Keywords To Remember
Land Resources
Land – A natural resource on Earth’s surface used for agriculture, housing, industries, etc.
Lithosphere – The solid, outer layer of the Earth that includes the crust and upper mantle.
Soil – The topmost layer of the earth composed of organic matter (humus), minerals, air, and water.
Humus – The organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of plants and animals.
Alluvial Soil – Fertile soil deposited by rivers, commonly found in plains.
Land Use Pattern – The distribution and utilization of land for various human activities such as farming, housing, roads, etc.
Deforestation – The removal or cutting down of forests.
Afforestation – The process of planting trees in an area to create or restore a forest.
Land Degradation – The decline in the productive capacity of the land due to human activities or natural causes.
Land Management – The process of using land resources sustainably to balance ecological and human needs.
Soil Resources
Soil Fertility – The ability of soil to provide essential nutrients to plants for their growth.
Parent Rock – The original rock from which soil is formed through weathering.
Topography – The surface features of a landscape, including its elevation, slope, and orientation.
Vegetation Cover – The plant life growing on the earth’s surface that helps in soil formation and protection.
Weathering – The natural process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles due to weather, temperature, etc.
Soil Erosion – The removal of the top fertile layer of soil by agents like wind, water, and human activities.
Terrace Farming – A method of farming on hill slopes by constructing steps or terraces to reduce soil erosion.
Contour Ploughing – Ploughing along the contour lines of a slope to prevent soil erosion.
Shelter Belts – Rows of trees planted to protect fields from wind erosion.
Strip Cropping – Growing different crops in alternate strips to reduce soil erosion and increase soil fertility.
Water Resources
Hydrosphere – The water component of the earth that includes oceans, rivers, lakes, etc.
Fresh Water – Water suitable for drinking and agriculture, found in rivers, lakes, glaciers, and underground.
Saline Water – Water that contains a high concentration of salt, found in oceans and seas.
Hydrological Cycle – The continuous movement of water on Earth through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Surface Water – Water present on the surface of the Earth, such as in rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Groundwater – Water located beneath the earth’s surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations.
Precipitation – Any form of water, such as rain, snow, or hail, that falls from clouds to the Earth’s surface.
Rainwater Harvesting – Collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
Multipurpose River Valley Project – Large-scale projects that serve various purposes like irrigation, power generation, and flood control by constructing dams.
Aquifer – A layer of water-bearing rock that stores groundwater and allows its flow.
Water Conservation & Pollution
Water Pollution – Contamination of water bodies due to industrial waste, sewage, chemicals, etc.
Water Conservation – The practice of using water efficiently and protecting its sources from pollution.
Trickle Irrigation – A method of watering plants slowly at the base to save water.
Sprinkler Irrigation – A system where water is sprayed over crops like rainfall using pipes and nozzles.
Water Recycling – The process of treating and reusing used water for purposes like irrigation and sanitation.
Sensor Taps – Water-saving devices that release water only when a hand or object is detected.
Flood Control – Methods or structures used to prevent or manage the occurrence of floods.
Something to Know
Tick (✔️) the correct option.
- Which type of erosion leads to desertification?
(a) soil erosion
(b) wind erosion
(c) water erosion
(d) wave erosion
Answer- (b) wind erosion
- Which one of the following is suitable for restoring soil fertility?
(a) terrace farming
(b) contour ploughing
(c) shifting agriculture along the hill slopes
(d) rotation of crops
Answer- (d) rotation of crops
- Which of the following is not in favour of multipurpose river valley projects?
(a) control floods
(b) generate hydroelectricity
(c) large scale displacement of people
(d) provide water for irrigation
Answer- (c) large scale displacement of people
- Maintenance of lakes and ponds is essential for—
(a) increasing surface water runoff
(b) increasing water table
(c) increasing soil fertility
(d) recycling of water
Answer- (b) increasing water table
- Which factor is more responsible for the quick formation of soil in Rajasthan?
(a) soluble rocks
(b) vegetation cover
(c) extreme difference in day and night
(d) rainfall temperature
Answer- (c) extreme difference in day and night
B. Fill in the blanks.
- Earth’s surface is divided into __________ and _________zones.
Answer- land, water
- To maintain ecological balance, __________% of the land should be under forest.
Answer- 33%
- Planting of trees is commonly known as __________.
Answer- afforestation
- The main source of fresh water is __________ .
Answer- rainfall
- Earth is known as __________ planet due to the presence of water on it.
Answer- watery
C.Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements.
- It is formed by decomposed parts of plants and animals.
Answer- Humus
- The original rock from which the soil is formed.
Answer- Parent rock
- It is formed as a result of long continued weathering process of rocks.
Answer- Soil
- A project which serves various purposes at the same time.
Answer- Multipurpose river valley project
- The process in which the top layer of the soil is removed by the natural and human activities.
Answer- Soil erosion
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Why is soil considered an important resource? Give any three reasons.
Answer- Soil provides nutrients necessary for plant growth, which supports the food chain.
It offers shelter to many small organisms like ants, earthworms, and rodents.
Soil is used for making bricks, pottery, and supports agriculture, which is vital for human survival.
- Highlight any three causes of soil erosion.
Answer- Deforestation, which removes the protective cover of trees.
Overgrazing by animals, leading to loosening of soil.
Mining and reckless agricultural practices that disturb the natural structure of soil.
- Explain hydrological cycle with the help of a diagram.
Answer- The hydrological cycle refers to the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
It involves processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
(Simple Diagram Description):
Sun heats water → Evaporation into air → Water vapor cools → Condensation forms clouds → Clouds get heavy → Precipitation as rain → Water collects back into rivers, lakes, oceans → Cycle repeats.
- How does river water get polluted? Explain.
Answer- River water gets polluted when untreated industrial waste and urban sewage are dumped into rivers. This makes the water unsafe for drinking and disturbs aquatic life, causing health hazards like cholera, jaundice, and typhoid.
- Identify any three ecological problems caused by building large dams.
Answer- Submergence of extensive forest areas under water.
Displacement of people living in the dam area.
Disturbance of aquatic ecosystems and increase in soil erosion.
E. Answer the following questions.
- Explain any five factors responsible for the formation of soil.
Answer- he five factors responsible for soil formation are:
Parent Rock: The type of rock from which soil is formed affects its texture and mineral content.
Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and humidity influence weathering of rocks and the formation of soil.
Relief: Slope and altitude affect the accumulation and depth of soil.
Flora, Fauna, and Microorganisms: Organisms contribute to the mixing and enriching of soil with organic matter.
Time: Soil formation is a very slow process that takes hundreds or thousands of years.
- What is meant by land use pattern? Why is it important to study the land use pattern? List the factors influencing the utilisation of land.
Answer- Land Use Pattern refers to the way in which human beings utilize the land for various purposes like agriculture, forestry, mining, settlements, etc.
Importance: Studying land use patterns helps in planning for sustainable development and proper management of land resources.
Factors Influencing Utilisation of Land:
Topography
Soil type
Climate
Population density
Technological advancement
Economic factors
- What are Multipurpose River Valley Projects? Name any two such projects. List the main objectives of a multipurpose river valley project.
Answer- Multipurpose River Valley Projects are large-scale projects constructed on rivers that serve multiple purposes simultaneously.
Examples:
Bhakra Nangal Project
Damodar Valley Project
Main Objectives:
Irrigation for agriculture
Generation of hydroelectric power
Flood control
Water supply for domestic and industrial use
Development of fisheries and navigation
- Suggest any five steps to conserve soil.
Answer- Planting trees (afforestation) to prevent soil erosion.
Practising terrace farming in hilly areas.
Contour ploughing to reduce water runoff.
Crop rotation and use of organic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility.
Building shelter belts of trees to break wind flow and reduce wind erosion.
- Suggest any five methods for the conservation of water.
Answer- Rainwater harvesting to store and reuse water.
Repairing leaking taps and pipelines to avoid wastage.
Using drip and sprinkler irrigation methods in agriculture.
Recycling wastewater for industrial and gardening purposes.
Raising awareness about water conservation among people.
Value Based Question
Ganga—A Living Entity
The Honourable High Court of Uttrakhand has given ‘living entity’ status to River Ganga. It means that now onwards Ganga has to be treated as a ‘living person’ with all corresponding rights, duties of a living person in order to conserve Ganga river system.
Inspite of initiatives by various governmental and non-governmental agencies, Ganga and its tributaries are still abused by the people. The river is polluted by domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents. This river system is a lifeline of northern India. That is why, its health has to be restored for the benefit of people.
- Why has River Ganga been called the lifeline of the people?
Answer- River Ganga is called the lifeline of the people because:
It provides water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use to millions of people in northern India.
It supports agriculture by supplying water for crops in the fertile plains.
It sustains biodiversity, including fish and aquatic life, and holds immense cultural and religious significance for millions.
- Suggest any three immediate steps to restore the health of River Ganga—A Living Entity.
Answer- Strict regulation and treatment of domestic, agricultural, and industrial waste before it is released into the river.
Launching large-scale afforestation drives along the riverbanks to prevent erosion and maintain the river ecosystem.
Conducting continuous public awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of keeping the river clean and involving local communities in conservation efforts.
(Map Skill)
On an outline political map of the world, show any three developed and developing countries each.
Answer – Steps to Mark Countries on a World Map
Outline the continents (North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.).
Use different colours (e.g., Blue for developed, Green for developing).
Label the countries neatly with their names.
Three Developed Countries (Mark in Blue)
United States (USA) – North America
Germany – Europe
Japan – East Asia
Three Developing Countries (Mark in Green)
India – South Asia
Brazil – South America
Nigeria – Africa
Something To Do
Collect information about some Multipurpose River Valley Projects of India and then complete the following table.
Answer –
Name of the Project | River | Beneficiary States |
Bhakra Nangal Project | Sutlej | Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan |
Hirakud Project | Mahanadi | Odisha |
Damodar Valley Project | Damodar | Jharkhand, West Bengal |
Nagarjuna Sagar Project | Krishna | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
Sardar Sarovar Project | Narmada | Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan |
Tehri Dam Project | Bhagirathi (Ganga) | Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi |
Rihand Project | Rihand (Son) | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh |
- Find out the causes of water pollution in the River Yamuna or a river of your state.
Answer – Causes of Water Pollution in River Yamuna:
Discharge of Untreated Sewage:
Around 70–80% of the pollution in the Yamuna is caused by domestic sewage from cities like Delhi, Agra, and Mathura. Most sewage treatment plants are either non-functional or inadequate.
Industrial Effluents:
Numerous small- and large-scale industries discharge chemical-laden wastewater directly into the river without adequate treatment, especially in industrial zones around Delhi and Faridabad.
Religious and Cultural Practices:
Immersion of idols, offering of flowers, and other ritual materials contribute to the physical and chemical pollution of the river.
Agricultural Runoff:
Excess use of fertilizers and pesticides in nearby agricultural lands leads to runoff during rains, which flows into the river and causes nutrient pollution (eutrophication).
Solid Waste Dumping:
Garbage, plastics, and other solid waste materials are regularly dumped along the banks or directly into the river, choking the water and degrading its quality.
Encroachments and Construction Activities:
Unauthorized construction and land encroachments on the river floodplains disturb the natural flow and contribute to sedimentation and pollution.
Same are the causes of pollutions in my state rivers.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- About ______% of Earth’s surface is covered by water.
Answer: 70
- The organic component of soil formed from decomposed plants/animals is called ______.
Answer: Humus
- ______ farming involves growing crops on stepped hillsides to prevent erosion.
Answer: Terrace
- Only ______% of Earth’s water is freshwater.
Answer: 3
- The ______ cycle describes the continuous movement of water on Earth.
Answer: Hydrological
- Over-irrigation leads to ______, making soil infertile.
Answer: Waterlogging
- The ______ River Valley Project is a major multipurpose project in India.
Answer: Damodar
- ______ ploughing follows the contours of hills to reduce soil erosion.
Answer: Contour
- The Aswan Dam is located in ______.
Answer: Egypt
- ______% of global forest cover is natural, while 7% is man-made.
Answer: 93
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions with Answers)
- Which factor does NOT affect soil formation?
- a) Parent rock
- b) Wind speed
- c) Climate
- d) Time
Answer: b) Wind speed
- What percentage of Earth’s water is saline?
- a) 3%
- b) 70%
- c) 97%
- d) 25%
Answer: c) 97%
- Which method conserves water in agriculture?
- a) Deforestation
- b) Drip irrigation
- c) Overgrazing
- d) Monocropping
Answer: b) Drip irrigation
- The primary source of freshwater is:
- a) Glaciers
- b) Rainfall
- c) Oceans
- d) Groundwater
Answer: b) Rainfall
- Which region has the lowest rainfall?
- a) Equatorial forests
- b) Sahara Desert
- c) Ganga Delta
- d) Amazon Basin
Answer: b) Sahara Desert
True/False (with Answers)
- Black soil in India is derived from lava rocks.
Answer: True
- All freshwater is available in rivers and lakes.
Answer: False (2% is in glaciers)
- Afforestation increases soil erosion.
Answer: False
- Multipurpose dams have no ecological impacts.
Answer: False
- Contour ploughing is done parallel to hill slopes.
Answer: True
Competency-Based Questions (with Answers)
- Scenario: A farmer in Rajasthan faces soil erosion. Suggest two measures to conserve soil.
Answer: Plant shelter belts to reduce wind erosion.
Practice contour ploughing on slopes.
- Case Study: A city near the Ganga River suffers from water pollution. Propose solutions.
Answer: Treat industrial waste before discharge.
Promote public awareness about river cleanliness.
HOTS (High Order Thinking Skills) Questions (with Answers)
- Analyze: Why might a country with high rainfall still face water scarcity?
Answer: Poor water management, pollution, or unequal distribution.
- Evaluate: “Dams are essential but harmful.” Justify.
Answer: Essential: Provide water, electricity, flood control.
Harmful: Displace communities, submerge forests, disrupt ecosystems.
Short Questions (with Answers)
- Name two methods of water conservation.
Answer: Rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation.
- What is humus?
Answer: Decomposed organic matter enriching soil fertility.
- Why is soil considered a renewable resource?
Answer: It forms over time (though very slowly).
Long Questions (with Answers)
- Explain the factors affecting soil formation.
Answer: Parent rock: Determines mineral content (e.g., black soil from lava).
Climate: Temperature/rainfall speed up weathering.
Topography: Steep slopes have thinner soil.
Vegetation: Roots break rocks; humus adds fertility.
Time: Takes thousands of years to form.
- Describe the importance of multipurpose river projects with examples.
Answer: Uses: Irrigation (Hirakud Dam), hydropower (Hoover Dam), flood control.
Examples: Aswan Dam (Egypt), Damodar Valley (India).
Drawbacks: Ecological disruption, displacement of people.
Additional Questions and Answer – 02
Fill in the blanks:
- The Earth’s surface is made up of two main zones: __________ and __________.
Answer: land, water
- __________ is the process by which plants and animals decay to form humus in the soil.
Answer: Decomposition
- The __________ cycle refers to the continuous movement of water through the earth’s atmosphere.
Answer: Hydrological
- __________ farming is a method of growing crops on level steps constructed on hill slopes.
Answer: Terrace
- The Ganga river system is often referred to as the __________ of Northern India.
Answer: lifeline
- Water is a __________ resource, as it is not available in unlimited quantities on Earth.
Answer: limited
- __________ is a method used for the conservation of soil by planting rows of trees along the contours of slopes.
Answer: Contour ploughing
- __________ is the main source of fresh water for human consumption and agricultural irrigation.
Answer: Rainwater
- The majority of Earth’s water (97%) is in the form of __________ water, which is not suitable for consumption.
Answer: saline
- The formation of soil takes place over a period of __________ years.
Answer: thousands
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions):
- Which of the following is a cause of soil erosion?
- a) Afforestation
- b) Overgrazing
- c) Terrace farming
- d) Contour ploughing
Answer: b) Overgrazing
- Which project serves multiple purposes such as irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation?
- a) Indira Gandhi Canal Project
- b) Multipurpose River Valley Project
- c) National Waterways Project
- d) Green Revolution Project
Answer: b) Multipurpose River Valley Project
- What is the main source of fresh water?
- a) Oceans
- b) Ice caps and glaciers
- c) Rivers and lakes
- d) Underground water
Answer: c) Rivers and lakes
- Which of the following is a method of water conservation?
- a) Deforestation
- b) Overuse of ground water
- c) Drip irrigation
- d) Soil erosion
Answer: c) Drip irrigation
- Which factor contributes to the formation of fertile soil?
- a) Sandy particles
- b) High salt content
- c) Humus
- d) Steep slopes
Answer: c) Humus
True/False Questions:
- The majority of the Earth’s water is fresh water.
Answer: False
- Soil erosion can be reduced by practices such as afforestation and terrace farming.
Answer: True
- Water pollution is caused only by domestic waste.
Answer: False
- The Ganga river is considered a lifeline for people in the northern region of India.
Answer: True
- The hydrological cycle involves processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Answer: True
Competency-Based Questions:
- Identify and explain the steps you would take to reduce water pollution in your locality.
Answer: Steps would include:
Installing waste treatment plants
Avoiding the dumping of industrial and domestic waste into rivers
Promoting public awareness about the harmful effects of pollution
Encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials
Cleaning and maintaining water bodies regularly
- Explain the impact of deforestation on soil erosion and suggest ways to prevent it.
Answer: Deforestation leads to the removal of plant roots that hold the soil together, making the soil more susceptible to erosion by wind and water. Prevention methods include:
Afforestation
Planting grass and shrubs
Implementing soil conservation practices like terracing and contour ploughing
- You are assigned to improve the water conservation in a region suffering from frequent droughts. What measures would you propose?
Answer: Propose the following measures:
Promoting rainwater harvesting
Building small check dams and ponds to store water
Encouraging drip irrigation for agriculture
Educating the public about the importance of water conservation
Installing water-saving fixtures in homes and industries
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions:
- Analyze the role of Multipurpose River Valley Projects in the development of a region. Discuss both the positive and negative impacts.
Answer: Positive: They help in flood control, provide water for irrigation, generate hydroelectricity, and contribute to economic development.
Negative: They lead to displacement of people, submerging of vast areas of land, and loss of biodiversity in the affected regions.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of current soil conservation methods in preventing soil erosion. Are these methods sustainable?
Answer: Soil conservation methods like afforestation, terracing, and contour ploughing have proven effective in preventing soil erosion. However, their long-term sustainability depends on the continuous implementation and adaptation to local conditions. Overgrazing and deforestation still threaten soil conservation efforts.
- Compare and contrast the distribution of water resources between the developed and developing countries. What steps should developing countries take to manage their water resources efficiently?
Answer: Developed countries have better infrastructure and technology for water management and conservation. In contrast, developing countries face challenges due to population growth, lack of technology, and poor infrastructure. Developing countries should:
Invest in water treatment and recycling technologies
Promote awareness about water conservation
Improve irrigation systems to reduce water wastage
Develop efficient rainwater harvesting systems
Short Answer Questions:
- What is the hydrological cycle?
Answer: The hydrological cycle is the continuous process of water movement through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. It ensures the replenishment of fresh water on Earth.
- What are the main causes of soil erosion?
Answer: The main causes of soil erosion include deforestation, overgrazing, construction activities, and improper agricultural practices.
- Why is water conservation important?
Answer: Water conservation is important because it ensures the availability of water for future generations, prevents water scarcity, and reduces the environmental impact of water extraction.
Long Answer Questions:
- Discuss the causes and consequences of water pollution in the Yamuna River. What measures should be taken to clean and restore its health?
Answer: Water pollution in the Yamuna River is caused by untreated sewage, industrial waste, and solid waste dumping. Consequences include health problems for people relying on the river water, destruction of aquatic ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity. Measures for restoration include:
Building and upgrading sewage treatment plants
Regulating industrial effluent discharge
Increasing public awareness about pollution control
Encouraging the use of eco-friendly products
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the river
- Describe the different methods of soil conservation and how they help prevent soil erosion.
Answer: Methods of soil conservation include:
Afforestation: Planting trees to hold the soil together and reduce surface runoff.
Terrace farming: Growing crops on steps along hillsides to reduce water runoff.
Contour ploughing: Ploughing along the contours of a slope to prevent water from washing away the soil.
Windbreaks: Planting rows of trees to reduce the force of wind on soil. These methods help maintain soil structure, improve water retention, and prevent the loss of topsoil.