GSEB Class 9 Social Science Solutions Chapter 13 Location, Geological Structure and Physiography-I

1. Write Short Answer For The Following Questions.

 

Question 1. India has a strategic location. Explain.
Answer:

1. Three large water bodies, namely the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal, surround India from three sides. This has helped in the development of big and natural waterways connecting India with other countries since ancient times.
2. India has had cultural and business connections with East Africa, West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia from long ago because of its location.
3. After the Suez Canal opened in 1869, the sea distance between India and Europe became shorter by about 7000 km.
4. Also, the journey from Asia to Europe got reduced by 6500 km because of the 'Circum Africa' waterway.
5. The sea routes to East and Southeast Asia and Europe, via Africa, go through the Indian Ocean. This encouraged the growth of trade links between India and Europe since that time.
6. From the east of India, after crossing the Malacca Strait in Malaysia and then the Pacific Ocean, one can reach Canada and the United States.
7. Moreover, the air routes connecting many nations pass through various parts of India.
8. Therefore, India holds a very important location on the global map.

In simple words: India's location is special because three big seas surround it, making sea travel easy. This helped India connect with many countries for trade and culture for a very long time. The Suez Canal also made travel to Europe much shorter.

Exam Tip: When explaining a strategic location, always mention geographical features (like surrounding water bodies), trade routes, and historical connections. Quantify distances when possible, like the Suez Canal example.

 

Question 2. Why is the physiography of India diversified? Explain.
Answer:

1. India has tall Himalayan mountain ranges, and many passes are also visible within them.
2. It has numerous rivers. Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, etc., are some of the biggest rivers.
3. These rivers have carried alluvial deposits with them and create fertile plains.
4. India also possesses a very long coastline. Furthermore, India is a peninsula. The Arabian Sea is located to the west of India, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south.
5. The Western Ghats are spread near the west coastline, and the Eastern Ghats are on the east coastline.
6. India also includes islands like Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar. Thus, it has a very diverse and varied physiography.

In simple words: India has many different land features because it has tall mountains like the Himalayas, lots of big rivers creating fertile plains, a long coastline surrounded by three seas, and islands like Andaman and Nicobar. These all add up to its varied landscape.

Exam Tip: To describe diverse physiography, list major geographical features such as mountains, rivers, plains, coastlines, peninsulas, and islands, and briefly explain how each contributes to the diversity.

 

Question 3. Why has the international trade of India become easy?
Answer:

1. Global trade is mainly conducted through air or sea routes.
2. India's very large landmass is joined with the sea.
3. The sea routes to East and Southeast Asia and Europe via Africa go through the Indian Ocean.
4. After the Suez Canal opened in 1869, the distance between India and Europe reduced by approximately 7000 km.
5. Also, the journey from Asia to Europe became shorter by 6500 km because of the 'Circum Africa' waterway.
6. Moreover, the air routes connecting many nations pass through various parts of India.
7. Therefore, international trade between India and Europe became much simpler, and it grew to a great extent.

In simple words: India's international trade is easy because it has a huge coastline for sea routes, and air routes pass over it. The Suez Canal significantly shortened the distance to Europe, which helped increase trade a lot.

Exam Tip: When discussing factors facilitating international trade, emphasize geographical advantages like coastlines and strategic locations, and infrastructure developments like canals or air routes, along with their impact on distance and connectivity.

 

Question 4. India has become a place of 'cultural confluence'. Explain.
Answer:

1. India holds a strong and unique place among the nations of the world.
2. It is a very big country having one of the oldest cultures globally.
3. India possesses the largest democracy worldwide.
4. Due to India's rich culture and friendly approach, it influenced people of all religions and races.
5. India has always remained fair to all religions, people, and races.
6. Because of all these reasons, it is said that India has become a place where different cultures meet and merge.

In simple words: India is called a 'cultural confluence' because it's a big country with a very old and diverse culture. It has the world's largest democracy and has always welcomed people of all religions and races, allowing many different cultures to come together and mix.

Exam Tip: To explain "cultural confluence," highlight India's rich history, diverse population, democratic values, and its long tradition of tolerance and assimilation of different cultures and ideas.

 

Question 5. How many tectonic plates are there in the world? Name them.
Answer: There are seven major tectonic plates in the world. They are:

1. Pacific Plate
2. North American Plate
3. South American Plate
4. Eurasian Plate (Europe + Asia = Eurasian)
5. African Plates
6. Indo-Australian Plate
7. Antarctic Plate

In simple words: There are seven main large pieces of the Earth's outer layer called tectonic plates. These are the Pacific, North American, South American, Eurasian, African, Indo-Australian, and Antarctic plates.

Exam Tip: When asked to list something and their number, always state the total number first, then list each item clearly. Ensure correct spelling for each plate name.

 

2. Explain The Concept Of The Following Terms:

 

Question 1. Standard Time:
Answer: It is the local time of \( 82^\circ 30' \) east longitude, taken as the uniform time for the entire country. This longitude passes through the center of India.
In simple words: Standard time is the local time at a specific longitude, \( 82^\circ 30' \) east, which is used as the single official time for the whole country.

Exam Tip: Remember to specify the exact longitude for India's Standard Meridian and explain its purpose clearly to avoid time differences across the country.

 

Question 2. Tropic of Cancer:
Answer: The latitude located at \( 23.5^\circ \) north and passing through the middle of India is the Tropic of Cancer. It splits India into almost two equal parts, specifically Northern India and Southern India.
In simple words: The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line on the map at \( 23.5^\circ \) north latitude that goes through the middle of India, dividing it into two nearly equal halves.

Exam Tip: Key points for Tropic of Cancer are its latitude, its path through India, and its effect of dividing the country into two halves.

 

Question 3. Peninsula:
Answer: The triangular landmass enclosed by water on three sides is called a peninsula. India is an example of a peninsula.
In simple words: A peninsula is a piece of land with water on three sides.

Exam Tip: The simplest definition of a peninsula is "land surrounded by water on three sides." An example like India can help illustrate the concept.

 

Question 4. Convergent plates:
Answer: The plates that move closer to each other, meaning they converge towards one another, are called convergent plates. This movement often causes mountains or volcanoes.
In simple words: Convergent plates are tectonic plates that move towards each other and collide.

Exam Tip: When defining convergent plates, emphasize the movement (towards each other or colliding) and mention common geological outcomes like mountain formation.

 

Question 5. Hemisphere:
Answer: It means half of a sphere or, in simpler terms, half of the earth. The Earth is divided into Northern and Southern hemispheres.
In simple words: A hemisphere is simply half of a sphere, like half of the Earth.

Exam Tip: Define hemisphere clearly as "half a sphere" and mention the common divisions like Northern and Southern, or Eastern and Western.

 

Question 6. Equator:
Answer: An imaginary line that separates the earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. It is \( 0^\circ \) latitude.
In simple words: The Equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth, dividing it into the Northern and Southern halves.

Exam Tip: Remember the Equator's role as the primary divider of hemispheres and its latitude of \( 0^\circ \).

 

Question 7. Circulation:
Answer: The movement or passing of something from one location to another. This can refer to air, water, or even blood flow.
In simple words: Circulation means something moving around from one place to another in a continuous path.

Exam Tip: When defining a general term like 'circulation', provide a broad definition and perhaps an example to show its application across different contexts.

 

3. Answer The Following Questions:

 

Question 1. Give information about the location and area of India.
Answer:Location of India:

1. India lies completely in the northern hemisphere. The northern part of India extends until the southern part of Asia. It is a part of south-central Asia.
2. India is situated between East and West Asia. India is a southward extension of the Asian continent.
3. India holds an important strategic position in South Asia. It has 29 states and 7 union territories, including the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
4. The \( 82^\circ 30' \) E longitude is India's standard meridian, which determines the local time for the country. It goes through five Indian states.
5. The Tropic of Cancer, located at \( 23^\circ 5' \) North latitude, passes through the center of India. It splits the country into almost two equal parts: Northern India and Southern India.

Northern India:

• India's northern region spreads more in the east and west directions.
• North India consists of the Himalayan Mountain region and large plains.

Southern India:

1. The area to the south of the Tropic of Cancer has a triangular form. It narrows as one moves southward.
2. The Arabian Sea is on India's left, the Indian Ocean is at the bottom, and the Bay of Bengal is on the right.
3. This indicates that India is surrounded by water on three sides. Hence, it is called a peninsula. The southern part of India forms the Peninsular Plateau.
4. The Peninsular Plateau includes the eastern plains on the eastern side of southern India and the narrow western coastal plains on the western side of southern India.

Area of India:
The total area of India is approximately 3.28 million square km, which accounts for 2.42% of the world's total area. India's total area represents about 2.4 percent of the world's total geographical area. India is the seventh largest country globally:

1. Russia
2. Canada
3. USA
4. China
5. Brazil
6. Australia
7. India

In simple words: India is in the northern hemisphere and south-central Asia, with a key spot between East and West Asia. It has 29 states and 7 union territories. The \( 82^\circ 30' \) E longitude sets its standard time, and the Tropic of Cancer divides it. Northern India has mountains and plains, while Southern India is a triangular peninsula with coasts on three sides. India covers 3.28 million square km, making it the world's seventh-largest country, representing about 2.4% of the global land area.

Exam Tip: For comprehensive answers on location and area, always include: hemispheres, surrounding regions, key latitudes/longitudes (like Tropic of Cancer and Standard Meridian), major physical divisions (Northern/Southern India, Peninsular Plateau), and statistical data like total area and global ranking.

 

Question 2. How was India benefitted due to the opening of Suez Canal? State.
Answer:

1. When the Suez Canal opened in 1869, the distance between India and Europe had shortened by about 7000 kilometers.
2. As a result, global trade between India and Europe became simpler, and it grew significantly.
3. Goods and thoughts among various nations again began to be exchanged with Europe.
4. Indian ideas such as the Upanishads, stories from Ramayana and Panchatantra, healing methods, Indian numerical figures, and the decimal system could thus reach many parts of the world.

In simple words: The Suez Canal helped India a lot by cutting down the distance to Europe by 7000 km. This made trade much easier and stronger. It also helped Indian knowledge, stories, and the decimal system spread to many other countries.

Exam Tip: When discussing the benefits of the Suez Canal, focus on both economic impacts (reduced distance, increased trade) and cultural impacts (exchange of ideas and knowledge).

 

Question 3. Give a detailed account of the structure of the earth.
Answer:

1. The Earth's structure is separated into layers. These layers are both physically and chemically distinct. There are three such layers.
2. The earth has an outer solid layer known as the Crust, a highly thick layer called the Mantle, and a liquid layer that is known as the Core. The outer portion of the core is liquid, and the inner core is solid.
3. The Crust is made of strong rocks. It consists of lighter elements like silicon, oxygen, and aluminum. Because of this, it is called Sial (silicon + aluminum).
4. The Mantle is the second layer of the earth, located just beneath the crust. It is primarily composed of oxygen, silicon, and the heavier element magnesium. It is known as Sima (Silicon + Magnesium).
5. The Core is made of solid iron and nickel and reaches temperatures of about 5000-6000°C. It is known as Nife [Nickel + Iron (ferrous)].

In simple words: The Earth has three main layers: the Crust, Mantle, and Core. The Crust is the hard outer layer, made of lighter elements. Below it is the Mantle, a thick, flowing layer. The innermost part is the Core, with a liquid outer part and a solid inner part, made of iron and nickel, and very hot.

Exam Tip: To describe the Earth's structure, identify the three main layers (Crust, Mantle, Core), explain their physical state (solid, viscous, liquid/solid), their primary chemical composition, and any specific names associated with them (Sial, Sima, Nife).

 

4. Select The Correct Options Of The Following Questions And Write Answers.

 

Question 1. Through which state of India, the standard meridian does not pass?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (d) Tamil Nadu
In simple words: The standard meridian for India does not go through Tamil Nadu.

Exam Tip: Memorize the five states through which India's Standard Meridian passes: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.

 

Question 2. To the north-west of India is:
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Pakistan
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Nepal
Answer: (b) Pakistan
In simple words: Pakistan is the country located to the north-west of India.

Exam Tip: Be familiar with the geographical location of all neighboring countries of India relative to its cardinal directions.

 

Question 3. Arrange the following states in order from north to south: Uttarakhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi
(a) Uttarakhand, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala
(b) Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand
(c) Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Kerala
(d) Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Answer: (a) Uttarakhand, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala
In simple words: From north to south, the correct order of the states is Uttarakhand, then Delhi, followed by Madhya Pradesh, then Andhra Pradesh, and finally Kerala at the southernmost part.

Exam Tip: To correctly answer questions on state arrangement, visualize India's map and know the relative positions of its states from north to south or east to west.

 

Question 4. Which of the following countries is larger in area than India?
(a) Canada
(b) England
(c) Pakistan
(d) Thailand
Answer: (a) Canada
In simple words: Among the options given, Canada is bigger in size than India.

Exam Tip: Remember India's ranking as the seventh-largest country by area globally, and be familiar with the countries that are larger than India (Russia, Canada, USA, China, Brazil, Australia).

 

Question 5. Which of the following pairs is incorrect as a neighbour of India?
(a) Afghanistan - North - West
(b) Nepal - North - East
(c) China - North
(d) Bangladesh - West
Answer: (d) Bangladesh - West
In simple words: The pair 'Bangladesh - West' is wrong because Bangladesh is actually to India's east, not its west.

Exam Tip: Thoroughly learn India's neighboring countries and their precise geographical directions relative to India to avoid common errors in such questions.

 

Gujarat Board Class 9 Social Science Location, Geological Structure And Physiography-I Additional Important Questions And Answers

 

Question 1. Why has \( 82^\circ 30' \) E longitude chosen as the standard time of India?
Answer: India is a large country. It spans a wide range of longitudes (from \( 67^\circ E \) to \( 97^\circ E \)). As we know that time variation happens due to differences in longitude, the time difference between the westernmost and easternmost longitudes of India would be quite large. For instance, the time in Arunachal Pradesh should be two hours ahead of Gujarat, but such a situation could create problems for activities like transmitting information across different parts of the same country. To prevent this, we designate the \( 82^\circ 30' \) E longitude as the Standard Meridian. The time at this longitude is accepted throughout India as the Indian Standard Time.
In simple words: India is a big country spread across many longitudes. This means sunrise and sunset happen at different times. To avoid confusion, \( 82^\circ 30' \) E longitude was chosen as the 'Standard Meridian' so everyone in India uses the same time.

Exam Tip: Explain the concept of longitudinal time differences and the need for a single standard meridian to ensure uniformity across a large country like India, avoiding complications in communication and daily activities.

 

Question 2. Write a note on neighbouring countries of India.
Answer:

1. India shares its land borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan to the northwest, China (Tibet), Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Myanmar and Bangladesh to the east.
2. Our southern neighbors across the sea consist of two island nations, namely Sri Lanka and Maldives.
3. Sri Lanka is separated from India by a narrow sea channel formed by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, while the Maldives Islands are located to the south of the Lakshadweep islands.

In simple words: India has many neighbors. To its northwest are Pakistan and Afghanistan. To the north are China, Nepal, and Bhutan. To the east are Myanmar and Bangladesh. Across the sea to the south are Sri Lanka and Maldives, with Sri Lanka separated by the Palk Strait.

Exam Tip: When listing neighboring countries, categorize them by direction (northwest, north, east, south) for clarity. Also, mention any significant geographical features separating sea neighbors, like the Palk Strait for Sri Lanka.

 

Question 3. Write a note on formation of Himalaya.
Answer:

1. It is believed that millions of years ago, India was a part of a large continent called Gondwana land.
2. The Peninsular part of Gondwana land was the oldest landmass. Gondwana land included India, Australia, South Africa, South America, and Antarctica as one single landmass.
3. The convectional currents split the crust into several pieces, which led to the Indo-Australian plate drifting northward after separating from Gondwana land.
4. The northward movement resulted in the collision of this plate with the much larger Eurasian plate.
5. Due to this impact, the sedimentary rocks that had gathered in the geosyncline, known as the Tethys, folded to create the mountain system of Western Asia and the Himalaya.

In simple words: Millions of years ago, India was part of a huge continent called Gondwana land. Due to forces inside the Earth, the Indian plate broke off and slowly moved north. It eventually crashed into the Eurasian plate. This massive collision caused the land between them, the Tethys Sea, to fold up and form the huge Himalayan mountains.

Exam Tip: To explain the formation of the Himalayas, include key concepts like Gondwana land, plate tectonics, continental drift, the Tethys Sea (geosyncline), and the collision of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates.

 

Ii. Map-Based Question.

 

Question 1. On an outline map of India, show all the neighbouring countries.
Answer: To show all neighboring countries on an outline map of India, you would need to label the following countries in their respective directions:

• Northwest: Pakistan and Afghanistan
• North: China, Nepal, and Bhutan
• East: Bangladesh and Myanmar
• South (across the sea): Sri Lanka and Maldives

Mark these countries clearly on the map, ensuring their correct geographical placement relative to India.
In simple words: To label India's neighbors on a map, put Pakistan and Afghanistan to the northwest, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east, and Sri Lanka and Maldives in the sea to the south.

Exam Tip: When asked to mark locations on a map, use clear labels, ensure correct placement for each country relative to India, and pay attention to both land and sea boundaries.