Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography

Geography - India Physical Environment • Class 11

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate9 pages • English

Quick Summary

Chapter 2 of Class 11 Geography 'India Physical Environment' deals with the structure and physiography of India, covering its varied geological divisions. These include the Peninsular Plateau, the Himalayan and other mountain ranges, and the Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain. A comprehensive analysis of India's geological history, plate tectonics, and diverse landforms is provided, highlighting differences between the Peninsular Block's ancient stability and the Himalayan ranges' young and dynamic nature【4:0†source】.

Key Topics

  • Plate Tectonics
  • Peninsular Plateau
  • Himalayas and Mountain Ranges
  • Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain
  • Coastal Plains
  • Indian Desert
  • Islands of India
  • Geomorphological Processes

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the impact of plate tectonics on India's physiography
  • Identify the different physiographic divisions in India
  • Explain the geological history of the Indian subcontinent
  • Recognize the role of exogenic and endogenic forces in landform development
  • Differentiate between various coastal and desert features

Questions in Chapter

Which one of the water bodies separates the Andaman from the Nicobar?

Answer: 10°° Channel

Page 16

On which of the following hill range is the ‘Dodabeta’ peak situated?

Answer: Nilgiri hills

Page 16

If a person is to travel to Lakshadweep, from which coastal plain does he prefer and why?

Page 16

Where in India will you find a cold desert? Name some important ranges of this region.

Page 16

Why is the western coastal plain devoid of any delta?

Page 16

Make a comparison of the island groups of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Page 16

What are the important geomorphological features found in the river valley plains?

Page 16

If you move from Badrinath to Sunderbans delta along the course of the river Ganga, what major geomorphological features will you come across?

Page 16

Additional Practice Questions

Explain the role of plate tectonics in shaping India's physical environment.

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Answer: Plate tectonics have played a crucial role in shaping India's physical environment, as the Indian Plate's movement led to the formation of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. The northward movement of this plate continues to affect the region's geology and physiography.

Describe the main differences between the Eastern and Western Ghats.

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Answer: The Western Ghats are higher and more continuous than the Eastern Ghats, with numerous peaks like Anaimudi. The Eastern Ghats are eroded by major rivers and are less continuous.

What are the geomorphological processes active in the Indian subcontinent?

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Answer: Geomorphological processes in India include erosion, sediment deposition, and tectonic activities, which result in various landforms like the Himalayas, river valleys, and deltas.

List and describe the distinctive features of the Indian Desert.

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Answer: The Indian Desert, or Thar Desert, features longitudinal dunes, barchans, and extreme arid conditions with low vegetation due to minimal rainfall.