NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Physical Features of India
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 covers Plate Tectonics, The Himalayan Mountains, The Northern Plains, The Peninsular Plateau, The Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands.
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. Major Physiographic Divisions & Plate Tectonics
Short Note:
• Theory of Plate Tectonics: The Earth's crust is divided into seven major and several minor tectonic plates that move, causing folding, faulting, and volcanic activity.
• Plate Boundaries: Convergent (move towards each other), Divergent (move away from each other), and Transform (slide past each other horizontally).
• Gondwanaland: The ancient southern supercontinent from which the Indo-Australian plate drifted northward, colliding with the Eurasian plate to form the Himalayas.
2. The Himalayan Mountains & The Northern Plains
Short Note:
• Three Himalayan Ranges:
- Himadri (Inner/Great Himalayas): Northernmost, highest range with continuous peaks (average height 6,000m).
- Himachal (Lesser Himalayas): Middle range, highly compressed and altered rocks; home to popular hill stations.
- Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas): Southernmost range made of unconsolidated sediments (height 900-1100m). Longitudinal valleys between Himachal and Shiwaliks are called Duns (e.g., Dehradun).
• Northern Plains: Formed by the alluvial deposits of three major river systems: Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. Divided into Bhabar (pebble belt), Terai (marshy region), Bhangar (older alluvium), and Khadar (newer alluvium).
3. Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains & Islands
Short Note:
• Peninsular Plateau: Composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Comprises two broad divisions: Central Highlands and Deccan Plateau.
• Western vs. Eastern Ghats: Western Ghats are continuous and higher in elevation; Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and dissected by east-flowing rivers.
• Coastal Plains: Western Coast (Konkan, Kannad, Malabar) is narrow; Eastern Coast (Northern Circar, Coromandel) is broad with large river deltas.
• Islands: Lakshadweep (coral origin in Arabian Sea) and Andaman & Nicobar (volcanic/tectonic origin in Bay of Bengal).
Intext & Conceptual Questions
| Feature | Bhangar | Khadar |
|---|---|---|
| Age & Soil | Older alluvial soil found above floodplains. | Newer, younger alluvial soil deposited in floodplains. |
| Fertility | Less fertile, contains calcareous deposits (Kankar). | Highly fertile, renewed every year by floods. |
| Agriculture | Suitable for less water-intensive crops. | Ideal for intensive agriculture and crops like paddy. |
| Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
|---|---|
| Form the western boundary of Deccan Plateau along the Arabian Sea. | Form the eastern boundary of Deccan Plateau along the Bay of Bengal. |
| Continuous range; can be crossed through passes only (Thal, Bhor, Pal Ghats). | Discontinuous and irregular, cut through by major rivers. |
| Higher elevation (Average height: 900–1600m). Highest peak: Anamudi. | Lower elevation (Average height: 600m). Highest peak: Mahendragiri. |
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
(a) Coast (b) Island (c) Peninsula (d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Peninsula
(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) Purvachal
(iii) The western coastal strip south of Goa is referred to as:
(a) Coromandel (b) Konkan (c) Kannad (d) Northern Circar
Answer: (c) Kannad
(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is:
(a) Anai Mudi (b) Kanchenjunga (c) Mahendragiri (d) Khasi
Answer: (c) Mahendragiri
1. Millions of years ago, the Indo-Australian plate separated from the supercontinent Gondwanaland and drifted northwards.
2. This northward collision resulted in the plate colliding with the much larger Eurasian Plate.
3. Due to this high-impact collision, the sedimentary rocks deposited in the ancient sea known as Tethys folded to form the mountain system of Western Asia and the Himalayas.
1. Himalayas: Act as major water source for perennial rivers and provide vast forest and wildlife wealth.
2. Northern Plains: Serve as the granaries of the country, providing food security for the nation.
3. Peninsular Plateau: Storehouse of rich minerals playing a central role in India’s industrialization.
4. Coastal Plains & Islands: Provide strategic sites for fishing, maritime trade, and port activities.
Read More & Chapter Resources
These short notes are designed for quick revision. Read the main points once, then use the related material below to practise the same chapter. Revising a concept and checking it with questions can make your preparation more focused.