Section-A (10×1=10)

1.The earth radiates energy to the atmosphere in:

A.Long wavelengths

B.Radiation

C.Insolation

D.Short wavelengths

Ans. A

2. The ozone layer is present in

(a) Thermosphere

(b) Stratosphere

(c) Troposphere

(d) Mesosphere
Ans.b

3. The tributary of Indus River is

(a) Kosi.

(b) Jhelum.

(c) Padma.

(d) Tungabhadra.
Ans. b

4. Differences in pressure on the earth surface causes:

A.Winds

B.Precipitation

C.Hail

D.Seasons

Ans.A
5. Name the source of Krishna River.

(a) Deccan Plateau

(b) Mansarovar lake

© Mahableshwar

(d) ZanskarValley

Ans. C

6. On which of the following range Doddabetta peak is situated?

a)Nilgiri Hills

b) Annamalai Hills

c) Cardamom Hills

d) Nallamalai Hills

Ans.a

7. The river that is believed to have disappeared in Rajasthan is

a) Ganga

b) Yamuna

c) Saraswati

d) Ghaggar Ans.c

8. Malabar coast lies in

a) Odisha

b) Gujarat

c) Kerala

d) Maharashtra Ans.c

9. Maximum insolation is received over the ____________

(a) Equator

(b) Tropical areas

(c) Sub-tropical areas

(d) Poles Ans.c

10. The Nilgiris are part of the A.Eastern Ghats.

B.Western Ghats.

C.Vindhyachal.

D.Tamil Nadu Hills.

Ans.B

Section-B

11. What are the gases which initially formed the earth’s atmosphere ?

Ans.The early Earth's atmosphere was primarily composed of gases such as hydrogen, helium, methane,
ammonia, and water vapour. These gases were likely released from volcanic eruptions and other
geological processes.

12. What are tides?

Ans. Tides are the regular, predictable changes in sea level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon
and, to a lesser extent, the sun. This gravitational force creates bulges of water on the Earth's surface,
leading to high and low tides.

13. State two features of eastern coastal plains?

Ans. Two notable features of the eastern coastal plains are:

Broad and Gentle Slope: The eastern coastal plains of continents, such as the eastern coast of India and
the southeastern coast of the United States, tend to have a broad and gently sloping terrain compared to
the western coastal plains. This results in relatively wide and flat areas near the coastline.

Delta Formation: Eastern coastal plains often include extensive delta regions formed by rivers that flow
into the sea. The sediment carried by these rivers deposits at their mouths, creating fertile and low-lying
delta plains. Examples include the deltas of the Ganges-Brahmaputra and the Mississippi River.

14. Write a note on ocean floor configuration?

Ans.1. Ocean floor configuration refers to the varying features and structures found on the seabed. Key
aspects include:

2.Mid-Ocean Ridges: These are underwater mountain ranges formed by tectonic plate movements
where new oceanic crust is created. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prime example.
3.Abyssal Plains: These are flat, deep areas of the ocean floor found at great depths, usually covered by
fine sediments. They are among the flattest and most extensive regions on Earth.

4. Ocean Trenches: Deep, narrow depressions in the ocean floor created by the subduction of one
tectonic plate beneath another. The Mariana Trench is the deepest of these.

5.Seamounts and Guyots: Underwater mountains and volcanic peaks that rise from the ocean floor but
do not reach the surface. Guyots are seamounts with flat tops due to erosion.

15. What is green house affect ? Name some green house gasses?

Ans. The greenhouse effect is a natural process in which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat
from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. These gases, known as greenhouse gases,
include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor.

17. What is temperature inversion ?

Ans. Temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warmer air traps cooler air near the Earth's surface,
contrary to the usual temperature gradient where air temperature decreases with altitude. This
phenomenon creates a situation where the usual vertical temperature distribution is reversed, with
warmer air sitting above cooler air.

18. What are valley breeze ?

Ans. During the day, the sun heats up the valley floor, causing the air above it to warm up and rise.
Cooler, denser air from the surrounding higher terrain then flows down into the valley to replace the
rising warm air, creating a breeze that moves up the valley. This is known as the valley breeze.

19.What is drumlins??

Ans. A drumlin is a streamlined, oval-shaped hill formed by glacial ice reshaping sediment. It has a blunt
end facing the glacier's direction of movement and a tapered end pointing away from it.

Section-C 20.

20.What are landslides ? Name the areas which are prone to landslides ?

Ans. Landslides are the movement of rock, soil, and debris down a slope due to gravity. They can be
triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human activities like
construction. Landslides vary in size and speed, ranging from small rockfalls to massive avalanches of
earth and rock. They can cause significant damage to infrastructure, ecosystems, and can pose risks to
human safety.

Himalayan Region: States like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northern parts of Sikkim, where steep
slopes and tectonic activity increase landslide risk.
Northeastern States: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and parts of Manipur and Mizoram, which are
geologically active and experience heavy rainfall.

Western Ghats: Areas in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, where heavy monsoon rains and steep
terrains contribute to landslides.

These regions are susceptible to landslides due to their topography, seismic activity, and climatic
conditions.

21. Describe various types of Intrusive landforms ?

Intrusive landforms are shapes formed by magma that cools and hardens underground. Here are the
main types:

1.Batholiths: Large, dome-shaped areas of solidified magma that form deep underground and can make
up the core of mountain ranges.

2.Sills: Flat layers of magma that push between existing rock layers and solidify.

3.Dykes: Vertical or steeply inclined strips of solidified magma that cut through rock layers.

4.Laccoliths: Dome-shaped bumps that form when magma pushes up from below but doesn’t break
through the surface.

22. What is condensation ? Name different forms of condensation ?

Ans. Condensation is the process where water vapor in the air cools and changes into liquid water. This
happens when the air reaches its dew point temperature. Different forms of condensation include:

1. Dew: Water droplets that form on cool surfaces, like grass or car windows, during the night when the
air temperature drops.

2.Frost: Ice crystals that form on surfaces when the temperature drops below freezing, and the water
vapor directly turns into ice without becoming liquid first.

3.Fog: A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the air near the ground, usually forming when
warm, moist air cools rapidly.

4.Clouds: Larger collections of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, forming
when moist air rises and cools.

23. Distinguish between western coastal plains and eastern coastal plains ?

The Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains in India are distinct in several ways:

Western Coastal Plains:

1.Location: Stretch along the western coast of India, between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.

2.Width: Generally narrow, ranging from about 50 to 100 kilometers wide.

3.Geography: Features a rugged terrain with several mountain ranges running parallel to the coast.
Includes the Konkan, Goa, and Malabar coasts.

4.Rivers: Short and swift rivers due to the steep gradient from the Western Ghats to the sea.

5.Climate: Receives heavy rainfall due to the orographic effect of the Western Ghats, leading to lush
vegetation.

Eastern Coastal Plains:

1.Location: Stretch along the eastern coast of India, between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.

2.Width: Generally broader, ranging from about 100 to 200 kilometers wide.

3.Geography: Features a flatter terrain with a gentle slope towards the Bay of Bengal. Includes the
Coromandel and Northern Circars coasts.

4.Rivers: Long and meandering rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi, due to the gentle
gradient.

5.Climate: Receives moderate rainfall, with seasonal variations and susceptibility to cyclones.

24. Explain the various island groups in India ? Ans.

There are two major group of islands in India

1.Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

• Location: Located in the Bay of Bengal, southeast of the Indian mainland.

• Major Islands: Includes the Andaman Islands (such as North Sentinel, South Andaman, and
Middle Andaman) and the Nicobar Islands (such as Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar, and Nancowry).
• Geography and Climate: Characterized by tropical rainforests, sandy beaches, and coral reefs.
The climate is generally humid and tropical.

2. Lakshadweep Islands:

• Location: Situated in the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India.
• Major Islands: Includes 36 coral islands, with key ones being Kavaratti (the administrative
capital), Agatti, and Minicoy.
• Geography and Climate: These islands are low-lying coral atolls with lagoons and beautiful
beaches. The climate is tropical, with moderate temperatures and high humidity.
25. What are different types of rainfall?

Ans. There are four major type of rainfall

1.Convectional Rainfall: Happens when the sun heats the ground, causing warm air to rise and cool
down, leading to rain. Common in hot, tropical areas.

2.Orographic Rainfall: Occurs when moist air is pushed up over mountains. The air cools and rains on the
mountain's windward side. The leeward side gets less rain.

3.Frontal Rainfall: Takes place when warm, moist air meets cold, dry air. The warm air rises over the cold
air, cools down, and causes rain. Typical in temperate regions.

4.Cyclonic Rainfall: Results from cyclones or storms where spinning, moist air rises quickly and produces
heavy rain. Often seen in tropical storms and cyclones.

26. Explain the Ganga river system?

Ans. The Ganga River system is one of the largest and most significant river systems in India. It originates
from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, where it is known as the Bhagirathi. After merging with the
Alaknanda River at Devprayag, it is called the Ganga.

The Ganga flows southeast through the plains of northern India, covering a distance of about 2,525
kilometers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Along its course, the Ganga is joined by numerous
tributaries, with the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi being some of the major ones. The river is
central to the culture, religion, and economy of the region, providing water for agriculture, industry, and
domestic use. The fertile plains of the Ganga are among the most densely populated areas in the world.

27. Name the direct source of information about the interior of earth ?

Ans. The direct sources of information about the interior of the Earth include:

1. Volcanic Eruptions: Magma from deep within the Earth is expelled during volcanic eruptions,
providing samples from the mantle.

2. Deep Drilling Projects: Although limited in depth, projects like the Kola Superdeep Borehole
provide direct samples from the Earth's crust.

3. Mining Operations: Deep mines can reach several kilometers into the Earth's crust, offering
access to rock samples from below the surface.

4. Earthquakes: The study of seismic waves generated by earthquakes (seismology) gives indirect
but valuable information about the Earth's internal structure.

These methods give scientists direct evidence and samples, helping them understand the composition
and structure of the Earth's interior layers.
28. Describe hydrological cycle in detail ?
Ans. The hydrological cycle, or water cycle, is the continuous movement of water on Earth. It begins with
evaporation where water from oceans, rivers, and lakes turns into vapor due to the sun's heat. This
vapor rises and cools, forming clouds through condensation. When these clouds accumulate enough
moisture, they release it as precipitation (rain, snow, etc.). Water from precipitation can infiltrate the
soil, replenishing groundwater, or become runoff, flowing back into water bodies. This cycle repeats,
ensuring the distribution and recycling of water on Earth.

Section-D

29.Indicate the following in a given outline map of India

1. Direction of summer monsoo

2. Shipki la pass

3. Vindya range

4. Purvanchal

5. Kali river

Or

Describe the horizontal distribution of salinity in oceans?

Ans. The horizontal distribution of salinity in the oceans varies widely depending on factors like latitude,
ocean currents, proximity to land, and evaporation and precipitation rates. Here are the key points about
this distribution:

1.Equatorial Regions: Near the equator, salinity tends to be lower, ranging from about 34 to 35 parts per
thousand (ppt). This is due to high precipitation, which dilutes the seawater, and limited evaporation
because of the persistent cloud cover.

2.Subtropical Regions: In the subtropical regions (about 20° to 30° latitude), salinity is generally higher,
often exceeding 36 ppt. These areas experience high evaporation due to warm temperatures and low
rainfall, leading to saltier waters.

3.Mid-Latitude and Polar Regions: Towards the mid-latitudes and poles, salinity decreases again. In polar
regions, it can drop below 32 ppt due to the melting of ice and reduced evaporation. Freshwater input
from rivers and glacial melt also reduces salinity here.

4.Coastal Areas: Salinity near coastlines can vary significantly. In areas with large river inputs, like the
mouths of the Amazon or the Ganges, salinity is lower due to the mixing of freshwater with seawater.
Conversely, in areas with minimal freshwater input and high evaporation, like the Red Sea or the
Mediterranean, salinity can be much higher.
5.Closed Seas and Lakes: In enclosed seas with limited exchange with open oceans, such as the Dead Sea
or the Caspian Sea, salinity can be extremely high, far exceeding typical ocean salinity levels.

Overall, ocean salinity is not uniform and reflects a complex interplay of climatic, geographic, and
hydrological factors.

30.Describe the factors which control the distribution of temperature on the surface of earth?

Ans. Temperate cyclones, also called mid-latitude cyclones, go through several stages of development:

1.Formation: The cyclone begins where cold polar air meets warmer tropical air, often along the polar
front. A disturbance in this front creates a low-pressure area.

2.Development: The cyclone grows as the warm air rises over the cold air, forming a rotating system with
warm and cold fronts. The low pressure deepens, leading to stronger winds and more organized weather
patterns.

3.Maturity: The cold front catches up with the warm front, forming an occluded front. The cyclone is at
its strongest, with intense winds and heavy rain.

4.Dissipation: The cyclone starts to weaken as the temperature difference between the air masses
decreases. The low pressure fills in, the system loses strength, and eventually, it dissipates.

5.End: The cyclone fades away, leaving behind lingering clouds or rain, and sometimes merging with
other weather systems.

Or

Describe the various stages in origin and growth of temperate cyclone ?

Ans.Temperate cyclones, also called mid-latitude cyclones, go through several stages of development:

1.Formation: The cyclone begins where cold polar air meets warmer tropical air, often along the polar
front. A disturbance in this front creates a low-pressure area.

2.Development: The cyclone grows as the warm air rises over the cold air, forming a rotating system with
warm and cold fronts. The low pressure deepens, leading to stronger winds and more organized weather
patterns.
3.Maturity: The cold front catches up with the warm front, forming an occluded front. The cyclone is at
its strongest, with intense winds and heavy rain.

4.Dissipation: The cyclone starts to weaken as the temperature difference between the air masses
decreases. The low pressure fills in, the system loses strength, and eventually, it dissipates.

5.End: The cyclone fades away, leaving behind lingering clouds or rain, and sometimes merging with
other weather systems.

31. What is rock weathering ? Discuss various ways in which it takes place ?

Ans.Rock weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces or chemically
altered. It occurs in three main ways:

1.Physical (Mechanical) Weathering: Rocks break apart without changing their chemical composition.
This happens through:

• Frost wedging: Water freezes in cracks, expands, and splits the rock.
• Thermal expansion: Repeated heating and cooling cause rocks to crack.
• Abrasion: Rocks are worn down by friction from wind, water, or ice.

2.Chemical Weathering: Rocks undergo chemical changes. Key processes include:

• Hydrolysis: Water reacts with minerals to form clay.

• Oxidation: Oxygen reacts with minerals like iron to form rust.
• Carbonation: Carbonic acid dissolves minerals like calcite in limestone.

3.Biological Weathering: Living organisms contribute to rock breakdown:

• Plant roots: Roots grow into cracks, breaking the rock apart.
• Lichens: These organisms produce acids that chemically weather rocks.

These processes work together to break down rocks over time, contributing to soil formation and
landscape changes.