Delhi Public School, Rewari

Subject: Social Science (Geography Notes )

Class- IX

Name………... Roll no……

Prepared By – MR. RAJESH DIXIT

(DRAINAGE)

Braided river: Rivers carrying a large amount of silt and forming silt island. For example, river
Brahmaputra.

Perennial rivers: Rivers originating from snow- covered mountains and flowing throughout the year.
Dueto the melting of snow they have continuous supply of water. For example, the Ganga, the Yamuna,
the Indus, the Brahmaputra are the perennial rivers.

Watershed or water divide: Is a boundary between two rivers. The watershed marks the divide between
drainage basins, and usually is an elevated area such as a mountain or an upland.
Eg: Ambala is the water – divide between Indus and Ganga river.
Estuary: When the river flows on a slightly inclined land before entering the sea , it has swift flow and it
drains directly into the sea in a deep narrow channel known as an estuary. Rivers Narmada and Tapi make
estuaries.

Q.1 What is meant by water divide? Give an example.

Ans. Any elevated area such as mountain or upland that separates two drainage basins is known as water
divide.
E.g Ambala is the water – divide between Indus and Ganga river.
Q.2 Name the two headstreams of Ganga. Where do they meet?
Ans The Ganga has two headstreams – the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi. They join together at Devparayag.
Q.3 Why does the Brahmputra in its Tibetan part have less silt, despite having a longer course?
Ans
 The rate of erosion is less as in Tibet because of hard rocks.
 The precipitation in Tibet is in the form of snow.
Q.4 Discuss the significant difference between the Himalayan and Peninsular rivers.
Ans
HIMALAYANS RIVERS PENINSULAR RIVERS
These are glacier – fed and perennial rivers. These are rain – fed and non – perennial rivers.
They are new rivers. These are old rivers.
They have more erosional activity. They have less erosional activity.
These are navigable. These are not navigable.
They have a larger and longer course. These have a shorter course

Q.5 Compare the east- flowing rivers with west – flowing rivers.
EAST – FOLOWING RIVERS WEST – FLOWING RIVERS
They flow into the Bay of Bengal. They flow into the Arabian Sea.
They make their own paths. They flow through rift valleys or trough
They have a larger course. These have a shorter course
They form deltas. They form estuaries.
Eg. Godavari, Krishna. Eg. Narmada, Tapi
They are more in numbers They are only two.

Q.6 Why does Brahmaputra carry more silt and water in India as compared to Tibet?
Ans

North – east part of India has soft rocks which is allowing more erosion.

North – East part of Indian receives heavy rainfall, thus increasing the volume of water in the rivers.
Q.7 Explain the drainage of the North Indian rivers.
River Origin Tributaries Features
Ganga Gangotri Yamuna, Son, Gandak, Kosi  Largest drainage basin of India.
 Flows into Bay of Bengal.
 Longest rivers in India.
Indus Mansarovar Ravi, Chenab, Beas, Jhelum,  Total length – 2900 km
Sutleuj Zaskar, Nubra  Flows through India , Tibet and Pakistan
 Flows into Arabian Sea.
Brahmputra Mansarovar Dibang, Lohit  On reaching Namcha Barwa, takes a U –
turn Enter in India. (Arunachal Pradesh )
 Also known as Dibang and Tsang
Po.(Tibet)
Q.8 Mention any three features of Indian drainage system.
Ans
(i) The drainage system of India is mainly controlled by the broad relief features of the subcontinent.
(ii) Indian rivers are divided into two major groups:
a) The Himalayan rivers (b) The Peninsular rivers
(iii) India possess the perennial as well as non – perennial rivers.
Q.9 Explain the different drainage patterns formed by the stream.
Ans
1. Dendriatic: It consists of a single main stream with tributaries resembling the branches of a tree.
2. Trellis : when tributaries join the main stream at right angles, such a pattern is called trellis.
3. Radial : In this pattern , the streams flow in different directions from a central peak or dome – like
structure.
Q.10 What is the difference between a tributary and a distributary?
Ans
 A tributary is the river which joins the main river and increases the volume of water. It is generally found in
the upper of the middle course of a river.
 For example , Yamunna is the main tributary of the Ganga.
 A distributary is that river which originates from a main river. It is formed near the river’s mouth before it
falls into the sea. It is found in the lower course of the river. For example , Hooghly and Bhagirathi are the
main distributaries of the Ganga river.
Q.11 Write a short note on the Indus river system.
Ans
1. The river Indus rises in Tibet near lake Mansarovar.
2. The river Indus is about 2900 km in length.
3. Main rivers are Sutlej, Beas, Ravi Chenab and Jhelam.
4. The Indus plain has a very gentle slope.
5. The Indus is one of the longest rivers of the world.
6. Bain – In Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

Q.12 Describe the three main features of river Brahmaputra .

Ans
1. The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet where it is known as Tsangpo.
2. It flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas, but it takes a U – turn around the Namcha Barwa and
enters India in Arunachal Pradesh.
 3. It is responsible for creating a havoc of floods in Assam and Bangladesh.
4. This river receives less volume of water and has less silt in Tibetan part, but it carries a large volume
of water and silt in India.
5. It has a braided channel in most of its length in Assam with a few large islands within the Channel.
Q.13 What were the actions planned to reduce pollution in the Ganga under the Ganga Action Plan?
Ans
1. To intercept the treat sewage flowing directly into the river.
2. To ensure and enforce proper effluent treatment of industrial wastes.
3. To promote and assist programmes for the supply of safe drinking water, construction of electric
crematoria, improvement of bathing ghats, lightning and water – front development.
4. To monitor the quality of river water.
Q.14 What progress has been made in the Ganga Action Plan?
Ans
1. Sixty – nine schemes have been completed with positive results.
2. Trees have been planted in badly eroded portions.
3. Check dams have been repaired in the upper reaches of the river.
4. Interception and diversion of several major drains carrying sewage and industrial wastes to the river
in some cities like Varanasi, Kanur, Patna have reduced the pollution level.
5. Turtles and Gangetic dolphins which had disappeared for several years have now reappeared in
Varanasi and other places.
Q.15 Which two peninsular rivers flow westward? Mention one similarity and one difference between
these two rivers?
Ans Narmada and Tapi
Similarity : (i) These rivers flow through rift valley.
(ii) The tributaries of these rivers are small in size.
Difference
(i) Tapi is the fifth largest river of peninsular India and Narmada is the second largest river.
(ii) Tapi is much shorter than the Narmada river in length.

Q.16 Write the main features of the Ganga system.

Ans
The Ganga has two headstreams – the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi. They join together at Devparayag.

2. From the Himalayas the Ganga enters the plains of Haridwar. It is joined together by a large number
of tributaries like Ghaghara, the Gandak and the Kosi.
3. The Ganga enters Bangladesh as Padma , and is joined by the Brahmaputra and is known as the
Jamuna. After receiving Meghna, it is known as the Meghna.
Q.17 What are the causes of water pollution? How can it be controlled?
Ans
Causes of water pollution:
1. The factories discharge their effluents in the nearby rivers, which cause water pollution.
2. The disposal of sewage of urban centres into the rivers is also responsible for water pollution.
3. Acid Rain
4. Use of fertilizers, pesticides and weedisites in agriculture
5. Dead bodies
 Steps to control
(i) Reusing and recycling the industrial water.
(ii) Treatment of sewage by biological process.
(iii) Harvesting of rainwater to meet water requirement.
(iv) Create awareness about the water conservation.
(v) Bio-manure should be used or Eco- friendly fertilizer, weedicides and pesticides should be used.
MAJOR RIVERS OF THE PENINSULAR INDIA
Name of Source Length in Drainage basin Importance
river KM tributaries of features
Mahanadi Highlands of 860 Maharashtra, Falls into Bay of
Chhattishgarh Chhattisgarh, Harkhand Bengal
and Orissa
Godavari Slopes of the Western 1,465 Maharashtra, Madhya Manjra, Penganga,
Ghats in the Nasik – Pradesh, Orissa and Wardha, Wainganga,
Maharashtra. Andhra Predesh Indravati, Sabari,
Pranhita.
Krishna Near Mahabaleshwar 1,400 Maharashtra, Karnataka Koyna, Ghatprabha,
and Andhra Pradesh Malprabha, Bhima,
tungabhadra, Musi,
Muneru.
Kaveri The Brahmagri range of 760 Karnataka, Kerala and Herangi, Hemavati,
the Western Ghats. Tamil Nadu Lokpavani, Shimsha,
Arkavati,
Lakshmanatirtha,
Kabani, Savananvati,
Bhavani, Amaravati.
Narmada The Amarkantak 1,310 Madhya Pradesh and Hiran, Orsan, Barna,
Plateau – M.P. Gujarat Kolar, Burhner,
Banjar, Shar ,
Shkhar, Tawa and
Kandi
Tapti or Tapi The Satpura ranges is 730 Madhya Pradesh Gujarat Purna, Betul, Patki,
the Betul District of and Maharashtra Ganjal, Dathranj,
M.P. Bakod, Amaravati.

Q.18 Explain the different formations of lakes.

Ans A. Oxbow lake – An oxbow lake is formed when the meandering river across a flood plain forms cut
offs.
B. Lagoons
Spits and bars in the coastal areas formed by the depositional work of oceanic movement form a lagoon.
Examples are Chilka lake (largest lake in India), Pulikat lake, Kolleru lake.
C Seasonal Lakes
Lakes in the region of inland drainage are sometimes seasonal which depends upon the rainfall. For example,
Sambhar lake in Rajasthan is a saltwater lake.

D. Glacial Lake
These types of lakes are mostly found in the Himalayan region. They are formed when glaciers dig out a basin
which is later filled by the melting snow. For example, Wular lake in Jammu and Kasmir is the largest
freshwater lake.

E. Artificial Lakes
Damming of rivers for the generation of hydel power has also led to the formation of lakes. For
example, Guru Gobind Sagar on Bhakra Nangal Project.
Q19 Why are lakes important to human beings?
Ans (a) Regulate the flow of river
Lakes help to regulate the flow of a river. During heavy rainfall, it prevents flooding and during the dry
season, it helps to maintain an even flow of water.
(b) Generation of Hydel Power
Damming of rivers is done in order to store the water for the generation of hydro electricity . Example :
Hirakud dam on river Mahanadi.

(c) Promote Tourism

Lakes are always an attraction for tourists for recreation. Lakes enhance the natural beauty of the
adjoining area and, hence, promote tourism. Example: Wular lake, Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir.

(d) Moderate Climate

Lakes also help to moderate the climate of the adjoining area that supports ecosystem within the lake
and also outside the lake.

(e) Source of rivers

Many lakes are also the major source for many rivers. Example: the Indus, the Satluj, the Brahmaputra
have their source in Mansarovar lake.

(f) Salt water lakes are used in preparing salt.

(g) They are also used for boating and fishing.

Drainage

Q.1 What are tectonic plates?

Ans The different fragments of earth’s crust which float on the motten mantle are called tectonic plates.

Q.2 Which continents of today were part of Gondwana land?

Ans The continents of Asia ( partly) Australia, South Africa, South America and Antarctica were part of
Gondwana land.
Q.3 What is bharbhar?
Ans The rivers after descending from the mountains deposit pebble in a narrow belt of 8-16 km in width
lying parallel to the Shivaliks. It is known as bhabhar
Q.4 Name the three major divisions of Himalayas from North to South.
Ans
 Himadri or the Greater Himalayas.
 Himachal or Lesser Himalyas.
 Shivaliks or the outer Himalayas.
Q.5 Which plateau lies between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.
Ans The Malawa Plateau lies between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.

Q.6 Name the island group of India having coral origin.

Ans The Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea are of coral origin.

Q.7 Describe how the Himalayas were formed.

Ans
 After the disintegration of the large landmass – Pangea million of years ago, it was divided into
two distinct landmasses called Gondwanaland and Angaraland separated by the Tethys Sea.
 The Gondwanal and to the South started drifting northwards/ towards Angaraland.
 The rivers orginateding Angaraland used to deposit their sediments in the Tethys Sea.
 When Gondwanaland moved towards the large and firm Angaraland , the deposits of sediments
rose forming fold mountains ( due to the fore from Gondwanaland)

Q.8 Which are the physiographic divisions of Indian? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region and
the Peninsular plateau.
Ans The major physiographic divisions of India are –
 The Himalayas
 The Northern Plains
 The Peninsular Plateau
 The Thar Desert
 The Coastal Plains
 The Island Groups.
HIMALAYAS PENINSULAR PLATEAU
 These are steep mountain. This is a flat tables land.
 These are made of sedimentary rocks. These are made of igneous rocks
 These have steep slopes These do not have steep slopes.
 These are youngest mountain ranges. These are oldest landmass of India.

Q.9 Give a short note on the Northern Plains.

Ans
 The Northern plains have been formed by the interplay of three major rivers – The Indus, The
Ganga and The Brahmaputra along with their tributaries.
  This plain is formed of alluvial soil.
 It spreads over an area of 7 lakh square kilometer .
 It has rich soil combined adequate water supply and favourable climate.
 It is one the most populous region of the world.
Q.10 Write short note on –
Ans
i) The Indian Desert
 The Indian desert lies towards the western margin of the Aravalli Hills.
 It is an undulating plain covered with sand and dunes.
 It receives low rainfall.
 It has arid climate with low vegetation cover.
ii) The cultural Highlands-
 These are wider in west but narrower in the eart.
 The rivers of Chambal, sind , Betwa and Ken drain this region.
 Its slop towards the Gangetic plain.
 It has uneven surface.
iii) The island groups of India – The two island groups of India are the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian
Sea the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
 The Lakshadweep Islands are Less in number as compared to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
 Andaman and Nicobar islands are raised underwater mountains whereas the Lakshadweep
islands are coral islands.
 The Andaman Nicobar Islands one big in size than Lakshdweep Island.
Q.11 Explain three movements of tectonic plates along with diagrams.
Ans
a) When the tectonic plates move towards each other and collide, they form a convergent boundary.
b) When the tectonic plates diverge or move away from each other, they from a divergent boundary.
c) When the tectonic plates move horizontally past each other. They form a transform boundary.

Q.12 What are the three results of tectonic movements?

Ans
 Folding
 Faulting
 Volcanic Eruptions.
Q.13 Explain the formation of Northern Plains.
Ans After the rise of the Himalayas, some parts of Tethys Sea still remained. The Himalayas gave rise to
new rivers such as the Ganga and The Yamuna. These rivers deposited sediments over the Tethys. This process
went on for many year and this deposition resulted in the formation of vast tracts of fertile land called Northern
Plains.

Q.14 Explain the division of the Himalayas from west to east.

Ans The west – east division of the Himalayas is on the basis of river valleys.
 Part between Indus and Sathij is called Punjab Himalayas.
 Part between Sathei and Kali rivers is called Kumaon Himalayas.
 The Kali and Tista rivers demarkte Nepal Himalayas.
 The part between Tista and Dockhand from the Assam Himalayas.

Q.15 What do you know about the Deccan Trap?

Ans The Deccan Trap is the region of dark and black soil, also called regur soil. It is made of basaltic rocks.
The Aravalli Hills lie on the western and north western margins of the Deccan Trap.
Q.16 Distinguish between-
Covergent Boundary Divergent Boundary
In this, two plates move towards each other. In this, two plates move away from each other.
These might have fold mountains. These might have block mountains or right valleys.

Bhangar Khadar
These soils are found above the flood plains. These soils are found in areas where flooding is
common.
These are the old alluvial soils. These are new and recent alluvial soils.
These are not fertile. These are fertile.
These are made of Kankar. There are made of fine silty sand and clay.