TRB Geography 9

TEACHER’S RESOURCE BOOK
A Textbook of
GEOGRAPHY
For Class 9
By
Veena Bhargava
GOYAL BROTHERS PRAKASHAN

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© Reserved with Author

Edition : 2023
Published & Printed by

Roshan Lal Goyal for Goyal Brothers Prakashan, New Delhi
CONTENTS
1. Earth as a Planet 5–9
2. Latitudes and Longitudes 9 – 21
3. Rotation and Revolution 22 – 32
4. Earth’s Structure 32 – 36
5. Landforms of the Earth 36 – 42
6. Rocks and Rock Cycle 43 – 49
7. Volcanoes 49 – 56
8. Earthquakes 56 – 61
9. Weathering and Denudation 61 – 67
10. Tides and Ocean Currents 67 – 75
11. Composition and Structure of the

Atmosphere 75 – 82
12. Insolation 82 – 89
13. Atmospheric Pressure and Winds 90 – 103
14. Humidity 103 – 111
15. Pollution – Types and Sources 111 – 119
16. Effects of Pollution 120 – 124
17. Pollution – Preventive Measures 124 – 127
18. Natural Regions of the World 127 – 135

1. Earth as a Planet
EXERCISE
A. Answer the following questions :
1. Why is the Earth a unique planet?
Ans. Earth is known to be a unique planet as it is the only planet to
harbour life.
2. Why is Earth called the blue planet?
Ans. Earth is called the blue planet because:
l of the abundance of water on the planet.
l From distant space, it appears as a small greenish blue marble
like sphere, with its blue oceans and sparkling polar ice caps.
OR
Why is Earth called the watery planet?
3. What is the surface of the Earth made up of?
Ans. The surface of the Earth is made up of three main parts:
l Lithosphere (the sphere of rocks)
l Hydrosphere (the sphere of water)
l Atmosphere (the sphere of air)
4. Name a planet that cannot support life. Give reasons for your
answer.
Ans. Earth is called the watery planet because over 71 per cent of the
earth’s surface is comprised of water.
5. State three factors that have made life possible on the planet
Earth.
Ans. Three factors that have made life possible on the planet Earth
are:
l Distance:
It is neither too close like Mercury and Venus nor too
far like Uranus and Neptune.
It receives the right amount of heat necessary for life.
l Favourable atmosphere:
It has favourable atmosphere with adequate amount
of Oxygen (21%), Nitrogen (78%) along with a small
5
amount of other gases like Hydrogen, Helium and Ozone.
It acts as a blanket preventing us from the harmful
ultraviolet rays of the Sun.
l Water Cycle:
It is the most unique feature of the Earth as life cannot
exist without water.
OR
State the conditions favourable for life to exist on Earth.
Ans. Same as 6th answer.
6. Name the various realms of the Earth.
Ans. The various realms of the Earth are lithosphere, hydrosphere and
atmosphere.
7. Why is the shape of the earth described as an oblate spheroid?
Ans. Because Earth’s shape bulges at the equator and is slightly flat-
tened at the poles.
8. Give two proofs about the shape of the earth.
(a) All celestial bodies are spherical : Spheres are the only geo-
Ans.
metrical shapes that are circular in outline. Sun, Moon and all
other celestial bodies appear to have circular outline. Since
Earth too belongs to the same system, there is no reason why
Earth should be an exception.
(b) Circumnavigation of the Earth : Time and again people
travelling round the world in different directions came back
to the starting point.
9. What is the significance of the atmosphere of the Earth as com-
pared to other planets?
Ans. Atmosphere acts as a blanket of air protecting us from the harm-
ful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun; and retains the heat radiated
from the earth’s surface.
B. Explain the following terms :
1. Terrestrial planets
Ans. Terrestrial planets : Also known as rocky planet that is primarily
composed of silicate rocks or metals e.g., the four inner planets, viz.
the Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.
6
2. Oxygen cycle
Ans. Oxygen cycle : Oxygen not only supports life but also helps a
great deal in maintaining ecological balance. Man inhales oxygen
and exhales carbon dioxide which is taken in by the plants. Thus,
it is very important to conserve our forest cover to sustain life on
earth.
3. Unique planet same as Q. No. 1
4. Water Cycle
Ans. Water Cycle: The cycle of processes by which water circulates
between the earth’s oceans, atmosphere and land, involving pre-
cipitation as rain and snow, drainage in streams and rivers, and
return to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration.
5. Biosphere
Ans. Biosphere: Biosphere is the totality of life on or near the earth’s
surface.
6. Environment
Ans. Environment: Environment is a life sustaining system in which
air, water, man, animals, plants, soil and bacteria are all invisibly
interlinked.
7. Atmosphere
Ans. Atmosphere: The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that sur-
rounds the Earth. It seals the planet and protects us from the
vacuum of space. It protects us from electromagnetic radiation
given off by the Sun and small objects flying through space such
as meteoroids.
C. Give reasons for the following :
1. The earth is the only habitable planet.
Ans. The Earth is the only habitable planet :
l It is the only planet that has lithosphere, hydrosphere and
atmosphere.
l It also gets air, water, animals, plants, soil and bacteria from
the environment which are essential for life.

2. The earth’s shape is Geoid.
Ans. Same as question 7.
3. The earth is home of humankind.
Ans. Same as C-1
7
D. Tick mark ( ) the correct answer :
1. Earth's orbit lies between
(i) Venus and Mars (ii) Mercury and Venus
(iii) Mars and Jupiter (iv) Jupiter and Saturn
Ans. (i) Venus and Mars
2. The amount of oxygen in earth’s atmosphere is
(i) 60% (ii) 21% (iii) 78% (iv) 10%
Ans. (ii) 21%
3. Earth’s Biosphere is also called
(i) ecosystem (ii) environment
(iii) atmosphere (iv) hydrosphere
Ans. (i) ecosystem
4. The average distance of earth from the sun is
(i) 150 million km (ii) 108 million km 
(iii) 1433 million km (iv) 228 million km
Ans. (i) 150 million km
5. Earth completes its one revolution around the sun in
(i) 360 days (ii) 365¼ days (iii) 366 days (iv) 300 days
Ans. (ii) 365¼ days
6. Earth’s shape is described as
(i) Circular (ii) Spherical
(iii) Oblate spheroid (iv) Oval
7. Which of the following process is not involved in water cycle
process?
(i) Infiltration (ii) Evaporation
(iii) Precipitation (iv) Lithification
8. Lithosphere consists of
(i) Soil & minerals (ii) Different gasses
(iii) Water (iv) All the above
9. The earth is the __________ planet from the Sun.
(i) Forth (ii) Sixth (iii) Eighth (iv) Third
10. Our solar system is the part of which of the following galaxy
(i) Andromed Galaxy (ii) Elliptical Galaxy
(iii) Milky Way Galaxy (iv) Large Magellanic cloud
8
11. Which of the following force is responsible for the oblate spheroid
shape of earth?
(i) Coriolis force (ii) Centrifugal force
(iii) Compression force (iv) Tidal force
12. Geoid means
(i) Apple shaped (ii) Orange shaped
(iii) Earth shaped (iv) Elliptical shape
Answers
1. (i) 2. (ii) 3. (i) 4. (i) 5. (ii) 6. (iii) 7. (iv) 8. (i)
9.(iv) 10. (iii) 11. (ii) 12. (iii)
E. Diagrams :
1. Draw a neat sketch showing the distance of the Earth from the Sun.
2. Draw a neat diagram to show the realms of the Earth.
3. Draw a neat diagram to show the water cycle on the earth.
Ans. Students to answer these questions.

2. Latitudes and Longitudes

EXERCISE
A. Answer the following questions briefly :
1. Why do we need to locate places on Earth?
Ans. Location is very important. This is because it enables us to know
the precise place of an archaeological site, human settlement,
town, village or city. An absolute location is a depiction of the
exact site on an objective coordinate system. i.e., grid which
mostly is the longitude and latitude on the map.
2. What do you mean by the latitude of a place?
Ans. Latitude of a place is an angular distance of a point on the Earth’s
surface from the centre of the Earth.
3. What is meant by Prime Meridian?
Ans. Prime Meridian is the longitude of zero degrees passing through
Greenwich Meridian.
4. Explain why there is no higher latitude other than 90 degrees
North and South.
Ans. There is no higher latitude other than 90° because:
9
l If you draw a circle on a piece of paper then put a vertical
and horizontal line through it (these lines going through the

centre point of the circle), then the horizontal line represents
the equator (0 degrees) and the vertical line represents the axis
of rotation of the Earth and passes though the N and S poles.
l Now if you look at the diagram you will see that at the centre
point where the vertical and horizontal lines cross, they meet
at a right angle (at 90 degrees). Thus, the highest latitude you
can get to N or S is 90 degrees from the plane of the equator.
5. Explain why Lines of Longitudes are called Meridian of
Longitude.
Ans. The Lines of Longitudes are called Meridians of Longitude because:
l On the globe, longitudes are drawn as a series of semi circles
that run from North Pole to South Pole passing through the
equator.
l The lines of longitude are called meridians of longitude
because the word meridian means midday and all places along
the same meridian experiences noon at the same time.
6. State two properties of the Lines of Latitude.
Ans. Two properties of the Lines of Latitude are:
l The lines of latitude are drawn parallel to the Equator in circles
and grow smaller towards the poles.

l Although there are 180 parallels at 1° interval, 90 to the North
of the Equator and 90 to the South of the Equator while

Equator is taken as 0° latitude and is the only Great Circle.
7. State two properties of Lines of Longitude.
Ans. Two properties of the Lines of Longitudes are:
l All the Meridians of Longitudes are Great Circles as they divide
the Earth into two halves, Eastern and Western Hemisphere.

l There can be infinite or innumerable longitudes, but for our
convenience only 360 meridians are drawn at 1° apart on the

Equator.
l The zero degree meridian passes through the Royal Astronomical
Observatory at Greenwich village, near London. It is called

Prime Meridian.
8. The distance between two successive parallels of latitudes is
111 km. Explain.
10
Ans. The distance between each latitude, is approximately 111 km:
l As Earth represents 360° and the circumference of the Earth
is approximately 40,000 km.

l Thus, 40,000/360 = 111 km.
9. What are the limits of two Temperate Zones?

Ans. The limits of Temperate Zone is:
l The North Temperate Zone is 23½°N to 66½°N. and
l The South Temperate Zone is 23½°S to 66½°S.
10. Why are the places in the Torrid Zone hotter than those in other
zones?
Ans. The places in the Torrid Zone are hotter than those in other Zones
because:
l They receive direct sun rays of the Sun and the rays of the
sun fall vertically on this region.

11. Why are the places in the Frigid Zone colder than in other zones?
Ans. The region between Arctic Circle to North Pole and Antarctica
Circle to South Pole is extremely cold because:
l of the inclination of the axis, this area in North and South of
the Equator receives very slanting rays during winter.

l Here, the sun’s rays cover a much larger area and loose heat
in the process.
l These regions have about 9 months of winter during one year
and remains frozen for the major part of the year. Hence , they
are named Frigid Zones.
12. How is the Local Time of a place fixed?
Ans. Sun is overhead each meridian after 4 minutes. It is noon at all
places on that longitude when Sun is overhead and it is known
as local time of that longitude.
13. Is it correct to say that Local Time is the Sun Time?
Ans. Yes, the Local time is also called Sun time because the local time
is fixed by the overhead position of Sun on longitude.
14. If the GMT at 0° longitude is 12 noon, find the local time of
place A (30°E).
Ans. The difference in longitude between 0° and a place A is 30° E
l Since it is 12 o’clock at 0° will be 30 × 4 = 120 minutes or
2 hours.
11
l As A is located to the east, it will be 2 hrs ahead of Greenwich
time : 12 + 2 = 14 hr or 2 pm.
l Therefore time at place A will be 2 pm.
15. Why is the Standard Time considered necessary?
Ans. The Standard Time is considered necessary because:
l If each city were to keep the time of its own meridian, there
would be much difference in local time between one city and

another.
l Therefore a system of standard time is observed by all
countries.
16. What are Time Zones? How many Time Zones do we have?
Ans. A time zone is a region of the globe that observes a uniform
standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes.
India has only 1 time zone. In India the longitude 82½°E is
selected as Standard Meridian, which passes through Allahabad.
17. London experiences a lower temperature than Singapore through-
out the year. Why?
Ans. London experiences a lower temperature than Singapore through-
out the year because:
l London is on a higher altitude than Singapore.
l Air gets thinner as we go up. Therefore temperature decreases.
18. What is International Date Line? Describe the use of this line.
Ans. The Meridian of 180◦ is taken as the International Date Line.
l It is a line concerned with the dates of the calendar and
adopted internationally.
l It passes through the mid of the Pacific Ocean. On either side
of this line, a difference of one whole day is observed.

19. Why do some countries have many Time Zones?
Ans. Some countries have many time zones because:
l They have a vast East to West extension.
l For example, USA has 6 time zones, Canada has 5 and Russia
has 11 time zones.
20. What are Small Circles?
Ans. Small Circles are all the other imaginary latitudes other than
equator.
12
21. Except for the Equator, other Parallels of Latitudes are not Great
Circles. Why?
Ans. Except for the Equator, other Parallels of Latitudes are not Great
Circles because: the lines of latitudes are drawn parallel to the
Equator in Circles and grow smaller towards the poles.
Thus, the Great Circle Equator is the largest latitude. At the poles
the latitudes are merely a point.
22. How is the use of local time inconvenient in practical life?
Ans. The use of local time is inconvenient in practical life because :
If each city were to keep the time of its own meridian, there would
be much difference in local time between one city and another.
This would lead to confusion in fixing train time and flight time
and will ultimately lead to chaos.
23. What is a Grid?
Ans. Earth’s grid is a network of latitudes and longitudes on the Earth’s
surface to find the exact location of a place.
24. Who was the first mathematician to have measured the circumfer-
ence of the Earth?
Ans. The first mathematician to measure the circumference of the Earth
is Eratosthenes of Egypt.
25. Name the important Climatic Zones of the World.
Ans. The important Climatic Zones of the World are:
Torrid/ Tropical Zone, Temperate Zone & Frigid Zone.
26. State the rate of change of time with longitude.
Ans. The rate of change of time with longitude is 4 minutes.
l We know that the earth is spherical in shape and 360 longitudes
drawn from north to south, 1° apart on the Equator.

l The Earth completes one rotation on its axis in approximately
24 hrs.
l The Sun appears to move at the rate of 15° in 1 hour or 360°
in 24 hours or 1° in 4 minutes.
27. Explain how latitudes and longitudes help to locate position of a
place on a globe.
Ans. A complete network of parallels of Latitudes and Meridians of
Longitudes drawn on the map or globe is called Earth’s grid.
It enables to determine the location of any point on the Earth.
13
For example, Gandhinagar in Gujarat is located on the 23.12°N,
72.41°E.
28.
Answer the following questions based on the above diagram.

(i) What does PP´ represent?
(ii) What does TT´ represent?
(iii) What is the latitude of place X?
Ans. (i) PP’ stands for the latitude
(ii) TT’ stands for the Prime Meridian or 0◦ longitude
(iii) Latitude of place X is 40°N
29. Distinguish between :
(a) Local Time and Standard Time
Ans. Distinguish between:
(a) Local Time and Standard Time
BASIS FOR
LOCAL TIME STANDARD TIME
COMPARISON
Meaning Local time implies the Standard time refers
time of a place determined to the fixed time for
on the basis of apparent places falling in the
movement of the sun. same meridian, set in a
country by law.
Variations Changes continuously Remains same for a par-
with the change in ticular country.
longitude.
Longitude Places on the same Places on the same
longitude have same longitude have different
local time. standard time.
14
(b) Parallels and Meridians
Ans. (b) Parallels and Meridians
Parallels Meridians
They run from West to East. They run from North to South.
Lines are parallel to each other. Lines are not parallel to each other
but converge at the poles.
The lines are not of same length. Lines are of the same length.
The equator is the only great Has many great circles as any
circle. opposite pairs of lines make a
great circle.
Lines are called parallels. Lines are called meridians.
Lines are used for measuring Lines are used for measuring local
distance. time.
Latitude measures up to 1800 Longitude measures up to 360
degrees, i.e., 90N –0– 90S. degrees.
Lines decrease in length. All lines are of equal length.
Lines of latitude increase in value Lines of longitude increase in
from the equator towards the value Eastwards of the Greenwich
poles. Meridian.
(c) Equator and Prime Meridian

Ans. (c) Equator and Prime Meridian
Equator Prime Meridian
1. It is 0° latitude. It is 0° longitude.
2. It runs from East to West. It runs from North to South.
3. It divides the earth into climatic It divides the earth into time
zones. zones.
B. Define the following terms :

1. Latitude
Ans. Latitude: Latitude of a place is an angular distance of a point on
the Earth’s surface from the centre of the Earth.
15
2. Longitude
Ans. Longitude: The angular distance of a place east or west of the
Prime Meridian.
3. Meridian
Ans. Meridian: Semi-circles connecting the north and south.
4. Prime Meridian
Ans. Prime Meridian: It is the longitude of zero degree passing
through Greenwich Meridian.
5. Local Time
Ans. Local time:
The time in a particular region or area expressed with reference
to the meridian passing through it.
6. Standard Time
Ans. Standard Time: It is a uniform time for places in approximately
the same longitude, established in a country or region by law or
custom.
7. Indian Standard Time
Ans. Indian Standard Time: Indian Standard Time (IST) is the time
zone for India and Sri Lanka. The 82½◦ EAST longitude is con-
sidered as the standard meridian of India. The local time along this
longitude is generally considered as the common time of India.
This is known as Indian Standard Time.
8. Greenwich Mean Time
Ans. Greenwich Mean Time: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is the
mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
9. International Date Line
Ans. International Date Line: The International Date Line (IDL) is
an imaginary zigzag line of demarcation on the surface of Earth
which passes through the middle of the Pacific Ocean that runs
from the North Pole to the South Pole and is concerned with the
dates of the calendar and adopted internationally.
10. Great Circle
Ans. Great Circle: A Great Circle is any circle that circumnavigates
the Earth and passes through the centre of the Earth. A great circle
always divides the Earth in half, thus the Equator is a great circle
and all lines of longitude are great circles. The shortest distance
16
between any two points on the Earth lies along a great circle.
11. Small Circle
Ans. Small Circle: A circle on the surface of a sphere whose plane
does not pass through the sphere's centre, e.g., all other latitudes
except the Equator.
12. Grid
Ans. Grid: It is a network of latitudes and longitudes on the Earth’s
surface to find the exact location of a place.
C. Distinguish between the following pairs :
Ans. Distinguish between:
1. Latitudes and Longitudes
Latitudes Longitudes
The angular distance of a point , The angular distance along the
north or south of the equator, as equator measured in degrees.
measured in degrees.
The distance between two latitudes The distance between two longi-
is approximately 111 km. tudes is approximately 111 km at
the equator but goes on decreasing
as one goes towards the poles.
They are used to demarcate tem- They are used to determine the
perature zones. time with reference to the time at
Prime Meridian (GMT).
Lines are called parallels. Lines are called meridians.
Latitude measures up to 1800 Longitude measures up to 360
degrees, i.e., 90N – 0 – 90S. degrees.
2. Great Circle and Small Circle.
Great Circle Small circle
A Great Circle is any circle that A circle on the surface of a sphere
circumnavigates the Earth and whose plane does not pass through
passes through the centre of the the centre of the Earth.
Earth.
The Equator is a great circle and All other latitudes except the
all lines of longitude are great Equator.
circles.
17
3. Greenwich Mean Time and Indian Standard Time.
Greenwich Mean Time Indian Standard Time
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) Indian Standard Time (IST) is the
is the mean solar time 0° at the time zone for India and Sri Lanka.
Royal Observatory in Greenwich,
London.
It is the 0° longitude It is the 82½ °E longitude which
passes through Mirzapur, near
Allahabad in India.
D. Give reasons for the following :
1. Latitudes and Longitudes are always expressed in angles.
Ans. The latitudes and longitudes are always expressed in angles
because:
l Latitudes and longitudes, like angles, are expressed in terms
of degrees. Degrees are a way to measure angles.
l Longitude and latitude are expressed in this way because the
Earth is a sphere. Any line drawn around the Earth, then, is a
circle. The longitude and latitude essentially tell us the angle.
2. Large countries have many time zones.
Ans. Large countries have many time zones because:
l Large countries like the U.S.A. Canada, Australia and Russia
have many time zones because they have a large width and a
vast East to West extent.
l Russia has as many as 11 time zones and USA has six zones.
3. The International Date Line is not a straight line like other

longitudes.
Ans. The International Date Line is not a straight line like other
longitudes because:
l It passes through the middle of the Pacific Ocean and there
is practically no landmass, and wherever there is landmass a

deviation has been taken.
4. A person gains time as he travels towards east.
Ans. A person gains time as he travels towards east because:
l The earth rotates from west to east through the 360º in 24 hrs
and so the sun appears to move from east to west at the rate
18
of 15º in 1 hr or 1° in 4 minutes.
l So places along the same longitude have the same time in
both hemispheres.
l If a person travels eastward from Greenwich 15º his time is
1 hour ahead of Greenwich and if he moves westwards it is
one hour behind Greenwich.
5. The intervals between successive parallels are constant.
Ans. The intervals between successive parallels are constant because:
lThe distance between two successive lines of latitude remain
constant (111 km) because latitudes are parallel to each other
6. A person travelling from Mumbai to London has to alter his
watch.
Ans. The person alters his watch many times because :
l The East to West or longitudinal extent is very great.
l Hence, he has to cross many longitudes and time zones. So
for every longitude he crosses there is a time difference of 4

minutes, and for every time zone he crosses, the difference is
one hour.
l Hence, as he is going to London, he crosses 5½ time zones.
So the difference in time is 5½ hours and he is behind time.

7. The difference between I.S.T. and the G.M.T. is 5 hours and 30
minutes.
Ans. The difference between I.S.T. and G.M.T is 5½ hours because:
The longitude of GMT is 0º
The longitude of IST is 82½ºE
0 to 82½ºE = 82½º * 4 = 330 minutes or 5½ hours
8. Parallels are not equal in length.
Ans. As Earth is spherical in shape, therefore the length of the parallels
decreases from equator towards poles.
9. Navigators use Great circle route for navigation.
Ans. As Great circle route is the shortest route, therefore it is used by
the navigators to reduce the time and fuel consumption.
E. Draw a neat diagram to show the following :
1. Parallels of Latitude 2. Temperature Zones
3. Earth’s Grid
Ans. Students to answer these questions.
19
F. Choose the correct option
1. Earth is divided into Northern & Southern Hemisphere by which
of the following imaginary line?
(a) Prime Meridian (b) Tropic of Cancer
(c) Equator (d) International Date Line
2. What is the latitude of Arctic Circle?
(a) 66½° S (b) 23½° S (c) 66½° N (d) 23½° N
3. How Many total lines of latitudes are there in the world?
(a) 90 (b) 91 (c) 180 (d) 181
4. Refer to the image and identify the climatic zone of the shaded
region.
(a) North Frigid Zone
(b) North Temperate Zone
(c) Torrid Zone
(d) South Frigid Zone
5. There is a time difference of ______ for every 10 of longitudinal
difference.
(a) 2 minutes (b) 4 minutes (c) 1 hour (d) 60 seconds
6. What is the full form of IDL?
(a) International Diagonal line
(b) Internal Detour Line
(c) International Date Line
(d) Intermediate Diagonal Line
7. Which of the following meridian is called the Central Meridian
of India?
(a) 83½° W (b) 0° (c) 82½° E (d) 72° E
8. USA has ______ time zones.
(a) 8 (b) 11 (c) 6 (d) 7
9. Which of the following statement related to lines of latitude is
not correct?
(a) They are called parallels of Latitude.
(b) They are used to determine time.
(c) They are important to determine climate.
(d) Equator is the largest line of latitude.
20
10. Meridian means
(a) Midnight (b) Midday
(c) Morning (d) Dusk
11. The difference between IST & GMT is
(a) 6 hours (b) 4 hours 30 minutes
(c) 5 hours 30mins (d) 12 hours
12. Which of the following statement about Great circle is true?
(a) All the parallels are Great circles.
(b) Navigators find it difficult to follow the route of Great circle.
(c) Equator & all the meridians are Great circles.
(d) All the above.
13. World is divided into ________ time zones.
(a) 20 (b) 5 (c) 11 (d) 24
Answers
1. c 2. c 3. d 4. c 5. b 6. c 7. c 8. c
9. b 10. b 11. c 12. c 13. d
G. Refer to your Atlas and tick (3) the correct answer.

1. Latitude and longitude of London
Ans. (i) 51.30°N and 0.05°W (ii) 34.03°N and 118.17°W
(iii) 30.00°N and 15.00°E (iv) 40.24°N and 3.42°W
2. Latitude and longitude of New York
Ans. (i) 40.43°N and 74.01°W (ii) 49.00°N and 57.00°W
(iii) 14.27°N and 80.02°E (iv) 1.18°S and 36.52°W
3. Latitude and longitude of Wellington
Ans. (i) 41.26°S and 174.47 °E (ii) 42.25°N and 83.0°W
(iii) 55.48°N and 9.33 W (iv) 69.00°S and 120.00°E
4. Latitude and longitude of Rio de Janeiro
Ans. (i) 17.34°N and 81.20°E (ii) 22.55°S and 43.12°W
(iii) 24.39°N and 46.41°E (iv) 32.03°S and 52.10°W

21
3. Rotation and Revolution
EXERCISE
1. What is meant by the inclination of the Earth’s axis?
Ans. l The Earth rotates on this axis, but it is not at right angle to
the plane of revolution.
l It makes an angle of 66½◦ with the plane of ecliptic and is
tilted 23½◦ from a line of perpendicular to that plane.
2. Name an effect of the Earth’s rotation.
Ans. The effect of Earth’s rotation:
l The daily occurrence of day and night.
3. State two effects of West to East rotation of the Earth.

Ans. The two effects of West to East rotation of Earth:
l Rotation causes day and night.
l Variation in temperature.
l Rising of the Sun in the East and setting in the West
4. What causes slight flattening of the Earth at two poles?
Ans. Rotation of the Earth creates a centrifugal force, just like a
spinning top and causes a bulge at the Equator.
5. What is meant by the Revolution of the Earth? What are its
effects?
Ans. The motion of the Earth along its elliptical orbit around the Sun
in approximately 365¼ days is termed as Revolution.
Effects of Revolution are:
l Changing altitude of the mid-day Sun at different times of the
year.
l Varying length of Day and Night.
6. Explain the meaning of the terms ‘Solstice’ and ‘Equinox’.
Ans. l Solstice: The word ‘Solstice’ in Latin, means ‘Sun standing
still or ‘reaching the ‘Zenith (the, highest) point’.
l Equinox: The word Equinox in Latin means equal and night. It

means the day on which all places on Earth have equal length
22
of day and night.
7. What causes the formation of day and night? Explain with the
help of a neat diagram.
Ans. Rotation causes day and night.
8. When do Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice occur? How do
they occur?
Ans. Summer Solstice: It occurs on 21st of June.
l The sun shines directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer.
l Hence, the length of the day increases with increasing latitude
North of the Equator.

l Daylight lasts for the entire 24 hours beyond the Arctic Circle
towards the North Pole.

Winter Solstice: It occurs on 22nd of December.
l The sun shines directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn.
l Hence, the length of the day increases as one goes towards
South Pole.
l Night lasts for the entire 24 hours beyond the Arctic Circle

9. Which is the longest day in the Southern Hemisphere?
Ans. The longest day in the Southern Hemisphere is on 22nd of
December.
10. Which is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere?
Ans. The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere is on 21st June.
11. Name the path along which the Earth travels when moving round
the Sun. How long does this movement take place?
Ans. The path along which the Earth travels around the Sun is called
the Orbit. It takes 365¼ days to complete one revolution.
12. On what date does the Arctic Circle experiences ‘Midnight Sun’?
Ans. On 21st June the Arctic Circle experience ‘Midnight Sun’.
13. What is a Leap Year?
Ans. The Earth takes 365¼ days to complete one revolution.
l Every four years the extra ¼ day difference between the
tropical year and the calendar year of 365 days is taken as
one whole day.
23
l By adding a day in February every 4th year , or to a multiple
of 4 years , we are able to account for the ¼ year . This is
called the Leap year.
14. Give the dates when days and nights are of equal duration on the
Equator.
Ans. On March 20 or 21 (vernal or spring equinox) and September 22
or 23 (autumnal equinox) the days and nights are of equal dura-
tion on the Equator.
15. Explain with the help of a diagram, the part played by the inclina-
tion of Earth’s axis in causing day and night of varying duration,
except at the Equator.
Ans. The length of day and night varies according to the seasons due
to the inclination of the Earth’s axis:
1. On 21st of June the sun shines directly overhead the Tropic of
Cancer.
lHence, the length of the day increases with increasing latitude

2. On 22nd of December the sun shines directly overhead the Tropic
of Capricorn.
l Hence, the length of the day increases as one goes towards
South Pole.
l Night lasts for the entire 24 hours beyond the Arctic Circle

3. On March 21st and September 23rd, during Equinox, the Circle of
Illumination coincides with meridians because the Sun is overhead
at noon along the Equator. Thus all places have 12 hours of day
and 12 hours of night.
16. What do you mean by the Sidereal Day?
Ans. The spinning of the Earth on its axis is termed as rotation.
l The period of rotation or the time required for the Earth to
complete 360° is 24 hours, 56 min, and 4.09 sec.

l This period is termed as Sidereal Day.
17. What is Perihelion? Mention the date of this phenomenon.

Ans. The Earth is said to be in Perihelion on January 3rd when distance
24
is least or about 147 million km.
18. Why does the speed of Earth’s revolution vary?
Ans. The mean velocity of the speed of the Earth is 107000 km/hr or
30 km/sec, but varies according to the path of the orbit occupied.
The velocity is greatest at Perihelion and least at Aphelion.
19. State the effect of speed of Earth’s rotation.
Ans. The effects of speed of Earth’s rotation are:
l The ocean currents and winds on the Earth’s surface are
deflected towards the right in the Northern Hemisphere and

left in the Southern Hemisphere due to Coriolis force.
l Cyclones and anticyclones are also deflected in both the
hemispheres causing atmospheric changes.

l The bulging of the air at the Equator and flattening at the
Poles takes place due to different speed of rotation.

20. State any two special features of Summer Solstice.
Ans. The two special features of Summer Solstice are:
l It occurs on 21st of June.
l The sun shines directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer.

l Hence, the length of the day increases with increasing latitude
21. What are two motions of the Earth?
Ans. Rotation and Revolution are the two motions of the Earth.
22. What is an orbit?
Ans. The path along which the Earth revolves around the Sun is called
Orbit.
23. What is meant by the ‘inclination of the Earth’?
Ans. Same as 1st answer.
24. State two effects of West to East rotation of the Earth.
Ans. Same as 3rd
25. Explain the term ‘Equinox’. When does it occur?
Ans. l The word Equinox in Latin means equal and night. It means
the day on which all places on Earth have equal length of day
and night.
25
l On March 20 or 21 (vernal or spring equinox) and September
22 or 23 (autumnal equinox) occur.

B. Define the following :
1. Earth’s Axis
Ans. Earth’s Axis: An imaginary straight line passing through the
North Pole, the centre of the Earth, and the South Pole. The Earth
rotates around this axis.
2. Plane of Ecliptic
Ans. Plane of Ecliptic: The ecliptic plane is defined as the imaginary
plane containing the Earth’s orbit around the sun.
3. Perihelion
Ans. Perihelion: The Earth is said to be in Perihelion on January 3rd
when distance is least or about 147 million km between it and
the Sun..
4. Aphelion
Ans. Aphelion: The Earth is at its farthest point from the Sun on July
4th at a distance of 152 million km.
5. Ferrell’s Law
Ans. Ferrell’s law: The ocean currents and winds on the Earth’s sur-
face are deflected towards the right in the Northern Hemisphere
and left in the Southern Hemisphere due to Coriolis force created
by the rotation of the Earth. This is called Ferrell’s law.
6. Rotation
Ans. Rotation: The spinning of the Earth on its polar axis is termed
as Rotation.
1. Solstice and Equinox
Solstice Equinox
The word solstice in Latin, means The word Equinox in Latin means
‘Sun standing still or ‘reaching equal and night. It means the day
the Zenith (the highest) point. on which all places on Earth have
equal length of day and night.
There are two types: Summer There are two types of Equinox:
solstice and winter solstice Vernal or spring and autumnal .
26
Summer solstice occurs on Spring equinox on March 20 and
June 21, and winter solstice on autumnal equinox on September
December 21. 22nd.
2. Perihelion and Aphelion
Perihelion Aphelion
The Earth is said to be in The Earth is said to be on Aphelion
Perihelion on January 3rd. on July 4th.
The distance between the Sun Earth is at its farthest point from
and the Earth is the least. the Sun.
It is about 147 million km. It is about 152 million km.
3. Rotation and Revolution
Rotation Revolution
The spinning of the Earth on its The motion of the Earth along its
polar axis is termed as Rotation. elliptical orbit around the Sun in
approximately 365¼ days is termed
as Revolution.
Rotation causes day and night, Revolution causes changing altitude
Variation in temperature & of the mid-day Sun at different
rising of the Sun in the East and times of the year & varying length
setting in the West. of Day and Night.
It takes around 24 hours to It takes 365¼ days to complete one
complete one rotation. revolution.
4. Spring Equinox and Autumn Equinox

Spring Equinox Autumn Equinox
On March 20 or 21 vernal or On September 22 or 23 autumnal
spring equinox occurs. equinox occur.
In the Northern Hemisphere this In the Northern Hemisphere this

date marks the end of Winter date marks the end of Summer and
and beginning of Spring when beginning of Autumn when the
the days will start getting longer days will start getting shorter and
and the nights shorter. the nights longer.
27
1. Altitude of the Sun varies at a place according to seasons.
Ans. Altitude of the Sun varies at a place according to the seasons because:
Of the Earth’s revolution round the Sun with its axis inclined at
66½◦ to the place of ecliptic, changes in the apparent altitude of
the mid-day Sun.
2. Seasons are reversed in Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
Ans. Seasons are reversal in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere
because of:
l the rotation of the Earth on its inclined axis.
l the position of the Earth during its revolution round the Sun.
l The inclination of the Earth’s axis with its fixed position
pointing to the Pole .

l The angle that the Sun makes with the Zenith of a place
observed at noon.
3. Days and nights are equal at all places on the Earth on March 21.
Ans. Days and nights are equal at all places on the Earth on March
21st because:
l the Circle of illumination passes through the Poles and thus
divides the Earth into equal halves.

l Hence, day and night are of equal length; 12 hours each at all
latitudes.
4. Winds get deflected from their normal path.
Ans. Winds get deflected from their normal path due to :
l the speed of Rotation.
l Coriolis Force which makes the ocean currents and winds to
deflect towards the right in the Northern Hemisphere and left

in the Southern Hemisphere.
5. The region beyond Arctic Circle is known as the ‘Land of Mid-
night Sun’.
Ans. The region beyond the Arctic Circle is known as “Land of Mid-
night Sun’ because:
l During summer on June 21st, the Sun never sets in mid-
summer and there is daylight for 24 hours .

l North Pole is inclined towards the Sun.
6. The speed of rotation at Singapore is much faster than that at

Tokyo or Russia.
28
Ans. The speed of rotation at Singapore is much faster than that at
Tokyo or Russia as:
l the speed of rotation is maximum at the Equator and goes on
decreasing towards the Poles and finally is minimum at the

Poles.
l As Singapore is located close to the Equator the speed is more
whereas Tokyo or Russia are located away from the Equator

(i.e., they are located towards the Poles) and hence the speed
is less.
7. Mid-day Sun can be seen overhead in Chennai twice a year, but
not even once in Delhi. Why?
Ans. Mid-day Sun can be seen overhead in Chennai twice a year, but
not even once in Delhi because:
l Chennai is much closer to the equator than Delhi due to which
it receives more amount of sunlight as compared to Delhi.

8. The Poles experience six-month day and six-month night.
Ans. The Poles experience six-month day and six-months night
because:
l of the inclination of the Earth, each Pole is tilted towards and
away from the Sun for about six months each.

l When the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences
continuous daylight for six months.

9. Noon is hotter than morning.
Ans. Noon is hotter than morning because:
l during morning time the sun rises just above the horizon and
shines with less intensity.

l but during noon it is overhead and emits large amount of heat
so noon is hotter than morning.

10. The variation in the lengths of day and night goes on increasing
towards Poles.
Ans. The variation in the lengths of day and night goes on increasing
towards poles because of the :
l Circle of Illumination
l Rotation and Revolution
l Inclination of the Earth’s axis.
11. The Sun is never overhead beyond the Tropics.

Ans. The Sun is never overhead beyond the Tropics because:
29
l The Tropic of Cancer in the Northern hemisphere and Tropic
of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere mark the limit of
the overhead Sun,
l as beyond the tropics the Sun never shines vertically at any
time of the year.
12. The regions, near North Pole and South Pole, have six months of
continuous day-light and darkness.
Ans. Same as 8th
E. Diagrams :
1. Draw a labelled, self-explanatory diagram of the Summer Solstice
in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Draw a diagram of the position of the Earth on December 22.
Draw and name the Equator, Arctic Circle, and Antarctic Circle.
3. Draw a neat sketch to show the phenomenon of day and night.
4. With the help of a diagram show how the tilt of the Earth’s axis
and the revolution causes (i) seasons, (ii) variation in the length
of day and night.
5. Draw self-explanatory diagrams of Perihelion and Aphelion.
Ans. Students to answer these questions themselves.
F. Choose the correct option:
1. The Earth rotates on its axis from
(a) East to west (b) West to east
(c) North to south (d) South to north
2. Earth revolves around the sun on an_______ path.
(a) Oval (b) Circular
(c) Elliptical (d) Spherical
3. One Sidereal Day is equal to _________.
(a) 12 hours (b) 23hr 56 minutes 4.09 sec
(c) 8 hours (d) 14 hours
4. Which of the following statement related to the coriolis force is
correct?
(a) Coriolis force deflects the winds to their left in Northern
Hemisphere & right in Southern Hemisphere.
(b) Coriolis effect is maximum in the Equator & least in poles.
(c) Coriolis force is generated due to earth’s rotation.
(d) All of the above.
30
5. Which of the following date is known as Summer Solstice in
Northern Hemisphere?
(a) 22nd July (b) 21st June
(c) 22nd December (d) 23rd September
6. Which of the following date is known as Winter Solstice in
7. Which of the following date is known as Autumnal Equinox in
8. On which of the following date Sun gives vertical ray on the
Tropic of Capricorn?
9. On which of the following date is the day & night equal?
10. Identify the phenomena in Northern Hemisphere in this picture.
(a) Summer solstice (b) Winter Solstice

(c) Autumnal Equinox (d) Vernal Equinox
11. Which of the following country is known as ‘the land of Midnight
Sun’?
(a) Sweden (b) Iceland (c) Germany (d) Norway
12. When earth is at its farthest point from the Sun, it is said to be,
(a) Perihelion (b) Aphelion (c) Perigee (d) Apogee
31
Answers
1. b 2. c 3. b 4. c 5. b 6. c 7. d
8. c 9. d 10. b 11. d 12. b

4. Earth’s Structure
EXERCISE
1. What do you understand by lithosphere?
Ans. The word Lithosphere has been taken from the Greek word
Lethos’ meaning, ‘rock’. It is the outermost layer of the Earth.
2. Name the two layers of lithosphere.
Ans. The two layers of lithosphere are Sial and Sima.
3. What do you understand by mantle?
Ans. Mantle is the second layer of the Earth between the crust and the
core with its upper boundary marked by Mohorovicic discontinuity
and its lower boundary marked by the Gutenburg discontinuity.
4. What is the position of mantle in the Earth?
Ans. Mantle is the second layer of the Earth. The depth of the Mantle
varies between 35 to 2900 km.
5. What is core? By what other name is it known as?
Ans. The central part of the Earth is known as Core. It consists of two
layers, outer core and the inner core. The other name of the core
is Barosphere.
6. State the composition of the SIAL layer.
Ans. l Sial consists of solid and continental parts of the Earth’s crust.
l They are composed of many kinds of rocks which have the
density and composition of granite.
l The Granite layer consists of silica and aluminium.
7. State the properties of the core of the Earth.
Ans. Properties of the Core :
It is also called Barosphere.
It consists of nife.
It is divided into outer and inner core.
The outer core is in molten state and inner core is in solid state.
32
8. What is Earth’s crust composed of?
Ans. The Earth’s crust consists of two layers:
Sial: is composed of silica and aluminium.
The density of Sial is lesser than Sima.
Sial is a discontinuous layer floating over the continuous layer of
Sima.
Sima: is composed of silica and magnesium.
The density is higher than Sial
It is a continuous layer.
9. What does ‘Nife’ mean?
Ans. ‘Nife’ means Nickel and iron which are present in the inner core
of the Earth.
10. Why does the temperature increase as we go down (underground)?
Ans. The temperature increases as we go down because there are three
main sources of heat in the deep earth:
l heat from when the planet formed and accreted, which has not
yet been lost;

l frictional heating, caused by denser core material sinking to
the centre of the planet; and

l heat from the decay of radioactive elements.
11. How does Sial differ from Sima?

Sial Sima
Sial is composed of silica and Sima is composed of silica and
aluminium. magnesium
The density of Sial is lesser The density of Sima is more
than Sima. than Sial.
Sial is a discontinuous layer. It is a continuous layer.
Floats over the continuous It is below Sial.
layer of Sima.
12. Name the two most important and abundant chemical elements
present in the Earth’s crust.
Ans. The two most abundant elements present in the Earth’s crust are:
Silicon, aluminium and magnesium.
13. What is meant by Mohorovicic Discontinuity?
33
Ans. The contact zone of the Crust and Mantle is called Mohorovicic
Discontinuity.
14. What is mantle composed of?
Ans. Mantle is composed of magnesium and iron silicates, along with
substantial quantities of sulphides in the upper mantle and nickel
and iron in the lower mantle.
1. Crust
Ans. Crust: It is also called Lithosphere. It is the outermost layer of
the Earth. It consists of Sial and Sima.
2. Mantle
Ans. Mantle: Mantle is the second layer of the Earth between the crust
and the core with its upper boundary marked by Mohorovicic
discontinuity and its lower boundary marked by the Gutenburg
discontinuity.
3. Core
Ans. Core: The central part of the Earth is known as Core. It consists
of two layers, outer core and the inner core. The other name of
the core is Barosphere.
4. Nife
Ans. Nife: It means nickel and iron which are present in the inner core
of the Earth.
1. Crust and Core
Crust Core
It is also called Lithosphere. It is also called Barosphere.
It is the outermost layer of the It is the central part of the
Earth. Earth.
2. Sial and Sima
Sial Sima
It is composed of silica and It is composed of Silica and
aluminium. magnesium.
The density of Sial is lesser The density of sima is more
than Sima. than Sial.
34
Sial is a discontinuous layer. It is a continuous layer.
It floats over the continuous It is below Sial.
layer of Sima.
D. Diagram :
Draw a self-explanatory diagram showing the composition and
structure of the Earth.
Ans. Students to do it themselves.
E. Choose the correct option :
1. What is the rate of change of temperature inside the earth?
(a) Temperature decreases at the rate of 10C for every 32 meters
of decent.
(b) Temperature increases at the rate of 10C for every 32 meters
of decent.
(c) Temperature remain constant
(d) Temperature decreases at the rate of 320C for every 1 meter
of decent.
2. Sial is the part of _____.
(a) Mantle (b) Core (c) Crust (d) Sima
3. Sima is composed of _______ & _______.
(a) Silica & Aluminium (b) Silica & Nikel
(c) Silica & Magnesium (d) Silica & Ferous
4. Gutenburg Discontinuity separates _____ & ______.
(a) Crust & Core (b) Core & Mantle
(c) Mantle & crust (c) Sial & Sima
5. Mesosphere is another name of _______.
(a) Crust (b) Core (c) Mantle (d) Sima
6. Asthenosphere remains in ______ state.
(a) Liquid (b) Molten
(c) Partially Molten (d) Solid
7. Gutenburg Discontinuity is placed at ______ km depth from the
surface.
(a) 3270 (b) 2900 (c) 32 (d) 1000
8. Which of the following layer is also called Barysphere?
(a) Mantle (b) Asthenosphere
(c) Core (d) Continental crust
35
9. Inner core is solid due to
(a) high temperature (b) high pressure
(c) high density (d) low pressure
10. Which of the following rocks and mineral composition is correct
for Continental crust?
(a) Basalt, Si, Al. (b) Granite, Si, Ma.
(c) Granite, Si, Al. (d) Basalt, Granite, Si, Ma.
11. The average density of earth is
(a) 5.5 (b) 2.7 (c) 11 (d) 4.3
12. Which of the following discontinuity is found between crust &
mantle?
(a) Conrad (b) Gutenberg
(c) Mohorovicic (d) Lehmann
Answers
1. b 2. c 3. c 4. b 5. c 6. c 7. b
8. c 9. b 10. c 11. a 12. c
F. Give reasons for the following:

1. Core is called Nife.
Ans. Core is made up of Nickel (Ni) and Ferrous (Fe), so it is called
Nife.
2. Inner core is solid although the temperature is high.
Ans. Due huge overlying pressure of other layers although the tem-
perature is high, inner core is solid in nature.
3. Core is working as a magnetic field.
Ans. Core is made up of Nickel (Ni) and Ferrous (Fe). They have
magnetic property.

5. Landforms of the Earth

EXERCISE
1. What are Plains?
Ans. Plain is an extensive tract of flat land, a gently undulating terrain
without prominent hills or depressions.
36
2. What is Orogenesis?
Ans. Orogenesis is the process of mountain building that occurs on
large scale. It is also called, the birth of mountain.
3. Name the different types of mountains. Describe each of them
with examples.
Ans. There are four major types of mountains:
(i) Fold mountains: Classified as young-fold and old-fold mountains.
l Young-fold are the newest group of fold mountains which
include the Himalayas, the Alps, the Rockies and the Andes.
l Old-fold mountains have been subjected to the forces of
denudation for long time. Hence, they are much lower and
less rugged. For example, the Appalachian and the Aravalis.
(ii) Block mountains:
The movement of the Earth’s crust causes cracks or faults.
Where such movement leaves a block of higher land standing
between two areas of lower land, the highland is known as a
‘Block Mountain’ of Horst. For example, the Vosges.
(iii) Residual mountains:
When an area of highland remains standing above the general
level after rivers and other natural agents have lowered the surface
of the surrounding area, the term residual mountain is used.
For example, Highlands of Scotland.
(iv) Volcanic mountains:
Most of the active volcanoes are found in the neighbourhood of
fold mountains. All around the Pacific Ocean there are many ac-
tive and extinct volcanoes are present.
4. What are Plateaus?
Ans. Plateau is an elevated tract of relatively flat land usually limited
on at least one side by a steep slope falling abruptly to lower
land.
5. Name the various types of plateaus with examples.
Ans. Various types of Plateaus are:
(a) Intermontane Plateau: They are surrounded by mountains.
E.g. Plateau of Tibet.
(b) Piedmont or Border Plateau: They border the mountain
ranges.
37
(c) Dissected or Domed plateau: When running water of streams
cut enough deep valleys in different parts of plateau. E.g.,
Mesas in Spain.
(d) Volcanic plateau: The lava erupted from the volcanoes has
resulted into numerous volcanic plateaus.
E.g., Snake river region of Idaho.
6. State a few advantages of plains.
Ans. Advantages of plains are:
(a) Construction of settlements, rails, roads, etc., is easy on flat
and soft surface.
(b) Fertile soils of alluvial plains are granaries of the world.
(c) Most of the big cities are situated in plains.
7. Explain the types of depositional plains.
Ans. Types of depositional plains are:
(a) Alluvial plains: Formed by gradual accumulation of silt
brought down by rivers.
(b) Flood plains: Formed when the river widens its valley or
overflows its banks during floods, the clay and sand are
deposited over large area. For example, Mississippi plain.
(c) Delta plain: At the mouth of a river, triangular shaped plain of
deposited material is called a delta plain. For example, plains
formed by big rivers like Hwang Ho.
(d) Aeolion Loess Plains: Formed by the material which has
been transported and deposited by winds.eg. Loess deposits
of North China.
(e) Lacustrine Plains: Formed from the filling of lake beds. For
example, Plain of Hungary
8. State the main uses of mountains.
Ans. Main uses of mountains are:
1. Mountains are effective climatic barriers. Some places may
have equable climate and some have extreme climate.
2. The swift streams of mountains are frequent sources of hydro-
electric power.
3. They are rich sources of mineral wealth. For example, the
Western Cordilleras provide gold, copper etc.
4. Mountain pastures have been utilised most extensively for
cattle rearing.
38
5. It helps in setting up lumbering industries. Eg. The Himalayan
slopes.
9. Differentiate between intermontane plateau and volcanic plateaus.
Ans.
Intermontane plateau Volcanic plateau
T h e y a r e s u r r o u n d e d b y The lava erupted from the
mountains. volcanoes has resulted into
numerous volcanic plateaus.
E.g., Plateau of Tibet. E.g., Snake river region of
Idaho.
10. Define a plain. How does it differ from a plateau?
Ans.
Plain Plateau
Plain is an extensive tract of flat Plateau is an elevated tract
land, a gently and undulating of relatively flat land usually
terrain without prominent hills limited on at least one side by
depressions. a steep slope falling abruptly
to lower land.
11. What are mountains?

Ans. Mountains : A portion of land surface rising considerably above
the surrounding country, either as a single eminence, or as an
extensive mountain chain.
12. State any two characteristics of young fold mountains.
Ans. Two characteristics of young fold mountains are:
1. Most of the active volcanoes are found here.
2. The mountains are characterised by ruggedness of relief in
contrast to the smooth and rounded contours of mountain areas
which had been subjected to weathering agents.
13. How are the young fold mountains useful? State one example.
Ans. They form a natural wall in northern India, which is difficult to
cross. One example is the Himalayas in Asia.
14. How are alluvial plains formed?
Ans. Alluvial plains are formed by gradual accumulation of silt brought
down by rivers. For example, the Ganga plain in India.
39
15. Give an example each of the following :
(i) Fold mountains
(ii) Block mountain
(iii) Volcanic plateau
(iv) Structural plain
Ans. Give an example:
(i) Fold: Himalayas, Aravalis, etc.
(ii) Block mountains: Vosges and Black Forest Mountains.
(iii) Volcanic mountains: active and extinct volcanoes of Japan.
(iv) Structural plains: The Great Plains of USA.
1. Intermontane plateaus
Ans. Intermontane plateaus: They are surrounded by mountains. For
example, Plateau of Tibet.
2. Block Mountains
Ans. Block mountains: The movement of the Earth’s crust causes
cracks or faults. Where such movement leaves a block of higher
land standing between two areas of lower land, the highland is
known as a ‘Block Mountain’ or Horst. For example, Vosges.
C. Diagrams :
1. Draw a neat diagram to show the formation of Block Mountains.
2. With the help of a neat diagram show the formation of a flood-
plain.
Ans. Students to do these themselves.
D. Give a reason for the following Statements.
1. Plateaus are called tablelands.
Ans. As they have flat top with steep sided slope.
2. Residual mountains are called the mountains of denudation.
Ans. As these mountains are formed and lowered down by the long
term denudation & erosion by various agents of gradation.
3. The alluvial plains are called the granaries of the world.
Ans. Alluvial plains are formed by the deposition of alluvium by
the rivers; therefore they have fertile soil which enhances the
cultivation of grains.
40
4. The plateau of Tibet is called the intermontane plateau.
Ans. As Tibet is enclosed by Kunlun Mountain from the north &
Himalayas from the south.
5. The old fold mountains are much lower and less rugged than
young fold mountains.
Ans. The old fold mountains have been subjected to the forces of
denudation for a longer geological period than the young fold
mountains.
6. North western Deccan is an example of Lava plateau.
Ans. As the North western Deccan was formed by the cooling & solidi-
fication of lava. It has enormous accumulation of basaltic rocks.
E. Choose the correct option.
1. The systematic study of the earth’s relief features is called_______.
(a) Geology (b) Pedology
(c) Hydrology (d) Geomorphology
2. The Vosges & Black Forest Mountains are the examples of
(a) Fold Mountain (b) Volcanic Mountain
(c) Residual Mountain (d) Block Mountain
3. Which of the following mountain is called the mountain of denu-
dation?
4. Identify the type of mountain in this Image marked as a, b, c.

5. Which of the following is an example of young fold mountain?
(a) Appalachians (b) Ural Mountains
(c) Aravali mountains (d) Alps
41
6. Which of the following is an example of intermontane plateau?
(a) Ethiopian plateau (b) Bolivian Plateau
(c) South African Plateau (d) The Deccan Plateau
7. Which of the following is an example of structural plain?
(a) Plains of Northern China (b) Hungary plain
(c) Great Plains of USA (d) The Western European Plain
8. The plain which is formed at the foothills of mountain in the
shape of fan is called________.
(a) Flood plain (b) Bhabhar
(c) Glacial Plains (d) Piedmont alluvial plain
9. Refer to the image & identify the relief feature.
(a) Lava plateau (b) Intermontane plateau
(c) Piedmont alluvial plain (d) None of the above
10. Which of the following relief feature is formed by the squeezing

& wrapping of the sediments of the crust?
(a) Block mountain (b) Fold Mountain
(c) Plateaus (d) Plains
11. The plain which is formed as a result of emergence of sea bottom
near coast is called
(a) Piedmont alluvial plain (b) Flood plain
(c) Karst plain (d) Structural plain
12. Orogenesis is the process of
(a) Hill formation (b) Mountain building
(c) Rift valley formation (d) Trench building
1. d 2. d 3. c 4. d 5. d 6. b 7. c 8. d
9. b 10. b 11. d 12. b.

42
6. Rocks and Rock Cycle
EXERCISE
1. Describe how Sedimentary Rocks and Igneous Rocks are formed.
Give two examples of each.
Ans. l Sedimentary rocks : They are formed from material derived
from pre-existing rocks and from organic sources by the pro-
cess of denudation, the material obtained by denudation are
deposited in layers. e.g., sandstone, limestone, etc.
l Igneous rocks : They are formed by the solidification of hot
molten lava called magma which consists of liquid, gas and

crystals, e.g., batholith, laccolith, etc.
2. On the basis of occurrence, classify Igneous Rocks.
Ans. Classification of Igneous rocks on the basis of occurrence are:
l Intrusive : Magma that solidifies below the Earth’s surface
and remains surrounded by pre-existing rock. E.g. Plutonic

l Extrusive: Rocks formed by solidification of magma above
the Earth’s surface. E.g. basalt, gabbro, etc.

3. Name the three rock forming minerals.
Ans. Quartz, feldspar, mica are the three most common rock forming
minerals.
4. What are Batholiths?
Ans. Batholith is a large mass of igneous rocks (mostly granite)
covering about 100 sq. km area. Its floor is not visible.
5. What is Metamorphism? What are its causes?
Ans. Metamorphism is an alteration of the minerals and textures of a
rock by changes in temperature and pressure and by a gain or
loss of chemical composition. The causes are:
l volcanic eruptions,
l the mountain building movements, and
l endogenetic forces l on contact with undergoing water.
6. Name a few important characteristics of sedimentary rocks.

Ans. The characteristics of sedimentary rocks are:
l The sedimentary rocks contain layers or strata. They are
43
therefore often known as stratified rocks.
l Most of them are permeable and porous.
l They contain fossils.
7. Name the various types of metamorphic rocks.
Ans. The various types of metamorphic rocks are:
Thermal metamorphism: Graphite
Dynamic metamorphism
Regional metamorphism
Contact metamorphism: Marble
8. Name the agents involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Ans. The agents involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks are
sea, lakes, streams or glaciers and wind.
9. Give examples of metamorphic rocks formed from igneous and
sedimentary rocks.
Ans. The metamorphic rocks formed from igneous and sedimentary
rocks are slate, schist, quartzite, marble and gneiss.
10. What are sills and dykes?
Ans. Sill:
l It is a sheet like body of igneous rock.
l It is formed when magma forces its way between two layers
of sedimentary rocks and cools and solidifies there.

l Sills are formed from highly fluid basaltic magma.
Dyke:
l It is a sheet like body of intrusive igneous rock.
11. Why are sedimentary rocks also called stratified rocks?

Ans. Sedimentary rocks are also called stratified rocks because
they are deposited in layers by sea, glaciers, wind or weathering
agents.
These layers are called strata and hence stratified rocks.
12. What processes are involved in the formation of igneous rocks?
Ans. The processes involved in the formation of igneous rocks are:
l Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification
of magma (or lava).
l As hot, molten rock rises to the surface, it undergoes changes
44
in temperature and pressure that cause it to cool, solidify, and
crystallize.
l Intrusive igneous rocks are formed by the solidification of
magma below the Earth’s surface.
l Extrusive igneous rocks are formed by the solidification of
magma above the Earth’s surface.
13. What is a rock cycle?
Ans. Rock cycle is a model representing the interrelationship among
the three rock-forming processes: igneous, sedimentary and
metamorphic rocks.
14. What are the rocks?
Ans. Rocks are an assemblage of minerals bound together (like granite),
or may be a mass of, minerals like rock salt.
15. Classify rocks on the basis of their origin.
Ans. Classification of rocks on the basis of their origin:
l Igneous rocks are classified on the basis of texture of grains
and composition and mode of origin.

l On the basis of silica present, they are classified as acidic and
basic igneous rocks.
l On the basis of occurrence, they are classified as intrusive and
extrusive rocks.
16. What is meant by intrusive rocks?
Ans. Intrusive igneous rocks are formed by the solidification of magma
below the Earth’s surface. E.g., plutonic.
17. What are extrusive rocks?
Ans. Rocks formed by solidification of magma above the Earth’s
surface, E.g., basalt, gabbro, etc.
18. How important are rocks for industrial development?
Ans. Importance of rocks:
l They contain minerals which directly or indirectly help in
manufacturing industries. For example, Metallic minerals like

gold, zinc, copper etc.
l They are widely used as building materials. For example,
marble, granite, etc.
l They also supply a wide variety of minerals which become the
45
main raw material in manufacturing industries. E.g., limestone,
gypsum, etc.
1. Minerals
Ans. A mineral has a definite chemical composition with its own chemi-
cal and physical properties, e.g., silicates and quartz.
2. Rocks
Ans. Rocks: They are an assemblage of minerals bound together (like
granite), or may be a mass of minerals like rock salt.
3. Sills
Ans. It is a sheet like body of igneous rock. It is formed when magma
forces its way between two layers of sedimentary rocks and cools
and solidifies there.
Sills are formed from highly fluid basaltic magma.
4. Dykes
Ans. It is a sheet like body of intrusive igneous rock.
5. Conglomerate.
Ans. Conglomerate: It is a type sedimentary rock which consists of
sandstone consisting of pebbles of hard rock.
1. Rocks and Minerals.
Ans.
Rocks Minerals
They are an aggregate of miner- A mineral has a definite chemical
als bound together (like granite), composition with its own chemical
that form a more or less definite and physical properties.
unit of Earth’s crust.
E.g., igneous, sedimentary and E.g., silicates and quartz
metamorphic
2. Volcanic rocks and plutonic rocks.

Volcanic Rocks Plutonic Rocks
These are formed by the solidifi- Igneous rocks of deep seated origin
cation of lava above the Earth’s
surface.
46
These are fine grained. These are coarse grained
E.g., Obsidian, etc. E.g., gabbrro, granite, etc.
3. Thermal and Dynamic Metamorphism.

Thermal Metromorphism Dynamic Metromorphism
It is formed when the change take It is formed when the change take
place due to high temperature. place due to high pressure.

1. Igneous rocks are also called primary rocks.
Ans. Igneous rocks are called primary rocks because:
l They are formed from the solidification of molten magma.
l Igneous rocks begin the rock cycle, and are therefore called
primary rocks.
l They represent the rocks which directly or indirectly provided
materials for the formation of other types of rocks.

2. Extrusive igneous rocks have generally small crystals.
Ans. Extrusive igneous rocks have generally small crystals because:
l Extrusive igneous rocks come from lava.
l Lava, at the surface, is exposed to air and water which causes
the molten rock to cool rapidly.
3. Rocks are of great economic significance.
Ans. Rocks are of great economic significance:
l They contain minerals which directly or indirectly help in
manufacturing industries. For e.g., Metallic minerals like gold,

zinc, copper, etc.
l They are widely used as building materials. For example,
marble, granite, etc.

l They also supply a wide variety of minerals which become
the main raw material in manufacturing industries. E.g.,

Limestone, gypsum, etc.
4. Lithosphere is called rocksphere.
Ans. The Greek word Litho means rock and Lithosphere is made up
of different types of rocks.
47
5. No fossil is found in metamorphic rock.
Ans: When the sedimentary rocks transformed into metamorphic rocks,
the fossils destroys due to excessive heat & pressure.
E. Diagram :
1. Draw a diagram of a volcano.
2. Draw a neat diagram to show the rock cycle.
F. Choose the correct option
1. Which of the following rock is also called parent rock?
(a) Sedimentary Rock (b) Igneous Rock
(c) Metamorphic Rock (d) None of the above
2. Which type of rock is Granite?
(a) Sedimentary Rock (b) Intrusive Igneous Rock
(c) Metamorphic Rock (d) Extrusive igneous Rock
3. Which of the following statement related to the extrusive igneous
rock is correct?
(a) They are formed below the earth surface.
(b) They have fine crystals
(c) Limestone is the best example of this rock.
(d) They are formed by the slow cooling of magma.
4. Which of the following is the metamorphosed form of Sandstone?
(a) Slate (b) Gneiss (c) Quartzite (d) Marble
5. Which of the following rock consists of rounded fragments,
formed by cementation process?
(a) Sandstone (b) Conglomerates
(c) Claystone (d) Limestone
6. Sedimentary rocks are called stratified rocks as
(a) They are formed by the accumulation of lava.
(b) They are formed by the decomposition of rocks.
(c) They are deposited in layers
(d) They are foliated.
7. Which of the following statement is correct?
(a) Igneous rocks are generally pervious in nature.
(b) Sedimentary rocks are having pore spaces.
48
(c) Foliation is observed in igneous rocks.
(d) Fossils are found in igneous rocks.
8. Which type of rock is chalk?
(a) Chemically formed sedimentary rock
(b) Carbonaceous Rocks
(c) Calcareous rocks
(d) Clastic sedimentary rock
9. Which factor is responsible for the formation of metamorphic
rocks?
(a) Duration of daylight (b) Heat & pressure
(c) Weathering (d) None of the above
10. Which of following is the mechanically formed sedimentary rock?
(a) Limestone (b) Dolomite
(c) Sandstone (d) Chert
11. The cyclic process of changing the form of rocks is called
(a) Natural cycle (b) Rock cycle
(c) Stone cycle (d) Metamorphism
12. Which of the following is the example of metamorphic rock?
(a) Sandstone (b) Gneiss
(c) Chalk (d) Granite
13. Which of the following process is responsible for the formation
of igneous rocks?
(a) Sedimentation (b) Metamorphism
(c) Cooling & solidification of magma (d) Lithification
Answers
1. b 2. b 3. b 4. c 5. b 6. c 7. b 8. c
9. b 10. c 11. b 12. b 13. c

7. Volcanoes
EXERCISE
1. What are volcanoes?
Ans. A volcano is a vent or opening in the crust of the Earth, connected
by a conduit to an underlying magma chamber from which molten
lava, volcanic gases and steam are ejected.
49
2. How are volcanoes caused?
Ans. Causes of volcanic eruptions are sea floor spreading, plate tecton-
ics and mountain building processes. The main causes are:
(i) Radioactive elements : They increase the temperature at the
rate of 1° per 32 metres of descent. There is also a great
pressure. Molten magma under great pressure has the capacity
to liquefy great volumes of gases.
(ii) Cracks and crevices : The surface water percolates through
the cracks and crevices to the interior until it reaches the
very hot rock which turns it into steam and steam being very
powerful, forces itself through the weak points of the Earth’s
surface along with molten material.
(iii) Plate tectonics : Splitting of the major and minor plates of
the Earth cause cracks , crevices and fissures in the Earth’s
crust through which the magma is poured out.
3. How can volcanoes be classified on the basis of their activity?
Ans. Classification of volcanoes based on their activity:
(i) Active volcanoes: They constantly eject lava, gases, ashes and
cinder, e.g., Mt. St. Helens (USA).
(ii) Dormant volcanoes: It is not extinct but has not been known
to erupt within historic time, e.g., Vesuvius.
(iii) Extinct Volcanoes: They no longer are active but had erupted
in the distant geological past. e.g., Arthur’s seat in Scotland.
4. Name the four major types of volcanic eruptions.
Ans. The four major types of volcanic eruptions are:
Intrusive : Sills, Dykes
Extrusive : Ash and cinder cones and strata cone. (chk)
5. What is volcanicity?
Ans. Volcanicity is a process which involves the intrusion of magma in
the rise of the Earth’s crust or the extrusion of such molten mate-
rial into the Earth’s surface. This process gives rise to volcanic
eruptions.
6. What are the products of volcanic eruption?
Ans. Volcanoes eject lava, gases, ashes, cinder, pumice etc.
7. What is a crater?
50
Ans. An abrupt circular depression formed by extrusion of volcanic
material, by collapse or by impact of a meteorite.
8. Name any four major types of landforms associated with
volcanoes.
Ans. Four major landforms formed are:
Intrusive landforms:
(a) Batholith – Batholith rocks form the base of the mountains.
They are large, coarse-grained igneous landmass which is
formed after the erosion of upper lying landmass from part
of hard rock.
(b) Laccoliths –This is a large sill of acid lava which solidifies
slowly giving it a dome shape.
Extrusive landforms:
(a) Lava dome– It is formed when viscous lava solidifies quickly
and forms a steep-sided cone. Lava solidifies in the spine or
plug. Sometimes spine is exposed due to denudation.
(b) Lava shields –The Hawaiian volcanoes are the excellent
examples of basalt domes or shield, for example, Mt Etna.
9. State three beneficial effects of volcanoes.
Ans. (i) Lava from plains are very fertile, e.g., in Java, North-west
Deccan and parts of Brazil.
(ii) All precious stones are formed within volcanoes, for example,
diamonds in South Africa, and nickel deposits in Sudbury in
Canada.
(iii) Geysers and Spring, which are formed due to volcanic
activity, are useful from health point of view as they contain
sulphur and other useful minerals. These are important from
a medical point of view also.
10. Mention three adverse effects of volcanoes.
Ans. (i) Most of the latest volcanic areas are absolutely barren and
inhabitable by man. The high porosity leads to immediate
percolation and disappearance of rain water. Thus no human
activity is possible.
(ii) Volcanic eruptions are disastrous causing complete destruc-
tion. Eruptions often force people living near volcanoes to
abandon their land and houses, sometimes forever.
(iii) Volcanic activity since 1700 AD has killed more than 260,000
51
people, destroying entire cities and forests and severely dis-
turbed local economies for months to years.
11. Describe the distribution of volcanoes.
Ans. The following are the three belts of volcanic eruptions:
(a) The Circum-Pacific Belt (Ring of Fire):
This is the most important belt of volcanoes and is also called
‘Ring of Fire’. It extends through the Andes of South America,
Central America, Mexico, the mountains of western U.S.A., the
Aleutian Islands, Kamchatka, the Kurile Islands, Sakhalin, Japan,
Phillipines, Celebes, New Guinea, the Soloman Islands, New
Caledonia and New Zealand.
(b) Mid-Atlantic Belt:
This belt includes the volcanoes of Mid-Atlantic ridge. Most of
the volcanoes of this belt are of fissure-eruption type. It also
includes the volcanoes of Lesser Antilles, Southern Antilles,
Azores, St. Helena, etc.
(c) Mid-Continental Belt:
This belt includes the volcanoes of Alps mountains, Mediterranean
Sea, volcanoes of Aegean Sea, Mt. Ararat (Turkey), Elburz,
Hindukush and the Himalayas.
12. Explain in brief, how a volcanic eruption is caused.
Ans. (Same as 2nd)
13. Classify volcanoes on the basis of their intensity of eruption.
Ans. Based on intensity volcanoes are classified into:
(i) Active volcanoes: They constantly eject lava, gases, ashes,
cinder, pumice, etc. There are several hundred active volcanoes
in the world. Out of 1500 active volcanoes, 50 or so erupt
every year, spewing steam, ash toxic gases and lava.
(ii) Dormant volcanoes: A volcano which although not extinct,
has not been known to erupt within historic time is known as
dormant volcanoe. The Vesuvius volcano is one of the best
examples of a dormant volcano.
(iii) Extinct volcano : A volcano that erupted in the distant
geological past and the remains of which occur in an area
where there is no longer any active volcanicity is known as
52
extinct volcano. The crater is filled up with water, converting
it into a lake known as Crater Lake.
14. Where do volcanic eruptions generally occur? Give one example.
Ans. The volcanic eruptions are closely associated with sea floor
spreading, plate tectonics and mountain building processes.
Circum-Pacific Belt (Bogosl of island peak) and the Mid-
Atlantic Belt (St. Helena) and Mid-Continental Belt (Elburz) are
characterised with active and violent volcanic eruptions.
15. Give one example of an active volcano.
Ans. Mt. St. Helena (USA), Stromboli and Etna (Mediterranean Sea)
and Pinatubo (Phillipines) are some of the examples of active
volcanoes. The Stromboli volcano emits so much fire that it has
come to be known as the lighthouse of the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Caldera
Ans. Caldera: A large, more or less circular depression or basin as-
sociated with a volcanic vent.
2. Ring of Fire
Ans. Ring of Fire: The Circum-Pacific Belt is also called as Ring of
Fire. It extends through the Andes of South America, Central
America, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, etc.
3. Magma
Ans. Magma: It is a molten rock material consisting of liquid, gas and
crystals.
4. Lava
Ans. Lava: Magma that reaches the earth’s surface.

1. Lopoliths and Phacoliths
Lopoliths Phacoliths
When lava solidifies in shallow These are dome shaped and are
basins in the shape of a saucer it is formed when acid lava solidifies
called lopoliths. on an anticline or on the base of
a syncline.
53
2. Crater and Caldera
Crater Caldera
A crater is almost always a vent A caldera is formed when a large
for volcanic activity. eruption of magma, or lava, leaves
a gigantic empty chamber under-
ground.
A crater is formed by sinking of A caldera is formed when the
the top of the volcano as lava overlying rocks collapse to fill an
weakens the rocks. emptied huge chamber of magma.
3. Active and Extinct Volcano

Active Extinct
They constantly eject lava, gases, A volcano that erupted in the
ashes, cinder, pumice, etc. distant geological past and the
remains of which occur in an
area where there is no longer any
active volcanicity is known as
extinct volcano.
E.g., Stromboli and Etna E.g., Arthur’s seat
D. Diagrams :
Draw a labelled self-explanatory diagram of a volcano.
E. Give reasons for the following :
1. Earthquakes are closely associated with volcanic belts.
Ans. Earthquakes are closely associated with volcanic belts because:
l Most earthquakes are along the edges of tectonic plates. This
is where most volcanoes are too. However, most earthquakes

are caused by the interaction of the plates not the movement
of magma.
l Most earthquakes directly beneath a volcano are caused by
the movement of magma. The magma exerts pressure on the
rocks until it cracks the rock. Then the magma squirts into the
crack and starts building pressure again. Every time the rock
cracks it makes a small earthquake.
2. Lava activity is profitable to man.
54
Ans. Lava activity is profitable to man:
l The plains formed by lava are very fertile. E.g., in Java.
l Most of the precious stones are obtained E.g., diamonds
l They are also a good source of mineral wealth which provides
raw material to industries.

3. The Circum-Pacific Belt is also called the ‘Ring of Fire’.
Ans. The Circum-Pacific Belt is also called the ‘Ring of Fire’:
l Its edges mark a circle of high volcanic and seismic activity
(earthquakes).
l Most of the active volcanoes on Earth are located on this
circumference.
4. The Volcanoes have constructive effects in favour of man.
Ans. Constructive effects of volcanoes in favour of man
(i) Sometimes, lava activity is profitable to man because lava from
plains are very fertile, e.g., plains in Java, Malwa region in Deccan
plateau (India) and parts of Brazil.
(ii) All precious stones are found within volcanoes, for example,
diamonds in South Africa, and nickel deposits of Sudbury in
Canada.
(iii) Geysers and Springs, which are formed due to volcanic activity
are very useful from health point of view as they contain sulphur
and other useful minerals. These are important from the medical
point of view also.
(iv) The crater lakes serve as a great source of perennial rivers. For
example, Lake Nyos in South Africa.
5. Mt. Vesuvius in Italy is a dormant volcano.
Ans. A volcano which although not extinct, has not been known to
erupt within historic time is known as dormant volcano. The Ve-
suvius volcano is one of the best examples of a dormant volcano
which erupted first in 79 AD. It remained dormant for over 1500
years and then suddenly erupted with great force in 1631 AD. The
subsequent eruptions occurred in 1803, 1872, 1906, 1927, 1928
and 1929.
F. Choose the correct option.
1. Identify the parts of volcano which are marked as 5 & 7.
(a) Lava & Ash (b) Fissure & Dyke
(c) Lava & Magma (d) Vent & caldera
55
2. Hawaiian volcanoes are the excellent examples of ________.
(a) Strato volcano (b) Lava domes
(c) Lava Shields (d) Cinder cones
3. Which of the following is an extinct volcano?
(a) Vesuvius volcano (b) Etna
(c) Arthur’s Seat (d) Stromboli
4. Which of the following belt of volcano is also known as the ‘Ring
of Fire’?
(a) Mid – Continental belt (b) Circum-Pacific belt
(c) Mid – Atlantic belt (d) None of the above
5. It is an intrusive volcanic landform which is formed when the
lava solidifies between the horizontal layers of parent rocks.
(a) Dykes (b) Lopoliths (c) Phacoliths (d) Sills
Answers
1. d 2. c 3. c 4. b 5. d

8. Earthquakes
EXERCISE
1. Describe the distribution of earthquakes in the world.
Ans. Earthquakes have a definite pattern of distribution. There are three
56
major belts in the world in which the earthquakes frequently oc-
cur.
(i) The Circum-Pacific Belt:
l It extends in the west from Alaska to Kurile, Japan, Mariana
and the Phillipine trenches. It is divided into two trenches:

Indonesian trench and Kermamac-Tongo trench to the north-
west of New Zealand.
l On the eastern side of the Pacific the earthquake zone follows
the west coast of North America and continues southward along

Peru and Chile trenchon the west coast of South America.
l About 66 per cent of the total earthquakes of the world are
recorded in this belt.

(ii) The Mid-Atlantic Belt:
l It extends along the mid-oceanic ridges and several islands
near the ridges of the Atlantic Ocean.

l The sea-floor spreading is the main cause of earthquakes in
this belt
l The Rift-valley of East Africa and the Red Sea are considered
as an extention of this belt.

(iii) The Mid-Continental Belt:
l This belt extends along the Alpine mountain system of Europe,
N. America, through Asia Minor, Caucasia, Iran, etc.

l This zone is characterised by larger earthquakes of shallow
origin and some of intermediate origin.

(iv) Interplate Seismicity:
l Most of the world’s seismicity occurs along plate boundaries,
the continental platform also experience infrequent and

scattered shallow-focus earthquakes.
l E.g., The earthquake which occurred in Latur in India.
2. Name the instrument used to measure an earthquake.

Ans. The instrument used to measure an earthquake is Richter Scale.
3. Give some examples of earthquakes of the world.
Ans. Some examples of the earthquakes of the world are:
l Gujarat earthquake in India.
l The Krakatoa earthquake.
l The earthquake of 1931 in Greece.
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4. What is meant by Richter Scale?
Ans. Richter Scale is an open-ended, logarithmic scale that estimates
earthquake magnitude, designed by Charles Richter in 1935.
5. What is an earthquake?
Ans. Any sudden vibration or movement of a part of the Earth’s crust
caused by natural or man-made stresses, resulting in violent trem-
ors of shaking and the trembling is called an earthquake.
6. What is meant by epicentre?
Ans. Epicentre is the point where the shock waves reach the surface.
It is directly above the focus point.
7. What is seismograph used for?
Ans. Seismograph is an instrument used to record the waves generated
by an earthquake.
8. State any two causes of earthquakes.
Ans. Two causes of earthquakes:
Volcanic Eruptions:

They are caused by gas explosions.
They are generally of shallow origin and their area of disturbance
is small but intensity may be high near the volcano, e.g., Krakatoa
volcano.
Anthropogenic factors:
l Human interaction with nature.
l The extraction of minerals, deep underground mining, blasting
of rocks, etc.
l Construction of dams and reservoirs.
l E.g., Koyna earthquake of 1967 in Satara district of Maharashtra.
9. Mention any two destructive effects of earthquakes.
Ans. Two destructive effects of earthquakes are:
Building collapse:
l People can be trapped in collapsed buildings or under the
rubble.
l It leads to the worst causalities.
l E.g., Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco.
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Landslides:
l In the young fold mountains like Andes, Rockies, Alps and the
Himalayas, earthquakes result into landslides which damage

human settlements and disturb transport system.
10. Mention two constructive effects of earthquakes.
Ans. The two constructive effects of earthquakes :
l They may result in fissure opening causing a geyser of hot
spring which are useful from medicinal point of view.

l They may result in the formation of coastal submergence and
changing the coastal forms, forming bays and may prove to

be helpful in navigation.
11. What is a tsunami?
Ans. Tsunami is a long wavelength shallow water wave caused by rapid
displacement of water. Its velocity can reach 800 km per hour.
1. Fault
Ans. A fracture in a rock along which there has been an observable
amount of displacement is known as fault.
2. Seismic Focus
Ans. Seismic Focus: It is a point within the crust or mantle at which
a shock or series of shocks are generated due to a sudden move-
ment of crustal rocks.
3. Flash Floods
Ans. Flash Floods: Many a time, under the impact of severe
earthquakes, the dams and embankments develop fissures which
become the cause of Flash Floods.
4. Landslides
Ans. Landslides : Buildings can be damaged when the ground
gives way beneath them. This can be in the form of a
landslide down a hill or liquefaction of soils that can cause
severe settling of the ground.
In the young-fold mountains like Andes, Rockies, Alps and
the Himalayas, earthquakes result into landslides which dam-
age the human settlements and disturb the transport system.
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C. Give a reason for the following statements:
1. Most earthquakes are caused by tectonic movement..
Ans. Faults & folds are formed when the plates collide each other or
diverge or sliding apart, the energy inside the earth crust will be
released in the form of vibration or earthquake along the fault
line.
2. Earthquake is associated with volcanism.
Ans. Vibration or earthquake may happen due to large scale explosion
during the volcanic eruption.
3. Earthquake can be proved to be helpful for Navigation.
Ans. Earthquake results in the formation of coastal submergence and
helps in the formation of bays, in this way it is helpful for the
navigators.
4. Japan is an earthquake & tsunami prone area.
Ans. Japan is situated in the Pacific Ocean along the subduction zone
of the plates; therefore, it is very much disturbed by frequent
volcanic eruption which is followed by earthquake & tsunami
D. Choose the correct option.
1. The science of earthquake is known as_______.
(a) Pedology (b) Geology
(c) Seismology (d) Petrology
2. The magnitude of an earthquake is measured by_______.
(a) Mercelli scale (b) Seismograph
(c) Richter scale (d) None of the above
3. Which of the following statement related to earthquake focus is
not true?
(a) It is situated on the surface of the earth & from here the
earthquake waves spread horizontally on the earth surface.
(b) It is the point of origin of earthquake wave.
(c) It is situated below the earth’s crust.
(d) Effect of earthquake will be greater if focus is situated near
the surface.
4. Which of the following plates are responsible for Nepal earth-
quake on 25th April, 2015?
(a) Pacific plate & Indian Plate
(b) Nazka Plate & Eurasian Plate
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(c) Indo- Australian & Eurasian Plate
(d) Eurasian & Pacific Plate
5. What is the name of this instrument?
(a) Anemometer
(b) Seismometer
(c) Altimeter
(d) Electrometer
6. Which of the following is not a cause of earthquake?
(a) Folding & faulting (b) Volcanism
(c) Deep underground mining (d) Tsunami
Answers
1. c 2. c 3. a 4. c 5. b 6. d

9. Weathering and Denudation

EXERCISE
1. Define weathering. How does it occur?
Ans. l Weathering involves disintegration and decomposition of rocks
where they exist. Therefore, it is a static process.
l It occurs by the action of heat and cold, wind , rainwater , biotic
factors and frost.

2. Name the three types of weathering.
Ans. The three types of weathering are:
l Physical or mechanical weathering
l Chemical weathering in which the main agent is rainwater.
l Biotic or biological weathering.
3. What do you understand by denudation?

Ans. Denudation refers to all processes that cause degradation of land-
scape, weathering mass movement, erosion and transport.
4. How does frost cause weathering of rocks?
Ans. Frost is the most common agent of weathering in the temperate
regions:
61
l When water enters the rocks and turns into ice, the volume
increases.
l During the day the ice thaws and the water enters deep into
rocks.
l When temperature drops during the night, the water again
freezes, widening the crack.

l This repeated freezing and thawing results in breaking up of
rocks.
5. In what ways does atmosphere assist in weathering?
Ans. The ways in which atmosphere assist in weathering are:
l Carbon dioxide is an atmospheric constituent that plays several
vital roles in the environment.

l It is a greenhouse gas that traps infrared radiation heat in the
atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in the weathering of rocks.

e.g., Rainwater, when mixed with carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere forms a weak solution of carbonic acid.
l It acts on rocks containing limestone and chalk.
l Weathering of limestone regions in this way gives rise to
various landforms like stalactites and stalagmites in the

limestone region.
6. What is meant by chemical weathering?
Ans. The decomposition of rocks in which the main agent is rainwater
is called Chemical weathering.
l It involves the breaking down of rocks by altering or dissolving
the rock minerals due to chemical action of changes.

7. How does biological weathering take place?
Ans. Biological weathering takes place by the biotic factors like plants,
animals and human .
8. What do you understand by mechanical weathering? How does it
take place?
Ans. Mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rock into smaller
fragments by physical processes such as frost wedging.
l It is responsible for the disintegration of rocks by the elements
of weather such as heat, frost, wind, plants, man and animals.

l The factors responsible for the mechanical weathering are:
The extremes of temperature, exfoliation, nature of rocks, structure

of rocks, frost, wind and slope of the land.
9. How does composition of rock affect mechanical weathering?
62
Ans. Nature of rocks refers to the composition of rocks:
l Some rocks may be hard and some soft. Some may be soluble
and some insoluble.

l Hence, the mechanical weathering takes place in the softer or
soluble rocks more easily than in the hard and insoluble rocks.
l In case of sandy soil of desert, it is picked up by wind more
easily while clay or loam cannot be lifted by air easily.

10. Name the factors responsible for chemical weathering.
Ans. The process of chemical weathering is governed by the following
factors:
(i) Oxidation: When oxygen in the air and water reacts with
minerals in rocks, oxidation takes place.
(ii) Hydration: The chemical reaction of water with minerals,
changes the proportion and composition of rocks and minerals.
(iii) Carbonation: Carbonation is the reaction of carbonic acid on
minerals.
(iv) Solution: When rainwater reacts with the minerals present
in rocks it dissolves them. When it seeps below the ground
through joints, gaps and crevices, it further dissolves the
soluble minerals by forming a solution and separates the
insoluble minerals, causing decomposition of rocks.
11. What is carbonation? Give two examples of the landforms formed
by carbonation?
Ans. Carbonation is the reaction of carbonic acid on minerals.
For example, Rainwater, when mixed with carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere forms a weak solution of carbonic acid
l It acts on rocks containing limestone and chalk.
l Weathering of limestone regions in this way gives rise to
various landforms like stalactites and stalagmites in the

limestone region.
12. How does chemical weathering take place?
Ans. Chemical weathering takes place due to the decomposition of
rocks.
l It involves the breaking down of rocks by altering or dissolving
the rock minerals due to chemical action or changes.

l The gradual decomposition of the rocks takes place due to
exposure to air and water.

63
For example, water containing oxygen from the air may change
iron in the rocks to iron oxide of iron compounds.
B. Define the following terms:
1. Oxidation
Ans. Oxidation: When oxygen in the air and water reacts with minerals
in the rock, oxidation takes place.
2. Solution
Ans. Solution: When rainwater reacts with the minerals present in
rocks it dissolves them. When it seeps below the ground through
joints, gaps and crevices, it further dissolves the soluble minerals
by forming a solution and separates the insoluble minerals, caus-
ing decomposition of rocks.
3. Exfoliation
Ans. Exfoliation: The changes in the temperature during summer and
winter and in case of arid region, during day and night, cause
expansion and contraction in the rock surfaces.
This causes the rocks to break up or peel off. This process is
called exfoliation.
4. Weathering
Ans. Weathering: Weathering involves disintegration and decomposition
of rocks where they exist. Therefore, it is a static process.
It occurs by the action of heat and cold, wind , rainwater , biotic
factors and frost.
5. Denudation
Ans. Denudation: A general term that refers to all processes that cause
degradation of landscape, weathering mas movement, erosion and
transport.
1. Chemical and Mechanical Weathering
Chemical Weathering Mechanical Weathering
Chemical weathering takes place Mechanical weathering is the
due to the decomposition of rocks. breakdown of rock into smaller
fragments by physical processes
such as frost wedging.
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The factors responsible for the The factors responsible for the
chemical weathering are oxida- mechanical weathering are:
tion, hydration, carbonation and The extremes of temperature,
solution. exfoliation, nature of rocks, structure
of rocks, frost, wind and slope of
the land.
2. Weathering and Denudation
Weathering Denudation
Weathering involves disintegration Denudation refers to all processes
and decomposition of rocks where that cause degradation of landscape,
they exist. Therefore, it is a static weathering mass movement, erosion
process. and transport.
Weathering is one of the several Denudation itself includes several
processes of denudation. processes like weathering, erosion
and mass wasting.
For example, biological weathering. For example, the Aravali mountains
have been denuded due to the action
of the winds.
D. Give a reason for the following statements:
1. Wind is the main agent of gradation in the arid & semi arid regions.
Ans. Due to the absence of vegetation the soil is loose & exposed to
the action of winds & scanty rainfall.
2. Erosion is the main work of river in the upper course.
Ans. In the upper course of the river the gradient of the slope is high,
therefore, the velocity of the river is also high. So the main action
of the river is erosion.
3. Weathering is a static phenomenon.
Ans. As there is no involvement in the movement of disintegrated rock
fragments in weathering process.
4. Deposition is the main work of river in the lower course.
Ans. In this course the river flows sluggishly as the gradient of the
land becomes gentle. Therefore, the load is deposited on the bed
and bank of the river.
5. Chemical weathering may affect the farming activities.
Ans. Chemical weathering dissolves the soluble components of the soil
and makes the soil infertile.
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E. Choose the correct option.
1. Which of following work is active in the lower course of the
river?
(a) Erosion (b) Deposition
(c) Both erosion & deposition (d) Transportation
2. Identify the landform by studying the image.
(a) Deflation Hollow
(b) Seif dune
(c) Barchans
(d) Sand Hill
3. Through which of the following chemical weathering Feldsper is
converted to Keolin?
(a) Carbonation (b) Oxidation
(c) Hydration (d) Solution
4. Which of the following weathering is also known as Onion Peel-
ing?
(a) Block disintegration (b) Exfoliation
(c) Granular disintegration (d) None of the above
5. Which of the following weathering is also known as Mechanical
weathering?
(a) Chemical weathering (b) Physical weathering
(c) Biological weathering (d) None of the above
6. Which of the following landform is formed in the lower course
of the river?
(a) V-shaped valley (b) Meander
(c) Delta (d) Waterfall
7. Which of the following is the erosional landform of wind?
(a) Barchans (b) Seifs
(c) Deflation Hollows (d) Delta
8. In which of the course of the river the river erosion is more lateral
than vertical?
(a) Upper course (b) Middle course
(c) Lower course (d) All the above
66
9. The limestone topography is affected through which of the fol-
lowing weathering process?
(a) Physical weathering (b) Biological weathering
(c) Oxidation (d) Carbonation
10. Which of the following feature is observed in this image?
(a) Delta
(b) Meander
(c) V shaped valley
(d) Rapids
11. Waterfall is formed due to the erosion by which of the following
agent?
(a) Wind (b) Underground water
(c) River (d) Glacier
12. Which of the following is a static process?
(a) Erosion (b) Weathering
(c) Denudation (d) Solution
Answers
1. b 2. c 3. c 4. b 5. b 6. c 7. c 8. b
9. d 10. b 11. c 12. b

10. Tides and Ocean Currents

EXERCISE
1. What are currents? What causes these currents?
Ans. Ocean current:
l It is the general movement of a mass of ocean water in a
definite direction, which is more or less similar to water

streams flowing on the land surface of the Earth.
l Causes of ocean currents:
l Planetary winds
l Variation in sea water temperature
l Variation in sea water salinity
l Rotation of the earth
l Configuration of coastline.
67
2. What is Coriolis Force?
Ans. The Earth rotates on its axis from west to east. This rotation is the
cause of deflective force known as Coriolis force, which deflects
the general direction of the winds and that of the ocean currents.
3. What happens when warm and cold currents meet? How is it
important for fisheries?
Ans.
l The mixing of the cold and warm currents provide ideal tem-
perature conditions for the life of fish.

l The chief food of fish (plankton) is found in abundance in cold
water.
For example, Newfoundland where Gulf Stream and Labrador meet.
4. What leads to the variation in the salinity of the sea water?
Ans. The amount of salt contained in sea water varies from one part
of the ocean to another.
l The high salinity water tends to subside and move below water
of low salinity.
l There is a marked variation in the salinity of the Atlantic
Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

l Due to this variation, the ocean currents flow from the Atlantic
ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

5. Name a few important currents of the Pacific Ocean.
Ans. A few important currents of the Pacific Ocean are:
l Kuroshio Current (warm)
l Kurile or Oyashio Current (Cold)
l East Australian Current (warm)
l West Wind Drift
6. What is Gulf Stream famous for?

Ans. Gulf Stream converges with Labrador cold current near
Newfoundland.
l This provides an ideal condition for the life of fish.
l The Grand Bank near Newfoundland has become an ideal
fishing ground of the world.

l The chief food, plankton is found in abundance in cold water.
7. Name a few minor currents of the world.

Ans. Few important ocean currents of the world are:
l Equatorial Current
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l Gulf Stream Current
l Labrador Current
8. What effect do the ocean currents have on the climate of a place?
Ans. Effects of ocean currents on the climate of a place:
l They are an important source of temperature distribution.
l They mitigate the air temperatures and help in the regulation

of air routes.
l They affect the route of cyclonic streams. Low pressure
conditions created by warm currents over the large masses of
surface water attract cyclones.
l Warm and cold currents affect the rainfall as winds passing
over the warm current picks up the , moisture and give extra
rains to British Columbia, etc.
l Winds passing over cold currents do not rain at all, e.g.,
Kalahari desert.
9. What are the effects of tides?
Ans. Effects of tides are:
l They help to remove the debris from the sea shore.
l Strong tidal currents help ships to enter in shallow harbours,
e.g., London harbour.

l Tidal energy can be harnessed to generate electricity.
l They help in producing salt in the coastal areas.
10. What is the time difference between two tides?

Ans. The time difference between each tide is approximately 12 hours
and 26 minutes.
11. Explain by reference to actual examples the effects of ocean cur-
rents on climate, economy and fishing.
Ans. The effects of ocean currents on :
Climate : Same as of 8th answer
Economy and fishing:
l Save Money for Cargo Transport
Ships are important to carry goods across the continents. By

knowing which ocean currents can help the ships travel quicker
and with less fuel, the ships can save money for their transport
cost.
69
l Create Fishing Ground
Fishing grounds are important for both fishermen and the big
fishing industries. By knowing where fish are most abundant,
the fishing business can earn more money for their living. Ocean
currents play a major role in producing the food that fish feed
on. With more food at a specific area, more fish will come and
breed. The fishing industries can use this to their advantage. For
instance, the eastern coast area in North America is the biggest
fishing ground in the world. Gulf Stream and Labrador currents
help the fish to flourish.
l Generating Electricity
Ocean currents can help more waves to generate electricity. This

electricity is a form of renewable energy that will not create any
pollution. The people in the island can continue with their daily
works.
l Increase Storms
Storms rely on ocean currents to gain power. Sometimes ocean

currents may cause storms to become stronger. Once the storms
move inland, people’s lives can be devastated. Other than damage
to homes and the roads, crops and farms will suffer too.
l Allow Crops to Grow
The rainfall caused by the warm ocean currents is also important

for agriculture. The crops will help them with their livelihood.
l Increase Plankton Growth
Ocean currents can increase the amount of plankton that grows

in the water. This especially applies when two kinds of currents
meet. When both cold and warm currents mix in the sea water,
the oxygen level is increased. Many people fish for hobby but
most depend on fish for income.
12. How are tides caused?
Ans. Causes of Tides:
Gravitational Force:
l They are caused by the influence of Moon on the Earth. The gravi-
tational pull of Moon is more on Earth because of its proximity

to the Earth.
l The Sun being too far away exerts some pull on the Earth due to
its great mass, but it is much less as compared to Moon.
70
Influence of the Moon:
l It results in the formation of high tide and low tide.
The rotation of the Earth:

l Results in every meridian coming into the position of two high
tides and two low tides nearly every 24 hours.

13. Name the two movements in the ocean.
Ans. The two movements in the ocean are:
l Horizontal, i.e., ocean currents
l Vertical, i.e., the rising of bottom water and the sinking of
surface water.
14. Name any two warm currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ans. The two warm currents of the Atlantic Ocean are:
l Brazil Current
l Gulf Stream Current.
B. Give reasons :
1. The famous fishing grounds of the world are located where warm
and cold currents meet.
Ans. The famous fishing grounds of the worlds are located where warm
and cold currents meet :
l They provide ideal temperature conditions for the life of fish.
l The chief food of fish (plankton) is found in abundance in
cold water, e.g., Newfoundland.

2. Winds are the main influence on the circulation of ocean currents.
Ans. Winds are the main influence on the circulation of ocean currents:
l The prevailing planetary winds like Trade winds, Westerlies, etc,
play vital role in the origin and development of ocean currents.
l Because of the Coriolis Effect, the Northern Hemisphere
currents flow to the right of the wind direction while the
Southern Hemisphere currents flow to the left.
l Most of the ocean currents of the winds follow the direction
of prevailing permanent or planetary winds.
3. The tidal range differs from sea to sea.
Ans. The tidal range differs from sea to sea:
l In the open oceans such as Atlantic, tides flow and ebb
regularly twice a day.
71
l In the enclosed sea of sheltered seas such as Mediterranean
or Baltic , the range may be very small.
4. The tides help in navigation.
Ans. The tides help in Navigation:
l They help in removing the debris from the sea shore.
l Strong tidal currents help ships to enter shallow harbours.
l In certain harbours tidal basins are constructed to store tidal
water.
5. The time difference between two tides is approximately 12 hours
26 minutes.
Ans. As moon also rotates on its axis while revolving round the Earth.
6. The ocean currents flow from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediter-
ranean Sea surface.
Ans. Atlantic Ocean is less saline & dense than the Mediterranean Sea.
So the lighter water flows from Atlantic Ocean to the Mediter-
ranean Sea.
7. Ocean current helps in maintaining the earth’s heat balance.
Ans. Ocean currents help in maintaining the Earth’s heat balance by
transferring the heat from lower to higher latitude through the
warm ocean currents.
C. Write brief notes on the following :
1. Spring Tide
Ans. Spring Tide:
l When the Sun, Earth and Moon are in a straight line as they
are at Full Moon and New Moon, the gravitational force is at

its greatest because of combined force of Sun and Moon as
they are pulling together.
l At this time the high tide and low tide is very low. These type
of tides are called Spring Tides.

2. Neap Tide
Ans. Neap Tide:
l When the Sun, Earth and Moon are not in a straight line, they are
not exerting a combined force, so the gravitational pull is much

less.
l At half moon, that is, when the Sun, Moon are pulling at right
angles, the force exerted is at its least and the difference between
72
high tide and low tide is not large. These tides are called Neap
Tides.
3. Gulf Stream
Ans. Gulf Stream:
l It is a warm Atlantic Ocean current.
l It is the largest of the Western boundary currents of the North
Atlantic Ocean.
l It originates in the Gulf of Mexico around 20° N and moves
in a north-easterly direction along the eastern coast of North
America.
l It is depleted in nutrients and incapable of supporting much
life.
4. Labrador Current
Ans. Labrador Current:
l It is important cold water current in North Atlantic Ocean.
l It has its origin in the Arctic Ocean which flows from North
to South between the Greenland and the Baffin Islands.

Passing southwards, it merges with the Gulf Stream near
Newfoundland.
l It brings down huge icebergs from the Arctic Ocean to the
eastern coast of Canada which are hazardous to navigation.

1. The mass of water which is occupying the greatest part of the
Earth’s surface is called
(a) Atmosphere (b) Biosphere
(c) Hydrosphere (d) Lithosphere
2. The general movement of a mass of oceanic water in a definite
direction is called
(a) Sea wave (b) Ocean current
(c) Tides (d) Tsunami
3. Which of the following factor is not affecting the movement of
ocean currents directly?
(a) Difference in rainfall amount
(b) Difference in sea water temperature
73
(c) Difference in sea water salinity
(d) Coriolis effect
4. Which of the following ocean current is flowing in north east
direction throughout the year under the influence of westerlies?
(a) North equatorial current (b) South equatorial current
(c) Gulf stream (d) Kuril current
5. Which of the following is a cold ocean current?
(a) Kuroshio current (b) Oyashio current
(c) Gulf stream (d) All the above
6. Dense fog is formed near Newfoundland due to
(a) the meeting of Gulf Stream & North Atlantic Drift
(b) the meeting of Kuroshio and Oyashio Ocean current
(c) the meeting of two cold currents
(d) the meeting of Gulf Stream & Labrador current
7. Which of the following ocean current is responsible for moderat-
ing the climate of Western Europe?
(a) Kuroshio current (b) Oyashio current
(c) North Atlantic Current (d) Labrador current
8. Which of the following statement is not correct about spring tide?
(a) It happens during New & Full Moon.
(b) It happens when Sun; Moon & Earth are not in straight line.
(c) It is a high tide.
(d) It happens when earth gets the combined gravitational force
of the Sun & Moon.
9. What happens when cold & warm ocean currents meet?
(a) Dense fog (b) Rainfall
(c) Cyclone (d) All the above
10. Which of following reason is responsible for 12 hours 26 minutes
time difference between each tide?
(a) Moon has remained stationary.
(b) Moon is revolving round the Sun
(c) Earth is revolving round the Sun
74
(d) Moon is revolving round the earth.
11. Which of the following current is formed in Atlantic Ocean?
(a) Kuroshio (b) Oyashio
(c) Monsoonal drift (d) Gulf stream
12. Which of the following ocean current flows under the influence
of trade winds?
(a) Kuroshio (b) Gulf stream
(c) Equatorial current (d) Monsoonal drift
Answers
1. c 2. b 3. a 4. c 5. b 6. d 7. c 8. b
9. d 10. d 11. d 12. c

11. Composition and Structure of

The Atmosphere
EXERCISE
1. What is the significance of atmosphere?
Ans. The significance of atmosphere :
l There is a continuous flux of energy and matter between the
sea surface and lowermost layer of atmosphere to provide the
conditions most suitable for existence of life.
l It consists of many major gases like Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon-
dioxide etc , which are very important for life.
l The Ozone layer in the Stratosphere absorbs the burning ultraviolet
radiation from the Sun. In its absence our planet would have
been unfit for human habitation and other living beings.
2. State the components of the atmosphere.
Ans. The components of the atmosphere are:
Two main gases Nitrogen and Oxygen(78% and 21% respectively),
make up about 99% of the clean dry air. The remaining gases
are almost inert and constitute about 1% of atmosphere.
75
3. Name the different layers of the atmosphere.
Ans. The different layers of the atmosphere are:
l Troposphere, Stratosphere, Ionosphere and Exosphere.
4. State the important characteristics of each of the layers.

Ans. Important characters of the layers of the atmosphere are:
l Troposphere: It is the lower most atmospheric layer.
All weather phenomena that affect our life directly take place
within troposphere.
It contains water vapour, a colourless, odourless gaseous form
of water, which mixes perfectly with other gases. Excessive
condensation leads to rain, hail or snow.
The dust particles present in this layer serves as nuclear
centres around which the water vapour condenses to form
cloud particles.
l Stratosphere: The lowermost limit of Stratosphere is tropopause.
It contains the ozone layer. It absorbs the burning ultraviolet
No visible weather phenomena take place in this layer.
In this layer the temperature does not change with altitude.
l Ionosphere: It is above Stratosphere.
In this layer the ionisation of molecules and atoms occurs
mainly as a result of ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gamma rays.
It reflects low frequency radio waves, but absorbs medium
and high frequency waves. Thus this layer is especially
important in long distance radio communication.
l Exosphere: It is the outermost layer of atmosphere.
It is highly predominant with rarefied Hydrogen and Helium
gases.
5. What is the significance of atmosphere for the Earth?
Ans. Same as 1st.
6. What are the properties of Troposphere?
Ans. The properties of Troposphere are:
It is the lower most atmospheric layer.
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All weather phenomena that affect our life directly take place
within troposphere.
It contains water vapour, a colourless, odourless gaseous form
The dust particles present in this layer serves as nuclear centres
around which the water vapour condenses to form cloud particles.
7. What is Tropopause?
Ans. The Tropopause is the boundary in the Earth's atmosphere between
the troposphere and the stratosphere.
8. What is the significance of ozone in the atmosphere?
Ans. The significance of ozone in the atmosphere is :
l It is an important feature of the Stratosphere.
l It absorbs the burning ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
l In its absence our planet would have been unfit for human
habitation and other living beings.
l It protects us from these harmful rays.
l Thus, presence of this layer is a boon to human beings.
9. What are the causes of destruction of ozone layer?

Ans. The causes of destruction of ozone layer are:
l The emission of Nitrogen Oxide by a large number of supersonic
transport aeroplanes may cause deterioration of ozone layer with
the resultant serious damage to flora and fauna alike.
l A continuous release of synthetic chemicals primarily Chlorofluoro-
carbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere.
l The CFC molecules are released in the Stratosphere where intense
ultraviolet rays split them, freeing Chlorine atoms. These combine
with oxygen to form Chlorine Monoxide.
10. Give the properties of Ionosphere.
Ans. The properties of Ionosphere are:
It is above Stratosphere.
l In this layer the Ionisation of molecules and atoms occurs
mainly as a result of ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gamma rays.
l It reflects low frequency radio waves, but absorbs medium
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and high frequency waves. Thus this layer is especially
important in long distance radio communication.
11. What is meant by Greenhouse Effect?
Ans. Greenhouse effect is the process whereby radioactively active
gases absorb and delay the loss of heat to space ,thus keeping
the lower. Troposphere moderately warm throughout the radiation
of infrared wavelengths.
12. What do you mean by ‘Global Warming’? What are the
consequences of ‘Global Warming’?
Ans. Global warming is also referred to as climate change.
l It is the observed century-scale rise in the average temperature
of the Earth's climate system, and its related effects.
l Because of the increasing level of CO2 in the atmosphere the
global temperature is likely to rise by 1◦C and perhaps may
increase up to 3◦C.
Consequences of Global Warming:

The coral reefs are being affected in nearly all the world
oceans. 90% of the coral reefs in Indian Ocean has been
wiped out.
Increasing global temperature may affect the regional
climate or atmospheric changes with regard to temperature
precipitation, moisture etc. It may pose serious problems in
the ecological balance, which in turn may affect the life of
all living beings on Earth.
13. Name a few measures that could be taken to save the ozone
layer.
Ans. The measures to be taken to save ozone layer are:
Illegal trade is a major barrier, as substantial demand for
these harmful chemicals still exists.
Each country has to take strict decision to ban the use of
such chemicals.
Another step that can help is to create worldwide awareness
against the use of CFCs to save further depletion of life
saving ozone layer.
14. Name the three realms of the Earth.
Ans. The three realms of the earth are:
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Lithosphere ,Hydrosphere and Atmosphere
15. State the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Ans. Same as 2nd answer.
16. How can we reduce global warming?
Ans. Global warming can be reduced by :
l Conservation of forests.
l Reducing industrial pollution.
l Reducing release of CO2, in the atmosphere.
l By taking measures to save the Ozone layer from further

depletion by controlling CFCs release in atmosphere.
l Increase in coral reefs

1. Troposphere
Ans. Troposphere: It is the lower most atmospheric layer.
l All weather phenomena that affect our life directly take place
within troposphere.
l It contains water vapour, a colourless, odourless gaseous form
l The dust particles present in this layer serves as nuclear centres
around which the water vapour condenses to form cloud
particles.
2. Stratosphere
Ans. Stratosphere: The lowermost limit of Stratosphere is Tropopause.
l It contains the ozone layer. It absorbs the burning ultraviolet
l No visible weather phenomena take place in this layer.
l In this layer the temperature does not change with altitude.
3. Weather
Ans. Weather : The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and
time as regards heat, cloudiness, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.
4. Greenhouse Effect
Ans. Greenhouse effect: It is the process whereby radioactively active
79
gases absorb and delay the loss of heat to space ,thus keeping
the lower troposphere moderately warm throughout the radiation
of infrared wavelengths.
5. CFC
Ans. CFC: Chlorofluoro-carbons are synthetic industrial chemical
compounds containing Chlorine, Fluorine and Carbon atoms.
6. Thermosphere
Ans. Thermosphere: Atmospheric layer of upwardly increasing
temperature lying above the Mesopause.
C. Distinguish between the following :
1. Troposphere and Stratosphere
Troposphere Stratosphere
It is the lower most atmospheric It is above Troposphere
layer.
All weather phenomena that No visible weather phenomena

affect our life directly take take place in this layer.
place within troposphere.
There is a decrease of tempera- In this layer the temperature

ture with increasing altitude. does not change with altitude.
2. Stratosphere and Thermosphere

Stratosphere Thermosphere
Consists of Thermosphere and The lower layer of atmosphere
Ionosphere. is called Homosphere.
Both the Thermosphere and It consists of Ozone layer
Ionosphere function to filter which protects the earth from
harmful wavelength of solar the harmful ultraviolet rays.
radiation, protecting the Earth’s
surface.
1. The layers of the atmosphere become thinner with altitude.
Ans. The layers of the atmosphere become thinner with altitude because:
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l the gravity causes the upper layers of atmosphere to exert force
on the lower ones. This causes the air to compress and hence
the air becomes dense at the lower level in comparison, the air
at height is thinner.
2. The Earth does not experience extremes of temperature.
Ans. The Earth does not experience extremes of temperature:
l It is neither too far, nor too near the sun.
3. Solid particles play an important role in the atmosphere.

Ans. Solid particles play an important role in the atmosphere:
l the solid particles like dust in the Troposphere serves as nuclear
centres around which the water vapour condenses to form cloud
particles.
4. The presence of ozone layer is a boon to human being.
Ans. Ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs the harmful ultra violet
ray, therefore, protects us from the harmful effects of UV ray.
5. Ionosphere is important in long distance radio-wave communication.
Ans. Ionosphere reflects low frequency radio waves. In this
way ionosphere is important in long distance radio-wave
communication.
E. Diagram :
Draw a self-explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the
atmosphere.
1. The proportion of Nitrogen in the atmosphere is about_______.
(a) 80% (b) 21%
(c) 78% (d) 65%
2. Which of the following is the lower most layer of the atmosphere?
(a) Stratosphere (b) Troposphere
(c) Ionosphere (d) Exosphere
3. In which of the following layer in atmosphere, Normal lapse rate
of temperature is observed?
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4. Which of the following layer of atmosphere absorbs the ultra
violet rays of Sun?
(a) Ozonosphere (b) Troposphere
5. _______ layer of atmosphere is important for long distance radio
communication.
6. Which of the following chemical is responsible for the depletion
of ozone?
(a) Carbon dioxide (b) Nitric Acid
(c) CFC (d) all the above
7. Which one is the outermost layer of atmosphere?
(a) Ionosphere (b) Stratosphere
(c) Exosphere (d) Troposphere
8. Which of the following is not a reason for global warming?
(a) Rise in the sea level (b) Ozone depletion
(c) Deforestation (d) Burning of fossil fuel
9. Different types of weather phenomena is seen in
(a) Ionosphere (b) Stratosphere
(c) Exosphere (d) Troposphere
10. Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas?
(a) Ozone (b) CO2
(c) Helium (d) Methane
Answers
1. c 2. b 3. b 4. a 5. c 6. c 7. c 8. a
9. d 10. c

12. Insolation
EXERCISE
1. What is insolation? State its importance.
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Ans. Solar radiation that is intercepted by the Earth is known as
insolation. The significance of insolation is:
l It results in the formation of temperature zones.
2. State the three processes by which the air gets heated. Explain
in brief.
Ans. The three main processes by which the earth’s atmosphere is
heated are:
l Convection: The transmission of heat from one part of a
liquid or gas to another by movement of particles themselves
is called convention.
l Conduction : It is the process in which heat is transferred directly
through matter from a point of high temperature. It transfers heat
between adjacent molecules till the temperature is equal.
l Radiation : It is a process by which a body emits radiant
energy. It causes a loss of heat and therefore leads to cooling.
3. State the various factors influencing the temperature of a place.
Ans. The various factors influencing the temperature of a place are:
Latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, winds, Ocean currents,
clouds and rainfall, slope of the land, vegetation and nature of soil.
4. Why does only 51% of the insolation reach the Earth surface?
Ans. Only 51% of the insolation reaches the Earth’s surface:
l The rest is absorbed by water vapour, dust and clouds, or is
reflected by the earth's surface and scattered by particles in
the air.
5. What is the effect of latitude on temperature?
Ans. The effects of latitude on temperature are:
Places at lower latitudes:
l The Sun’s rays are direct and have to travel a lesser extent
through the atmosphere.
l have higher temperature and are hotter than places away from
the Equator.
Places at higher latitudes:

l The Sun’s rays are slanting and have to pass through a greater
extent of atmosphere.
l Hence, these rays lose heat and so the area in the high latitude
are not very hot as compared to the equatorial regions.
6. What causes the differential heating of land and water?
Ans. The differential heating of land and water is caused by :
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l Land breeze and sea breeze
7. What is inversion of temperature? Under what conditions does
it apply?
Ans. l Normally , temperature decreases with height, but in some areas
and during certain periods, temperature increases with height
in the atmosphere. This is called the inversion of temperature.
l This occurs during the winter season over the land.
8. Which zone will have a higher range of temperature? Why?
Ans. The zone which has higher range of temperature is:
l Torrid zone is the one which will be having the higher range
of temperature
l because it lies between the equator and the temperate zone.
l That's why it gets the maximum range of temperature.
9. Name the factors that affect the insolation over the Earth's surface.
Ans. The factors that affect the insolation over the Earth’s surface are:
Latitude, altitude, distance from the Sea, winds, Ocean currents,
clouds and Rainfall, the slope of the land, vegetation and nature
of the soil.
10. Why are the slanting rays less effective than the vertical rays in
heating the atmosphere?
Ans. The slanting rays are less effective than the vertical rays in heating
the atmosphere:
l They have to pass through a greater extent of atmosphere.
l Hence, these rays lose heat and so the areas in the high latitude
are not very hot as compared to the equatorial regions.
11. How do winds modify the temperature of a place?
Ans. The winds modify the temperature of a place:
l On-shore winds: Winds, which blows from sea to land . They
carry moisture.
l Off-shore winds: Winds, which blow from land to sea are dry,
eg. a cold wind blowing from the interior of the continent during
winter further reduces the temperature of the places along their
path, eg, China.
l Local winds: Hot and dry local winds increases the temperature
of a place, eg. Loo , whereas the Bora and the Mistral are the
cold winds.
12. What does Normal Lapse Rate mean?
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Ans. With the increase of height, temperature decreases. For every 165
metres the temperature falls by 1◦C. This is known as Normal
Lapse Rate.
13. Explain with the help of a diagram how the slope of the land
affects the temperature.
Ans. The effect of the slope of the land on the temperature of a place:
l A steep slope experiences a more rapid change in temperature
than a gentle one.
l Mountain ranges that have an east- west alignment like the
Alps show a higher temperature on the south-facing ‘sunny
slope’ than the north- facing ‘sheltered slope’.
14. Why does the temperature of a place in the atmosphere decrease
with height?
Ans. The temperature of a place in the atmosphere decreases with
height because:
l The atmosphere is mostly heated by conduction. Air is cooler
at higher altitudes than near the Earth’s surface. So the places
near the Earth’s surface are warmer than places higher up.
l With the increase of height, temperature decreases. For every
165 metres the temperature falls by 1◦C. This is known as
Normal Lapse Rate.
l This is the reason why hill stations are cooler even in summer.
15. What causes Equable Climate?

Ans. The places close to the water bodies have oceanic or equable
climate.
They have low diurnal and annual range of temperature as
compared to those areas, which are far from the influence of the
sea and which are in the interior without the moderating influence
of the sea.
16. State the reason for the differential heating of land and water.
1. Insolation
Ans. Insolation: Solar radiation that is intercepted by the Earth is
known as insolation.
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2. Conduction
Ans. Conduction : Conduction is a process in which heat is
transferred directly through matter from a point of high
temperature. Conduction transfers heat between adjacent
molecules till the temperature is equal.
3. Normal Lapse Rate
Ans. Normal Lapse Rate: With the increase of height, temperature
decreases.
For every 165 metres the temperature falls by 1◦. This is known
as Normal Lapse Rate.
4. Inversion of Temperature
Ans. Inversion of Temperature: Normally , temperature decreases with
height, but in some areas and during certain periods, temperature
increases with height in the atmosphere. This is called the inversion
of temperature.
C. Distinguish between the following pairs:
1. Insolation and Terrestrial Radiation
Insolation Terrestrial Radiation
Incoming solar energy is in the Outgoing radiation from the
form of short waves. earth is in the form of long
waves.
It heats the atmosphere. It heats the earth's surface.
2. Convection and Radiation
Convection Radiation
Convection : The transmission It is a process by which a
of heat from one part of body emits radiant energy
a liquid or gas to another (energy received from Sun in
by movement of particles the form of heat). It causes
themselves is called convection. a loss of heat and therefore
leads to cooling.
1. Land gets heated faster than the sea.
Ans. Land gets heated faster than the sea because:
l Land surface absorbs much more solar radiation than water
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.Hence, land is heated faster, similarly, it cools faster.
2. The climate of continental interiors is of comparatively extreme
type.
Ans. The climate of continental interiors is of comparatively extreme
type because:
l Mid-latitude continental interiors have greater extremes in
temperature than coastal areas because large areas heat up
and cool off more quickly than oceans.
l Therefore, in the winter, the interiors of continents will be
much colder than along the coast.
l Similarly, in the summer, the interiors heat up much more than
the coastal areas. The colder winter temperatures and warmer
summer temperatures of the interior result in a greater range
of temperature.
3. Coastal climates are equable.
Ans. Coastal climates are equable:
l The coastal areas experience the cool, wet air from the sea
throughout the year which modifies the weather along the coast
to have uniform weather both in the winter and summer.
l This condition is said to be equable climate. It is otherwise
called as Maritime climate.
4. South-facing slopes are much warmer than north facing slopes
in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ans. South-facing slopes are much warmer than north facing slopes
in the Northern Hemisphere because:
l South facing slope receive direct sunshine as these face towards
equator
l these lies above tropical of cancer and sun never goes beyond
that line.
5. The amount of insolation received on the earth surface is not
uniform.
Ans. Due to the spherical shape of the earth the places near the equa-
tor receives vertical rays of the Sun but the places near the poles
receives extremely slanting rays, therefore insolation amount is
very less.
6. Hill stations are cooler even in the summer.
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Ans. Due to the normal lapse rate phenomena of the atmosphere, the air
is cooler at higher altitude than near the Earth’s surface. Therefore,
hill stations are cooler even in the summer.
E. Diagrams :
Draw a neat diagram showing the Effect of Latitude on Solar Insolation.
1. The process through which heat passes from warmer to colder
substances as long as temperature difference exists, is known as
(a) Convection (b) Conduction
(c) Radiation (d) Advection
2. Which of the following reason is responsible for the minimum
insolation at poles?
(a) The earth is spherical in shape.
(b) Poles are far away from the equator.
(c) Poles get extremely slanting rays of the sun.
(d) All the above
3. Which of the following factor/factors are responsible for unequal
temperature distribution in the earth?
(a) Altitude (b) Latitude
(c) Distance from the sea (d) All the above
4. ‘Latitude is one of the important factor for controlling the
temperature’- which of the following fact justifies this statement?
(a) The hill stations are cooler even in summer.
(b) The areas in the high latitude are not very hot as compared
to the equatorial regions.
(c) Areas close to water bodies have low diurnal and annual
range of temperature than the areas situated far away from
the coast.
(d) All the above
5. ‘Forest areas are cooler than the open places’ which of the
following reason is responsible for it?
(a) Forests receive more slanting rays of the sun than the open
areas.
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(b) All the forests are situated in the higher latitudinal areas.
(c) The vegetation cover checks the radiation from the upper
layer of the soil.
(d) Forests are mainly situated in the mountains.
6. ‘Tropical Deserts have high diurnal range of temperature’- which
of the following factor/factors are responsible for it?
(a) Tropical deserts have cloudless sky.
(b) There is less presence of vegetation.
(c) Presence of sandy soil.
(d) All the above
7. Inversion of temperature mainly occurs during which season?
(a) Autumn (b) Spring
(c) Winter (d) Summer
8. The surface temperature of Sun is
(a) 10000°C (b) 6000°C
(c) 1000°C (d) 1500°C
9. Mumbai enjoys equable climate but Nagpur experiences extreme
climate. Which of the following factor is responsible for this fact?
(a) Mumbai is situated in higher altitude than Nagpur.
(b) Mumbai is nearer to the coast than Nagpur.
(c) Mumbai is situated in higher latitude than Nagpur.
(d) Mumbai is getting the effect of a cold local wind but Nagpur
does not get.
10. Solar radiation provides more than _________ of energy that heals
the Earth.
(a) 89% (b) 17% (c) 99.9% (d) 50%
Answer
1. b 2. d 3. d 4. b 5. c 6. d 7. c 8. b
9. b 10. c

89
13. Atmospheric Pressure
and Winds
EXERCISE
1. What do you mean by the term ‘Atmospheric Pressure’?
Ans. Air pressure therefore can be defined as the force exerted against
the surface by continuous collision of the gas molecules.
2. Name the instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
Ans. Mercury barometer.
3. How is the atmospheric pressure caused?
Ans. The atmospheric pressure is caused by:
l The amount of pressure exerted by air at a particular point is
determined by two factors, viz., temperature and density.
l A change in either temperature or density will cause a
corresponding change in the pressure.
l An increase in either density or temperature will cause an
increase in pressure provided the other variable (density or
temperature) remains constant.
4. Name the factors, which affects the atmospheric pressure of a
place.
Ans. Factors affecting air pressure are:
l Influence of Altitude on Pressure.
l Influence of Temperature on Pressure.
l Influence of Rotation of Earth on Pressure.
5. Name the world’s pressure belts.

Ans. The world’s pressure belts are:
l Equatorial Low Pressure Belts.
l Subtropical High Pressure Belts.
l Sub-polar Low Pressure Belts.
l Polar High Pressure Belts.
6. What is Ferrel’s Law?

Ans. Ferrell’s law – “Any object or fluid moving in the Northern
Hemisphere tends to be deflected to the right of its path of motion.
In the Southern Hemisphere, a similar reflection is towards the
90
left of the path of motion”.
7. What are Doldrums? Why are they called so?
Ans. Doldrums is the equatorial belt of low atmospheric pressure where
the NE and SE trade winds converge on and meet each other,
producing calm and light surface winds and a strong upward
movement of air.
l The word ‘doldrums’ has come to be associated with a
gloomy, listless mood, perhaps reflecting the sultry air and
variable breeze found there.
8. What are Trade Winds? How are they caused?
Ans. Trade Winds are the surface winds which move from the Horse
Latitudes to the Doldrums. They are caused by Primary circulation.
9. What are Westerlies?
Ans. The Westerly Winds which blow with great frequency and
regularity in regions lying on the pole ward sides of the subtropical
high pressure areas or Horse Latitudes are known as the Anti-
Trade Winds or Westerly.
10. What are Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties? Why are they
called so?
Ans. Westerly blow with great strength and regularity throughout
the year between 40◦ and 50◦ S and have been given the name
roaring forties and furious fifties because they face almost no
obstruction.
11. Name the Planetary Winds.
Ans. The planetary winds are:
l Trade winds.
l Westerly.
l Polar winds/Polar Easterlies.
12. What does Pressure Gradient mean?

Ans. The pressure gradient means:
l The spacing of isobars indicates the pressure gradient.
l The closer the isobars, the steeper the gradient of the pressure
and the weather is stormy.
l When isobars are far apart from each other there is a little
difference in atmospheric pressure.
13. What are causes and consequences of shifting of pressure belts?
Ans. The causes and consequences of shifting of pressure belts are:
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lCauses :
All air movements have their roots in pressure differentials
in the atmosphere, called pressure gradients.
Wind belts depend on temperature, so temperature changes
can move the belts and also change wind patterns.
l Consequences:
The shifting of the pressure belts cause seasonal changes

in the climate, especially between latitudes 30° and 40°
in both hemispheres.
In this region the Mediterranean type of climate is
experienced because of shifting of permanent belts
southwards and northwards with the overhead position
of the sun.
14. What is Coriolis Force? What is its result?
Ans. Earth’s rotation produces the Coriolis force which tends to turn
the flow of air.
l The direction of action of the Coriolis Force is stated in
Ferrell’s Law-Any object or fluid moving in the Northern
Hemisphere tends to be deflected to the right of its path of
motion. In the Southern Hemisphere, a similar reflection is
towards the left of the path of motion.
15. What are Local Winds? Give examples.
Ans. The winds which blow in particular area are called local winds.
Local winds are of two types. Hot local winds and cold local
winds.
Hot local winds : Harmattan, Khamsin, Loo, Sirocco and Zonda.
Cold local winds : Blizzard, Bora, Buran, Friagem(Surazo),
Gregale, Levanter.
16. What are Land and Sea breezes?
Ans. l The Land Breeze is a diurnal wind blowing from the land out
to sea. It is caused by the differential cooling of land and sea.
l The Sea Breeze develops along sea coasts or large inland water
bodies(lakes) in summer when the land heats much faster than
the water on a clear day and a low pressure develops over
the land.
17. Explain a sea breeze with the help of a diagram.
Ans. Sea breeze:
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lThe Sea Breeze develops along sea coasts or large inland water
bodies(lakes) in summer when the land heats much faster than the
water on a clear day and a low pressure develops over the land.
l In the day, the air blows from the sea to the land as there is high
pressure on the sea and low pressure over the land.
l The air movement from the sea to land reaches the greatest
intensity during the afternoon.
18. What are Monsoon Winds? How are they caused?
Ans. l The monsoon, which is essentially the seasonal reversal in
wind direction, causes most of the rainfall received in India
and some other parts of the world.
l The primary cause of monsoons is the difference between
annual temperature trends over land and sea.
19. In what way does the land and sea breeze affect the temperature
of a place?
Ans. The land and sea breeze affect the temperature of a place:
l In addition to seasonal changes, the temperature of the surface
of the sea and land also experience diurnal changes during a
day. However, since the scale is smaller it will influence only
the coastal areas.
l In areas close to the shore, in daytime the land is warmer than
the sea. Therefore the air pressure of the land is lower than the
sea. As a result, wind usually blows from the sea to the land.
Such type of wind is called a ‘‘sea breeze’’. After nightfall, the
situation is reversed, wind blows from land to sea and is called
a ‘‘land breeze’’.
20. What is a Cyclone? How is it caused?
Ans. Cyclone is a dynamically or thermally caused low pressure area
of converging and ascending air flows.
Causes:
l During the months of October-November, there is a low
pressure of a depression created over the Bay of Bengal.
l Winds blow at a great speed towards the centre which is the
eye of the storm.
l Cyclones have the centres of low pressure which may last for
a few days to a few hours.
l They are affected by the Coriolis force.
l The winds blow in an anti-clockwise direction in the Northern
93
Hemisphere and in the clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere
l These winds bring heavy rain and cause great damage to
places over which they pass.
21. Describe the weather conditions associated with the cyclones.
Ans. The weather conditions associated with the cyclones are:
l Tropical cyclones:
They are generally associated with high temperature and

high humidity.
They are mostly circular with low pressure in centre.
They cause heavy damage to lives and property owing
to the strong winds.
The rainfall is torrential. They move from East to West.
l Temperate cyclones:
They are accompanied with alternating anticyclones.

These cyclones do not cause much damage to life and
property but bring sudden changes in weather.
22. What are Anticyclones? How are they caused?
Ans. l Anti-cyclone is a dynamically or thermally caused area of high
atmospheric pressure with descending and divergence in air
flow.
l In the Northern Hemisphere winds blow in a clockwise spiral
away from the centre , while in the Southern Hemisphere they
blow in an anticlockwise spiral.
23. What are Tropical and Temperate Cyclones?
Ans. Tropical Cyclones:
They start within 8◦ and 15◦-20◦ North and South of the Equator
where surface-sea temperature reaches 27◦C.
Temperate Cyclones:
They are common near the Sub polar Low Pressure Belts, i.e.,
between 25◦ to 65◦ North and South.
24. What are Variable Winds?
Ans. Wind direction which varies by 60 degrees or more during the
period of time the wind direction is being determined is called
Variable Winds
25. Name two special types of tropical cyclones and for each name
the specific region where it is experienced.
Ans. Two types of Tropical Cyclones are:
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lTyphoons : South China sea.
lHurricanes : Caribbean Sea
26. Name an area where typhoons are experienced.
Ans. South China Sea
27. What are Isobars?
Ans. Isobars are imaginary lines drawn on a map to join places having
same or equal mean atmospheric pressure reduced to sea level.
28. Name the factors affecting air pressure.
Ans. The factors affecting air pressure are:
l Altitude, temperature and Earth rotation.
29. How are Weather Maps important for us?
Ans. Weather Maps are important for us:
l To know the weather condition of any place
l help as account of information with us while we are on tour.
30. List the main causes for development of local winds.
Ans. The main causes of the development of local winds are:
l Unequal heating of land and sea.
l Heating and cooling of the mountain slopes.
l Convectional Local Winds are caused by steep pressure
gradients and steep variations in local temperatures.
31. What are Jet Streams?
Ans. Jet streams are fast flowing narrow air currents-found in the upper
atmosphere or in troposphere of some planets including earth.
The main jet streams are located near the altitude of the
Tropopause.
32. What is wind? How does it originate?
Ans. The horizontal movement of air relative to Earth’s surface,
produced essentially by air pressure differences from place to
place, also influenced by the Coriolis force and surface friction.
33. Name the important pressure belts of the Earth.
Ans. The important pressure belts of the Earth are:
l Equatorial Low Pressure Belt
l Subtropical High Pressure Belts
l Sub-Polar Low Pressure Belts
l Polar High Pressure Belts.
34. What is meant by permanent winds? How do they derive their name?
Ans. Permanent winds are also known as prevailing and periodic
winds. They blow in a particular direction in a particular period
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of time. They change their direction periodically.
Depending on the direction in which it blows, they are named
as North-East Trades or South-East Trades etc.
35. What are Trade Winds called in the Northern Hemisphere?
Ans. North East Trade Winds
36. What are Trade Winds called in the Southern Hemisphere?
Ans. South East Trade Winds
37. What are periodic winds? How are they caused?
Ans. Permanent winds are also known as prevailing and periodic
winds. They blow in a particular direction in a particular period
of time. They change their direction periodically
They are caused by the general arrangement of pressure belts.
38. Name any two local winds.
Ans. Two local winds are:
l Katabatic and Anabatic winds.
39. Name the two wind systems of Monsoons. Where are they
experienced?
Ans. The two wind systems of Monsoon are:
l Summer Monsoon and Winter Monsoon.
l These winds can be best noticed in South West Asia and

northern Australia.
1. Winds
Ans. Winds: Same as 32nd answer.
2. Atmospheric Pressure
Ans. Atmospheric pressure: Same as 1st answer.
3. Cyclones
Ans. Cyclones: same as 20th answer
4. El Nino
Ans. El Nino: It is the name given to the occasional development of
a warm ocean current along the coast of Peru as a temporary
replacement of the Cold Peru Current.
5. Isobars
Ans. Isobars: Same as 27 th answer.
6. Coriolis Effect
Ans. Coriolis Effect: The effect produced by a coriolis force, namely,
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the tendency of all particles of mater in motion on the earth’s
surface to be defected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere
and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere
1. Summer and Winter Monsoons
Ans. Summer and Winter Monsoon
Summer Monsoon Winter Monsoon
They are associated with heavy They are offshore winds and
rainfall. bring less rainfall.
it usually happens between it usually happens between
April and September. November and January.
They are called as South-West They are called as North-East
Monsoons Monsoons
2. Cyclone and Anticyclone

Cyclone Anti-Cyclone
It is an area of low pressure It is an area of high pressure
surrounded by high pressure. surrounded by low pressure.
Winds converge at the eye Winds diverge from the central
(central low pressure) of the high pressure to the surround-
cyclone, wind moves in a ing low pressure.
spiral motion.
Stormy conditions prevail. Light cool winds blow.
Winds blow in an anti-clock- Winds blow in a clockwise
wise direction in the Northern direction in the Northern hemi-
hemisphere and vice-versa in the sphere and vice-versa in the
Southern hemisphere. Southern hemisphere.
3. Tropical and Temperate Cyclones
Tropical Cyclone Temperate Cyclone
It is a summer phenomena It is a winter phenomena
it occupies a small area it occupies a larger area
it moves from east to west it moves from west to east.
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4. Trade and Anti-Trade Winds
Trade winds Anti-Trade winds
The trade winds are the The Westerly Winds which
prevailing pattern of easterly blow with great frequency and
surface winds found in the regularity in regions lying on the
tropics, within the lower portion pole ward sides of the subtropical
of the Earth's atmosphere, in the high pressure areas or Horse
lower section of the troposphere Latitudes are known as the Anti-
near the Earth's equator. Trade Winds or Westerly.
They are North-East Trades in They are South-West in the
the Northern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere and in
South-East trades Southern the Southern Hemisphere from
Hemisphere the North-West
5. Permanent and Seasonal Winds
Permanent winds Seasonal winds

They blow in a certain direc- They blow for a certain period
tion permanently all around in a particular direction.
the year.
They do not change direction They change direction
Eg. Trade winds and Westerly. Eg. Land and Sea breeze
6. Mountain Breeze and Valley Breeze
Mountain Breeze Valley Breeze
It occurs during night time. During the day, the air over
It occurs during day time. In the the mountain slope heats
night, it is a lot cooler as the sun up more than the air at the
goes to sleep. So the air at the foot of the mountain. The
upper slope of the mountain cools warm air over the slope
off very quickly and becomes reduces in density. A low
dense. A high pressure is created. pressure is created at the top
At this time, the air at the of the mountain and high
valley floor is a lot warmer (low pressure from the cool air
pressure) and is forced to give below forces a cool breeze to
way to colder air moving down move upward. This condition
the slope towards the valley floor. generates a breeze which we
This is called mountain breeze. call Valley breeze.
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7. Land and Sea Breeze.
Land breeze Sea breeze
• Late at night, the loss of heat • During day time, the sun
source causes land to quickly often quickly heats up
cool down which causes the land.
heat to be released towards the • The air above the land
surrounding air. gets warmer than the air
• As compared to land, water above water.
retains heat longer which causes
• As the air above land is
the air above it to have lesser
warmer, it gets less dense
density and rise.
and it begins to rise.
• Low pressure is formed above
the water while high pressure is • Low pressure is formed.
formed above the land. • The denser air above
• The denser air above the land the water moves to the
moves to the space over the space above the land.
water. This cooler air is now
• As winds typically blow from what is termed as a “sea
high to low pressure areas, the breeze”.
cooler breeze then comes from
the shore and is now called as
“land breeze”.

1. As we go higher upwards, the atmospheric pressure decreases.
Ans. As we go higher, the atmospheric pressure decreases:
l Due to increase in the altitude of the atmosphere, atmospheric
pressure decreases as we go higher up above the earth’s surface.
l Atmospheric pressure is the pressure applied at a point due to
the weight of the air above that point.
l As we go up, the altitude increases and the amount and the
density of air above it decreases. So the pressure due to it
decreases.
2. The Tropical Belt of Calms is also known as the Horse Latitude.
Ans. The Tropical Belt of Calms is also known as the Horse Latitude:
l In olden days because of the absence of surface winds ships
had to unload the cargo to make them lighter.
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l At times the cargo used to be horses.
3. The winds are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ans. The winds are deflected towards right in the Northern Hemisphere:
l The Coriolis Effect causes a deflection in global wind patterns.
l The anticlockwise rotation of the Earth deflects winds to the
right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern
hemisphere.
4. The Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties are found in the Southern
Hemisphere.
Ans. The Roaring Forties and Furious fifties are found in the Southern
Hemisphere:
l The Roaring Forties in the Northern Hemisphere don't have
the same impact that they do in the Southern Hemisphere.
l While the Roaring Forties may be fierce, 10 degrees south are
even stronger gale-force winds called the Furious Fifties.
5. There is seasonal shifting in pressure belts.
Ans. There is a seasonal shifting in pressure belts:
l The shifting of the pressure belts cause seasonal changes in
the climate, especially between latitudes 30° and 40° in both
hemispheres.
l In this region the Mediterranean type of climate is experienced
because of shifting of permanent belts southwards and
northwards with the overhead position of the sun.
6. Cyclones cause heavy damage to life and property.
Ans. Cyclones cause heavy damage to life and property.
l Very strong winds may damage installations, dwellings,
communication systems, trees. etc. resulting in loss of life
and property.
l Heavy and prolonged rains due to cyclones may cause river
floods and submergence of low lying areas by rain causing
loss of life and property.
7. High pressure prevails over landmasses during winter.
Ans. High pressure prevails over landmasses during winter.
l During winter seasons the weather conditions are just the
reverse of summer.
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l A high pressure zone develops over the interior of the continent
as there is a sudden drop in temperature, the land cools and
the high pressure is formed in Central Asia.
l Cold winds from the interior of the continent blow towards
the sea.
l These winds are offshore winds and bring less rain. They are
also called the North-East Monsoon because they blow from
the North-East.
8. Cyclones mostly occur in summer in tropical regions.
Ans. Cyclones require a sea surface temperature of about 26°C to
develop and maintain their strength. During this time the tropical
regions have high relative humidity.
9. Chinooks are called snow eater.
Ans. Chinook is a warm and dry local wind which can melt the snow
when it blows over the grasslands.
10. Equatorial region has low pressure belt.
Ans. This region receives the maximum insolation of sun rays, high
temperature leads to the formation of low pressure in this region.
E. Diagrams :
1. Draw a diagram to show the planetary wind system showing the
direction of winds.
2. Draw a diagram showing the formation of land and sea breeze.
3. Draw a labelled diagram of cyclone in both the Hemispheres.
4. Draw a labelled diagram of an anticyclone in the Northern
Hemisphere.
5. Draw a labelled diagram to show the Major Pressure Belts of the
World.
1. Air pressure decreases with
(a) Decreasing temperature
(b) increasing temperature & altitude
(c) Decreasing altitude
(d) None the above
2. ______ are the imaginary lines drawn on the weather map to
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join the places having same or equal mean atmospheric pressure
reduced to sea level.
(a) Isotherms (b) Isobars
(c) Isohume (d) Isohyets
3. Which of the following force is responsible for deflecting the
winds from their original position?
(a) Gravitational force (b) Centrifugal force
(c) Coriolis force (d) Centripetal force
4. Which of the following pressure belt lie between 550-600 North
& South latitude?
(a) Subtropical High pressure belt
(b) Polar High pressure belt
(c) Sub polar low pressure belt
(d) Equatorial low pressure belt
5. Which of the following permanent wind is blowing from sub
tropical high pressure belt to equatorial low pressure belt in
(a) South east trade winds (b) North east trade winds
(c) Westerly winds (d) North east polar easterlies
6. Which of the following statement is not correct?
(a) Land breeze & sea breeze are the phenomena of interior parts
of the country.
(b) Land breeze blows during the night & sea breeze during the
day.
(c) Both are periodic winds
(d) They form due to the differential heating & cooling of land
& water.
7. In which of the following area the tropical cyclone is known as
Willy Willies?
(a) USA (b) Australia
(c) The Caribbean Sea (d) South China Sea
8. Which of the following difference between the cyclone & anti
cyclone is correct?
(a) Cyclone is a high pressure centre with surrounding low pres-
sure whereas the anti cyclone is low pressure centre with
surrounding high pressure.
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(b) Cyclone blows clockwise whereas anti cyclone blows anti
clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
(c) Anticyclone causes great damage to the life and property
whereas cyclone brings stable weather.
(d) Cyclone is associated with cloudy skies & very heavy
rainfall but anticyclone is associated with clear skies & Dry
conditions.
9. Which of the following is not a local wind?
(a) Mistral (b) Bora
(c) Trade wind (d) Foehn
10. El Nino occurs at the coast of
(a) Brazil (b) Costa Rica
(c) Peru (d) Guinea
11. Summer monsoon blows from which direction?
(a) South west (b) North east
(c) South east (d) North west
12. Which of the following wind is extremely important for the avia-
tion process?
(a) Westerlies (b) Trade
(c) Jet stream (d) Cyclone
Answers
1. b 2. b 3. c 4. c 5. b 6. a 7. b 8. d
9. c 10. c 11. a 12. c

14. Humidity
EXERCISE
1. What is Evaporation? Name the factors that affect evaporation.
Ans. Evaporation is the process by which a liquid is transformed into
gas or vapour. Factors affecting rate of evaporation are:
l Amount of water available.
l Temperature.
l Relative humidity.
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l Area of evaporating surface.
l Air pressure.
2. What is Condensation? When does condensation occur?
Ans. Condensation is the process of water vapour changing to liquid
state. If the air is cooled below its dew point, some of the water
vapour becomes liquid.
l Thus, any further cooling of the saturated air starts the process
of condensation.
l Whenever the dew point temperature falls below the freezing
point (0 ◦), water vapour may directly convert into ice by the
process of sublimation. It may be termed as crystallisation.
l Condensation may start with the addition of any further
water vapour to the saturated air or with the reduction of its
temperature.
3. How does air gets cooled?
Ans. The only process bringing about cloudy condensation and resultant
precipitation from extension of air masses is the adiabatic cooling.
4. Name the different forms of condensation.
Ans. The different forms of condensation are:

l Hail, Snow, Dew. Frost, Fog, Mist, Smog & Rain.
5. What is Precipitation?
Ans. Precipitation is defined as water in liquid or solid forms falling to
the Earth. It can be termed as deposition of atmospheric moisture
and is the most important phase of the Hydrologic Cycle.
6. State the conditions necessary for precipitation.
Ans. The conditions necessary for precipitation are:
l The air must be saturated.
l The temperature, at which condensation takes place, must be
present.
l The air must contain small particles of matter such as dust
around which droplets form.
l The air must be cooled below its dew point.
7. What are the different forms of precipitation?
Ans. Same as 4.
8. How is the convectional rainfall caused?
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Ans. Convectional rainfall is caused by the process of convection.
The two factors necessary to cause this type of precipitation are
intense heating of the surface and abundant supply of moisture.
l Due to intense heating of the surface, the surface air gets heated
and expands and rises up conventionally holding moisture. It
is thereby cooled adiabatically and its temperature falls below
the dew point, thereby forming clouds.
l The resultant clouds are of Cumulonimbus type which gives
heavy rains.
l This type of rains mostly occur in the Equatorial Zone which
experiences direct rays of the sun almost throughtout the year.
9. Give two characteristic features of the convectional rainfall. Name
an area which commonly experiences this type of rainfall.
Ans. The two characteristics features of convectional rainfall are:
l This type of rain mostly occurs at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
l It is always torrential accompanied by lightning and thunder.
l This type of rains mostly occurs in the equatorial Zone which
experiences direct rays of the sun almost throughout the year.
10. What are the chief requirements for orographic rainfall to be
experienced? Name a region which experiences it.
Ans. l When moisture laden winds are unable to cross the mountains
they are forced to rise along it. They get cooled adiabatically
and if sufficient water vapour is present, rain occurs on the
windward side. This type is called Orographic rainfall.
l The region which experiences it is the wind ward side of
Western Ghats in India.
11. What is the meaning of Rain Shadow? Give an example.
Ans. The area on the leeward slopes of the mountain range, in the
shadow of the mountains, where precipitation is greatly reduced
compared to windward slope. This is called Rain Shadow area.
For example, in India, Western Ghats in the windward side get
maximum moisture from south-west monsoons whereas in the
leeward side there is a rain shadow area receiving very little rain.
12. What is Cyclonic Rainfall? Name a region which experiences
this type of rainfall.
Ans. Cyclonic rain occurs when a mass of the warm air (Warm Front)
meets the mass of cold air (Cold Front). The warm air is forced
up above the cooler air as it is lighter. Condensation takes place
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and clouds are formed, followed by rains.
Cyclonic rain is common throughout the Doldrums. Winter rainfall
in Northwest India is a tropical example of cyclonic rainfall.
13. State the principal factors affecting the distribution of rainfall.
Which are the wettest regions of the world?
Ans. The principal factors affecting the distribution of rainfall are:
l Latitude.
l Continents and Oceans.
l Mountain Barriers.
The latitudinal belt of maximum precipitation is found in the
Equatorial Zone between 8◦ N to 8◦ S along with the seasonal
shifting of the Doldrums
14. Give two examples of the areas that receive less than 25 cm of
rainfall.
Ans. The two examples of the areas that receive less than 25 cm of
rainfall in India are:
l Northern part of Kashmir, Western Rajasthan.
15. Explain the process of precipitation in brief.

Ans. The only process bringing about cloudy condensation and resultant
precipitation from extension air masses is the adiabatic cooling. But
at the same time condensation is not followed by precipitation all
the time. Only when the cold droplets, ice pellets or ice crystals
grow to such a large size as to overcome the normal buoyancy,
precipitation does occur.
16. Name the three types of rainfall.
Ans. The three types of rainfall are:
l Convectional.
l Orographic.
l Cyclonic.
17. Mention two characteristics of Orographic rainfall.

Ans. The two characteristics of Orographic rainfall are:
l When the moisture laden wind rises along the wind rises
along the windward slope of the mountain the pressure on it

decreases, the air expands and cools.
l On the leeward side, as the dry air descends the mountain
slopes, the pressure decreases.

18. Name the factors necessary for convectional rainfall.
Ans. The factors necessary for convectional rainfall are:
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lIntense heating of the surface.
lAbundant supply of moisture.
19. Where does cyclonic rainfall occur?
Ans. The Cyclonic rainfall occurs in Northwest India in winter.
1. Absolute Humidity.
Ans. Absolute Humidity – Absolute humidity is the actual amount
of water vapour present in a given volume of air, regardless of
temperature.
2. Relative Humidity
Ans. Relative humidity can be defined as “a ratio between the actual
amount of water vapour present in the air and the maximum
amount of water the air can hold at the temperature.” It is always
expressed as a percentage.
3. Dew Point
Ans. Dew point : The temperature at which the air becomes fully saturated
with water vapour is known as dew point.
4. Clouds
Ans. Clouds have been defined as a visible aggregation of minute
water droplets/ ice particles in the air above ground level.
5. Hail
Ans. Form of precipitation consisting of pellets or spheres of ice with
a concentric layered structure.
6. Fog
Ans. Fog is also formed when warm and moist air moves along the surface
of colder region and its temperature goes down to dew point.
7. Snow
Ans. Snow consists of crystals or grains of ice which grow directly
from the water vapour of the air. Snow displays beautiful forms
of symmetrical patterns that are formed in winter when the
temperature is below freezing point.
8. Precipitation
Ans. Precipitation is defined as water in liquid or solid forms falling to
the Earth. It can be termed as deposition of atmospheric moisture
and is the most important phase of the hydrological cycle.
Atmospheric moisture may be precipitated either in solid

107
or liquid states. Hail, snow, sleet, rain and drizzle are the
common forms of precipitation.
1. Evaporation and Condensation
Evaporation Condensation
Evaporation is the process Condensation is the process
of conversion of a substance of conversion of a substance
from liquid to gaseous state from gaseous to liquid state at
at any temperature less than a constant temperature.
boiling point.
Evaporation doesn't occur at a The constant temperature at
constant temperature. which condensation occurs is
called liquefaction point.
2. Convectional Rainfall and Orographic Rainfall
Convectional Rainfall Orographic Rainfall
Rainfall is caused by vertical Relief rainfall is caused when
ascent of heated air. the mountain forces the air to
rise along the up slopes of the
mountain.
It is in the form of heavy It takes place on the windward
downpour and is accompanied side of the mountain and the
with thunder and lightning. It leeward side gets very less
is for a short time. rain and is known as the rain
shadow area.
It takes place in the equato- It takes place in the mountainous
rial region daily and in the region, e.g., Western Ghats.
interiors of the continents in High pressure belt to the sub
summer. polar low pressure belt.
3. Dew and Frost

Dew Frost
Dew are the tiny drops of water Frost is formed by freezing of
that form on cool surfaces at water vapours that is deposited
night. in saturated air
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It basically forms dew, when Frost is observed as ice crystals
it freezes because the air mostly on grass.
temperature falls below the
level necessary for freezing.

1. Convectional currents generally lead to rain.
Ans. Due to intense heating of the surface, the surface air gets heated
and expands and rises up conventionally holding moisture. It is
thereby cooled adiabatically and its temperature falls below the
dew point, thereby forming clouds.
l The resultant clouds are of Cumulonimbus type which gives
heavy rains.
l This type of rains mostly occurs in the Equatorial Zone which
experiences direct rays of the sun almost throughout the year.

2. The rainshadow areas are generally dry.
Ans. The amount of precipitation decreases as the maximum precipitation
occurs on windward side. Thus, on the leeward side, slopes of
these mountain ranges, there always exists a relatively dry area
called rainshadow.
3. Cyclonic rainfall is common in the belt of Westerlies.
Ans. Cyclonic rainfall is common in the belt of Westerlies:
l The cyclonic rain is most common in the belt of Westerlies
especially during the winter.

l It is caused by a warm oceanic air mass passing over a cold
land in winter. Due to contact, it cools and condensation takes
place.
4. Areas of trade winds are usually dry.
Ans. Areas of trade winds are usually dry.
l Trade wind are usually dry because it blow from dry region
to wet region or blow from higher pressure belt to lower

pressure belt.
5. Cyclonic rainfall is also known as frontal rainfall.
Ans. Cyclonic rainfall happens when a mass of warm air meets the
mass of cold air along the front. That is why it is called cyclonic
rainfall.
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6. Convectional rainfall is also called 4 o’clock shower.
Ans. The torrential convectional rainfall occurs almost daily in the
afternoon with thunder and lightning. That is why it is called 4
o’clock shower.
E. Diagrams :
Draw a self-explanatory diagram to show all the three types of
rainfall.
1. Which of the following statement related to Relative humidity is
not correct?
(a) It is a ratio between the actual amount of water vapour
present in the air & the maximum amount of water the air
can hold at that temperature.
(b) Saturated air has 100 percent of relative humidity.
(c) Relative humidity increases with more water vapour in the
atmosphere.
(d) Relative humidity is measured in degrees.
2. The process through which the water changes from its liquid state
into water vapour is called
(a) Evaporation (b) Condensation
(c) Precipitation (d) Conduction
3. Which of the following factors control the condensation?
(a) The air temperature must fall below the dew point temperature
(b) The relative humidity must be high
(c) High rate of cooling
(d) All the above
4. Identify the type of rainfall is seen here.
(a) Convectional type
(b) Orographic type
(c) Frontal type
(d) Cyclonic type
5. Which of the following region receives convectional type of
rainfall?
(a) Temperate zone (b) Equatorial zone
(c) Tropical zone (d) Polar areas
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6. Which of the following region receives cyclonic type of rainfall?
(a) Temperate zone (b) Mid-latitudinal region
(c) Tropical zone (d) All the above
7. The principal factors controlling the distribution of precipitation are
(a) Latitude (b) Continents & ocean
(c) Mountain Barriers (d) All the above
8. Which of the following is not a form of condensation?
(a) Fog (b) Dew
(c) Rain (d) Frost
9. The temperature at which air gets saturated is called
(a) Melting point (b) Dew point
(c) Freezing point (d) Boiling point
10. Which of the following is the component of hydrological cycle?
(a) Evaporation (b) Condensation
(c) Precipitation (d) All of the above
11. Fog, dew, mist are mainly formed in
(a) Summer season (b) Winter season
(b) Spring season (d) Rainy
12. Which of the following is a low cloud?
(a) Cirrus (b) Cirrostratus
(c) Stratus (d) All the above
Answers
1. d 2. a 3. d 4. b 5. b 6. d 7. d 8. c
9. b 10. d 11. b 12. c

15. Pollution – Types and Sources

EXERCISE
A. Answer the following questions.
1. Define pollution. How is it caused?
Ans. Any activity that violates the original character of nature and leads
to its degradation is called pollution.
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It is caused by improper management of resources or by careless
human activity.
l While pollution is caused by natural as well as man-made
sources, it is the man-made pollution which is adding to the

severity of this issue and threatening the existence of life on
the planet.
l To a large extent, environmental pollution can be attributed
to various human activities, such as transportation, industrial

production, construction, mining, agriculture, etc. These activities,
which are technically referred to as the anthropogenic causes of
pollution, have been polluting the environment since ages.
2. State the causes of soil pollution.
Ans. The causes of Soil pollution are:
l Industrial waste: Chemicals dumped in soil, contaminate
them. For example, thermal plants generate large quantity of

fly ash and waste from fertiliser factories, chemicals from oil
refineries and iron and steel plants pollute the soil.
l Urban commercial and domestic waste: Non-biodegradable
wastes like glass, plastic, polythene bags remain in the soil.

l Chemical fertilisers: The harmful substances like phosphorus
and potassium are released into water and soil.

l Hospital waste: Plastics, metal needles, chemicals, etc., are
dumped into the soil. The pathogens which contaminate the

soil affect the human health.
l Pesticides: They mix in water mostly. The phosphates and
nitrates accumulate in the soil permanently.

3. State the effects of freshwater pollution. How is it caused?
Ans. Fresh water pollution may be caused due to:
Natural sources: gases, animal wastes, living organisms, soil,
minerals and other pollutants soluble in eater. The poisonous
minerals like Nickel, Cobalt, and Lead etc. pollute the water.
Human sources: Urbanisation and industrialisation have resulted
in excessive water pollution.
The main causes are effluents from industries, oil spilling from
tankers, fertilisers and pesticides added to soil eventually reach
the water bodies.
Sewage from homes and industries discharges untreated into rivers
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and other water bodies leads to pollution.
Effects of water pollution:
l Chemicals destroy aquatic life.
l Organic pollutants like sewage increase bacterial growth thus,
depleting dissolved oxygen for aquatic life.

l Poisonous chemicals like DDT, mercury enter the food chain
and get concentrated which reach fish and ultimately man.
4. How do agricultural wastes harm the environment?
Ans. Agricultural wastes causes soil, water and air pollution.
l Agricultural practices today mostly use chemical fertilisers,
which contains harmful substances such as phosphorus and

potassium. This also affects the plant growth in the soil.
l Pesticides used to control pests and weeds in farming,
contaminate the soil. The phosphates and nitrates accumulate

in the soil permanently.
l Agriculture including commercial livestock and poultry
farming is a source of many organic and inorganic pollutants
in surface waters.
5. Which gases are emitted through refrigerators and air-conditioners?
Ans. CFCs, i.e., Chlorofluorocarbons molecules are emitted into the
Stratosphere through refrigerators and air-conditioners.
6. Differentiate between the natural and man-made sources of
pollution.
Natural Man-made
The sources which are present Human beings are responsible for
in the nature and from which increasing the pollutants in the
pollution occurs without human atmosphere.
intervention.
The main sources are volcanic They include sewage and domestic
eruptions, forest fires, dust storms, waste, industrial waste, agricultural
etc. waste, nuclear waste, oil spills,
mining hospital waste etc.
They are not under the control of They can be controlled by finding
human being. a remedy or alternate source of
production.
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7. What is meant by oil spill?
Ans. Waste oil from city drains, tankers and leakage from oil wells
cause the oil to seep into the sea and pollute the water.
8. How is oil spill caused?
Ans. Oil spills are caused by accidents involving tankers, barges,
pipelines, refineries, drilling rigs, and storage facilities.
Spills can be caused by: people making mistakes or being
careless, equipment breaking down.
9. What is meant by radiation?
Ans. Radiation is the emission of highly charges particles and electro-
magnetic rays entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
10. Explain the following terms :
(a) Smog (b) Pollutants
(c) CFC (d) Eutrophication
Ans. Explain:
(a) Smog: Smoke and fog together is called smog.
(b) Pollutant is a substance that causes pollution. For example,
Carbon-di-oxide, Carbon monoxide, etc.
(c) CFC: The full form is Chlorofluorocarbons. They are synthetic
chemical compounds which are used as cleaning agents in
refrigerators, fire extinguishers etc.
(d) Eutrophication: It is process of depletion of oxygen from
water bodies, such as lake and estuaries due to natural or
man-made factors.
11. Write a short note on the following :
(a) Radiation (b) Oil spill
(c) Air pollution (d) Noise pollution
Ans.
(a) Radiation: It is the emission of highly charged particles and
electromagnetic rays entering the Earth’s atmosphere from outer
space.
Causes:
Nuclear power plants, transport and disposal of nuclear wastes,
mining of radioactive substances, fall-out of bomb explosions,
nuclear weapons ,testing of nuclear devices and nuclear accidents,
etc. are major sources of radiation pollution.
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Effect:
These sources cause permanent damages to life and property, e.g.,
Chernobyl disaster.
(b) Oil spills: Waste oil from city drains, tankers and leakage from
oil wells cause oil to seep into the sea and pollute the water.
Causes:
Oil spills are caused by accidents involving tankers, barges,
pipelines, refineries, drilling rigs, and storage facilities. It may
also be due to people making mistakes or being careless.
Effect:
l Cleaning up of oil-soaked beaches is very difficult and lot of
money is wasted, e.g., oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

l Birds and mammals die by thousands.
(c) Air pollution: Air pollution occurs when harmful or excessive

quantities of substances including gases, particulates and
biological molecules are introduced into Earth’s atmosphere.
Sources:
Natural: Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, dust storms and earth-
quakes, etc.
Man-made : Releasing more greenhouse gases into space. Au-
tomobile and industrial pollution, burning of garbage, brick kilns
and indoor air pollution are some of the sources.
Effects:
Poor air quality, which makes people sick, causing breathing
problems and increasing the likelihood of cancer.
Acid rain: Corrodes statues and buildings, damages crops and
forests.
(d) Noise pollution: Any sound that causes annoyance is regarded as
noise and is considered as a source of pollution. Sound levels of
80 decibels cause noise pollution.
Sources:
The machines in factories and industries and their whistling
sounds, crushing noise and thundering sounds ,loudspeakers,
bands, loud music and mining activities.
Effects:
In extreme cases, it damages hearing or even cause deafness.
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It creates an unpleasant and irritating atmosphere.
Continuous exposure leads to serious diseases. It may cause high
BP, palpitation, fatigue, headaches and vomiting.
It leads to anxiety, depression, irritability and tension.
12. What kind of pollution is produced by brick kilns?
Ans. Brick kilns give out huge quantity of carbon dioxide and
particulate matter such as smoke, a dust which is very harmful
to the people working there and the areas surrounding it. The fine
dust particles cause lung diseases.
13. How is thermal pollution caused?
Ans. Thermal power plants release the recycled hot water into the
rivers and seas causing water pollution. The hot water raises the
temperature of the water body, affecting marine life.
It can occur when water is used as a coolant near a power or
industrial plant and then is returned to the aquatic environment
at a higher temperature than it was originally.
14. What are the sources of radioactive pollution?
Ans. The sources of radioactive pollution are:
Natural:
l The cosmic rays emit radioactive radiation which is very
harmful to living organisms. It pollutes life supporting systems

like air, water and soil.
Man-made sources:
l Waste water from nuclear power stations.
l Waste generated during nuclear weapon testing.
l Mining and testing of uranium ore.
l Wastes from research laboratories where radioisotopes are
used.
l X-ray wastes.
15. How do water bodies get contaminated by the effluents from

industries?
Ans. Water bodies are getting contaminated by the effluents from
industries:
l Most of the industries release chemicals like chlorides,
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sulphides, carbonates, nitrates and metals like zinc, mercury,
copper, chromium, etc. in the rivers or their water resources.
l Waste and sewage generated by industry can get into the water
supply, introducing large organic pollutants into the system.
l Water can become contaminated with toxic or radioactive
material from the industry, mine sites and abandoned hazardous
waste sites.
16. What is the difference between primary and secondary pollutants?
Primary Pollutants Secondary Pollutants
They are directly released into They are formed due to chemical
the air. They are called SPM interactions between the atmos-
(Suspended Particulate Matter). pheric components and primary
pollutants.
e.g., smoke, dust, ash, sulphur e.g., Smog, ozone, etc.
oxide and radioactive compounds,
etc.
17. How does urbanisation cause air pollution?

Ans. Urbanisation means increase of population in an area. Then they
need more foods, cloths and other materials to live. To supply
their needs industries are growing up by which air is polluted.
l More people burn more fuels which creates CO2 and other
gases. By this urban people pollute air.
l More people need more vehicles for transportation. Vehicles
pollute air rapidly. So air is polluted for the result of
urbanisation.
l Industries are the main components of urbanization. From
industries various types of gases are produced which causes
acid rain.
l For urbanisation forests and many other agricultural lands are
reduced. It effects badly on air.
l Urban people use refrigerators, air cooler, perfume etc. which
produce CFCs.
l For urban people construction buildings are necessary. Air
pollutes when dust particles are being mixed with air from
construction works.
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B. Give reasons for the following:
1. Noise pollution is prevalent in towns and cities.
Ans. People in and around cities are exposed to various sources of loud
noise like horns of different vehicles, loud-speakers, high pitched
music, construction of buildings etc.
2. Acid rainfall is a result of the burning of fossil fuel.
Ans. Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxide are discharged into the atmos-
phere due to the burning of fossil fuel, which results in the oc-
currence of acid rain.
C. Choose the correct option

1. Which of the following reason is the main cause of Acid rain?
(a) Due to the emission of CO2 in the air
(b) Due to the emission of Carbon Monoxide in the air.
(c) Due to the emission of Sulphur dioxides in the air.
(d) All the above
2. Which of the following is a secondary pollutant?
(a) Smoke (b) Ozone
(c) Sulphur dioxides (d) Dust
3. SPM stands for
(a) Suspended Poisonous Matter
(b) Soluble Poisonous Material
(c) Smoky Particulate Matter
(d) Suspended Particulate Matter
4. Which of the following chemical compound is mainly responsible
for the formation of ozone hole?
(a) CO2 (b) CFC (c) SO2 (d) NO
5. Study the picture & try to identify which type of environmental
pollution is mainly caused by the activity practised here.
(a) Noise pollution
(b) Water pollution
(c) Air pollution
(d) Radioactive pollution
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6. Study the picture & identify the type of environmental pollution
is caused here.
(a) Soil pollution
(b) Water pollution
(c) Air pollution
7. Thermal pollution is caused by
(a) the discharge of fertilizer on the water body
(b) the discharge of domestic waste in the water body
(c) the discharge of hot water of thermal power plants in the
water body.
(d) All the above
8. Which of the following is not a manmade source of radioactive
pollutant?
(a) Wastes from the nuclear power stations
(b) Mining & processing of Uranium Ore
(c) Cosmic rays
(d) X-ray wastes
9. Study the picture & identify the type of environmental pollution
caused here.
(a) Soil pollution
(b) Noise pollution
(c) Air pollution
10. Which of the following is not a manmade source of air pollution?
(a) Automobile pollution (b) Forest fires
(c) Industrial pollution (d) Brick Kilns
Answers
1. c 2. b 3. d 4. b 5. c 6. b 7. c 8. c
9. b 10. b

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16. Effects of Pollution
EXERCISE
1. What is the effect of air pollution on life in general?
Ans. Effects of air pollution on life :
l Short-term health hazards: These results from temporary
exposure to harmful materials and last for a short while. For

example, skin allergies.
l Long-term health hazards: these last for a long time due to
continuous exposure to hazardous materials. Eg., asthma and

allergies.
l Oxides of Nitrogen impair function of enzymes in respiratory
system.
l Gaseous hydrocarbons causes change in the structure of DNA
which may result in lung cancer.

l Benzene has been linked with an increase in cancer.
2. Name any three human activities which cause pollution of air.

Ans. Three human activities which cause pollution of air are:
l Nitrogen cycle: Human activities have caused an imbalance
in these cycles. For instance, farmers use fertilisers which are

rich in nitrogen. When these fertilisers are washed away into
water bodies, the growth of bacteria and algae increases by
the nitrogen present in the water. Marine life is thus affected.
l Carbon and oxygen cycles: Burning of fossil fuels disturb
this cycle when oil and coal, carbon dioxide is released into
the atmosphere. Phytoplankton absorbs this carbon dioxide and
same is released into the atmosphere and absorbed by the
forests. This will not be possible if huge amount of vegetation
on Earth is destroyed.
l Deforestation: Depletion of forests leads to Global warming
which in turn may cause havoc on earth due to climate change.

3. How does increase in carbon dioxide affect atmosphere?
Ans. Increase in carbon dioxide leads to Global warming. This ultimately
leads to climate change.
4. What are the adverse effects of radiation on human beings?
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Ans. Radition is known to cause an increase in the incidence of cancer
and many such related disorders.
5. What is meant by Global warming?
Ans. Global warming is the observed and projected increases in the
average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans due to
increase in large amount of carbon dioxide.
6. How does soil pollution affect human life?
Ans. Effects of soil pollution on human life:
l Various chemicals and organic materials present in soil results
in various health hazards for humans.

l Chemical fertilizers washed into waterways poison water
supplies and kill aquatic life

l These fertilizers destroy the soil’s natural balance which in
turn affects the agricultural activities.

l The soil pollution leads to erosion, lacks in nutrients and starts
a vicious cycle in which more fertilisers must be used to make

up for soil depletion.
7. Suggest two ways by which atmosphere is affected by industrial
pollution.
Ans. The two ways in which atmosphere is affected by industrial
pollution are:
l Manufacturing industries release a wide range of pollutants in
the air.
l Oil refineries discharge harmful gases like Ammonia,
Hydrocarbons and Sulphur oxides.
l Aluminium plants release fluoride dust.
l Cement industries emit plenty of dust which is very harmful.
l Increasing quantity of these harmful gases may increase global
warming and results in melting of ice in Polar Regions.
8. State the effects of chemicals on human beings.
Ans. Effects of chemicals on human beings are
1. Fluorides cause fluorosis, humped back, stiffness of bone
joints and dental fluorosis.
2. Lead is toxic to both central and peripheral nervous system.
It can accumulate in the bones.
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3. Pesticides can cause tumours, chromosomal alterations, brain
damage, impotency and cancer.
4. Arsenic in mild doses cause nausea, vomiting and stomach
burns. In lethal doses it may cause death due to shock and
vascular failure.
5. Mercury damages the nervous system. It may lead to
insomnia, tremors, bleeding of gums etc. Methyl mercury
may cause Minamata disease which is a form of mercury
poisoning.
9. What does Eutrophication mean?
Ans. Eutrophication is the process of depletion of oxygen from water
bodies, such as lake and estuaries due to natural or human factors.
10. Write short notes on :
(a) Bhopal gas tragedy
Ans. l The Bhopal Gas tragedy was the worst industrial accident that
occurred on 3rd December 1984. The accident was caused by
release of 40 tonnes of Methyl Iso Cyanate (MIC) into the
atmosphere from Union Carbide’s pesticide factory in Bhopal.
l
Effects of Bhopal Gas Tragedy:
The blood of the victims in the tragedy had permanently
got toxified, leading to the damage of the brain, kidneys,
lungs, muscles and gastro intestinal system etc.
MIC also interfered severely with the reproductive ability
of men and other animals.
The various plant species have suffered from chromosomal
aberrations.
(b) Chernobyl disaster.
Ans. l It occurred on April 26,1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear plant
in Ukraine. It happened in the early hours when the operators
were conducting an experiment in the nuclear plant premises.
l The main reasons for Chernobyl disaster were poor plant
design, incompetence and poorly designed safety measures.

Effects of Chernobyl Disaster:
Whole of Western USSR and other European countries were
contaminated by gamma emissions deposited in soil.
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Meat and dairy products were contaminated.
Radioactive clouds travelled across Europe and spread the dust
at random everywhere.
Thousands of people became exposed to Chernobyl radiation,
affecting living organisms.
They may cause genetic disorders, variety of cancers, and
Leukaemia.
11. Why do people in cities suffer from viral fever, allergies etc.?
Ans. People in cities suffer from viral fever, allergies etc., because:
l Of the chemical toxicants and micro-organisms present
in the polluted water which may lead to malaria, dengue,

chickengunia, etc.
l Oxides OF Nitrogen in the air may cause asthma, impairs
functions of enzymes in respiratory system.
l Ozone is a toxic gas that causes irreversible damage to the
respiratory track and lung tissue.

12. What are the effects of Noise Pollution?
Ans. Effects of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution causes discomfort and may lead to temporary or
permanent damage to hearing. It may adversely affect humans –
l Sleep disturbances
l Hearing loss
l Interference with communication
l Annoyance
l Headache
l General fatigue
l Rise in blood pressure
l Problems with the digestive system.
B. Choose the correct option.

1. Which of the following substance is responsible for causing fluo-
rosis?
(a) Lead (b) Fluorides
(c) Arsenic (d) Mercury
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2. Which of the following substance is responsible for causing
Minamata disease?
(a) Lead (b) Fluorides
(c) Arsenic (d) Mercury
3. Which of the following process is responsible for the depletion
of oxygen from the water body?
(a) Biomagnification (b) Bioaccumulation
(c) Eutrophication (d) Oxygen cycle
4. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (3rd December, 1984) was caused by the
release of
(a) CFC (b) Nitrogen dioxide
(c) Sulphur dioxide (d) MIC
5. Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986 due to
(a) Oil spillage
(b) Overflow of river water
(c) Meltdown in a nuclear reactor
(d) Leakage of poisonous gas
6. The process by which the toxic compound enter a food chain &
increases its concentration in the tissues of organism as it travels
up the food chain, is called
(a) Eutrophication (b) Biomagnification
(c) Bioradiation (d) Bioaccumulation
Answer
1. b 2. d 3. c 4. d 5. c 6. b

17. Pollution – Preventive Measures

EXERCISE
1. State the advantages of carpooling.
Ans. The advantages of carpooling are:
l It reduces each person’s costs, tolls and stress of driving.
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l It is more environmental friendly and sustainable way to travel.
l It reduces carbon emissions, traffic congestion on roads and
the need for parking spaces.
l It is more useful for people who work in place with more jobs
nearby and for those who live in places with higher residential
densities.
2. Name the alternative modes of transport. In what way does it help
to reduce air pollution?
Ans. The alternative modes of transport are public transport.
l It includes trains, metros and buses.
l It helps in reducing air pollution.
l It can relieve traffic congestion.
l Reduce air pollution from road transport.
l A sustainable transport policy can be developed.
3. How are smoking zones useful in prevention of air pollution?

Ans.
l Smoking bars are public policies, including criminal laws and
occupational safety and health regulations that prohibit tobacco

smoking in work places and other public spaces.

l The rationale for smoking bars indicates that smoking is
optional but breathing is not.

l Hence, smoking bars are enforced to protect people from effects
of second hand smoke.

l It includes an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, etc.
4. Explain the term organic farming. How does organic farming help
in saving the soil quality?
Ans. Organic farming is a technique which involves cultivation of
plants and rearing of animals in natural ways.
Organic farming help in saving the soil quality:
l This process involves the use of biological material, avoiding
synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility and ecological
balance thereby minimising pollution and wastage.
l As they do not use chemical fertilisers it reduces soil pollution
and protects soil quality.
l It relies on ecologically balanced agricultural principles like
crop rotation, green manure, organic wastes etc.
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l It helps in fixing nitrogen fixation in soils using legumes.
5. State any three characteristic features of organic farming.
Ans. Three characteristic features of organic farming are:
(i) Protecting soil quality.
(ii) Indirect provision of crop nutrients using soil microorganisms.
(iii) Nitrogen fixation in soils using legumes.
(iv) Weed and pest control based on crop rotation, biological
diversity, natural predators and organic manures. (any three)
B. Give reasons for the following:
1. Car pooling is often encouraged by authorities.
Ans. It is eco-friendly and sustainable way to travel as sharing journey
reduces carbon emissions during the period of high pollution.
Even it is encouraged during the high fuel price.
2. The use of renewable energy resources is of prime importance.
Ans. They do not cause pollution like fossil fuel and also to conserve
the exhaustible fossil fuel energy it is important to use the renew-
able energy resources.
C. Choose the correct option.
1. Refer to the image & identify the type of preventive measure
taken to reduce pollution.
(a) Public Transport
(b) Jeep pooling
(c) Car pooling
(d) None of the above
2. Which of the following preventive measure is depicted by the
symbol?
(a) No parking zone
(b) No smoking zone
(c) No plastic zone
(d) No horn zone
3. NEERI stands for
(a) National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.
(b) National Ecological Environmental Research Institute.
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(c) Natural environmental Ecological Research Institute.
(d) Nation’s Environmental Economical Research Institute.
4. Which of the following statement related to organic farming is
not correct?
(a) It involves the fixation of nitrogen through the use of leg-
umes.
(b) It involves the use of chemical fertilizer.
(c) It involves crop rotation
(d) It relies on ecologically balanced agricultural principles.
5. The following symbol is used in aircraft for
(a) No talking
(b) No movement
(c) No smoking
(d) No sleeping
Answer
1. c 2. b 3. a 4. b 5. c
18. Natural Regions Of the World

EXERCISE
1. What do you mean by the term ‘Climate’?
Ans. The average weather conditions of temperature and rainfall at
a specific place or a region over a period of several decades is
known as climate.
2. How have the climatic regions of the world been classified?
Ans. The world climatic types have been classified on the basis of world’s
climatic/temperature zones. It is observed that all the places located
on particular latitude would experience similar type of climate,
although the local factors may play a certain role.
3. Name the different climatic regions of the world.
Ans. The climatic regions of the world are:
l Equatorial region l Tropical grasslands
l Tropical dessert l Tropical monsoon
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l Mediterranean l Temperate grasslands
l Taiga l Tundra
4. Describe the location of the equatorial regions.
Ans. The location of the equatorial regions is:
It is found along the Equator at 5◦N to 5◦S on either side.
5. Give the other names by which equatorial regions are also popular.
Ans. The other name by which equatorial regions are also popular are:
l Tropical Wet Climate or Tropical Rainforest Climate.
6. Why has the Equatorial Region the hottest climate?

Ans. The Equatorial Region has the hottest climate because:
l this belt receives maximum amount of incoming radiation as
they receive direct rays of the sun.
7. What type of rainfall occurs in Equatorial Regions and why?
Ans. The Equatorial areas are known for heavy convectional rainfall.
Terrestrial rain is experienced in the afternoon at 4 o’clock and
is generally accompanied by lightning and thunders.
8. State in brief the characteristic features of the Equatorial Type
of Climate.
Ans. The characteristic features of the Equatorial Type of Climate:
l It is found along the Equator at 5◦N to 5◦S on either side.
l High temperature throughout the year.

High rainfall of about 200cm annually.
Rainfall is mainly conventional.
High humidity due to high rainfall and high rates of evaporation.
Low pressure all year round.
9. Name a few important trees found in the equatorial region. How
important are these trees?
Ans. Few important trees found in the equatorial region are:
l Mahogany, ebony, rosewood and greenheart used for expensive
furniture.
l Cinchona, banana, coconut and palm trees are of tremendous
commercial value.
10. Why is the diurnal range of temperature low in the equatorial
regions?
128
Ans. The diurnal temperature is low in the equatorial region because:
l The Sun is overhead throughout the year and the areas
experience equal day and night.

l The annual range of temperature is very small, being hardly
2◦C to 3◦C.
11. Give the location of the Tropical Monsoon lands.
Ans. The location of the Tropical Monsoon Climate:
l It is found in the tropical regions where due to differential
heating of land and water, a complete seasonal reversal of

winds take place.
l This area is located within the latitude 10◦N to 30◦N.
12. Name all the areas which experience tropical monsoon type of
climate.
Ans. The areas which experience Tropical monsoon type of climate are:
l They are mostly located in the coastal areas of the South-
East Asia, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, South China and

Philippines.
l Other areas outside Asia are Africa along the South-West
coast. Equatorial East Africa including areas of Malaysia are

found to have monsoonal character.
l Part of North-East Latin America, North coast of Puerto Rico
and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Islands has a

mild monsoonal effect.
13. How do the South West Monsoon Winds originate?
Ans. The South – East Trade winds , as they cross equator, because
of the rotation of the earth, they are deflected to the right and
are attracted towards the low pressure of South India.
They blow from South-West to North-East.
14. State in brief a few important features of the Tropical Monsoon
Climate.
Ans. Important features of the Tropical Monsoon Climate are:
l Seasonal reversal of winds.
l Temperature ranges from 15◦C in the cool season to 32◦C in
hot season.
l Three distinct seasons can be identified: Cool dry season, hot
dry season & hot wet season.
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lGreat variation in rain from 12 cm in the deserts to 200cm in
coastal regions.
15. What are the characteristics of the climate of hot deserts?
Ans. The characteristics of the climate of hot deserts:
l Rain rarely falls and average rainfall is usually below 12cm.
l The average temperature varies from 29◦C to hot season to
10◦C in cool season.
l Absence of clouds causes temperature to rise up to 49◦C at
times. At night, because of the skies , radiation is rapid and
temperature may fall to 15◦C to 5◦C. Thus diurnal range of
temperature is very high.
16. What type of natural vegetation is found in hot desert?
Ans. The natural vegetation in hot desert :
l Desert plants which withstand high temperatures for long
periods when there is no rainfall, eg. xerophytes .
l The most common plants are drought resistant plants like cacti,
thorny bushes and coarse grasses.
17. Why are the major hot deserts of the world found on the Western
margins of the continents?
Ans. The major hot deserts of the world are found on Western margins
of the continents because:
l The trade winds blowing from North-East to South-West shed
their moisture to the East and the western margins are left dry.
18. Point out the important features of the Tropical Desert.
19. Point out the location of the hot desert region of the world naming
the areas and the countries.
Ans. The major hot deserts are found within the latitude 15° N to
30° N and south.
The most important regions are the Sahara desert, the Arabian,
Iranian and Thar Desert, Australian Desert, the Kalahari and
Namibia deserts, the Atacama desert and the California and
Mexico desert.
20. What is the main feature of the Mediterranean climate?
130
Ans. The main feature of the Mediterranean climate is :
l it has hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters.
21. When do Mediterranean regions receive their rain and why?

Ans. Mediterranean region receives rainfall during winter, when the
pressure belts shift southward it come under the influence of
Westerly’s which causes characteristic moderate winter rainfall.
22. What are the main characteristics of Mediterranean vegetation?
Ans. The main characteristics of Mediterranean vegetation are:
l The plants in this region have adapted themselves to the
summer drought , by storing water obtained from winter rains,
eg, bulbons roots.
l Many plants have thick wooden stem with thick needle type
of spiny leaves to cut down rate of transpiration.
l In the drier forests the vegetation is scrub like and consists of
sweet smelling herbs and shrubs such as Oleander, Rosemary
etc.
23. Name the principal trees which grow on lands.
Ans. The principal trees which grow in Mediterranean lands are:
l Coniferous forests consisting of evergreen oak, eucalyptus,
jarrah and Karri in South-West Australia.
l Cedar, cypress, redwood and sequoia in California are found.
24. Name a few local winds found in Mediterranean region.
Ans. The local winds found in Mediterranean region are:
l Sirocco: a hot dry dusty wind which blows from Sahara desert
during summer across Mediterranean.
l Mistral: A strong cold wind which blows in winter down the
Rhone valley from North reaching Mediterranean coast.
l Bora: It is developed due to the pressure difference between
Central Europe and Mediterranean Sea and blows south across
Yugoslavia to the Andriatic sea.
25. Name any four climate types of the world.
Ans. Same as 3rd answer.
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26. Give an account of the winter conditions in the Taiga region.
Ans. The winter conditions in the Taiga region are :
l Long cold winters which lasts October to April and temperature
can fall to –30°C or less.

l During winter the precipitation is received in the form of
snowfall because winter temperatures are generally below

freezing point.
27. What is the location of the Tundra region?
Ans. The Tundra region lies beyond the Arctic Circle (66◦30’N) in
the Northern Hemisphere.
28. Describe the summer conditions in Tundra region.
Ans. In Tundra region:
l Summers are short and cool, with a brief growing season.
l Most of the precipitation is received during summer months
from June to September.

l During summer the snow cover starts melting. This water is
used up by the vegetation.

29. What is meant by the term Aurora Borealis? Where do they
occur?
Ans. Aurora Borealis is found in the Taiga region.
l They occur when charged particles from the sun interact with
gases in the earth’s atmosphere.

l They are seen only in latitudes beyond 65◦ in both the hemispheres.
B. On an outline map of the world, mark the following regions :

1. Equatorial Regions
2. Tropical Monsoon Regions
3. Mediterranean Regions.
4. Mid-Latitude Deserts.
C. Give a reason for the following statement.
1. Equatorial regions are economically backward.
Ans. They are mostly inhabited by the primitive people, who are pri-
marily gatherers & hunters.
2. The diurnal range of temperature is generally low in the equatorial
region.
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Ans. The extensive cloud cover & heavy rainfall prevents the rise &
the fall of temperature during day & night respectively. Therefore,
the diurnal range of temperature is low.
3. The major hot deserts of the world are generally found on the
western margins of the continent.
Ans. The trade winds blow from north east to south west, shed their
moisture to the east and the western margins are left dry. Trade
winds are offshore in this region.
4. It is very difficult to adapt a permanent settled life in Central Asia.
Ans. The region has rugged topography; climate, soil & vegetation is
also varied & complex; in summer the region experiences acute
scarcity of water. Therefore, it is very difficult to adapt a perma-
nent settled life in this region.
5. Mediterranean climate is called resort climate.
Ans. It is called resort climate due to its ideal and comfortable tem-
perature conditions.
6. There is no vegetation found in southern hemisphere beyond
66.5°S.
Ans. As there is no landmass present within this latitude in Southern
Hemisphere.
1. Identify the type of climate region found in the shaded region.
(a) Tropical Monsoon type (b) Tropical Grassland

(c) Taiga (d) Equatorial region
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2. Ebony, Mahagony, Rosewood are the trees found in
(a) Tropical Savana
(b) Monsoon deciduous
(c) Tropical/Equatorial Rainforest
(d) Tropical deserts
3. Campos is the name of tropical grassland in
(a) Venezuela (b) South Africa
(c) Brazil (d) Australia
4. Dust storms are the major phenomena of which of the following
region?
(a) Equatorial region (b) Taiga region
(c) Tundra region (d) Tropical deserts
5. Which of the following climate region is famous for the warm,
dry summer & mild rainy winters?
(a) Mediterranean climate (b) Tundra region
(c) Taiga region (d) Tropical Savana
6. Which of the following climate region experiences both hot local
wind like Sirocco & cold local winds like mistral & Bora?
(a) Tropical Savana (b) Tundra region
(c) Taiga region (d) Mediterranean climate
7. Match the following & choose the proper option.
(i) Australia (a) Prairie
(ii) Argentina (b) Steppe
(iii) Eurasia (c) Pampas
(iv) North America (d) Downs
(a) (i) (d) (ii) (c) (iii) (b) (iv) (a)
(b) (i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (a) (iv) (b)
(c) (i) (a) (ii) (c) (iii) (d) (iv) (b)
(d) (i) (b) (ii) (d) (iii) (c) (iv) (a)
8. Which type of climate is experienced by the Northern Scandinavia
Island of Europe?
(a) Taiga
(b) Tundra
134
(c) Temperate Grassland type
(d) Mediterranean type
9. These types of trees are found in
(a) Tropical Monsoon region
(b) Equatorial rain forest
(c) Taiga region
(d) Mediterranean region
10. Mediterranean region is famous for the cultivation of
(a) Vegetables (b) Citrus fruits
(c) Rice (d) All the above
11. Tropical rainforest is found in which of the following region?
(a) Tropical grassland (b) Tropical desert
(c) Mediterranean region (d) Equatorial region
12. Which of the following climate is found in India, Bangladesh,
and Sri Lanka?
(a) Equatorial climate (b) Tropical Monsoon climate
(c) Tropical Savana (d) Tundra climate
Answer
1. d 2. c 3. c 4. d 5. a 6. d 7. a 8. b
9. c 10. b 11. d 12. b
135

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TEACHER’S RESOURCE BOOK

GOYAL BROTHERS PRAKASHAN

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2. Latitudes and Longitudes 9 – 21

3. Rotation and Revolution 22 – 32

5. Landforms of the Earth 36 – 42

6. Rocks and Rock Cycle 43 – 49

9. Weathering and Denudation 61 – 67

10. Tides and Ocean Currents 67 – 75

11. Composition and Structure of the

13. Atmospheric Pressure and Winds 90 – 103

14. Humidity 103 – 111

15. Pollution – Types and Sources 111 – 119

16. Effects of Pollution 120 – 124

17. Pollution – Preventive Measures 124 – 127

18. Natural Regions of the World 127 – 135

l From distant space, it appears as a small greenish blue marble

l Hydrosphere (the sphere of water)

l Atmosphere (the sphere of air)

the environment which are essential for life.

2. Latitudes and Longitudes

and horizontal line through it (these lines going through the

and grow smaller towards the poles.

of the Equator and 90 to the South of the Equator while

the Earth into two halves, Eastern and Western Hemisphere.

convenience only 360 meridians are drawn at 1° apart on the

Observatory at Greenwich village, near London. It is called

is approximately 40,000 km.

9. What are the limits of two Temperate Zones?

l The South Temperate Zone is 23½°S to 66½°S.

sun fall vertically on this region.

the Equator receives very slanting rays during winter.

would be much difference in local time between one city and

l Air gets thinner as we go up. Therefore temperature decreases.

of this line, a difference of one whole day is observed.

drawn from north to south, 1° apart on the Equator.

Answer the following questions based on the above diagram.

(c) Equator and Prime Meridian

B. Define the following terms :

3. The International Date Line is not a straight line like other

is practically no landmass, and wherever there is landmass a

l Hence, he has to cross many longitudes and time zones. So

for every longitude he crosses there is a time difference of 4

So the difference in time is 5½ hours and he is behind time.

G. Refer to your Atlas and tick (3) the correct answer.

3. State two effects of West to East rotation of the Earth.

l Hence, the length of the day increases with increasing latitude

North of the Equator.

towards the North Pole.

l Hence, the length of the day increases as one goes towards

towards the North Pole.

towards the North Pole.

towards the North Pole.

complete 360° is 24 hours, 56 min, and 4.09 sec.

17. What is Perihelion? Mention the date of this phenomenon.

deflected towards the right in the Northern Hemisphere and

hemispheres causing atmospheric changes.

Poles takes place due to different speed of rotation.

l The sun shines directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer.

22 or 23 (autumnal equinox) occur.

4. Spring Equinox and Autumn Equinox

In the Northern Hemisphere this In the Northern Hemisphere this