ISC Class 12 Geography Board Exam Question Paper 2010 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Geography Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions 2010

PART-I (Compulsory)

Question 1. [20 Marks]
(i) Give two reasons to explain why India is called a subcontinent.
(ii) The figure given below represents a section through the Himalayas, from the Kunlun Mountains to the Ganga Plains.
Identify the four relief features marked.
(iii) (a) Mention one difference between the Konkan and the Malabar coast.
(b) Why are there more ports along the Western coast than along the Eastern coast ?
(iv) Mention two reasons to explain why there is a higher percentage of forest cover in Northeast India.
(v) What is the difference between metro cities and mega cities ? Give one example of each type of city.
(vi) Explain the difference between crop rotation and double cropping.
(vii) Why are synthetic fibers widely used for manufacturing a large variety of fabrics ?
(viii) Explain how industrial inertia is a factor affecting the location of industries. Give two examples.
(ix) What was the need for the construction of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port ? Mention an important characteristic of this port.
(x) Mention two detrimental effects of tourism on the surrounding environment.

[Figure: Section through the Himalayas from Ganga Plains in the south to Kunlun Mountains in the north, showing relief features marked A, B, C, D, and E]

Answer:
(i) India is separated from the rest of Asia in the north by a chain of lofty mountains, oceans surround it on the other three sides. The entire region comes under the influence of the tropical monsoons giving it a distinctive climatic pattern. Due to its vastness and diversities, India is considered to be a sub-continent.
(ii) A - Outer Himalayas as Shiwalik range.
B - Duns or Duars.
C - Middle or Lesser Himalayas or Himachal.
D - Inner Himalayas or Himadri.
E - Tibetan Plateau.
(iii) (a) Konkan Coast is characterized by estuaries while the Malabar Coast is characterized by lagoons and backwaters.
(b) The Eastern coastal plains have a more or less straight coast where good natural ports are lacking while the Western coastal plains have an indented coast which supports many ports.
(iv) The forests in Northeast India are found in hot humid areas with an average annual rainfall of above 200 cm and relative humidity of more than 70 percent. Hilly topography and favorable climate are responsible for high forest concentration, coupled with low population density and lack of extensive industrialization which prevents mass felling of trees.
(v) Metro cities have a population of about 1 million, for example, Kanpur, Pune. Mega cities have a population of about 5 million, for example, Kolkata, Mumbai.
(vi) Crop Rotation: Crops are grown in rotation one after the other to maintain soil fertility, such as growing leguminous crops after cereal crops. Double Cropping: Growing of two or more crops on the same land in one year using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and a steady water supply.
(vii) Synthetic fibers are widely used because of their special qualities like strength, durability, elasticity, workability, washability, and resistance to wrinkles and shrinkage.
(viii) Industries tend to remain at the place of their original establishment even though the original favorable factor has disappeared. Examples include the lock industry at Aligarh and the bidi industry at Jabalpur.
(ix) The main purpose of Jawaharlal Nehru Port is to relieve congestion and pressure on Mumbai Port. Characteristics: Most operations are conducted using computers with a container terminal, and the deep sea near the port eliminates the need for dredging.
(x) The unplanned and unchecked growth of tourist centers deprives them of their original charm, causing severe water shortages and environmental degradation, as seen in Shimla and Darjeeling. Commercial constructions and industries around tourist spots tarnish their image, affecting monuments like the Taj Mahal and Meenakshi Temple.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure all parts of a composite question like Question 1 are answered concisely with precise regional examples where required.
b) Students often confuse metro and mega city population thresholds; remember metro is around 1 million and mega is around 5 million.

Question 2. [10 Marks]
On the outline map of India provided :
(a) Shade and name one area prone to floods.
(b) Shade and name the hinterland of Kolkata port.
(c) Shade and name the thermal power station in Orissa.
(d) Mark and name the largest center of electronic goods.
(e) Locate and name the diesel locomotive manufacturing center in central India.
(f) Locate and name a tea exporting port in South India.
(g) Trace the course of an east flowing river in South India.
(h) Shade and name the state which is the first to experience the southwest monsoon.
(i) Draw the railway route between Chennai and Kolkata.
(j) Locate and name an oil refinery belonging to the private sector

[Figure: Outline map of India showing geographical locations corresponding to the given sub-parts (a) to (j)]

Answer:
(a) Brahmaputra Valley (Assam) / North Bihar.
(b) Ganga-Brahmaputra basin (West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Assam).
(c) Talcher.
(d) Bengaluru.
(e) Varanasi.
(f) Kochi.
(g) River Krishna.
(h) Kerala.
(i) Railway route along the eastern coastal plain connecting Chennai and Kolkata.
(j) Jamnagar (Reliance refinery).

Teacher's Note:
a) Map pointing questions require precise markings on the provided outline map of India; standard convention and neat labeling fetch full marks.
b) Students must practice locating major industrial centers, rivers, and climatic regions regularly on physical outline maps.

PART-II

Answer any four questions.

Question 3.
(a) With reference to the Western Ghats, answer the following questions : [2]
(i) What is another name for them ?
(ii) Give two characteristic features of this relief division.
(b) (i) What is the El Nino? [2]
(ii) How does it affect the climate of India ?
(c) (i) What is meant by the variability of rainfall ? [2]
(ii) How does this variability affect agriculture?
(d) Give a reason for each of the following : [2]
(i) Delhi has rain in December-January.
(ii) Kolkata has a little rain in April.
(e) Mention any four aims of the revised Forest Policy of 1988. [2]

Answer:
(a) (i) Sahyadris.
(ii) 1. They stand like a continuous wall and can be crossed only through gaps or passes.
2. The western slope of this range is step-like.
(b) (i) El Nino is a narrow warm ocean current that occasionally appears off the coast of Peru in South America during December, replacing the cold Peru current.
(ii) It increases surface sea temperatures and warms tropical Pacific waters, disrupting global pressure and wind systems, which weakens the Indian monsoon.
(c) (i) The large fluctuations or variations in the actual amount of rainfall received from year to year in different parts of India are known as the variability of rainfall.
(ii) High rainfall variability causes alternating droughts and floods, making agriculture a gamble in the hands of the monsoon and reducing crop productivity.
(d) (i) Due to western disturbances originating near the Mediterranean Sea that move towards India under the influence of the westerly jet stream.
(ii) Due to Norwesters or thunderstorms locally known as Kalbaisakhi caused by the sudden contact of dry and moist air masses.
(e) 1. To maintain environmental stability through massive afforestation and social forestry programmes.
2. To check soil erosion in catchment areas of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and prevent the extension of sand dunes in desert areas.
3. To meet the requirements of fuelwood, fodder, minor forest produce, and timber for rural and tribal populations.
4. To create a massive peoples movement with the active involvement of women to minimize pressure on existing forests.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure climate-related terms like Western Disturbances and El Nino are defined with their geographical origins and consequences.
b) When listing policy aims or characteristics, write distinct points as required by the mark allocation.

Question 4.
(a) (i) Name two cities in India which have grown rapidly due to migration. [3]
(ii) What are the two factors that led to the decreasing growth rate of population from 1981 to 2001?
(b) Mention four effects of a rapidly growing population on development. [2]
(c) Give reasons for the low sex ratio in India. [3]
(d) The dependency ratio is higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Give two reasons to explain why. [2]

Answer:
(a) (i) Mumbai and Delhi.
(ii) 1. Success of government population stabilization programmes including family planning and the red triangle policy.
2. Increasing awareness and education among people regarding the ill-effects of rapid population growth.
(b) 1. It nullifies socio-economic developmental achievements and causes severe environmental degradation.
2. It puts tremendous pressure on basic amenities like food, housing, health, and education.
3. A large proportion remains below the poverty line with inadequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
4. It leads to widespread hunger, malnutrition, and lack of healthcare access.
(c) The sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1,000 males in the population. Reasons for low sex ratio include:
- Preference for the male child and neglect of the female child.
- Maternal mortality due to inadequate medical facilities during childbirth.
- Social evils such as dowry leading to harassment and suicides among women.
- Prevalence of female foeticide and illegal abortions.
(d) 1. Birth rates are significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban areas, resulting in a larger population of young dependents.
2. A large number of adult males migrate from rural areas to urban regions in search of employment, leaving behind children and elderly dependents in villages.

Teacher's Note:
a) Population statistics and demographic concepts like sex ratio and dependency ratio must be supported with proper definitions.
b) Students should clearly distinguish between push and pull factors of migration when explaining urban growth.

Question 5.
(a) Explain how the type of crops grown determines the need for irrigation. [3]
(b) Mention two different ways by which modern methods of irrigation are an improvement over the primitive methods. [2]
(c) (i) Name two canal systems in Uttar Pradesh. [4]
(ii) Give three reasons to explain why canal irrigation is a popular form of irrigation in Uttar Pradesh.
(d) Well irrigation is still practiced in many parts of the country. Give two reasons to explain why. [1]

Answer:
(a) Different crops have varying water requirements. Kharif crops like rice and jute require abundant moisture (above 150 cm) and cannot grow without irrigation in low rainfall areas. Cash crops like sugarcane and cotton also require copious amounts of water throughout their growth period, necessitating extensive irrigation where rainfall is insufficient.
(b) 1. Modern methods like canal and tube-well irrigation are perennial and provide a regular and reliable supply of water.
2. They are much easier to operate and regulate compared to traditional manual lifting methods.
(c) (i) 1. Upper Ganga Canal
2. Lower Ganga Canal
(ii) 1. The topography of Uttar Pradesh consists of low-level, deep, and fertile plains ideal for constructing canals.
2. A network of perennial rivers provides a constant and reliable water supply.
3. The region possesses an extensive command area.
(d) 1. Wells are the simplest and cheapest source of irrigation which poor Indian farmers can easily afford.
2. A well is an independent source of irrigation that can be used at will without government control or water taxes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect water requirements of specific crops (rice, sugarcane) directly to irrigation necessity to secure full marks.
b) Highlight economic accessibility when explaining the popularity of well irrigation among small-scale farmers.

Question 6.
(a) (i) With reference to the Kharif crops, name the months when they are : [2]
1. Sown
2. Harvested
(ii) Give an example of one cereal crop and one cash crop.
(b) Give three reasons to explain why Japan occupies a leading position among the fishing nations of the world. [3]
(c) (i) Which sector is a major consumer of coal as a source of power? [2]
(ii) Mention two problems faced by the coal mining industry.
(d) (i) With which crop is ratooning associated? [3]
(ii) What are the types of soil that suit the cultivation of this crop?
(iii) Why is ratooning practiced?

Answer:
(a) (i) 1. Sown: June - July
2. Harvested: October - November
(ii) Cereal crop: Rice; Cash crop: Cotton (or Groundnut)
(b) 1. Japan has an indented coastline with numerous safe harbors and thousands of fishing villages.
2. The presence of a wide continental shelf and the mixing of the warm Kuroshio current and cold Oyashio current creates ideal breeding conditions and abundant plankton for fish.
3. Advanced technology, modernized factory ships, and well-organized fishing corporations allow deep-sea fishing and on-board processing.
(c) (i) Thermal power generation sector.
(ii) 1. Frequent collapse of mine roofs and underground flooding.
2. Presence of poisonous gases, lack of oxygen, and poor ventilation.
(d) (i) Sugarcane.
(ii) Loam, clayey loam, and black cotton soil.
(iii) Ratooning is practiced because the ratoon crop matures earlier, saves the time and labor of fresh sowing, and significantly reduces the cost of cultivation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure agricultural seasons (Kharif and Rabi) are memorized with exact months and representative crop examples.
b) Mentioning ocean current convergence (Kuroshio and Oyashio) is vital for explaining Japan's fisheries.

Question 7.
(a) (i) Mention three factors that affect water transport. [5]
(ii) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of water transport.
(b) (i) Give one disadvantage of air transport. Why is it still a popular means of transportation in India ? [3]
(ii) Name the international airlines carrier of India. What is the name of the international airport of Mumbai ?
(c) How does the Golden Quadrilateral differ from National Highways ? [2]

Answer:
(a) (i) 1. Regular flow and sufficient depth of water in rivers and canals; diversion for irrigation reduces navigability.
2. Presence of waterfalls, cataracts, or sharp bends hinders inland water transport.
3. Silting of river beds reduces water depth, making costly periodic dredging necessary.
(ii) Advantage: It is the cheapest mode of transport, suitable for heavy and bulky goods.
Disadvantage: It is much slower compared to road and rail transport.
(b) (i) Disadvantage: It is the most expensive mode of transport, unaffordable for the general public.
Popularity: Essential for a vast country like India with diverse terrain and large distances, and crucial for international connectivity.
(ii) Air India. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (referred to as Sahara International Airport in historical context).
(c) The Golden Quadrilateral comprises six-lane superhighways connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, maintained by NHDP, whereas National Highways connect state capitals, major cities, and ports and are maintained by the CPWD.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish clearly between infrastructural authorities (NHDP vs CPWD) when comparing road networks.
b) Emphasize cost advantages for water transport and speed advantages for air transport.

Question 8.
(a) What is an agro-based industry? [1]
(b) (i) Which is the largest agro-based industry in India? [4]
(ii) Give two reasons to explain why this industry is important to India.
(iii) Name one industry which is dependent on the industry that you have named.
(c) Explain how the following have played a part in the location of the Tata Iron and Steel Company: [4]
(i) Raw materials.
(ii) Transport.
(d) Name two industrial products of the Gujarat Industrial Region. [1]

Answer:
(a) Agro-based industries are consumer goods industries that derive their raw materials directly from the agricultural sector, such as sugar and textiles.
(b) (i) Cotton textile industry.
(ii) 1. It employs about 16 percent of industrial capital and 20 percent of industrial labor in India.
2. It provides livelihood to nearly 10 lakh industrial workers and contributes substantially to India's export earnings.
(iii) Readymade garment industry.
(c) (i) Raw Materials: High-grade haematite iron ore is sourced from Badampahar and Noamundi (Jharkhand) and Gurumahisani (Odisha) located 75-100 km away. Coal comes from Jharia and Raniganj, manganese from Keonjhar, and dolomite/limestone from Sundergarh.
(ii) Transport: Jamshedpur is well-connected by road and rail with Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. Kolkata port, located 240 km away, provides excellent port facilities for export and import.
(d) Textiles (cotton, silk, synthetic fibers) and petrochemicals.

Teacher's Note:
a) When explaining the location of TISCO, specifically mention raw material proximity (iron ore and coal) and transport links.
b) Ensure industrial regions and their specific output products are clearly specified.

Question 9.
(a) Discuss the importance of the Haldia Planning Region under the following headings : [4]
(i) Location of the main centre.
(ii) Reason for construction.
(iii) Two important industries located in the region.
(iv) Extent of hinterland.
(b) (i) Name two important minerals forming the resource base of the Chhattisgarh region. [4]
(ii) What is the sericulture? Why is this important to the people of the above mentioned region?
(iii) Name two varieties of silk produced in Chhattisgarh.
(c) What is the difference between a micro-planning region and a meso-planning region? [2]

Answer:
(a) (i) Haldia is located at the confluence of the Hooghly and Haldia rivers, about 105 km downstream from Kolkata.
(ii) It was developed to relieve heavy shipping congestion at the Kolkata port.
(iii) Petrochemical industry and fertilizer industry.
(iv) Its hinterland includes eastern and northeastern India, covering West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam, and neighboring states.
(b) (i) Iron ore and bauxite (or limestone and dolomite).
(ii) Sericulture is the rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk. It is a labor-intensive cottage industry that provides rural employment to families with easily available cheap skilled labor in Chhattisgarh.
(iii) Tussar silk and Mulberry silk.
(c) Micro-planning regions are the smallest planning regions with potential for developing a single specialized production cycle (e.g., agriculture in Punjab). Meso-planning regions are intermediate multipurpose regions comprising a few micro-regions with shared natural and socio-cultural characteristics (e.g., Damodar Valley Basin).

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure all sub-headings given in regional planning questions (like Haldia) are addressed individually.
b) Clearly differentiate planning hierarchy levels from micro to macro based on functional specialization and area scale.