CBSE Class 10 Geography Resources And Development Worksheet Set B

Short Answer Type Questions

  

Question : Why is it essential to have resource planning? Explain any three reasons. 

Answer : a. If the present trend of resource depletion by few individuals continues, the future of our planet is in danger.

b. Planning is essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life.

c. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises.

 

Question : Distinguish between red soil and laterite soil stating any three points of distinction. 

Answer :

 

 

 

Question : Describe any three measures of controlling land degradation. 

or

Explain any three steps taken to solve the problem of land degradation in India.

Answer :  a. Afforestation and proper management of grazing can help to some extent.

b. Planting of shelter belts, control on over-grazing, stabilisation of sand dune by growing thorny bushes.

c. Proper management of wastelands, control of mixing activities, proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment can reduce land and water degradation in industrial and sub-urban areas are some of the methods to check land degradation.

 

Question : ‘Land is a natural resource of utmost importance’. Justify the statement with appropriate arguments. 

Answer : a. We live on land, we perform our economic activities on land and we use it in different ways.

b. It supports natural vegetation, wildlife, human life, economic activities, transport and communication systems.

c. It is an asset of a finite magnitude.

 

Question : How can you contribute to minimize the pollution. Explain.  

Answer : We can contribute to minimize the pollution by:

a. Planting more plants and trees.

b. Using non-conventional sources of energy such as solar and wind energy.

c. Using public transport instead of personal car/ motor bike etc.

d. Saving water and electricity.

 

 

Question : Explain any three human activities responsible for land degradation in India.

or

How are human activities responsible for the degradation of land?  

Answer : a. Mining: Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is complete leaving deep scars in states such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. Deforestation due to mining has caused severe land degradation.

b. Over irrigation: Over irrigation in the states of Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, has caused water logging and increase in salinity of soil.

c. Overgrazing: Overgrazing in states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra is a huge cause due to cattle population

d. Industries: Mineral processing industry like grinding of limestone for cement industry and calcite and soapstone for ceramic industry generate huge quantity of dust. This retards the process of infiltration of water into the soil.

e. Industrial waste: Industrial effluents also have become a major source of land degradation.

 

Question : What is meant by the term “resource”? List the types of resources classified on the basis of its ownership.

Answer : a. Resource: Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs, provided, it is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable is known as a resource.

b. Types of resources on the basis of ownership are:

Individual, community, national and international.

 

Question : Distinguish between stock and potential resource. Give one example of each.  

Answer : 

 

 

 

Question : Explain any three factors responsible for soil formation.

Answer : a. The parent rock is the first factor which provides the basic material for the formation of soil.

b. Climate breaks the parent rock into small pieces.

c. Vegetation: Plant and animal organisms help in the weathering of the rocks slowly but continuously

d. 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.

e. Chemical and organic changes take place in the  soil. 

 

Question : Mention any two human activities which are responsible for the process of soil erosion. Explain the two types of soil erosion mostly observed in India?

Answer : Two human activities which are responsible for the process of soil erosion are deforestation and overgrazing, mining, construction, etc.

Types of Soil Erosion :

a. Gullies: The running water cuts through the clayey soil and makes deep channels/gullies. The unfit land caused by gullies is called bad land or ravines.

b. Sheet erosion: water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope. The top soil is washed away.This process is known as sheet erosion.

 

Question : Explain the types of resources on the basis of exhaustibility with the help of examples.  

Answer : a. Renewable resources: Resources which can be renewed or reproduced by mechanical, physical or chemical processes are known as renewable or replenishable resources, e.g., solar and wind energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc.

b. Non-renewable resources: These occur over very long geological times. Minerals and fossil fuels are examples of such resources. These resources take millions of years in their formation. Some of the resources like metals are recyclable and some of them such as fossil fuels cannot be recycled and get exhausted with their use.

 

Question : Enumerate any three features of ‘regur’ soil.  

Answer : Feature of ‘regur’ soil :

a. Regur soil is also known as black soil.

b. It is ideal for growing cotton, so it is also known as ‘black cotton soil’.

c. It is made up of extremely fine clayey material.

d. It is rich in soil nutrients, calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.

e. It develops cracks in hot weather. It can hold moisture and is sticky when wet.

 

Question : Why is soil considered as a resource? Explain with five arguments. 

Answer : Soil is considered as a resource because :

a. It is used to satisfy our needs.

b. It is the most important renewable natural resource.

c. It is the medium of plant growth.

d. It supports different types of living organisms on the Earth.

e. It is the base of our life.

 

Long Answer Type Questions 

Multiple Choice Questions

Question : Which one of the following types of resources is iron ore?
a. Renewable b. Biotic. c. Flow d. Non-renewable
Answer : D

Question : Under which of the following type of resource can tidal energy be put?
a. Replenishabe b. Abiotic c. Human-made. d. Non-recyclable
Answer : A

Question : Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
a. Intense cultivation b. Deforestation c. Over irrigation d. Overgrazing
Answer : C

Question : In which one of the following states is the terrace cultivation practiced?
a. Punjab b. Haryana   c. Plains of Uttar Pradesh d. Uttaranchal
Answer : D

Question : In which one of the following states is the black soil found?
a. J & K b. Gujarat c. Rajasthan d. Jharkhand
Answer : B

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question : What is the percentage share of plains in the total land area?
Answer : 43%.

Question : Classify resources on the basis of origin.
Answer : On the basis of origin resources are classified as biotic and abiotic resources.

Question : Give one difference between renewable and non- renewable resources.
Answer : Renewable: Replenished by nature and may be overused e. g., crops and plants.
Non-renewable: which get exhausted after years of use. e.g, crude oil.

Question : Which soil is ideal for growing cotton?
Answer : Regur soil.

Question : In which states overgrazing is responsible for land degradation?
Answer : Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Question : What are resources which are found in a region but have not been utilised called?
Answer : Potential resources.

Question : Which resources are surveyed and determined on the basis of their quantity and quality for utilisation?
Answer : Developed resources.

Question : Name the land with deep channels that is unfit for cultivation.
Answer : Bad land.

Question : Which state has the largest area under black soil?
Answer : Maharashtra.

Question : Which regions of India have well developed terrace farming?
Answer : Western and central Himalayas

Question : Which soil types is made up of lava flows?
Answer : Black soil.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question : Explain any three factors responsible for soil formation.
Answer : a. The parent rock is the first factor which provides the basic material for the formation of soil.
b. Climate breaks the parent rock into small pieces.
c. Vegetation: Plant and animal organisms help in the weathering of the rocks slowly but continuously
d. 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.
e. Chemical and organic changes take place in the soil.

Question : In India, some regions are rich in certain types of resources but deficient in some other resources”. Do you agree with the statement? Support your answer with any three examples.
Answer : Yes, there are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in some other resources.
a. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits.
b. Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water resources but lacks in infrastructural development.
c. Rajasthan is endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water resources.
d. Ladakh has rich cultural heritage but lacks in water resources and infrastructure.

Question : Distinguish between red soil and laterite soil stating any three points of distinction.
Answer : 

Question : Differentiate between stock and reserve stating two points of difference.
Answer : a. Stock: Materials, which have the potential to satisfy human beings but human do not have the appropriate technology to access these, are termed as stock. We do not have the required technical ‘know-how’ to use them for a specific purpose, e.g., water which is a compound of two inflammable gases hydrogen and oxygen and can be a rich source of energy. We do not know how to use them.
b. Reserves: These are subset of the stock. They can be put into use with existing know-how but their use has not been started. For e.g., river water is used as a source of hydroelectricity but to a limited extent. Thus, the water in the dams, forests, etc., are reserves which can be used in the future.

Question : How can you contribute to minimize the pollution. Explain.
Answer : We can contribute to minimize the pollution by:
a. Planting more plants and trees.
b. Using non-conventional sources of energy such as solar and wind energy.
c. Using public transport instead of personal car/motor bike etc.
d. Saving water and electricity.

Question : Define the following terms:
a. Current fallow land
b. Other than current fallow
c. Cultural waste land
Answer : a. Current fallow land: Left uncultivated / for one or less than one agricultural year.
b. Other than current fallow: Left uncultivated for past 1 to 5 agricultural years.
c. Cultural waste land: Left uncultivated for more than 5 agricultural years.

Question : Explain the types of resources on the basis of exhaustibility with the help of examples.
Answer : a. Renewable resources: Resources which can be renewed or reproduced by mechanical, physical or chemical processes are known as renewable or replenishable resources, e.g., solar and wind energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc.
b. Non-renewable resources: These occur over very long geological times. Minerals and fossil fuels are examples of such resources. These resources take millions of years in their formation. Some of the resources like metals are recyclable and some of them such as fossil fuels cannot be recycled and get exhausted with their use.

Question : What is Agenda 21? List its two principles.
Answer : Agenda 21 was adopted at first International Earth Summit held in 1992 at Rio de Janerio Brazil. The two principles are as follows:
a. To combat environmental damage, pov¬erty, disease through global cooperation on common interests, mutual needs and shared responsibilities.
b. Every local government should draw its own local Agenda 21.

Question : Why is it essential to have resource planning? Explain any three reasons.
Answer : a. If the present trend of resource depletion by few individuals continues, the future of our planet is in danger.
b. Planning is essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life.
c. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises.

Question : Describe any five distinct characteristics of ‘Arid soils’.
Answer : a. Arid soils range from red to brown in colour.
b. Sandy in texture and saline in nature.
c. Evaporation is faster, soil lacks humus and moisture.
d. Soil occupied by Kankar.
e. Kankar restricts the infiltration of water.

Question : Describe any three measures of controlling land degradation.
or
Explain any three steps taken to solve the problem of land degradation in India.
Answer : a. Afforestation and proper management of grazing can help to some extent.
b. Planting of shelter belts, control on over-grazing, stabilisation of sand dune by growing thorny bushes.
c. Proper management of wastelands, control of mixing activities, proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment can reduce land and water degradation in industrial and sub-urban areas are some of the methods to check land degradation.

Question : Mention any three features of arid soils.
Answer : Features of arid soils :
1. Arid soils range from red to brown in colour.
2. They are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature.
3. Due to dry climate, high temperature, evaporation is faster and the soil lacks humus and moisture.
4. The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by Kankar because of the increasing calcium content downwards.

Question : Suggest any three methods of soil conservation suitable to Indian conditions.
or
What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in hilly areas?
Answer : Methods of soil conservation:
a. Ploughing along the contour lines can decrease the speed of water flow down the slopes.
b. Step or terrace cultivation on slopes restricts erosion. Western and Central Himalayas have well-developed terrace farming.
c. Strip cropping: Here 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.
d. Shelter belt plantation: Trees are planted in rows.
These shelter belts have led to the stabilisation of sand dimes and in stabilising the desert in western India.

Question : What is meant by the term “resource”? List the types of resources classified on the basis of its ownership.
Answer : a. Resource: Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs, provided, it is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable is known as a resource.
b. Types of resources on the basis of ownership are: Individual, community, national and international.

Question. Explain the relationship between the process of colonization and rich resources of colonies.
Answer : a. The History of colonization reveals that rich resources in colonies were the main attractions of the foreign traders.
b. It was primarily the higher level of technological development of colonizing countries that helped them to exploit resources of other regions and established their supremacy over colonies.
c. There for resources can contribute to development only when they are accompanied by appropriate technological development and institutional changes.

Question. What was the main contribution of the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987?
Answer : a. The seminal contribution with respect to resource conservation at the global level was made by the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987.
b. This report introduced the concept of ‘Sustainable Development’ and advocated it as a means for resource conservation, which was substantially published in a book, entitled Our Common Future.

Question. What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main features of this type of soil.
Answer : The type of soil found in river deltas is Alluvial Soil.
1. Very fertile, and therefore good for the cultivation of crops
2. Consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay
3. It has a good quantity of potash, lime and phosphoric acid, which is good for the growth of paddy and sugarcane.

Question. What was agenda 21?
Answer : a. It is the declaration signed by world leaders in 1992 at the united Nation’s conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
b. It focuses on attaining Global Sustainable Development.
c. It’s mainly aim is to fight the environmental damage, poverty, diseases through global cooperation on common interest, mutual needs and shared responsibilities.
d. An important and distinct aim of the agenda is that every local government should draw its own local Agenda 21.

Question. Why does the net sown area vary from one state to another?
Answer : a. There are wide variations in the pattern of net sown area from one state to another state.
b. If we compare Haryana and Punjab with Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman and Nicobar Islands there is a great disparity.
c. In Punjab and Haryana the net sown area is 80% of the total area but in other mentioned states it is less than 10% of the total area.
d. The reasons for this differences are many, e.g., climate, soil, relief, irrigation facilities

Long Answer Type Questions

Question : What are resources? What are its characteristics?
Answer : RESOURCES : Everything available in our environment, which can be used to satisfy our needs if it is,
➢ Technologically accessible
➢ Economically feasible
➢ Culturally acceptable, is termed as resource.

Question : Examine the interdependent relationship among nature, technology and institutions in the economic development. [ in the resource transformation]
Answer : a) Human beings interact with nature through technology and create institutions to accelerate economic development.
b) They transform material available in our environment in to resources by using technology and use them.

Question : How can be resources classified?
Answer : Resources can be classified in the following ways-
On the basis of origin – Biotic & Abiotic
On the basis of exhaustibility - Renewable & Non-Renewable
RESOURCES
On the basis of ownership – Individual, Community, National & International
On the basis of status of development – Potential, Developed, Stock & Reserves

Question : Distinguish between biotic and abiotic resources.
Answer : Difference between Biotic and Abiotic.
➢ Biotic resources have or had living characteristics whereas abiotic resources are composed of nonliving things.
➢ Biotic resources are normally obtained from the biosphere whereas abiotic resources obtained from the lithosphere.
➢ Examples of biotic resources are human beings, flora, fauna, fisheries and livestock.
➢ Examples of abiotic resources are rocks, metals, minerals etc.

Question : Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources.
Answer : Difference between Renewable and non-renewable resources.
➢ Renewable resources are those resources, which can be regenerated in a given period of time whereas non- renewable resources cannot be re generated.
➢ Renewable resources are abundant and replenishable whereas non-renewable resources are scarce and non-replenishable.
➢ Renewable resources are non-exhaustible whereas non- renewable resources are exhaustible.
➢ Solar and wind energy, water, forest and wild life are examples of renewable resource and minerals and fossil fuels are examples of non-renewable resources.

Question : How are resources classified on the basis of ownership?
Answer : There are four types of resources on the basis of ownership
➢ Individual resources:
▪ These are privately owned resources.
▪ Village people own land and cattle whereas urban people own plots, flats or other property.
▪ Plantation, pasture lands, ponds, water in the wells are individual resources.
➢ Community owned resources:
▪ These are resources accessible to all the members of the community.
▪ Grazing grounds, burial grounds, village ponds, public parks, play grounds, picnic spots etc are community owned resources.
➢ National Resources:
▪ All the minerals, water resources, forests, wild life, all the resources with in the political boundaries and oceanic area up to 12 nautical miles from the coast belong to national resources.
▪ Roads canals, railways and properties of public character belong to national resources.
➢ International resources:
▪ The oceanic resources beyond 200 nautical miles of the Exclusive Economic Zone belong to international resources.
▪ No individual or country can claim it. There are international institutions to regulate these resources.

Question : How are resources classified based on the status of development?
Answer : There are four types of resources on the basis of the status of development.
➢ Potential resources:
▪ Resources, which are found in a region, but have not been utilized, are potential resources.
▪ These resources will be widely used shortly.
▪ Wind and solar energy potential in Rajasthan and Gujarat have not been developed and exploited properly so far.
➢ Developed resources:
▪ These are the resources surveyed; quality and quantity have been measured and have been determined for utilization. The development of resources depends on technology and
level of their feasibility.
➢ Stock Resources:
▪ Resources in the environment which have the potential to satisfy human needs but do not have the appropriate technology to have an access come under this category. We haven’t so far developed the technology to make inflammable gases like hydrogen and oxygen on a large scale from water . So it is considered a stock.
➢ Reserve resources :
▪ These are the subdivision of stock resources and can be put into use by applying the existing technology but their use has not yet been started. These can be used to meet our future requirements.
▪ River water can be used for generating hydroelectric power but presently, it is been utilised only to a limited extent. Thus, the water & forest etc. is a reserve.

Question : What are soils? How are they formed?
OR// Describe the factors that contribute to the formation and fertility to the soil.
Answer : SOIL :
➢ Loose and fragmented uppermost layer of the earth’s crust, which is useful for plants, is called soil.
➢ It is the basic resources of agriculture.
➢ It consists of both organic and inorganic substances.
➢ The factors that contribute the formation and fertility of soil are rocks, climate, plants and animals, local topography, chemical and organic changes which takes place in the soil and long period of time.
➢ FACTORS :-
• Soils are formed by the disintegration and decomposition of rocks under the process of
weathering and erosion.
• Climate determines the rate of weathering and the type of vegetation.
• Time provide maturity to soils.

Question : Describe the characteristics of alluvial soil.
OR// What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coasts? Give three main features of this type of soil.
OR// Which is the most widely spread and important soil in India?
Answer :
➢ Alluvial soil is confined to northern plain, coastal strips, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
➢ It is the most widely spread and important soil in India.
➢ It consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay.
➢ As we move inlands towards the valley soil particles appear some bigger in size.
➢ In the upper reaches of the river valley the soil are coarse.
➢ Such soils are common in piedmont plains such as Duars, Chos and Terai.
➢ Alluvial soil as a whole are very fertile Mostly these soil contain adequate proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime which are ideal for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat and other cereal and pulse crops.
➢ Soils in the drier areas are more alkaline and can be productive after proper treatment and irrigation.
➢ Alluvial soil is divided into Bhangar and Khadar according to their age.

Question : Differentiate between Bhangar and Khadar.
Answer :
➢ The Bangar soil has higher concentration of kanker nodules than the Khadar.
➢ Bhangar is older alluvium & is found away from rivers and Khadar is new alluvium found closer to the rivers.
➢ Bhangar is clayey and dark while Khadar is sandy and light in colour.
➢ Bhangar is less fertile compared to Khadar.
➢ Khadar is renewed frequently in the flood plain.

Question : What are the characteristics of Black soil? (Regur soil)
Answer :
➢ It is good for cultivation of cotton and also known as cotton soil.
➢ It is rich in potash, calcium carbonate, magnesium and lime and poor in phosphoric content.
➢ It has the ability to retain moisture.
➢ On drying these soil develops large and deep cracks and becomes sticky when wet.
➢ Climatic condition along with the parent rock material is the important factors for the formation of black soil.
➢ This type of soil is typical of the Deccan trap spread over northwest Deccan plateau and is made up of lava flows.

Question : Describe the major features of Red soil. Where is it found?
Answer :
➢ Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan plateau.
➢ It is red in colour due to the diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.
➢ Red soils are highly porous and fertile and they are fine grained and deep.
➢ It is deficient in phosphoric acid, organic matter and nitrogen and rich in potash.
➢ They occur in parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Jharkhand.

Question : What are Laterite soils? What are its features?
Answer :
➢ Laterite soils are intensely leached soils of the monsoon climate.
➢ The humus content of this soil is low because most of the micro-organisms particularly the decomposers like bacteria get destroyed due to high temperature.
➢ It has low value for crop production.
➢ They are red in colour with high content of iron oxide.
➢ It is poor in nitrogen and lime and has high contents of acidity.
➢ It doesn’t have the ability to retain moisture.
➢ It is composed of little clay and much gravel of red sand stones.
➢ These soils develop in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall.
➢ They occur in Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa and part of Assam and Meghalaya.

Question : Describe the characteristics of forest (mountain) soil.
Answer :
➢ These are the soils found in the mountainous region of India like Meghalaya, Arunachel Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
➢ These soils are characterized by deposition of organic materials derived from vegetative cover.
➢ These are heterogeneous in nature and vary from place to place.
➢ They are loamy and silty in valley sides and coarse grained in the upper slopes.
➢ In the snow covered areas of Himalayas these soils experience denudation and are acidic with low humus content.

Question : What are arid (desert) soils?
Answer :
➢ These are the soils found in the arid areas of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana.
➢ These sands are partly of local origin and partly have been blown from the Indus Valley.
➢ In some areas, the soil contains high percentage of soluble salt.
➢ It is sandy, coarse and porous and poor in organic matter.
➢ These soils can be used for cultivation with irrigation facilities.

Question :- What is meant by soil erosion? How is it caused?
Answer :
➢ Removal of soil from one place to another by some natural agent is called soil erosion.
➢ It is the process of taking away or washing away of soil cover by wind or water flow.
➢ Soil erosion is caused by deforestation, heavy rains and running water, overgrazing, winds and slope of the land.

Question : Suggest a few measures of controlling soil erosion.
Answer :
➢ Contour ploughing: Ploughing along the contour lines is known as contour Ploughing, which reduces the flow of water. (hilly areas)
➢ Terrace farming: It restricts soil erosion in hilly areas.
➢ Strip Cropping: Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips of grass are left to grow between the crops.
➢ Shelter belts and planting thorny bushes: Planting lines of trees reduce wind force and stream flow. Planting of thorny bushes help stabilize sand dunes in the desert areas.

Question : How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
Answer :
➢ It was primarily the higher level of technological development of the colonizing countries that helped them to exploit resources of other regions and establish their supremacy over the colonies.
➢ Technical development led to mechanization and over exploitation of resources. Economic development led to invention of modern machineries which accelerated over exploitation of resources.
➢ Economic development increases the standard of living of the people. It helps them to enjoy number of facilities and use more resources.

Question : What is meant by Exclusive Economic Zone?
Answer :
➢ The UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, 1982, allowed coastal nations to claim a territorial sea of up to 12 nautical miles.
➢ It also allowed jurisdiction over resources, control over fishing right, scientific research and environmental protection in a zone up to 200 nautical miles (370.4 km) offshore.
➢ It is known as Exclusive Economic Zone. Beyond this zone, seabed mineral development will be regulated by an international body.

Question : What is meant by ‘Land Resource’ ?
Answer : We live on land and it satisfies our needs in all the possible ways. Land resource, thus is, of much importance for us which includes forests, mountains, plains, plateaus and islands. These support natural vegetation, wild life, economic activities, and transport and communication systems. Therefore, it is necessary for us to use these resources in a wise manner and with careful planning, we should develop holistic and ecological approach towards economic development without compromising the ability of resources to future generations to meet their needs. Though we have the right to meet our present needs by consuming natural resources, we should not deprive the future generations from it.

Question : What do you understand by the term ‘land degradation’ ? Which human activities lead to land degradation ? What are the measures to solve the problems of land degradation ?
Answer : Land resource is fixed and cannot be increased. Land resource has been used since the ancient time. This continuous usage of land over a long period of time, without taking necessary steps to conserve and manage it has resulted in land degradation. As a matter of fact, the quality of the land has become inferior due to regular loss of fertility and irregular usage.
Human activities have also contributed towards land degradation. There are :
a. Deforestation i.e., cutting down of forests.
b. Over grazing.
c. Mining i.e., extraction of valuable minerals from the soil.
d. Mineral processing like grinding of limestone.
e. Faulty methods of cultivation and over-irrigation.
These damages can be prevented with the help of these measures :
a. Afforestation and proper management of grazing.
b. Plantation of shelter and stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes in windy and arid areas like the deserts of Rajasthan.
c. Proper management of wasteland and control of mining activities.
d. Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and waste after treatment in industrial and suburban areas.

Question : 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.
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.

Question : List the problems caused due to indiscriminate use of resources by human beings.
Answer : Resources are essential for human survival. Initially, people believed that the resources are the free gift of nature. Therefore, they continuously exhausted the resources available in the environment without taking any preventive measures. As a matter of fact, they faced economic, social and ecological problems.
The major problems that cropped up due to over-exploitation, irrational consumption and indiscriminate use of resources are :
a. Exhaustion of resources : Due to over exploitation and irrational consumption, the resources exhausted at a rapid pace leaving very little or nothing for the future generation.
b. Concentration of resources : Concentration of resources in a few hands is also a major issue. The people with the maximum resources will use them for their own benefits leaving others empty handed. This will create a situation of have and have nots. This situation of have and have nots is unfavourable for the growth of the country as a whole.
c. Global ecological crisis : Global warming, depletion of ozone layer, population and land degradation are global ecological crises. This crisis situation is also an after effect of irrational or over utilisation of resources.

Question : What is the purpose of ‘Land Utilisation’ ?
Answer : Land resources are used for the following purposes :
a. Forests.
b. Land not available for cultivation :
(1) Barren and waste land.
(2) Land put to non-agricultural uses, e.g., buildings, roads, factories, etc.
c. Other uncultivated land :
(1) Permanent pastures and grazing land.
(2) Land under miscellaneous tree crops groves.
(3) Cultural waste land’left uncultivated for more than 5 years.
d. Fallow lands:
(1) Current fallow land left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year.
(2) Other than current fallow land, left uncultivated for the past one to five years.
e. Net sown area, sown more than once in an agricultural year plus net sown area is known as gross cropped area.

Question : Which is the most widely spread and important soil of India? State any six characteristics of this type of soil Or Mention any four characteristics of alluvial soils. Or How are alluvial soils formed? How is Bangar different from Khadar?
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.

Question : Explain the resources on the basis of origin and exhaustibility.
Answer : Resources on the basis of origin :
a. Biotic resources : Resources obtained from the environment are called biotic resources. For example-trees, animals and insects.
b. Abiotic resources : Resources obtain from non- living things present in our environment are termed as abiotic resources. For example-earth, air, water, metals, rocks, etc.
Resources on the basis of exhaustibility :
a. Renewable resources : The resources which have the ability to renew them over period of time or can be reproduced by physical, chemical or mechanical processes are known as renewable resources. For example-solar and wind energy, water, forest and wildlife, etc.
b. Non-renewable resources : Resources which cannot be renewed or reproduced by any physical, chemical or mechanical process are known as non- renewable resource. For example- water, wind, tidal energy, etc.

Question : Explain the classification of resources on the basis of the state of development. Or Distinguish between stock resources and reserve resources.
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

Question : Explain land use pattern in India and why the land under forest not increased much since 1960-61.
Answer : Land in India has been divided into different categories with reference to usage. Different categories of land are:
a. Farming land which is used for farming.
b. Forest land which comes under forest area c. Land meant for grazing
d. Non-farming land which is used for industrialization
e. Waste lands, such as rocky areas and deserts
The irrational use of forest land has degraded the available land area, and has made conservation of forests difficult. Human actions such as deforestation, mining and quarrying have contributed to the slow growth rate of forests. Thus, land under forest has increased by only about 4% since 1960-61.
a. The use of natural resources has been increased with the development of the technology in the country.
b. Over utilisation of soil due to development in technology.
c. Growth in the quality of production and better services to the people.
d. Improvement in the process of mining.
e. Demand for more resources due to urbanisation.

Question : Answer the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.
(ii) What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the Eastern Coast? Give three main features of this type of soil.
Answer : (i) The states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have black soil. The crop which is mainly grown in this soil is cotton. This soil is also called ‘Regur’ or black cotton soil.
(ii) The river deltas of the eastern coast have alluvial soil. Alluvial soil consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay. The main features of alluvial soil are:
(a) These soils are very fertile and so ideal for cultivation.
(b) They contain adequate quantities of potash, phosphoric acid and lime good for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, and other crops.
(c) In drier areas these soils are more alkaline.
(iii) In hilly areas, soil erosion can be controlled by contour sloughing which is sloughing along contour-lines, using terrace farming techniques and using strips of grasses to check soil erosion by wind and water.
(iv) Biotic Resources: The resources which are obtained from the biosphere and have life are called Biotic Resources. Examples of biotic resources are animals, plants, human beings, show, livestock etc. Abiotic Resources: The resources which are composed of non-living things are called Abiotic Resources. Examples of abiotic resources are, water, minerals, metals, wind, solar energy etc.

Question : Explain the land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960-61?
Answer : The use of land is determined both by physical factors such as topography, climate, soil types as well as human factors such as population density, technological capability and culture and traditions etc. 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 Andaman Nicobar Islands. Forest area in the country is far lower than the desired 33 per cent of geographical area, as it was outlined in the National Forest Policy (1952). It was considered essential for the maintenance of the ecological balance. A part of the land is termed as wasteland and land put to other non-agricultural uses. Wasteland includes rocky, arid and desert areas and land put to other non-agricultural uses includes settlements, roads, railways, industry etc. Continuous use of land over a long period of time without taking appropriate measures to conserve and manage has resulted in land degradation.

Question : Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Explain land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960-61?
(ii) How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
Answer :
(i) Land resources in India are primarily divided into agricultural land, forest land, pasture and grazing land, and waste land. Waste land includes rocky, arid and desert areas, and land used for non-agricultural purposes like housing, roads, industry etc. According to recent data available the percentage of net sown area (NSA) in India is about 54% of the total reporting area (if, the other than current fallow lands is included). . 22.5% is covered by forests, and 3.45% is used for grazing. The rest is waste land, with traces of miscellaneous cultivation. Improper use of forest land has led to land degradation and made conservation of forests difficult. Human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, mining , quarrying etc have contributed to the slow growth rate of forests. Thus, land under forest has increased by only about 4% since 1960-61.
(ii) The following factors have been responsible for technical and economic development leading to over consumption of resources. In colonial times,imperial powers used their technological and economic superiority to establishcontrol over other countries and thereby gain access to the latter’s resources.One country’s resources were accessible to the citizens of its colonial ruler too,leading to increased consumption. Technical progress also results in efficientmachinery, increased production and greater consumption of resources.Technological development and economic progress has led to populationsincreasing due to low mortality at all ages. With new developments in medicine and health care, fewer people die due to accidents, diseases, in childbirth etc.This too has contributed to higher consumption of resources.

Question : What efforts were made for resource planning in the first five year plan?
Answer : (I) The availability of resources is a necessity condition for the development of any religions. But technologically knowledge is an important prerequisite for it.
(II) There are many regions in our country that are rich in resources but are economically backward; whereas there are some regions which have a poor resources base but are economically developed.
(III)Resources can contribute to development only when they are accompanied by appropriate technological development.
(IV)In India, development or resource development does not only mean the availability of resources but also the technology, quality of human resources and the historical experiences of the people.

Question : What are the causes of land degradation? What are the ways to solve this problem?
Answer : Causes of land degradation:
(I) Mining sites are abandoned after the Excavation work is done leaving deep scars of overburdening. In state like Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, deforestation due to mining has caused severe land degradation.
(II) Overgrazing in state like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra is one of the main reasons behind land degradation.
(III) Minerals processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry and calcite and soapstone for ceramic industry generate huge quantities of dust in the atmosphere. It stops the infiltration of water in the soil.
Ways to check land degradation:
(I) Afforestation and proper management of grazing can help to check land degradation.
II) Planning of shelterbelts help in checking the sand causing land degradation near the desert.
(III) Overgrazing can be checked and avoided.
(IV) Proper management of wastelands can be taken up.

Question : What are the various methods of soil conservation?
Answer : Methods of soil conservation:
(I) Contour ploughing: ploughing along the contour lines can check the flow of water down the slopes. It is called contour ploughing. It can be practiced on the hills.
(II) Terrace cultivation: steps can be cut out on the slopes making terrace. It restricts soil erosion. It is practiced in Western and central Himalayas.
(III) 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 wind. This method is called strip cropping.
(IV) Planting of shelter belts: planting lines of trees to create shelter also checks the soil erosion. Rows of such trees are called shelter belts. These shelter belts have contributed significantly to the stabilization of sand dunes and in stabilizing the desert in Western India.

Question : “Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national or state boundaries”. Justify the statement.
Answer : (I) The increase in population of land, water, air, noise and resulting in degradation of the environment cannot be overlooked.
(II) Population of river waters affects all as most of the rivers pass through different states.
(III)Air pollution caused by the presence of high proportion of undesirable gases adversely affects human health and atmosphere as a whole.
(IV)Thermal pollution of river water affects the aquatic life introspective of state and national boundaries.

Question : Why do we need to conserve resources?
Answer : (I) The availability of resources is a necessary condition for the development of any region.
(II) Resources are vital for any developmental activity.
(III) But irrigational consumption and over utilization of resources may lead to socio- economic and environmental problems.
(IV) To overcome these problems, resources conservation at various levels is important.
(V) If the present trend of resources depletion by the few individuals and countries continues the future of our planet is in danger.
Therefore, we need to conserve resources for sustainable existence of all forms of life.

PASSAGE
Arid soils range from red to brown in colour. They are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature. In some area the salt content is very high and common salt is obtained by evaporating the water. Due to the dry climate, high temperature, evaporation is faster and the soil lacks humus and moisture. The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by kankar because of the increasing calcium content downwards.The kankar layer formation is the bottom horizons restrict the infiltration of water. After proper irrigation, these soils become cultivable as has been in the case of western Rajasthan.

Question : What are the 2 components lacking by dry climate in high temperature?
Answer : Human and moisture.

Question : The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by what and why?
Answer : The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by kankar because of the increasing calcium content downwards.

Question : what does the kankar layer formation restrict in the bottom horizons?
Answer : The kankar layer formation in the bottom horizons restrict the infiltration of water.

MAP QUESTION

Question : On the given map of India, mark three states where laterite soil is found
Answer : Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala