Chapter 5.2 – Physical Environment

Physical Environment Questions and Answers WBBSE class 10

Physical Environment is one of the most important chapters in WBBSE Class 10 Geography (Madhyamik syllabus). It explains the natural surroundings of Earth including landforms, air, water, and living organisms. In this article, we provide important physical environment questions and answers for WBBSE Class 10, specially designed for exam preparation, revision, and scoring high marks in Madhyamik.

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers
5. Explanatory questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. The Northern Plains of India are formed mainly by which rivers?
a) Narmada and Tapi
b) Krishna and Godavari
c) Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra
d) Mahanadi and Kaveri

Ans: c) Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra

2. Which is the highest peak of India?
a) Mount Everest
b) K2
c) Kangchenjunga
d) Nanda Devi

Ans: c) Kangchenjunga

3. The Himalayas were formed as a result of:
a) Volcanic eruptions
b) Folding of the earth’s crust
c) River erosion
d) Wind action

Ans: b) Folding of the earth’s crust

4. Which is the longest glacier of India?
a) Gangotri Glacier
b) Yamunotri Glacier
c) Siachen Glacier
d) Zemu Glacier

Ans: c) Siachen Glacier

5. The Thar Desert is mainly located in which state?
a) Gujarat
b) Punjab
c) Rajasthan
d) Haryana

Ans: c) Rajasthan

6. The Western Ghats are characterized by:
a) Low and discontinuous hills
b) High and continuous mountain range
c) Flat plains
d) Desert landforms

Ans: b) High and continuous mountain range

7. Which coastal plain of India is narrow in width?
a) Eastern Coastal Plain
b) Western Coastal Plain
c) Northern Plain
d) Deccan Plateau

Ans: b) Western Coastal Plain

8. The Deccan Plateau is an example of:
a) Fold mountain
b) Lava plateau
c) Coastal plain
d) Desert region

Ans: b) Lava plateau

9. The Brahmaputra Valley is mainly located in:
a) Punjab
b) Assam
c) Bihar
d) West Bengal

Ans: b) Assam

10. Which island group lies in the Arabian Sea?
a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
b) Sri Lanka
c) Lakshadweep Islands
d) Maldives

Ans: c) Lakshadweep Islands

11. Which type of soil is newer and more fertile?
a) Bhangar
b) Khadar
c) Desert soil
d) Mountain soil

Ans: b) Khadar

12. The Eastern Coastal Plains are famous for the formation of:
a) Estuaries
b) Deltas
c) Sand dunes
d) Plateaus

Ans: b) Deltas

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. The Himalayas are an example of __________ mountains. (Fold mountains)
2. The northernmost range of the Himalayas is called the __________. (Himadri)
3. The Himalayas were formed due to the __________ of the earth’s crust. (folding)
4. The __________ desert is located in Rajasthan. (Thar Desert)
5. The longest glacier of India is __________. (Siachen Glacier)
6. The Eastern Coastal Plains are known for the formation of __________. (deltas)
7. The newer alluvial soil is called __________. (Khadar)
8. The Deccan Plateau is a __________ plateau. (lava)
9. The Shiwalik range is also known as the __________ Himalayas. (Outer)
10. The cold desert of India is __________. (Ladakh)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. The Himalayas are old fold mountains. (False)
2. The Deccan Plateau is formed by volcanic activity. (True)
3. The Himadri is the highest range of the Himalayas. (True)
4. The Western Coastal Plain is wider than the Eastern Coastal Plain. (False)
5. The Thar Desert receives heavy rainfall. (False)
6. The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landforms of India. (True)
7. The Eastern Ghats are continuous in nature. (False)
8. Khadar soil is less fertile than Bhangar soil. (False)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. Which mountain pass connects Srinagar and Jammu?
Ans: The Banihal Pass connects Srinagar with Jammu. It is an important route through the Pir Panjal Range and plays a key role in transport and communication.

2. Name the highest peak of the Nilgiris.
Ans: The highest peak of the Nilgiri Hills is Doddabetta Peak. It is known for its scenic beauty and attracts many tourists.

3. Name two mountain ranges in Gujarat.
Ans: Two important mountain ranges in Gujarat are the Aravalli Range and the Gir Hills. These ranges are relatively low but important geographically.

4. Name the highest peak of the Meghalaya plateau.
Ans: The highest peak of the Meghalaya Plateau is Shillong Peak, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.

5. What are the dry lakes of Rajasthan called?
Ans: The dry lakes of Rajasthan are called playas these are shallow depressions where water collects during the rainy season and dries up later, leaving behind salt deposits.

6. Which mineral resource is found in the desert region of India?
Ans: Gypsum is an important mineral found in the Thar Desert. It is widely used in cement production and fertilizers.

7. Name the oldest mountain range of India.
Ans: The Aravalli Range is the oldest mountain range in India, formed in ancient geological times.

8. What are the lakes in Kumaon Himalayas called?
Ans: The lakes in the Kumaon Himalayas are called Tals, such as Nainital and Bhimtal these are freshwater lakes.

9. What is ‘La’?
Ans: ‘La’ is a Tibetan word meaning a mountain pass. It is commonly used in the names of Himalayan passes like Nathu La and Zoji La.

10. Where is Karewa soil found in India?
Ans: Karewa soil is found in the Kashmir Valley it is highly suitable for growing crops like saffron and almonds.

11. Name two ranges of the Lesser Himalayas.
Ans: Two important ranges of the Lesser Himalayas are the Pir Panjal Range and the Dhauladhar Range.

12. Name the highest lake of India.
Ans: The highest lake of India is Tso Moriri Lake, located in the high-altitude region of Ladakh.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. Name three lakes and three passes in the Himalayan range.
Ans: The Himalayan region has many beautiful and important lakes. Three well-known lakes are Dal Lake, famous for its houseboats and scenic beauty; Nainital Lake, a major tourist attraction; and Pangong Lake, a high-altitude saline lake known for its changing colours.
Three important Himalayan passes are Zoji La Pass, Rohtang Pass, and Nathu La Pass. These passes play a key role in transport, trade, and connectivity across the mountainous region.

2. Name some mountain ranges and hills of the purvanchal.
Ans: The Purvanchal hills are located in the northeastern part of India and form an important extension of the Himalayan mountain system. Major ranges of this region include the Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, and Mizo Hills. These hills are generally low in height but are densely covered with forests and receive heavy rainfall due to the monsoon winds. The region is also rich in biodiversity and plays a significant role in the geography of Northeast India.

3. Name the highest plateau and longest glacier of India.
Ans: The Ladakh Plateau is the highest plateau in India, located at a very high altitude and known as a cold desert region due to its harsh climate and low rainfall.
The Siachen Glacier is the longest glacier in India. It is located in the Karakoram Range and is known for its extreme weather conditions and strategic importance.

This classification shows the physical and geological diversity of the Himalayas.

4. Name an fold mountain and a new fold mountain of India.
Ans: The Aravalli Range is an example of an old fold mountain in India, which has been highly eroded over time and is one of the oldest mountain systems in the country. On the other hand, the Himalayas are young fold mountains formed due to the collision of tectonic plates. They are still rising and show active geological features, which is why they are called new fold mountains.

5. Name the highest mountain peak and highest waterfall of India.
Ans: The highest mountain peak in India is Kangchenjunga, which is the third highest peak in the world and remains covered with snow throughout the year.
The highest waterfall in India is Jog Falls, located in Karnataka. It is famous for its great height and scenic beauty, especially during the monsoon season.

These ranges differ in height, structure, and formation.

6. Name two peaks that mark the eastern and western limits of the Himalayan mountain.
Ans: The eastern limit of the Himalayan mountain range is marked by Namcha Barwa, while the western limit is marked by Nanga Parbat. These two peaks define the geographical extent of the Himalayas from east to west. Both are very high and prominent mountain peaks and are important for understanding the physical boundaries and structure of the Himalayan region.

4. Analytical questions and answers [3 marks each]

1. Difference between Bhangar and Khadar.
Ans:

Feature	Bhangar	Khadar
Type	Bhangar consists of old alluvial soil formed earlier.	Khadar consists of new alluvial soil deposited every year.
Fertility	Bhangar soil is less fertile compared to Khadar.	Khadar soil is more fertile and suitable for agriculture.
Location	Bhangar is found in slightly higher areas above the flood plains.	Khadar is found in low-lying flood plains near rivers.

2. Discuss the importance of the north-eastern mountainous region of India.
Ans: The north-eastern mountainous region of India is highly important due to its physical, economic, ecological, and strategic significance. This region includes hills like the Naga Hills, Mizo Hills, and Patkai Hills, which form the eastern extension of the Himalayas.

The region is rich in natural resources, including dense forests, valuable timber, medicinal plants, and diverse wildlife. It is one of the richest areas in terms of biodiversity in India. Due to heavy rainfall and suitable climate, crops like tea, rice, and fruits are widely cultivated, especially in states like Assam.

The hills also play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by conserving forests and regulating climate. In addition, the region holds great strategic importance, as it shares international boundaries with countries like China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, making it important for national security.

Moreover, the region is culturally diverse, with many tribal communities having unique traditions, languages, and lifestyles, which adds to India’s cultural richness.

Thus, the north-eastern mountainous region is important for its resources, agriculture, ecology, strategic location, and cultural diversity.

3. Explain the impact that Thar Desert has on human habitation of that region.
Ans: The Thar Desert has a significant impact on human habitation due to its harsh climatic conditions. The region experiences very low rainfall, extreme temperatures, and frequent sandstorms, making life difficult. Due to scarcity of water, population density is low, and settlements are small and scattered. Agriculture is limited and mainly depends on irrigation facilities such as canals and wells. As a result, many people depend on animal rearing, especially camels, sheep, and goats, for their livelihood. Houses are often built with thick walls to protect against heat, and people adapt their lifestyle to suit the desert environment.

4. How can the plains of the Ganga river basin be classified?
Ans: The plains of the Ganga River basin are classified into four distinct divisions based on their relief, soil composition, and location. The Bhabar is a narrow belt of pebbles and coarse sediments found along the foothills of the Himalayas, where rivers disappear underground due to the porous soil. South of it lies the Terai, a marshy and swampy region where the rivers re-emerge, making the land waterlogged and rich in vegetation further south, the plains are divided into Bhangar and Khadar. Bhangar is the older alluvial soil found in slightly elevated areas and is less fertile. Khadar is the newer alluvial soil deposited by rivers every year, making it highly fertile and suitable for agriculture. Thus, these divisions reflect the variation in soil and landforms across the Ganga plains.

5. What led to the formation of the Thar desert region of India?
Ans: The formation of the Thar Desert is mainly due to climatic and geographical factors. One of the main reasons is the low rainfall caused by the failure of the monsoon winds to bring sufficient moisture to the region. The Aravalli Range lies parallel to the direction of the monsoon winds and does not effectively block them, resulting in very little rainfall. Additionally, the region has high temperatures and dry conditions, which increase evaporation and reduce soil moisture. Wind action also plays an important role by shaping sand dunes and spreading sand across the region thus, the combination of low rainfall, high temperature, and wind activity has led to the formation and expansion of the Thar Desert in India.

6. Discuss the role of northern plains in human life in India.
Ans: The northern plains of India play a very important role in human life due to their fertile land and favorable conditions. These plains are formed by major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, which deposit rich alluvial soil, making the region ideal for agriculture. Crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, and jute are widely grown here. The availability of water, flat land, and fertile soil has led to a high population density and the growth of many cities and towns. The region also supports industries, trade, and transport due to its level surface and well-developed infrastructure.

7. Difference between the peninsulas of Kachch and Kathiawar.
Ans:

Feature	Kachch Peninsula	Kathiawar Peninsula
Location	The Kachch Peninsula is located in the north-western part of Gujarat.	The Kathiawar Peninsula is located in the south-western part of Gujarat.
Surface	The surface of the Kachch Peninsula is mostly marshy and includes the Rann of Kachch.	The surface of the Kathiawar Peninsula is rocky and elevated.
Soil	The soil of the Kachch Peninsula is mainly saline and less suitable for agriculture.	The soil of the Kathiawar Peninsula is more fertile and suitable for agriculture.

5. Explanatory questions and answers [5 marks each]

1. Describe the mountains region of the north-eastern part of India.
Ans: The mountain region of north-eastern India forms the eastern extension of the Himalayan mountain system. After the sharp bend of the Himalayas near Namcha Barwa, the ranges turn southward and run along the eastern boundary of India. The main hill ranges of this region include the Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, and Mizo Hills, which are collectively known as the Purvanchal hills. These hills are generally lower in height compared to the Himalayas but are densely covered with forests and rich in natural vegetation. The region receives very heavy rainfall due to the influence of monsoon winds, making it one of the wettest parts of India. It is also rich in biodiversity, with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The area is inhabited by many tribal communities, each with distinct cultures and lifestyles.

2. Describe the northern mountains region of India.
Ans: The northern mountains of India consist mainly of the Himalayan Mountain System, which forms a long arc from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. These mountains are young fold mountains formed by tectonic plate movement and are the highest mountain ranges in the world. The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges. The Himadri (Greater Himalaya) is the highest range with permanent snow cover and large glaciers. The Himachal (Lesser Himalaya) contains valleys, forests, and hill stations that support human settlement. The Shiwalik (Outer Himalaya) is the lowest range and is made of loose sediments, making it prone to erosion. The Trans-Himalayan region includes the Karakoram Range and Ladakh Range, which are important high-altitude mountain systems. The Himalayan mountains act as a natural barrier, influence the monsoon climate, and give rise to major river systems like the Ganga and Brahmaputra. The region is also rich in natural resources, biodiversity, and scenic beauty.

3. Describe the mountain ranges lying from north to south in the Himalayas.
Ans: The Himalayan mountain system consists of three main parallel ranges arranged from north to south, each with distinct physical characteristics and importance.

The Himadri (Greater Himalaya) is the northernmost and highest range, with an average height of more than 6,000 meters. It is permanently covered with snow and contains many glaciers and some of the highest peaks of the world, including Mount Everest. It forms the core of the Himalayan system.
The Himachal (Lesser Himalaya) lies to the south of the Himadri and has a moderate height. This region contains many important valleys such as Kangra and Kullu, as well as famous hill stations. It is also known for forests and human settlements.
The Shiwalik (Outer Himalaya) is the southernmost and lowest range, formed of loose sediments like sand, clay, and gravel. These hills are prone to erosion and have narrow valleys known as “doons” between them and the Himachal range.