The Natural Topography (unit: 1)

Topic: The Northern Mountains and North-Western Mountains.

Q Describe the relief (Physical) features of the Karakoram Range.
Ans: The Karakoram Range runs from 400 km from Hunza to Shyok River. The Karakoram
Range is 200 km wide. The range runs in east-west direction. The average height of
Karakoram Range is 6000 metres. K-2 (8610metres) is the highest peak of Karakoram Range.
The range has deep, narrow valleys are sharp peaks covered with snow and glaciers. Siachen
and Biafo are the main glaciers.
Q Describe the main features of Himalayas range.
Ans: Himalayas are in the south of Karakoram Range. They run East to West. The Himalayas
is divided in Pakistan in three sub parallel ranges the great or high Himalayas, the lesser
Himalayas and the sub-Himalayas.
(a) The great Himalayas: also known as central Himalayas mostly lie in Kashmir. The
average height of Himalayas is 6000 meters. Highest peak is Nanga Parbat (8126meters).
Rupal is longest river. Satpara is largest lake of region. The river Indus River has set up a
number of gorges (narrow valley) in its path. The peaks of central Himalayas are snow
capped and steep-sided with large glaciers.
(b) The lesser Himalayas: are located south of the great Himalayas. Lesser of lower
Himalayas are of medium height 1800 to 4500 meters. Lesser Himalayas are of special
interest to tourist; Hill stations like Murree, Ghora Gali, Nathia Gali are located in lesser
Himalayas. No glacier is found in this region.
(c) The sub-Himalayas: The sub-Himalayas or Siwaliks are the southernmost mountain of
Himalayas located near Attock. They are low in altitude 600 metres to 1200 metres. They are
located near Attock.
Q Describe the relief features of the Hindu Kush range.
Ans: The Hindu Kush range lies on north and north-west border of Pakistan. This range runs
in north-south direction. Average altitude (height) of the Hindu kush range is 5000 metres.
Trich Mir (7690m) is highest peak of range. High, steep (sharp), sided valleys with narrow
floor are one of feature of Hindu kush range. Important passes of the range are Shandur pass
connects which Gilgit and Chitral. Lawari pass connects Chitral to swat and Peshawar Valley.
Shangla pass connects Swat valley to upper Indus pass. The Hindu Kush range is bare
(empty) of vegetation. Some forest lie in Swat, Chitral and Dir valleys are located in the
range.
Q How life and economy of the people living in northern areas affected by relief of northern
mountains?
Ans: Northern Mountains have steep slopes, high peaks; deep gorges, rugged (rough)
landscape, several steams and glaciers restrict (limits) human movement. Little land is
available. Small scale agriculture is done on terraced (stepped) field. In summer livestock and
tourism are source of income. Some hydro-electric projects are set up on rivers. Indoor
activities like carpet making and embroidery (needlework) are carry out in winter because
land is covered with snow.
Q Describe the drainage pattern of northern areas.
Ans: River Indus and its tributaries is main feature of drainage pattern. River Indus starts
from Mansrowar Lake in Karakoram. Indus River passes through Hindukush joined by river
Kabul and Swat. After passing from dissected gorges enter in plain areas at Kalabagh.
Tributaries (branches) of Indus such as Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej and Beas starts from
Himalayas passes through Kashmir and enter plain areas and join Indus at Mithankot.
Q Describe the main features of Gilgit agency area?
Ans: Gilgit agency covers extreme northern part of Pakistan. It is a mountainous region
covered by Karakoram Range. River Indus flows through it. In the south of river Indus
located Himalayas range with average altitude (height) of 6000 metres. High land comprises
(made) of steep (sharp) sided parallel ranges, sharp sided ridges, peaks covered with snow,
huge glaciers are located in Karakoram and Himalayas. River Gilgit and river Hunza flows
from north and join Indus. Area is marked with cold winter and snow falls.
Topic: The Western Mountains.
Q Describe the relief features of western mountains.
Ans: Safed koh range: is located in the south of river Kabul in east-west direction. It has
height up to of 4712 metres. Sikeram is the highest peak. It has snow capped lime stone
ridges (peaks). It form barrier on Pak-Afghan border.
2) Waziristan hills: are located between rivers khurran and Gomal along Afghan border are
highly mineralized. Hills have no vegetation. Hills rise up to 3513 metres. Bannu town is
located in these hills.
3) Sulaiman range: is located towards west of river Indus. Range is 400 km long and 20 to
25km wide. Highest peak is Takht-i-Sulaiman (3383metres). Lime stone and sand stone are
the main minerals of area. Range separate Indus plain from Balochistan plateau.
4) Kirthar range: is located in the west of river Indus in Sindh and Balochistan plateau. Range
rises up to 2174 meters and is bare of vegetation. Hub and Lyari are main rivers of Kirthar
range.
Q How life and economy of people living in western mountains is affected by relief of the
western mountains?
Ans: Rugged (rocky) landscape is a hurdle in development of infrastructure and transport net
work. Canal system cannot be set up due to mountainous landscape (land). Range is bare
(empty) of vegetation can only support nomadic way of livestock. Mineral deposits are
unexplored (unfound) due to poor road network. Only valleys like Peshawar, Kohat and
Bannu are very much populated.
Topic: The Balochistan Plateau.
Q Describe the main relief (land form) features of the mountain ranges in Balochistan.
Ans: Average height of plateau is 1000 metres. The western part of plateau has a number of
parallel ranges. Ranges is south are comparatively low. Important ranges from south to north
are Makran coastal range, Raskoh and Chagai hills. Raskoh has a height of 3000 meters.
Tobakakar range is located in the east of Quetta. Sulaiman range is in north-west of Quetta.
Q Describe the relief and drainage pattern of upper Balochistan. (6) N 2002
Ans: In northern Balochistan basins like Zhob and Loralai are located between Toba Kakar
and Sulaiman range. Hills have steep slopes, sharp ridges and deep narrow valleys. River
Zhob passes through Balochistan plateau and join river Indus. In Sulaiman range hill torrents
(flood) forms alluvial fans and join river Indus. Quetta valley is in south-west of Loralai
basin. Quetta valley is surrounded by mountain ranges and its bed is made of alluvial material
brought by seasonal rivers. The northern part of Balochistan has an average height of 2000
meters. Sulaiman range rise up to height of 3000 meters.
Q With reference of named location, describe the main features of the relief, drainage and
soils of the basins in Balochistan. (N 1996)
Ans: Northern Balochistan: Northern part of the Balochistan plateau has number of basins.
Zhob and Loralai basins are situated between TobaKakar and Sulaiman range. To the south-
west of Loralai basin is the Quetta valley surrounded by mountain ranges.
Western Balochistan: There are number of Basins located in Western Balochistan between
chagai hills, Raskoh, Siahan and central Makran range. These basins have no outlet to sea and
have inland drainage. There are number of dry salt lakes located in these basins. Hamun-i-
Mashkel is largest salt range.
Drainage (water flow): River Hab, Hingol and Dasht flows in Arabian Sea. River Zhob flows
in Indus River. Soil: The valley floor is covered with sand, silt and clay with limited
agriculture. Foot hills are covered with alluvial fans.
Q Describe the drainage (flow) pattern of Balochistan.
Ans: Rivers like Zhob, Khandar and Kalachi flows east ward. These rivers drain in Indus
River. Most of the rivers of Balochistan are seasonal and active in rainy season. Rivers
Loralai, Chakar, Bolan and Mula have inland drainage soaked in Kachi sibi plain. River Hab,
Porali, Hingol and Mushkai flows in Arabian Sea. Many small rivers flow west ward and
drains in salt lakes called Hamun.
Q Describe one problem created due to highland of Balochistan plateau and how it can be
overcome?
Ans: There is shortage of land suitable for agriculture. Farming is done in narrow valleys on
small scale. There is shortage of water due to low rainfall. Karez system of irrigation is used
in some valleys. Small dams are made on river Zhob.
Topic: The Potwar Plateau and the Salt Range.
Q Describe the drainage features of the Potwar plateau. (3) N 2003
Ans: There are number of perennial and non perennial rivers in Potwar plateau which swells
up (enlarge) in the rainy season. River Soan is an important river which flows through potwar
plateau north east to south west direction and join river Indus. Rawal dam has been set up on
river Korang near Islamabad. There are number of small salt lakes in the plateau such as
kullar kahar, Uch Chali and Khabeki, which add to scenic beauty of the area.
Q Describe the relief features of Potwar plateau. (3) N 2003
Ans: Potwar plateau is located in the south of Islamabad, between river Indus and Jhelum.
Potwar plateau had bad land topography. Steep (sharp) slopes, ravines, gullies and gorges are
formed due to soil erosion; there is series of low hills average height 300 to 600 metres.
Residue hills such as Kalachitta and Khairi Murat rise to just over 1000 metres.
Q Describe the relief features of salt range.
Ans: Average height of salt range is 750 meters to 900 meters. The Skesar peak is 1527
meters high. Range runs in east-west direction. Range covers most of Jhelum, Chakwal,
Kalabagh and Mianwali districts. South slope of range is steep and other is gentle. Salt range
is collection of several parallel ranges which are folded and faulted. Sand stone and shale
rocks are commonly found. Salt range is also rich in rock salt, gypsum and lime stone.
Topic: The Indus Plain.
Q What is doab (scalloped interfluves)? (1) N 2002
Ans: The land between two rivers.
Q Name a doab and its location.
Ans: Rachna doab between river Ravi and Chenab, Chaj doab between river Chenab and
Jhelum, Bari doab between river Sutlej and river Ravi.
Q What are locations of bars (alluvial terrace) in upper Indus plain?
Ans: Ganji bar and Neli bars are in Bari doab, Sandal bar is in Rachna doab and Kirana bar is
in Chaj doab.
Q Where on doab would be best place to build a house? Why?
Ans: A house can be set up on doab at the bar up land area because it is highest place on doab
safe from floods.
Q Describe the relief and drainage of upper Indus plain. (6) (J97, N99, N2002)
Ans: Drainage of Upper Indus Plain: Upper Indus plain(Punjab) is flat land from Potwar
plateau to Mithonkot drained by river Indus and its tributaries Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej, and
Ravi. At Panjnad tributaries join to form river Panjnad which meets river Indus after 72km at
Mithankot.
Upper Indus plain is divided in Sindh Sargar, Chaj, Rachna and Bari doabs. Doabs are located
between Indus River and its tributaries. Active flood plains: are narrow strip along rivers
flooded every year. Levees, meander, oxbow lakes and braided channels are features of active
flood plain. Old flood plain: is next to active flood plain. Scars of levees, meanders, oxbow
lakes and braided channels are found in it. It is flooded once in 7 to 8 years. It is 5 to 10
meters higher than active flood plain. Alluvial terrace: or bar is located in the middle of doab.
It is safe from floods. It is 5 to 15 meters high. Scarp or bluff is a slope that separates old
flood plain from bar (alluvial terrace). Kerana bar is located in chaj doab, sandal bar is in
Rachna doab, Ganji and Neli bars are in Bari doab.
Q Describe the relief and drainage of lower Indus plain.
Ans: Lower Indus plain is southern part of Indus plain starts from Mithonkot. Land is flat
undulating (wavy) sloping towards south. It is drained by river Indus have an active flood
plain is around 40km. Meanders, levees, oxbow lakes and braided channels are main features
of active flood plain. Alluvial fans have formed piedmont plain along Kirthar and Sulaiman
range in the west of Indus. In the south of lower Indus plain River Indus forms Indus delta by
deposition (setting down) of alluvial material. Cuesta is located at Rohri and Ganjo Takkar.
Q How life and economy of people living in Indus plain is affected by its relief and drainage?
Ans: Indus plain has flat and undulating land. Doabs and active flood plain of lower Indus
have rich alluvial soil and water is available for irrigation so agriculture is the main
profession. Industry that process material provided by agriculture sector is also developed i.e.
Textile mills, sugar mills and flour mills. Roads and railway line are easier to set up due to
flat land. River Indus and its tributaries are crossed by bridges at convenient places.
Population is high due to food production and employment.
Topic: Piedmont Plains.
Q Describe the relief and drainage pattern of piedmont plain region.
Ans: Alluvial fans are found in the foot hills of Sulaiman mountain range and Kirthar
mountains range in piedmont plain region. Hill torrents (flood) become active only during
rainfall on reaching foothills brought material (sand, silt and gravel) is deposited (set down).
Torrents divide into number of channels like shape of Chinese fans spread from 2 to 4 miles.
Piedmont plains have fertile soil suitable for agriculture. Alluvial fans are also found in
northern Punjab.
Topic: Tidal Delta.
Q Name two delta located on coastal areas of Pakistan.
Ans: Indus delta and Hub delta.
Q Describe the drainage of Indus delta. N 2002.
Ans: Indus delta starts from Thatta. Here Indus River divides in number of channels which
are shallow and natural channels. The delta is a flat region crossed by many shallow (not
deep) channels through which the water of river Indus flows into sea. The channels are
shallow because of continuous deposit (lay down) of silt on their beds. The channel bed gets
raised, and at many places channel is higher than nearby land. Levees are formed on the
banks of channels. Sea water fills in lower land between channels and forms swamps
(marsh/wetland).
Topic: Cuestas in the lower Indus Plain.
Q What are important feature of Cuestas?
Ans: Cuestas are located in lower Sindh. Cuesta is a ridge with steep slope at one side and
gentle slope at other side. Rohri Cuesta is 80 meters high and 48 Km long. Gango Takkar
Cuesta is 24 Km long.
Q Describe important use of cuesta in Sindh.
Ans: Rohri cuesta is source of lime stone for Rohri cement factory. Ganjo Takkar hills are
source of lime stone for cement factories near Hyderabad, Kotri and Thatta. Cuesta provides
good location for construction of barrages.
Topic: The Desert Areas.
Q Name three deserts located in south-east Pakistan.
Ans: Cholistan, Nara and Tharparkar.
Q Name a one desert in upper Punjab and one in Balochistan.
Ans: Thal in upper Punjab and Kharan in Balochistan.
Q Explain the appearance and development of sand dunes.
Ans: Tharparkar and Thar deserts have land covered with rolling sand plain and countless
sand dunes. Sand dunes are normally 25 to 50 feet in height may be even higher. The sand
dunes are steep on one side and gentle on other side. Sand dunes are formed by wind action
and shift their location in the direction of wind. Some places there is strip (narrow piece) of
flat land called patti.
Q How life of people in desert is affected by natural environment? J 94
Ans: Desert relief (land form) is marked by sand dunes have high temperature and low
rainfall. Agriculture is limited. Rearing of sheep and goats is the main occupation
(profession). Nomadic way of life is practiced (done) due to shortage of vegetation and water.
Population is low and scattered. People travel at night due to high day temperature.
Q Location of only these latitude and longitude line is included in syllabus.
Locate: Latitude lines 24°, 30° and 36°. Longitude lines 64°, 70° and 76°.
Q Definitions
1) Alluvial material: material brought by river.
2) Alluvial terrace or bar: central high area of doab which has mature type of soil (fine
loamy). It is 10 to 15 meters high separated from old flood plain by a slope called scarp or
bluff.
3) Alluvial fans: are found along foot of Kirthar Mountains in Sindh. During rainy season hill
torrents (sudden flow of water) bring lot of silt, sand, gravel and rock material. At foot hill
torrent slowdowns and deposit the material. Torrent split in many channels spread over 2 to 4
miles forms a sharp of Chinese fan called alluvial fans.
4) Alluvial cone: an alluvial fan with steep slope.
5) Basin: Natural or artificial depression in land like wash basin.
6) Braided channel: a steam with a wide, shallow channel split in two or more channels due
to hurdle in the path. Split channels merge (join) again.
7) Boulder: any large, detached, generally rounded mass of rock.
Catchment area: the total area drained by a river and its tributaries.
9) Doab: The land between two adjacent rivers is known as doab or interfluves.
10) Drainage: The natural runoff (flow) of water from an area by streams and rivers.
11) Delta: is the mouth of the river. River is divided into number of distributaries (channels)
before joining sea called delta.
12) Glacier: A large mass of snow over huge area formed by consolidation of snow falling.
13) Gradient: slope.
14) Gully: a narrow channel set up in earth by the action of water.
15) Gorge: a rocky walled, steep (sharp) sided deep narrow river valley.
16) Hamun: Shallow salt lake with inland drainage found in Balochistan Plateau.
17) Levees: are naturally built river bank by slow deposition of silt along sides.
18) Meander: curves in the natural course (path) of a river known as meander.
19) Mangrove swamp: trees grown in tidal mud in delta.
20) Oxbow lake: The small horse shoe shaped lake which is formed by the separation of a
meander form its main stream is known as oxbow lake.
21) Plateau: is large stretch of highland which is practically at the same height above sea
level. It descends on all sides to lower land.
22) Pass: a route over or through mountain.
23) Ravine: a small, narrow valley with steep sides, larger than a gulley.
24) Rugged: uneven, rough and irregular surface.
25) Relief: is the degree of unevenness or land form.
26) River bed: the channel in which river flow.
27) River basin: all area drained by river.
28) Runoff: all the water flowing from drained area. Flow of water.
29) Silt: fine particles larger than clay.
30) Shale: a fine grained sediment rock formed largely by hardening of clay.
31) Swamp: wet and spongy land saturated with water.
32) Terrain: an area of land in respect of its physical characteristics or conditions.
33) Tributary: a stream or river flowing into large river.
34) Tidal flat: an area of sand or mud uncovered at low tide.
35) Undulating: wavy form of land.