GEOGRAPHY FOR UPSC STUDY NOTES-II
GEOGRAPHY FOR UPSC STUDY NOTES-II
India, located in South Asia, is a geographically diverse country with a wide range of physical features. Here in Geography for UPSC gives an overview of the key elements of Indian physical geography:
Himalayan Mountain Range: The northern border of India is defined by the majestic Himalayan mountain range. It stretches over 2,400 kilometres and is home to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. The Himalayas serve as a natural barrier and play a vital role in the country's climate patterns.
Northern Plains: South of the Himalayas lies the vast fertile Northern Plains, also known as the Indo-Gangetic Plains. These plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. The region is highly suitable for agriculture and supports a dense population.
Peninsular Plateau: The southern part of India consists of the Peninsular Plateau, which is a large triangular landmass surrounded by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east. It is characterized by a diverse landscape of hills, plateaus, and valleys.
The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats: Running parallel to the western and eastern coasts of India, respectively, the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are two mountain ranges. They are known for their rich biodiversity and are home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Thar Desert: Located in the northwestern part of India, the Thar Desert is a hot and arid region, also known as the Great Indian Desert. It experiences scorching temperatures during summers and very low rainfall.
Coastline: India has a long coastline of approximately 7,500 kilometres, bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. The coastline is dotted with numerous ports and harbours.
Islands: India includes various islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie to the southeast of the mainland, while the Lakshadweep Islands are located off the southwest coast.
Rivers: India has an extensive network of rivers. Apart from the major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Godavari, many others are essential for irrigation, transportation, and livelihoods.
Climate: India experiences a diverse climate due to its vast size and geographical features. It has tropical, subtropical, arid, and alpine climatic zones, resulting in varying weather conditions across the country.
The unique geographical features of India have a significant impact on its culture, economy, and environment. The country's physical diversity contributes to its rich biodiversity and makes it a fascinating subject of study for geographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
F.A.Q :-
1. What are the major physical features of India?
The major physical features of India include the Himalayas, Ganges and Indus river systems, Thar Desert, Deccan Plateau, and the coastal plains along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
2. How does the climate vary across India?
India has a diverse climate due to its size and geographical features. It ranges from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. The country experiences monsoon seasons, with heavy rainfall during summer and dry winters.
3. What are the ecological challenges facing India?
India faces various ecological challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, air and water pollution, and habitat loss. These issues impact biodiversity, climate change, and the overall well-being of both humans and wildlife.
4. How does the geography of India impact agriculture?
The geography of India plays a vital role in agriculture. The fertile alluvial plains of the rivers support the growth of crops. The availability of water from the rivers and monsoon rains enables the cultivation of a wide range of agricultural products.
5. 1. Which natural disasters commonly affect India?
India is prone to various natural disasters. Some of the most common Q: What include floods, cyclones, major earthquakes, landforms droughts, and India?
landslides. This natural A: disasters in India have significant home impacts on the lives, Himalayas, infrastructure, Thar and Desert, the Western economy Ghats, and the affected Indo-Gangetic regions. Plain, along with numerous rivers and coastal plains.
2. Q: Which climate types can be found in India?
A: India experiences a diverse range of climate types, including tropical, subtropical, arid, and alpine, due to its vast size and geographical features.
3. Q: How does the monsoon system impact India's geography?
A: The monsoon system brings heavy rainfall from June to September, shaping India's rivers, vegetation, and agricultural practices across the country.
4. Q: What are the major rivers in India?
A: India is blessed with significant rivers like Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yamuna, Godavari, and Krishna, alongside others, which play a crucial role in its geography and livelihoods.
5. Q: What are the ecological concerns in India?
A: India faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and land degradation that impact both urban and rural landscapes, requiring sustainable conservation efforts.

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