

48. By which name is the bad land known in chambal

basin?
Answer: Ravines.

49. What is sheet erosion?

Answer: When the top layer of the soil is removed over a large
area by running water, it is called sheet erosion.

50. What is wind erosion?

Answer: Wind blows loose soil off flat or sloping land. This is
known as wind erosion.

51. What is contour ploughing?

Answer: Ploughing along the contour lines is known as contour
ploughing.

52. How contour ploughing helps in the soil conservation?

Answer: Ploughing along the contour lines decelerates the flow
of water down the slopes.

53. What are shelter belts?

Answer: Rows of trees which are planted in between the crops
are known as shelter belts.

54. How shelter belts help in file conservation of soil?

Answer: The shelter belts break up the force of the wind.

55. Name a method which has contributed significantly in

soil conservation in western India.
Answer: Shelter belts.

56. What is net sown area? What percentage of total area

is under net sown area in India?
Answer: Area sown once in a year is known as net sown area. In
2008-2009, 46.24% of India’s area was under net sown area.

57. What is gross sown area?

Answer: Area sown more than once in an agricultural year plus
net sown area is known as gross sown area.

58. Which soils is the most widely spread in India?

Answer: Alluvial soil.

59. What is bad land?

Answer: It is a land which is unsuitable for cultivation. Mainly soil
erosion converts a fertile land into a bad land.

60. What is gully erosion?

Answer: Gully erosion takes place when running water cuts deep
ravines in the absence of vegetation. This type of erosion makes
soil unfit for cultivation.

61. What is strip cropping?

Answer: Under strip cropping large fields are divided into strips
and different types of crops are grown on alternative strips along
contours or across the prevailing direction of winds. This breaks
up the force of the wind.

62. Mention any two man-made and two natural factors

responsible for land degradation. [CBSE 2014]

Answer: (i) Man-made: Deforestation, over- grazing, mining,

quarrying.
(ii) Natural: Water logging, wind, running water

63. Name any four minerals in which the black soil is rich.
Answer: (i) Calcium carbonate (ii) Magnesium
(iii) Potash (iv) Lime

64. What is leaching? Name the soils which develop due to

leaching.
Answer: Leaching is a process by which the nutrients in the soil
are washed away by heavy rains.
Laterite soils develop due to leaching.
65. Mention any four proper farming technique which can
be helpful in conservation of soil.
Answer: (a) Strip cropping
(b) Shelter belt
(c) Contour ploughing
(d) Terracing

66. State two disadvantages of the red soil.

Answer: (i) The soil lacks in nitrogen, organic and phosphoric
acid contents and is less fertile.
(ii) Red soils are porous in nature but not retentive to moisture.

67. ‘It is important to use the available land for various

purposes with careful planning’. Give reason.
Answer: Because it is an asset of a finite magnitude.

68. Mention the various forces of nature which contribute

to the formation of soil.
Answer: Change in temperature, action of running water, wind
and glaciers, activities of decomposers etc. contribute to the
formation of soil.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is a Resource? Give two examples.

Answer: Everything available in our environment which can be

used to satisfy our needs, provided, it is technologically
accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable can be
termed as Resource. Examples, coal, water, air, minerals, etc.

2. What is the importance of natural resource? Why is it

necessary to conserve them?

Answer: Resources are important for the development of any

country. For example, fossil fuels are essential to generate
energy, mineral resources are important for industrial
development, etc.
Necessary to conserve resources because:
(i) Their irrational consumption and over utilisation have led to
socio-economic and environmental problems.
(ii) It takes million of years for the formation of natural resources.
(iii) Natural resources are available in fixed quantity and they are
non – renewable.

3. What are the ways to classify resources?

Answer: (i) On the basis of origin – biotic and abiotic.

(ii) On the basis of exhaustibility – renewable and non-renewable.
(iii) On the basis of ownership-individual, community, national and
international.
(iv) On the basis of the state of development- potential,
developed and stock.

4. What is the role of humans in resource

development ? [CBSE 2014]
Or
Explain the role of humans in resource
development. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2011],

Answer: (i) Resources are function of human activities.

(ii) Human beings interact with-nature through technology, and
create institutions to accelerate their economic development.
(iii) Human beings transfer materials available in our environment
into resource, and use them.
(iv) For example, river is a natural endowment and it becomes
resource when its water is used for irrigation or power production.

5. What are renewable resources? Give two examples.

Answer: The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by

physical, chemical or mechanical processes are known as
renewable or replenishable resources. For example, solar and
wind energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc. The renewable
resource may further be divided into continuous or flow.

6. What are non renewable resources? Give two

examples.

Answer: These occur over a very long geological time. These

resources take millions of years in their formation. Some of the
resources like metals are recyclable and some like fossil fuels
cannot be recycled and get exhausted with their use. For
example, coal, bauxite.
7. What are individual resources? Give two examples.

Answer: Resources which are owned by private individuals are

known as individual resources. Plots, fields, house, car, book, etc.
are some examples of individual resources.

8. What are community owned resources? Give two

examples.

Answer: The resources which are accessible to all the members

of the community are known as community resources. Village
ponds, public parks, playgrounds, etc. are some examples of
community resources.

9. What are national resources? Give two examples.

Answer: All the resources which are under the control of state or
union government are known as national resources. All the
resources within political boundaries are national resources
because the government has the power to acquire even private
property. For example, Indian railway, Bhakra dam.

10. What are potential resources? Give two examples.

Answer: Resources which are found in a region, but have not

been utilised due to lack of capital or other reasons. For example,
the western parts of India particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat have
enormous potential for the development of wind and solar energy,
but so far these have not been developed properly.

11. What are developed resources? Give two examples.

Answer: These are resources which have been surveyed and

their quality and quantity have been determined for utilisation.
The development of resources depends on technology and level
of their feasibility. For example, India has a cumulative total of
2,47,847 million tones of coal resources.

12. What is stock? Give two examples.

Answer: These are material in the environment which have the

potential to satisfy the human needs but could not be used as the
human beings do not have the appropriate technology to convert
them into usable form. For example, water (H20) is a compound
of two inflammable gases i.e., hydrogen and oxygen but human
beings do not have the required technology to use them as a
source of energy.

13. What are reserves? Explain with examples.

Answer: Reserves are the subset of the stock, which can be put
into use with the help of existing technical ‘know-how’ but their
use has not been started. These can be used for meeting future
requirements. River water can be used for generating
hydroelectric power but presently, it is being utilised only to a
limited extent. Thus, the water in the dams, forests etc. is a
reserve which can be used in the future. ‘

14. “Planning of resources is very important for a country

like India”. Justify by giving three reasons.

Answer: (i) India has enormous diversity in the availability of

resources. There are many regions which are rich in certain type
of resources but are deficient in some other resources.
(ii) The states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are
rich in minerals and coal deposits but lacks in infrastructural
development.
(iii) The states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are rich in
soil but lacks minerals.

15. ‘The availability of resources is the only condition for

the development of any region’. What is your opinion on
the statement? Explain.
Or
Mention any three necessary conditions for the
development of resources.

Answer: (i) Resources can contribute to development only when

they are accompanied by appropriate technological development
and institutional changes.
(ii) There is need for quality of human resources i.e., skilled
workers who can convert natural resources into more useable
form.
(iii) There is also a need for capital which is required to develop
technology.
16. Explain the relationship between nature, technology
and institutions.

Answer: Nature contains resources. These resources are

converted into usable form with the help of technology. Human
beings interact with nature through technology, and create
institutions to accelerate their economic development.

17. ‘India has enormous diversity in the availability of

resources.’ Explain.
Or
“India is rich in certain types of resources but deficient in
some other resources.” Support your answer with
examples. [CBSE Sept. 2012, 2014]

Answer: (i) The states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya

Pradesh are rich in mineral resources but lack industrialisation.
(ii) Arunachal Pradesh has an abundance of water resources, but
lacks in infrastructural development. The state of Rajasthan is
very well endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water
resources. The cold desert area of Ladakh is relatively isolated
from the rest of the country due to lack of means of
transportation and communication.
(iii) Most of North-Eastern states are rich in natural vegetation but
lacks in fertile soil.

18. Study the following data carefully and answer the

questions that follow:
LAND FEATURES OF INDIA
Land Features Area Covered (in percentage)
(i) Plains 43%
(ii) Mountains 30%
(iii) Plateaus 27%
Total 100%
(i) Name the land feature which occupies the highest
surface area of India.
(ii) Give two advantages of the above land feature.

Answer: (i) The plains (43%) occupy the highest surface area of
India.
(ii) (a) The plains provide opportunity for crop farming.
(b) The plains have good climatic conditions for human habitation.
19. How over-irrigation and mining lead to land
degradation?
Or
How is over-irrigation responsible for land degradation?
Which states of India face this problem? [CBSE 2013]

Answer: Over-irrigation and mining lead to land degradation as :

(i) Over-irrigation is responsible for land degradation due to
waterlogging which leads to increase in salinity and alkalinity in
the soil. Water logging is a major issue in Punjab, Haryana, UR
(ii) The mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement
industry calcite and soapstone for ceramic industry generate
huge quantities of dust in the atmosphere. It retards the process
of infiltration of water into the soil after it settles down on the
land.

20. Explain the major factors which are responsible for the
formation of soil. [CBSE 2009 (O), Sept. 2011]
Or
Explain any three factors responsible for the formation of
soil. [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) Relief, parent rock or bedrock, climate, vegetation

and other forms of life and time are important factors in the
formation of soil.
(ii) Various forces of nature such as change in temperature,
actions of running water, wind and glaciers, activities of
decomposers, etc. contribute to the formation of soil.
(iii) Chemical and organic changes which take place in the soil are
equally important.
(iv) Soil also consists of organic (humus) and inorganic materials.

21. Mention the criteria on the basis of which Indian soils

can be classified.

Answer: (i) Factors responsible for soil formation.

(ii) Colour
(iii) Thickness
(iv) Texture
(v) Age
(vi) Chemical and Physical properties.

22. Explain the distribution of alluvial soils.

Answer: (i) This is the most widely spread and important soil of
India.
(ii)These soils also extend in Rajasthan and Gujarat through a
narrow corridor.
(iii)Alluvial soil is also found in the eastern coastal plains
particularly in the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the
Krishna and Kaveri rivers.

23. With reference to alluvial soil answer the following

questions-
(i) How is it classified on the basis of its age?
(ii) Alluvial soil as a whole is very fertile. Give reasons.

Answer: (i) On the basis of age alluvial soil is classified as Bangar

and Khadar.
(ii) Mostly these soils contain adequate proportion of potash,
phosphoric acid and lime.

24. Explain the distribution of black soil.

Answer: (i) Black soil is typical of the Deccan trap region spread
over northwest Deccan plateau.
(ii) They cover the plateau of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa,
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
(iii) They are also found in the Godavari and Krishna valleys.

25. Which soil is considered ideal for growing cotton? How

is the soil formed?

Answer: Black soil. These soils have been formed due to the
weathering of the lava spread over large areas during volcanic
activity in the Deccan Plateau and different climatic conditions.

26. (I) Which soils develop on crystalline igneous rocks?

(ii) Why do the soils develop a reddish colour?
(iii) Name any two states where this soil is found.

Answer: (i) Red soil

(ii) The soils develop a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron
crystalline and metamorphic rocks.
(iii) Odisha and Chhattisgarh
27. Mention the factors on which the land- use pattern of
India depends upon. [CBSE Sept. 2012]

Answer: The use of land is determined by physical as

well as human factors.
(i) Physical factors: Topography, climate and soil types.
(ii) Human factors: Population density, technological capability,
culture and traditions.

28. (i) ‘Humus content of the laterite soil is very low.’

Explain by giving two reasons.
(ii) Mention any two crops associated with the soil.

Answer: (i) (a) The soil is formed due to intense leaching. So the
nutrients of the soil are washed away by heavy rains.
(b) The soil is formed in the regions of high temperature. So most
of the microorganisms, particularly the decomposers, like
bacteria, get destroyed.
(ii) Tea and Coffee.

29. (i) ‘The arid soil lacks humus and moisture.’ Explain.
(ii) Name any two states where this soil is formed.

Answer: (i) The arid soil is found in dry climatic conditions. Due
to dry climate and high temperature, evaporation is faster and
the soil lacks humus and moisture.
(ii) Rajasthan and Gujarat

30. What is soil erosion? Name any four states which have
been affected by gully erosion.

Answer: The removal of soil by the forces of nature, particularly

wind and water is called soil erosion. Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan.

31. How does the soil of the Ganga-Yamuna plain differ

from that of central Maharashtra?

Answer: The Ganga-Yamuna plain has alluvial soils, whereas the

central Maharashtra has black soils. The alluvial soils are formed
by the depositional work of rivers in the river ualleys, flood plains
and deltas. The black soils develop from volcanic rocks from
where the lava flows.

32. What are the causes of soil erosion in : (I) Shiwaliks or

the Outer Himalayas.
(ii) North-Eastern parts of India.
(iii) Arid regions of India.

Answer: (I) Shiwaliks or the Outer Himalayas :

Destruction of vegetation is the main cause of soil erosion in hilly
areas because when vegetation is removed, the soil surface
becomes loose, and is more easily removed by the running water.
(ii) North-Eastern parts of India : Heavy rainfall which leads to
frequent floods is responsible for soil erosion.
(iii) Arid regions of India : In deserts and dry regions, where there
is little or no vegetation, wind is the most powerful agent of soil
erosion, blowing away fine particles of sand depositing them in
other areas making both the areas unproductive.

33. Which is the main cause of land degradation in

Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? How can it be
checked? Explain. [CBSE 2012]
Answer: Large scale over-grazing has caused severe land
degradation.
Measures to check :
(i)Afforestation and proper management of grazing.
(ii)Planting of shelter belts.
(iii)Stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes.
(iv) Control on overgrazing.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. What is resource planning? Mention the steps which are

involved in resource planning. [CBSE 2009 (F); Sept. 2010,
14]
Or
Explain the three steps involved in the resource planning
in India. [CBSE Sept. 20W]
Or
What are the three stages of resource planning in India?

Answer: “Resource planning is a technique or skill of proper or

judicious use of resources. ”
Resource planning is a complex process which involves :
(i) Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of
the country. This involves surveying, mapping, qualitative and
quantitative estimation and measurement of the resources.
(ii) Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate
technology, skill and institutional set up for implementing
resource development plans
(iii) Matching the resource development plans with overall
national development plans.

2. Explain the classification of resources on the basis of

exhaustibility. [CBSE 2009 (D), Sept. 2010, 2011]

Answer: (i) Renewable resources: “Renewable resources are the

natural resources which can be used again and again or can be
reproduced by physical, mechanical and chemical processes.”
Solar energy, air, water and soil are some of the renewable
resources of energy.

(ii) Non-renewable resources: “Non renewable resources are the

natural resources that cannot be replaced at all or within a
reasonable time.” Fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are
examples of non renewable resources. These resources are
accumulated over millions of years. They are considered to be
non-renewable resources because once they are used up, they
are gone forever.

3. Explain the classification of resources on the basis of

ownership. [CBSE 2009 (O), 2014]
Or
Explain what is meant by national resources and individual
resources. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2014]

Answer: (a) Individual Resources: Resources which are owned by

private individuals are known as individual resources. Plots, fields,
houses, cars, books, etc., are some examples of individual
resources.

(b) Community Owned Resources: The resources which are

accessible .to all the members of the community are known as
community resources. Village ponds, public parks, playgrounds,
etc., are some examples of community resources.
(c) National Resources: All the resources which are under the
control of state or union government are known as national
resources. All the resources within political boundaries are
national resources because the government has the power to
acquire even the private properties.

(d) International Resources: These resources are owned and

regulated by international institutions. The oceanic resources
beyond 200 km of the Exclusive Economic Zone belong to the
open ocean, and no individual country can utilise these without
the concurrence of international institutions. India has got the
right to mine manganese nodules from the bed of the Indian
Ocean from that area which lies beyond the Exclusive Economic
Zone.

4. Explain the classification of resources on the basis of

the state of development. [CBSE 2008]
Or
Distinguish between stock resources and reserve
resources. [CBSE Sept. 2010,12]

Answer: (i) Potential Resources : Resources which are found in a

region, but have not been utilised due to lack of capital or other
reasons. For example: the western parts of India, particularly
Rajasthan and Gujarat have enormous potential for the
development of wind and solar energy, but so far, these have not
been developed properly.

(ii) Developed Resources : These are resources which have been

surveyed and their quality and quantity have been determined for
utilisation. The development of resources depends on technology
and the level of their feasibility. For example, India has a
cumulative total of about 2,47,847 million tonnes of coal
resources.

(iii) Stock : These are the materials in the environment which

have the potential to satisfy the human needs but cannot be used
as the human beings do not have the appropriate technology to
convert them into usable form. For example, water (H20) is a
compound of two inflammable gases, i.e., hydrogen and oxygen,
but human beings do not have the required technology to use
them as a source of energy.
(iv) Reserves : These are the subset of the stock, which can be
put into use with the existing technology, but their uses have
been postponed keeping in mind the needs of the future
generations. For example, India has sufficient amount of forests
to fulfil the needs of the present generation, but they are being
protected for the future generations.

5. How is land a natural resource of utmost importance ?

Explain with four facts. [CBSE 2008 (O), 2012, 2013]
Or
“Land is a natural resource of utmost importance.”
Elaborate the statement with the help of suitable
examples highlighting the value of land resource. [CBSE
2013]

Answer: Land is an important natural resource, because :

(i)All economic activities are performed on land.
(ii)It supports natural vegetation and wildlife.
(iii)Most of the minerals are formed in land.
(iv)It is used for transport and communication system.

6. Which is the most widely spread and important soil of

India? State any six characteristics of this type of
soil. [CBSE 2008 (F), Sept. 2010]
Or
Mention any four characteristics of alluvial soils.
Or
How are alluvial soils formed? How is Bangar different
from Khadar? [CBSE 2012]

Answer: Characteristics of the Alluvial soil are :

(i) Alluvial soils are transported soils. Most of the soils are derived
from the sediments deposited by rivers as in the Indo-Gangetic
plain. Thus, the parent material of these soils is of transported
origin.

(ii) These soils consist of varying proportion of sand, silt and clay.
In the upper course of the river, the soil is coarse. In the middle
course, it is medium, and fine grained in the lower course.
(iii) Apart from the size of their grains or particles, soils are
described according to their age as well. They are old alluvium
and new alluvium. Locally, the old alluvium is called ‘Bhangar’
and the new alluvium is called ‘Khadar’.

(iv) The old alluvium often contains ‘kankar, nodules, with calcium
carbonates in the sub-soil. The new alluvium is more fertile than
the old alluvium.

7. Which soil is called ‘regur soil? Mention any four

characteristics of this type of soil. [CBSE 2009 (F), Sept.
2010, 2012, 2013]

Answer:
(i) These have been formed due to withering of lava.
(if) The black soils are made of extremely fine materials, i.e.,
clayey materials.
(iii)These soils are rich in soil nutrients such as calcium carbonate,
magnesium carbonate, potash and lime.
(iv)These soils are generally poor in phosphoric content.
(v)The soil is well known for its capacity to hold moisture.

8. How is red soil formed? Mention its three

characteristics. [CBSE Sept. 2010]
Or
How does red soil develop? What makes it look red and
yellow? [CBSE 2014]

Answer: Formation : Most of the red soils have come into

existence due to weathering of ancient crystalline igneous rocks.
Characteristics/Features :
(i) Soils are loamy in deep depressions and in uplands. They
consist of loose gravels and highly coarse materials.
(ii) The colour of these soils is generally red, often grading into
brown, chocolate or yellow. The red colour is due to wide diffusion
rather than high percentage of iron content. It looks yellow when
it occurs in a hydrated form.
(iii) Soils are deficient in phosphoric acid, organic matter and
nitrogenous materials but are fairly rich in potash. But crops are
cultivated with the use of fertilizers.
9. Which geographical factors are responsible for the
evolution of black soil? Why is it considered the most
suitable for growing cotton? [CBSE 2012, 2013]

Answer: (1) Climatic conditions like temperature, rainfall etc.

along with present rock material are important factors for making
of black soil. The parent rock is volcanic rock.

(2) It is ideal for growing cotton because:

(i)It has capacity to hold moisture.
(ii)They are rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and
lime.
(iii)This soil is also known as black cotton soil,
(iv) They develop deep cracks during hot weather, which help in
the proper
aeration of the soil.

10. How is mountain soil (forest soil) formed? Mention any

four characteristics of forest soil. .

Answer: Formation: The soils are formed due to mechanical

weathering caused by snow, rain, temperature variation, etc.
Characteristics/Features:
(i) These soils are heterogeneous in nature, and their character
changes with mountainous environment and altitude.
(ii) The soils are very rich in humus, but are deficient in potash,
phosphorus and lime.
(iii) The soils are especially suitable for plantation of tea, coffee,
spices and tropical fruits.
(iv) The soil is loamy and silty in valley sides and coarse grained
in the upper slopes. It is acidic with low humus content in the
snow covered areas. It is fertile in the lower parts of the valleys.

11. Mention any four features of the arid soils.

Or
Name the soil type which is widely found in Western
Rajasthan. Explain two important characteristics of this
soil type which make it unsuitable for cultivation. [CBSE
2012]

Answer: Arid soil is widely found in Western Rajasthan.

(i) The soil ranges red to brown in colour.
(ii) The soils contain considerable amount of soluble salts.
(iii) The soils contain a low percentage of organic matter due to
dry climate and absence of vegetation.
(iv) The soil is alkaline in nature as there is no rainfall to wash
soluble salts.
(v) The lower horizon of the soil is occupied by ‘kankar’ because
of the increasing calcium content downwards. The ‘kankar’ layer
formations in the bottom horizons restrict the infiltration of water.
(vi) The soils are infertile but with irrigation and
fertilizers, the drought resistant and salt tolerant dry crops such
as barley, cotton, wheat, millets, maize, pulses, etc., are grown.
(Any Four)

12. Explain the formation and important features of the

laterite soil. [CBSE 2013, 14]

Answer: Formation: It develops in areas with high temperature

and heavy rainfall. The laterite soil is a result of intense leaching
owing to heavy tropical rains.
Features :
(i) The soils are acidic in nature, coarser and crumbly in texture.
(ii) Due to lack of nitrogen, potassium and organic elements, the
laterite soils lack fertility, and are not suitable for cultivation. But
when the soils are manured and irrigated, some crops can be
cultivated.
(iii) As the soils are indefinitely durable, so they provide valuable
building materials.

13. What is soil erosion? Explain the major types of soil

erosions prevailing in India. [CBSE Sept. 2010]

Answer: “Soil erosion is the removal of soil by the forces of

nature like wind and water, more rapidly than the various soil
forming processes can replace it.” Generally, there is a balance
between the soil forming process and the erosional process. The
balance can be disturbed by natural or human factors.

Types of Soil Erosion :

(a) Water Erosion : Water is a powerful agent of soil erosion.
Following are the major types of erosion caused by water.

(i) Sheet Erosion : When the top layer of the soil is removed over
a large area by the running water, it is called as sheet erosion.
(ii) Rill Erosion : This is the second stage of sheet erosion. If
erosion continues unchecked for a sufficient time, (rills) or small
finger-shaped grooves which are a few centimetres in depth, may
develop on the landscape. Over a period of time, the fine rills
increase in number and also become deeper and wider, and
resemble the twigs, branches and trunk of a tree. This is called as
rill erosion.

(iii) Gully Erosion : This is the third stage of sheet erosion. With
further erosion of the soil, the rills may deepen and become
enlarged, and are ultimately turned into gullies. The main cause
of gully erosion is the removal of vegetation, particularly of trees
with their widespread binding roots. Gullies cut up agricultural
land and the entire area may be turned into a bad land
topography. Gully erosion is also responsible for the formation of
ravines.

(b) Wind erosion : Wind is a powerful agent of erosion in arid and

semi-arid lands with little rainfall. Wind can lift the valuable top
soil from one area and deposits in another area. The wind erosion
is very dangerous type of erosion because due to wind most of
the deserts of the world are expanding.

14. Give reasons :

(i) Alluvial soil can hold moisture, and is very fertile.
(ii) Black soil needs to be tilled after the first rain.
(iii) Red soil is ideal for dry farming.
(iv) The percentage of organic matter in desert soil is very
low.
(v) Red soil is less fertile.

Answer: (i) Because the alluvial soil is made up of fine particles.

The soil is very fertile because it is rich in mineral nutrients like
potash and lime.
(ii) The soil is sticky, and difficult to work unless tilled immediately
after the first rain.
(iii) Because it does not require much moisture.
(iv) Because of the dry climate and absence of vegetation.
(v) Because it is deficient in phosphorus, nitrogen, lime and
humus.

15. Name two important crops associated with the

following types of soil :
(a) Alluvial soil (b) Black soil
(c) Desert soil (d) Laterite soil

Answer: (a) Alluvial: Wheat and rice.

(b) Black: Cotton and sugarcane.
(c) Desert: Barley and ragi.
(d) Laterite: Coffee and tea.

16. Explain the land-use pattern of India.

Answer: (i) The net sown area in India has decreased from
45.26% to 43.41%. This means that more and more agricultural
land is being shifted to other activities. This is not a healthy trend,
and must be checked. The steps taken by government has
resulted in increase of net sown area to 47% in 2005-06.

(ii) The pattern of the net sown area varies greatly from one state
to another. It is over 80 per cent of the total area in Punjab and
Haryana, and less than 10 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram, Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

(iii) The area under forests has increased from 18.11% in 1960-61
to 22.57% in 2000-03 and to 23% in 2005-06 yet it is far below
than the scientific norms.

(iv) The land under permanent pasture is very low, i.e., only
3.45% (Fallen to 3%). This shows the tremendous pressure of
livestock population on agricultural land. Cattle are reared mainly
on the farm wastes, grain chaff and a few fodder crops.

(v) Area under fallow land has also decreased which shows, that
subsistence agriculture is being replaced by commercial
agriculture.

(vi) A part of the land is termed as waste land, and land put to
other non-agricultural uses. Waste land includes rocky, arid and
desert areas, and land put to other non- agricultural uses includes
settlements, roads, railways, industries, etc.

17. Explain any four proper fanning techniques which can

be used for soil conservation.
Or
Suggest any three measures of soil conservation. [CBSE
Sept. 2010, 2011]
Or
What is soil conservation? Explain any three methods of
soil conservation suitable to Indian conditions. [CBSE
2013, 14]

Answer: Soil conservation includes all those measures which

help in protecting the soil from erosion or degradation.

(i) Crop rotation : If the same crop is sown in the same field, year
after year, this consumes certain nutrients from the soil making it
infertile. Crop rotation can check this type of erosion.

(ii) Settled agriculture : Checking and reducing shifting agriculture

by persuading the tribal people to switch over to settled
agriculture.

(iii) Terracing and contour bunding :

Terracing and contour bunding across the hill slopes is a very
effective, and one of the oldest methods of soil conservation. Hill
slope is cut into a number of terraces having horizontal top and
steep slopes on the back and front. Contour bunding involves the
construction of bank along the contour.

(iv) Strip cropping : Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips
of grass are left to grow between the crops. This breaks up the
force of the wind. This method is known as strip cropping.

(v) Shelter Belt : Planting lines of trees to create shelter also

works in a similar way. Rows of such trees are called shelter belts.
These shelter belts have contributed significantly to the
stabilisation of sand dunes and in establishing the desert in
western India.

HOTS Questions and Answers

1. Do you think that resources are free gifts of nature as is

assumed by many? Justify your answer with any three
suitable arguments. [CBSE 2012]
Answer: They are not free gifts of nature as :
(i) Resources are a function of human activities,
(ii) Human beings themselves are essential components of
resources.
(iii) They transform material available in our environment into
resources and use them.
For example river is a natural resource but river become a
resource when its water is used for irrigation or power production.

2. What is the importance of natural resources? [CBSE

2014]

Answer: (i) Resources are used to satisfy human wants.

(ii) Resources are base for economic development for example
water, fossil fuel, solar energy is required for power production.
(iii) Resources are vital for human survival as well as maintaining
the quality of life.
(iv) Land which is a natural resource support natural vegetation,
wild life, human life and all economic activities.
(v) Water which is another natural resource is essential for
human, plant and wild life.

3. “India has land under a variety of relief features.”

Justify. [CBSE 2014]
Or
What are the main advantages of India’s land under a
variety of relief features? [CBSE 2010, 2011]

Answer: India has land under a variety of relief features, namely:

mountains, plateaus, plains and islands.
(i) About 43 per cent of the land area is plain, which provides
facilities for agriculture and industry.
(ii) Mountains account for 30 per cent of the total surface area.
They ensure perennial flow of some rivers, provide facilities for
tourism and ecological aspects.
(iii) About 27 per cent of the land area is plateau. It possesses
reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests.

4. Discuss the problems which have been caused due to

over-utilisation of resources. Suggest any two ways to
save the resources.
Or
“Indiscriminate use of resources has led to numerous
problems”. Justify the statement in three points. [GBSE
2012, 14]

Answer: (I) Depletion of resources : Over-utilisation has led to

the depletion of the resources for meeting the greed of a few
individuals. For example, over-utilisation of petroleum products
has led to a situation where most of the countries of the world are
facing energy crisis.

(ii) Concentration of resources: This has divided the society into

‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ or the rich and the poor.

(iii) Global ecological crisis : Over utilisation of resources has led

to the global ecological crisis such as global warming, depletion of
ozone layer, pollution and land degradation.

Suggestions :
(i) Minimising wastage.
(ii) Use of renewable resources.

5. “The earth has enough resources to meet the need of

all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one
person.” How is this statement relevant to the discussion
of development? Discuss. [CBSE 2013]

Answer: (i) Resources are vital for any developmental activity.

(ii) The irrational consumption and over utilization of resources
may lead to socio economic and environmental problems.
(iii) Indiscriminate exploitation of resources led to global
ecological crises such as global warming, environmental pollution,
etc
(iv) The greedy and selfish individuals and exploitative nature of
modem technology is the root cause for resource depletion at the
global level.
(v) If the present trend of resource depletion by a few individuals
and countries continues, the future of our planet is in danger.
(vi) There is need for sustainable development.
It means development should take place without damaging the
environment and development in the present shout not
compromise with the need of future generations’.
6. Why is there a need to conserve resources? What was
Gandhiji’s opinion regarding the conservation of
resources? [CBSE Sept. 2012]
Or
Explain the importance of conservation of
resources. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2011,2014]
Or
Why is it essential to have resource planning? Give three
reasons. [CBSE 2014]

Answer: (i) Limited supply : Most of the resources have limited

supply as compared to their demand for example supply of fossil
fuels is limited.

(ii) Pollution and global warming :

Overutilisation of natural resources may lead to environmental
pollution for example over use of fossil fuel is a major factor
responsible for global warming.

(iii) Socio economic problem : The destruction of forests and

wildlife is not just
a biological issue. The biological loss is strongly correlated with
the loss of cultural diversity. Such losses have increasingly
marginalised and impoverished many indigenous and other
forest-dependent communities, who directly depend on various
components of the forest and wildlife for food, drink, medicine,
culture, spirituality, etc. Within the poor, women are affected
more than men. In many societies, women bear the major
responsibility of collection of fuel, fodder, water and other basic
subsistence needs. As these resources are depleted, the drudgery
of women increases and sometimes they have to walk for more
than 10 km to collect these resources. This causes serious health
problems for women and negligence of home and children
because of the increased hours of work, which often has serious
social implications. Gandhiji was very apt in voicing his concern
about resource conservation. He said, “There is enough for
everybody’s need, and not for anybody’s greed. ” According to
him, they were the greedy and selfish individuals who were
responsible for depletion of resources. He was in favour of
producing for the masses than mass production.
7. Why is there a need for resource planning? What can
happen if we don’t follow the principle of resource
planning?

Answer: (i) Most of the resources are limited in supply.

(ii) Most of the resources are unevenly distributed over the
country.
(iii) Overutilisation of the resources may lead to pollution of the
environment.
(iv) There is a need to plan the human resources because only
then we would be able to develop our natural resources.
Effects :
(i) Energy crisis
(ii) Global warming

8. Explain any four reasons responsible for land

degradation in India.
Or
Explain any four human activities which are mainly
responsible for land degradation in India. Give any two
suggestions to check land degradation. [CBSE 2014]

Answer: (i) Mining : Mining is one of the major factors

responsible for land degradation. In states like Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, deforestation due to
mining have caused severe land degradation.

(ii) Overgrazing : During the long dry period, grass is grazed to

the ground and torn out by the roots by animals. This leads to
loosening of soil and it is easily washed away by rains. In states
like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra
overgrazing is one of the main reasons for land degradation.

(iii) Overirrigation : In the states of Punjab, Haryana, western

Uttar Pradesh, overirrigation is responsible for land degradation
due to waterlogging which leads to increase in salinity and
alkalinity in the soil.

(iv) Processing of minerals : The mineral processing like grinding

of limestone for cement industry and calcite and soapstone for
ceramic industry generate huge quantity of dust in the
atmosphere. It retards the process of infiltration of water into the
soil after it settles down on the land. In recent years, industrial
effluents as waste have become a major source of land and water
pollution in many parts of the country.

Suggestions :
(i) Plant more trees
(ii) We should not waste paper.