Geography of India 3

The Amarkantak Hill is the source of two rivers flowing in two different directions (east and west). They are Narmada and Mahanadi.

The S.W. monsoon (Southwest Monsoon) is primarily caused by low pressure over the Punjab plain and the Himalayas acting as a barrier to moisture-laden winds. These factors create the pressure differential that drives monsoon circulation. Option A correctly identifies factors 1 and 4.

Winter rain in Northwest India is caused by Western disturbances (1 correct). Summer rain in Bengal comes from North-Westesterly winds (3 correct). Winter rain in Tamil Nadu is from Northeast Monsoon (4 correct). However, summer rain in Malabar coast is from Southwest monsoon, not retreating monsoon (2 incorrect). Therefore, 1, 3, and 4 are correct.

According to soil surveys of India, alluvial soils cover approximately 43% of India's total area - the largest coverage. Red soils cover about 18%, black cotton soils around 17%, and laterite soils only 8%. The descending order of areal coverage is therefore: alluvial > black > red > laterite, which matches option A.

pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, including soil. A lower pH indicates higher acidity (more H+ ions), while higher pH means more alkaline (fewer H+ ions). Options A, B, and C are incorrect because pH is not about phosphorus, percentage of hydrogen, or potash content.

Soil erosion in India is caused by multiple human activities and natural factors. Deforestation (2) removes vegetation that holds soil, while overgrazing (4) destroys protective grass cover and compacts soil. Excessive rainfall (1) can accelerate erosion, and excessive cultivation (3) depletes soil structure. The combination of factors 2 and 4 represents major anthropogenic causes.

The Thar Desert exists primarily because Rajasthan lacks significant mountain ranges to its north. Without mountains, there's no orographic effect - monsoon winds don't rise and cool to cause rainfall. The Aravallis are too low and run parallel to monsoon winds, making them ineffective barriers. Without orographic lift, moisture continues inland, leaving Rajasthan arid.

Correct Answer: Jhelum valley
A succession of plateaus is present above the plains of Jhelum and its tributaries. These plateau-like terraces are called ‘Karewas’ or ‘Vudr’ in the local language.

The Chambal Valley is characterized by badland topography known as ravines. These are deep gullies formed in the alluvial soil due to extensive soil erosion, deforestation, and the region's susceptibility to gully erosion during monsoon rains. The Gulf of Kutch, Sundarbans, and Konkan Coast have different geological formations.

‘Sal’ trees are concentrated in Assam.

 Western Ghats have two dissimilar types of vegetation on its two slopes - dense evergreen and semi-evergreen vegetation.

Correct Answer: A - 3, B - 1, C - 4, D - 2

PSUs
BHEL - Haridwar
IDPL - Rishikesh
BALCO - Korba, Chhattisgarh
NFL - Bhatinda, Punjab

Rajasthan has the largest area under wasteland in India, primarily due to its arid and semi-arid climate, desert conditions, and sandy soil. The Thar Desert covers a significant portion of the state, contributing to high wasteland classification.

The term 'Meghalaya' for the Shillong plateau was coined by the eminent Indian geographer S.P. Chatterjee.

According to land use statistics in India, the largest portion of wasteland is classified as degraded pasture and grazing land.

Manas is in Assam (A-2). Betla is in Bihar/Jharkhand (B-3). Gorumara is in West Bengal (C-1). Mudumalai is in Tamil Nadu (D-4).

Nagarjunasagar is on the Krishna River (A-3). Matatilla is on the Betwa River (B-4). Maithon is on the Barakar River (C-2). Hirakud is on the Mahanadi River (D-1).

Laterite soils are generally red due to iron oxides (1). They are poor in nitrogen and potash (making statement 2 incorrect). They are found in tropical regions with high rainfall, not primarily Rajasthan/UP (making statement 3 incorrect). Tapioca and cashews are common crops in laterite soil (4).

The Deccan Traps formed during the Cretaceous-Eocene period due to volcanic activity (1). The lava flows were horizontal (2). Statement 3 is incorrect because the trap country is characterized by flat-topped hills (mesas/buttes), not conical hills.

Jog Falls is on the Sharavati River (A-4). Bheraghat (Dhuandhar) is on the Narmada River (B-1). Sivasamundram is on the Cauvery River (C-2). Hundru is on the Subarnarekha River (D-3).

Under the Thornthwaite classification, the climate of Odisha is predominantly characterized as moist subhumid. This classification system relies on the moisture index, which reflects the balance between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration.

In the Koeppen classification, the Amw climate type represents a tropical monsoon climate with a short dry season. This specific climate is found along the western coast of India, particularly south of Goa.

Red soils are the most dominant zonal soil type in the Peninsular region of India. They are formed by the weathering of ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks.

Cwa is hot summer, dry winter; Csb is warm, dry summer; Cfb is warm summer. Cwb is typically defined as having a mild, dry winter, not a hot, dry summer, making pair 2 incorrect.