NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Physical Features of India

Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Physical Features of India - NCERT Solutions are an essential tool for mastering the content in Geography Class 9 Chapter 2, which focuses on the Physical Features of India. The chapter covers important topics such as the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands. 

The Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 questions and answers help students understand these physiographic divisions clearly. The solutions provided for the Geography Chapter 2 Class 9 exercises are straightforward and accurate, enabling students to prepare effectively for their CBSE examinations. By using the Geography Class 9 Chapter 2 question answer format, learners can solidify their understanding of the key concepts. Check out the NCERT Solutions for Physical Features of India Class 9 below to enhance your preparation.

Physical Features of India Class 9

Class 9 Geography Chapter 2, Physical Features of India, explores the different landforms of the country, such as mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, and islands. The aim of this chapter is to help students understand how these features affect India's climate, natural resources, and where people live. The exercise in Class 9 Geography Ch 2 includes questions and answers to help students learn about the formation and importance of these physical features. It builds a clear understanding of the key points covered in the physical features of India Class 9 questions and answers.

Check out: Class 9th Books

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Physical Features of India

Check out the class 9th geography chapter 2 question answer below:-

Exercise Page No 15

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.

(i) A landmass bounded by the sea on three sides is referred to as

(a) Coast

(b) Island

(c) Peninsula

(d) None of the above

Answer: (c)

(ii) Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called

(a) Himachal

(b) Uttarakhand

(c) Purvachal

(d) None of the above

Answer: (c)

(iii) The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as

(a) Coromandel

(b) Konkan

(c) Kannad

(d) Northern Circar

Answer: (c)

(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is

(a) Anai Mudi

(b) Kanchenjunga

(c) Mahendragiri

(d) Khasi

Answer: C

Read More: 

• NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography Chapter 1
• NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Geography Chapter 3
• NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Geography Chapter 4
• NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Geography Chapter 5

2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) What is the bhabar?

Answer: The northern plains are often characterized as flatlands, but they actually exhibit diverse relief features. These plains can be divided into four regions based on these variations. As rivers flow down from the mountains, they deposit pebbles in a narrow belt, 8 to 16 km wide, parallel to the Shiwalik slopes. This region is known as the bhabar belt.

(ii) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.

Answer: The northernmost range is known as The Great or Inner Himalayas or Himadri.

Himachal or Lesser Himalaya.

Outer Himalayas or Shiwaliks.

(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhya ranges?

Answer: The Malwa plateau lies between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges.

(iv) Name the island group of India having a coral origin.

Answer: The Lakshadweep Islands is the island group of India having a coral origin.

Check out: Class 9th Social Science Book

3. Distinguish between

(i) Bhangar and Khadar

Answer:- 

(ii) the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats

Answer: Western Ghats:

• Run parallel to the western coast.

• Form a continuous range, only crossable through passes.

• The average elevation ranges from 900 to 1600 meters.

• Causes orographic rainfall by forcing moist, rain-bearing winds to rise along their western slopes.

• Their height increases progressively from north to south.

Eastern Ghats:

• Run parallel to the eastern coast.

• Are discontinuous and irregular in formation.

• Are dissected by rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

4. Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau

Answer: The major physiographic divisions of India are

• The Himalayan Mountains

• The Northern Plains

• The Peninsular Plateau

• The Indian Desert

• The Coastal Plains

• The Islands 

Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region and the Peninsular Plateau

Geologically, the Peninsular Plateau is one of the ancient landmasses on Earth, considered to be one of the most stable land blocks. In contrast, the Himalayas are among the most recent landforms, forming an unstable geological zone. The Himalayan mountain system features a youthful topography characterized by high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers. The Northern Plains were created by alluvial deposits, while the Peninsular Plateau consists of igneous and metamorphic rocks, with gently rising hills and broad valleys.

5. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.

Answer: The Northern Plains are the most recent landforms in India, formed by alluvial deposits. This plain was created by the interaction of three major river systems—the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra—and their tributaries. Over millions of years, these rivers deposited alluvium in a vast basin at the foothills of the Himalayas, forming this fertile plain that covers an area of 7 lakh sq. km. It stretches about 2400 km in length and 240 to 320 km in width, making it a densely populated region with rich soil, ample water supply, and a favourable climate, making it highly productive agriculturally.

The Northern Plain is divided into three sections:

1. Punjab Plains: The western part of the Northern Plain, formed by the Indus and its tributaries (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej). A large portion of this plain lies in Pakistan. This area is characterized by doabs (land between two rivers).

2. Ganga Plain: Extending between the Ghaggar and Teesta rivers, this section spreads over Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Jharkhand, reaching Bengal in the east.

3. Brahmaputra Plain: Located in Assam, this plain lies further east.

Although generally flat, the Northern Plains have diverse relief features and are divided into four regions based on these variations:

1. Bhabar: A narrow belt (8 to 16 km wide) where rivers deposit pebbles parallel to the Shiwaliks' slopes. Streams disappear in this belt.

2. Terai: South of the Bhabar, where streams and rivers re-emerge, creating a wet, swampy, and marshy region once thickly forested and full of wildlife.

6. Write short notes on the following.

(i) The Indian Desert

Answer: The Indian desert lies towards the western margins of the Aravali Hills. It is an undulating sandy plain covered with sand dunes. This region receives very low rainfall. The average rainfall is below 150 mm per year. It has an arid climate with low vegetation cover. Streams appear during the rainy season. Soon after they disappear into the sand as they do not have enough water to reach the sea. Luni is the only large river in this region.

(ii) The Central Highlands

Answer: The portion of the Peninsular Plateau located north of the Narmada River, encompassing much of the Malwa Plateau, is referred to as the Central Highlands. These highlands are broader in the west and taper off towards the east. The eastern extensions are known locally as Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand. Further east, the Chotanagpur Plateau extends, with the Damodar River draining this region.

Check out: Class 9th Combo Set of 5 Books

(iii) The Island groups of India

Answer: 

Lakshadweep Islands: The Lakshadweep Islands are composed of small coral islands, previously known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi. Renamed in 1973, they cover an area of 32 sq km. Kavaratti Island serves as the administrative headquarters. These islands boast diverse flora and fauna. Pitti Island, which is uninhabited, features a bird sanctuary.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: This chain of islands extends north to south in the Bay of Bengal. Divided into the Andaman Islands in the north and the Nicobar Islands in the south, they are larger, more numerous, and scattered. Believed to be elevated portions of submarine mountains, these islands hold strategic importance for India. They also have rich biodiversity and experience an equatorial climate with thick forest cover.

Check out -

• CBSE Class 9 Sample Paper
• CBSE Class 9 Revision Books

Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Physical Features of India Summary 

1. Himalayan Mountains

• The Himalayas are the youngest and tallest mountain range in the world.

• They act as a natural barrier against cold winds and invasions.

• Source of major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.

• Rich in biodiversity and mineral resources.

2. Northern Plains

• Formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.

• Fertile plains support agriculture due to rich soil and favorable climate.

• Divided into Punjab Plains, Ganga Plains, and Brahmaputra Plains.

3. Peninsular Plateau

• Ancient and stable landmass composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

• Central Highlands (Malwa Plateau) form its northern part.

• Deccan Plateau in the south, flanked by Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.

4. Coastal Plains

• Western Coastal Plains along the Arabian Sea and Eastern Coastal Plains along the Bay of Bengal.

• Rich in agriculture and industrial activities.

• Deltas of major rivers like the Ganga and Godavari are found here.

5. Islands of India

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, are known for their dense forests and indigenous tribes.

• Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, are composed of coral islands with diverse marine life.

6. Significance

• India's diverse physical features influence its climate, agriculture, and biodiversity.

• The Himalayas influence the monsoon winds, while the rivers and plains support extensive agriculture.

• Coastal regions contribute significantly to trade and maritime activities.

Check out: School Books

Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Physical Features of India FAQs

Q1. What are the major physiographic divisions of India?

Ans. The major physiographic divisions of India are:

• The Himalayan Mountains

• The Northern Plains

• The Peninsular Plateau

• The Indian Desert

• The Coastal Plains

• The Islands

Q2. What is the significance of the Himalayas in India?

Ans. The Himalayas act as a natural barrier, protecting India from cold winds and invasions. They are the source of major rivers, influence the monsoon climate, and are rich in biodiversity and minerals.

Q3. How were the Northern Plains formed?

Ans. The Northern Plains were formed by the interplay of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems and their tributaries. These alluvial plains were created by the deposition of sediments over millions of years.