Chapter 1 The Land of Pakistan (Topography)

Geography O-Level P-2 Notes by Javed Kausar 1 Unit 1: The land of Pakistan (topography)
Read & Write Publications
UNIT 1 Syllabus 2019 – 21

(a) Location of Pakistan
• The Tropic of Cancer, latitudes 30°N,
The Land of 36°N, longitudes 64°E, 70°E and 76°E

• The Arabian Sea
• The countries sharing a border with
Pakistan Pakistan, and Pakistan’s position in

relation to others in South and Central
Asia.
(Topography) (b) Location of provinces and cities

• The provinces, Northern Areas (Gilgit–
Baltistan) and FATA
• Named cities: Islamabad, Muree,
Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore,
Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot,
O Level Peshawar, Chitral, Gilgit, Hyderabad,
Karachi, Quetta and Gwadar.
Pakistan Study
(c) The natural topography, including drainage
(Geography) • Named landforms: Balochistan
Plateau, Sulaiman Range, Safed Koh,
Potwar Plateau, Salt Range, Hindu Kush,
Javed Kausar Karakoram and Himalaya Mountain
Ranges
• Named rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab,
Ravi, Sutlej, Kabul, Hab, Dasht
• Named deserts: Thar, Thal, Kharan
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UNIT-1: THE LAND OF PAKISTAN

Basics of Topography
Topography is the study and description of the surface features of land, including natural and artificial
features
North, South, Poles
Planet earth has North and South poles: The North Pole is the northernmost point (Top most on
map) on the Earth, opposite the South Pole.
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

The Prime Meridian at Greenwich has served as the reference line for Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT.
Before this, almost every town in the world kept its own local time. There were no national or
international conventions which set how time should be measured, or when the day would begin and
end, or what length an hour might be.
Meridian
A meridian is a north-south line, selected as the zero reference line for astronomical observations.
By comparing thousands of observations taken from the same meridian it's possible to build up an
accurate map of the sky.
Equator
The Equator is an imaginary line around the middle of the Earth. It is halfway between the North and
South Poles, and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Latitude and longitude

Coordinate system by means of which the position or location of any place on Earth’s surface can be
determined and described. World map is divided in different sections by two types of imaginary lines,
vertical (longitude) and horizontal (Latitude).
Longitude:
The imaginary lines of longitude run from the North Pole to the South Pole. Each is identified by the
number of degrees it lies east or west of the so-called prime meridian in Greenwich, England (part of
London). These lines will be ranging from 0° to 360°.
Latitude:
The imaginary lines of latitude run around earth from E-W. Each is identified by the number of degrees
it lies N or S of the equator 90o N and 90o S.
Tropic of Cancer
Tropic of cancer lies 23.5 north and the tropic of cancer is the most northern latitude on the earth where
the sun can appear directly overhead.
Tropic of Capricorn
Tropic of Capricorn lies 23.5 south and the tropic of Capricor is the most southern latitude on the Earth
where the sun can appear directly overhead.
This case of the sun appearing directly overhead happens once a year in the very height of summer for
each of the tropics.
a. Location of Pakistan
Neighboring Countries
1 China (North east, border length 523 Kilometer – Khunjrab pass)
2 India (East, border length 2919 international border and LOC – J&K)
3. Afghanistan (North West, border – Durand line length 2430 kilometer Khyber Pass and Bolan)
Kurram, Khojak, Tochi
4. Iran (West, Border Taftan length 909 kilometer)
Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea (South – Makran coast and Sindh coast approx. 1046 kilometer.)
Latitude and longitude,

Longitude 61 – 78 East and Latitude 24 – 37 N.
Importance of Pakistan’s location

Pakistan is strategically very important country in south Asia
• Shares border with China in the north east through Khunjrab Pass (KKH). Being immediate
neighbor of china Pakistan has great potential of trade and inflow of Chinese goods in domestic
market. The CPEC is a great opportunity to enhance Pakistan economy. Besides the land
routes between the Gwadar deep-sea port of Gwadar, Pakistan to Kashgar in Western China
(farther through China constructed rail-road infrastructure connecting with Central Asia and
Russia) it also includes a major chapter of sea-based Maritime Silk Route that will be easily
and cost-effectively connecting China through Gwadar to the broader Indian Ocean, the Gulf
states and East Africa, all the way to Mediterranean via Red Sea, thus with north Africa and
Europe
This Corridor will also likely improve the relations between India and Pakistan. A series of work
is going on to develop a consensus between Delhi and Islamabad, Beijing, and Washington
DC – depending upon the policy choices of the nationalist government in India – on how to
seek peace and settlement in Pakistan for the smooth running of the project and take benefit
mutually.
• Has transit trade links to the central Asian Republics (CAR’S) through Afghanistan and China.
• The coastline on the Arabian Sea is a central position for trading by sea to south Asia, Far
East, Middle East and the West
• Jinnah terminal (Karachi) has immense important as it is consider international airport
shortens air routes from west to east
• India (In the East share’s border and has trade through road and railways although it remained
always it remained always complex and controversial throughout the history since 1947)
• Afghanistan (Borders Pakistan in the North. west its western borders include the Khyber Pass
and Bolan: Strategically located, traders, invaders, and nomadic tribes have also used it as a
gateway to and from South Asia. The Bolān Pass is an important pass on the Baluch frontier,
connecting Jacobabad and Sibi with Quetta. It has been an important trade route between
Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent and a vital strategic military choke point for various
states that came to control it. The summit of the pass is 5 km (3.1km) inside Pakistan at Landi
Kotal, while the lowest point is at Jamrud in the Valley of Peshawar.
• Iran (Borders Pakistan in the west through Sistan Pakistan gets benefits of trade to Europe)
b. Provinces, Northern Area FANA and FATA

FATA
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan are areas of Pakistan outside the four
provinces, comprising a region of some 27,220 square kilometer.
FANA
Federally-Administered Northern Areas (FANA) this area, consisting of Azad Kashmir (11,639
square kilometers) and most of the Northern Areas (72,520 square kilometers), which includes
Gilgit and Baltistan, is the most visually stunning of Pakistan.
Major City of Pakistan

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, Chitral, Gilgit,
Hyderabad, Karachi, Quetta, Gwadar
c. The natural topography of Pakistan

1. The Northern Mountains and north-western mountains
2. The western mountains
3. The Balochistan plateau
4. Potwar plateau and salt range
5. The Indus plain
6. Desert areas
1. The Northern Mountains and north-western mountains:

2. The western mountains:
North and North Western mountains
Fact sheet
The Himalayas The karakaram Hindu kush
Central, lesser,
Divisions _ _
siwaliks
Topography
parallel to parallel to
Location karakaram in east Himalayas in North South
west east west
Average
4,000 m 6, 000 m 5, 000 m
altitude
Nanga Parbat (81,

K-2 (8610 m) Tirchmir(7690 m)
26 m)
Peaks
Snowcapped conical shape, Steep slops, deep narrow
valleys
Passes Khunjerab, Shandur, Babusar, Lowarai, Khyber
Siachin 78 km,
Glaciers Baltoro 58 km,
Batura 58 km
Rise in height From South to North
Winter Longer, (– 5oC to –2oC)
shorter, temperature (10oC - 20oC), decreases with
increase in altitude, valleys warmer, mountains top very
Summer
cold ( Below – 5oC, Large daily range of variation in
temperature
Climate
Western
Depression,
Monsoon Monsoon
Monsoon, Relief
Rainfall rainfall
750 mm 250 mm 125 mm
Average = 250 mm
Indus, Jehlum,
Gilgit ,Hunza & Swat, chitral,
Rivers Chenab, Ravi &
Drainage
Shyok mustuj, Kabul

Sutlej
Lakes Saif ul maluk, Satpara
Terbala (Indus),
Dams Warsak
Mangla (Jehlum)
Soils
Soils do not support agriculture above 4,000m, agriculture is only practiced

in valleys like Swat valley in the form of terracing.
Economy &
people
Nomadic & Sami nomadic life, infrastructure is expensive winter life is

life of
difficult, lake of job opportunities, Tourism provides job in summer, Cattle

breading is common
influences of relief and climate on economic activity

Economic Activities Challenges
Transhumance lack of corporate infrastructure
Terraced Fields (Rice, Hindukush) Lack of flat land
Fruits like apple peaches and apricot in
summer
Only in summer, in winter snow covered
Crops like barley wheat and maize in
summer
1. Difficult expensive to provide infrastructure
(roads and railways and airports in this area).
2. Expensive and difficult to maintain buildings
Tourism in summer
like hotels, and resorts due to severity of
weather in winter
3. Land sliding in summer
cottage industries like weaving and
Snow stones, road blocks
embroidery
Cattle breeding Have to move animals to valleys in winter
1. Topography.
Northern mountains comprise of three mountain ranges, the Karakoram, the Hindukush
and the Himalayas.
i The Himalayas and the Karakoram are parallel to each other in east west direction
whereas the Hindukush are in north south direction.
ii The average altitude of Karakoram is 6000m., the Hindukush is 5000m. And the
Himalayas is 4000m.
iii They have pyramid or conical shaped peaks e.g. Rakaposhi 7788m.
iv These mountains have snowcapped peaks.
v They rise in height from south to north.
vi They have deep narrow valleys e.g. Gilgit. These valleys have steep slopes.
vii They have several very high passes (more than 3000 m.) which connect areas in
Pakistan, with other areas in Pakistan, and areas of Pakistan with areas in Afghanistan
and China.
viii These mountains are dotted with glaciers, which are very long and large Siachin 78
km., Baltoro 58 km. These glaciers have also made glacial features e.g. glacial
moraines.
xi There are fast flowing rivers like Gilgit, Hunza Indus and its eastern tributaries. Along
these rivers there are alluvial fans, deep narrow gorges.
x They have bare rocks as result of weathering.
2. Climate.
Summers.
i Summers are of shorter duration as compared to winters.
ii Summers are mild (10⁰C- 20⁰C). But the mountain tops above 4000m. are
very cold (below -5⁰C)
iii Temperature increases with decrease in altitude valleys are warmer as
compared to mountain tops.
iv There is difference in temperatures in sun and shade.
v Precipitation is mainly from monsoons in Himalayas but thunderstorms
relief rainfall are also common.
vi Hindukush are affected by the monsoons in the south but convectional and
relief are also common. In the north valleys like Chitral receive low rainfall as they are
rain shadow area.
vii The Karakoram receive low amounts of rainfall being rain shadow area.
viii There is a large daily range of temperature that is the difference between daily
maximum and minimum temperatures.
Snowfall,
Winters.
i Winters are long and cold to very cold (-5⁰C - 2⁰C) to (below -5⁰C).
Valleys are cold and mountain tops are very cold.

ii There is a large daily range of temperature that is the difference between
daily maximum and minimum temperatures.
iii There is a difference in sun and shade temperatures.
iv Precipitation is mainly in the form of snow on the mountain tops and valleys. Valleys
may also receive rainfall. It varies from 750mm. in Himalayas, to 250mm. in Hindukush
and 125 mm. in Karakoram. Sources may vary from Western depressions in W NW to
thunderstorms to relief.
v Snow storms and cold dry winds are the common features of winter climate.
3. Soils.
Soil cover on the mountain slopes is thin with boulders. In high altitude areas above
4000m., soils are permafrost and do not support agriculture. But agriculture is practiced
in valleys where rivers have deposited alluvium e.g. Swat Valley and in some areas
terracing is also done.
4. Drainage.
Karakorams are drained mainly by river Indus flowing in east - west direction between
Karakorams and Himalayas up to Sazin and then flowing in north south direction up to
Indus Delta. There are several other rivers that join Indus from Karakorams e.g. River
Gilgit and River Hunza they join River Indus flowing in north – south direction.
Rivers Jehlum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej flow from northeast to south west draining the
southern slopes of Himalayas.
Hindukush are drained by several small rivers e.g. Swat, Chitral and Mastuj. Rivers
Swat and Chitral flow in north south direction meet river Kabul (Western Tributary) and
river Kabul joins River Indus flowing in west – east direction before joining river Indus
at Attock. River Mastuj also flows in north –south direction joins river Kabul in
Afghanistan and river Kabul flows in west – east direction.
The volume of water increases with approach of summer season due to melting of
snow ice and glaciers, but the real changes in volume of water is with monsoons.
There is sharp increase in volume of water in River Indus with approach summers in
March and reaching maximum in July. But the volume of water decreases sharply in
August with approach of winters.
In eastern tributaries Jehlum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. The increase in volume
of water is very slow in summers but volume of water increases with monsoon winds
in July and August. The decrease in volume of eastern tributaries is very slow because
of retreating monsoons.
There are several lakes in the Northern Mountains e.g. Saif-ul-Maluk and Sat Para.
6. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the people.
i. Nomadic and Semi Nomadic way of life is common (Transhumance).
ii. Agriculture is done on limited scale, on terraced fields (Rice, Hindu Kush)
iii. and in valleys, where water is available. Fruits and crops like apple, peaches, apricot,
barley, wheat and maize are grown during the summers.
iv. Due to difficult relief and climate it is difficult and expensive to provide infrastructure
(roads and railways and airports in this area).
v. Due to tourism in summers there are more jobs and business opportunities available for
the local population.
vi. In winters life is more difficult due to severity of the weather.
vii. Water pipes burst due to freezing temperatures, diseases like frostbite and hypothermia
are common in this area.
viii. Snowstorms and avalanches are also common in this area, which make the life of the
people more difficult by blocking roads and whatever infrastructure there is.
ix. Due to severe climate there is lack of job opportunity mostly people have indoor activities
e.g. weaving, embroidery etc. People have to stock pile food for themselves and their
animals.
x. Cattle breading is also a common practice in this region. Some people practice
transhumance i.e. the movement of animal and people in winters to the valleys as the
grazing grounds are covered with snow, in summers people move back to the mountains
where the snow has melted fresh pastures are ready for grazing.
Western mountains
Fact sheet
Waziristan
Safed Koh Sulaiman Hills Kirther Range
Hills
Between
East to West West of river South of
Location kurram &
Direction indus Sulaiman range
Gomal
Topography
Average
4712 m 3513 m 3383 m 2147 m
altitude
Snow covered Snowfall at Takhat-e-
Peaks
white mountains night Sulaiman 3500 m
Deep narrow valleys & gorges steep slopes
Passes Kurram Tochi & Gomal Tochi Gomal
Winter – 5oC to – 2oC
Climate
Summer 10oC to 20oC, Shorter

Monsoon and relief rainfall (peshawar)
Rainfall
Western Depression & Relief Rainfall (Winter)
& life of Soils Drainage
Rivers Kurram, Kabul kabul Hub, Porali & Hingol

Lakes Marav, Damas
Dams Kurram Hub
Soils cannot be used for farming expect Peshawar

Economy
people
Climate & Relief does not support vegetation, agriculture is only valleys cost of
infrastructure is very high, limited transportation facilities, Sami nomadic way of life,
seasonal jobs, life is difficult in winter
1. Topography
i. Western mountains are parallel mountains in north south direction except for the Safed Koh,
which are in East West direction.
ii. They comprise of Safed Koh (up to 4712m.), Wizaristan (3513m.), Sulaimain and Kirthar (3383
to 2l47m.). Only Safed Koh are covered with snow throughout the year they are also known as
White Mountains,
iii. There are deep narrow valleys and gorges, steep slopes and deeply dissected by running water
from rain and melting of snow and ice.
iv. There are passes, which connect Pakistan with Afghanistan (Khyber, Kurram, Tochi, Gomal)
and areas of Pakistan with another area in Pakistan (Bolan).
2. Climate.
Summers.
i. Temperature remains mild (10°C-20°C) but becomes warmer (21°C -30°C) with decrease in
altitude e.g. valleys Kohat.
ii. There is large daily range of temperature nights being cooler as compared to days, and
differences in temperatures in sun and shade.
iii. Duration of summer season is shorter than winters.
iv. There is slight Monsoon in summers e.g. Peshawar; in some areas Relief Rainfall along the
mountain slopes is also experienced.
v. Due to temperature changes Thunderstorms are also common.
vi. Average amount of rainfall received is around 250 mm.
Winters.
i. Winter is cold (-5°C-2°C) in valleys to very cold (-5°C below ) on mountain tops in this region.
ii. During winters temperature remains around or below O°C. Main source of precipitation is from
Western Depressions during the months of December — March. At lower altitude it is mainly in
the form of rain where as in higher altitude it is in the form of snow. Some areas also experience
Relief rainfall.
iii. There are differences in temperature in sun and shade.
iv. Average amount of precipitation received is 250 mm. during winters.
v. As we move towards south precipitation decreases to 125mm or below. In Sulmain and Kirthar
Mts.
3. Drainage.
Streams are active in the summer season; water comes from melting of snow and ice on
mountains in Afghanistan and Pakistan during summers. Most of the rivers flow from
Afghanistan into Pakistan flowing from west to east and meeting River Indus.
Main rivers flowing in this region are Kabul, Tochi, Kurram and Gomal. Flowing in west-east
direction and meeting River Indus in east.
Sulmain and Kirthar mountains are drained by several small hill torrents and rivers, e.g. Nari,
Bolan, Mula. They are active whenever there is rainfall the water from these hill torrents soaks
in the piedmont plains between River Indus and Sulmain and Kirthar mountains. In the south
River Hub drains the Kirthar Mts. flowing in north- south direction draining into Arabian Sea.
There are several small lakes in Sulmain and Kirthar Mts., e.g. Marav Lake and Lake Damas.
4. Soils.
Like the northern mountains soils on mountain slopes are thin and permafrost cannot be used
for farming. In valleys like Peshawar where rivers have deposited alluvium and water is
available agriculture is practiced.
i. Mostly area is bare of vegetation because climate and relief does not support vegetation.
ii. Agriculture is practiced only in valleys where water is available for irrigation; crops like
sugarcane, rice and tobacco are grown.
iii. In some valleys fruits such as apples, peaches are also present.
iv. Cost of laying infrastructure is very high due to the topography, drainage and climatic of the
area,
v. Transportation facilities are limited only to main towns and cities are linked with each other.
vi. Industries are limited to valleys or where raw materials are available.
vii. Minerals are present but due to inaccessibility they could not be mined.
viii. Educational facilities are available only in large towns as most of the population is scattered on
mountain slopes.
ix. In some areas semi nomadic way of life is common people move with their belongings and
animals from valleys to mountains in search of fresh pastures in summers and in winters they
move to valleys (Transhumance).
x. There is lack of jobs or there are seasonal jobs in this area e.g. during summers in tourist
industry.
xi. Winter Climate makes life of the people difficult for the people roads are blocked they have to
store food. In some areas people have to make seasonal migration due to severe climatic
conditions.
Balochistan Plateau
Fact sheet
Parallel to Chagai – Raskoh & Sihan (2000 m)
Topography
Location E – W – Central Makran Coast (1000 to 1200 m)

N – S – Brahui & Hala Range
Average
600 – 3010 m
altitude
Barren & Bare Rocks, Rugged, Steeps slopes Rise and altitude from
Peaks
south to north
3oC to 9oC & –5oC to – 2oC, Costal area (10oC to 20oC, Maritime
Winter
influence)
Climate
10oC to 20oC Central Areas & Plain Areas 31oC to 39oC Maritime
Summer
influence
Most of the area does not receive rainfall from monsoon, Less than 25
Rainfall
mm
(Only active in Rainfall) Porali, Hingol, Dasht, Hub & Mushkai (South of
Rivers
Drainage
Balochistan drain into Arabian sea), Hamuns, e.g. Hamun-i-Mashkel,

Zhob, Kalachi & Khandar – Joins Indus
Lakes Temporary lakes are called humans, Salt lake (Salt pan)
& life of Soils
Due to Lack of rainfall and irrigation agriculture is not practiced

Economy
people
Least populated area limited agricultural area (Only Karez), Lack of job opportunities
How do the topography, drainage and climate affect the people in Balochistan?
Climate Aridity that gives rise to nomadic livestock farming
Subsistence agriculture (dates, millets) where water from Karez is available
Drainage Seasonal streams (flowing after the Western Depressions) soak into the alluvial fans at the
foothills, raising the underground water there, making Karez possible.
Potwar Plateau. Balochistan Plateau.

1. Topography. 1 Topography
In north there are Marghalla and Kala Chita ranges in the south i. Low lying basins or lobes.
there is Salt range in east here is River Jhelum and in West
ii. Undulating plateau. (600m.-3010m.)
there is River Indus
iii. Rugged.
i. Slopes from north east-south west.
ii. Height varies from 300-600m. iv. Steep slopes.
iii. Undulating land/flat land.
v. Deep narrow valleys, e.g. Quetta.
iv. Steep sided river valleys
v. Ridges of hard rock Kala Chita and Khari Murat. vi. Barren bare rocks.
vi. Deeply dissected by rivers e.g. Soan.
vii. Trough, depressions, gullies after eroding. vii. Parallel ranges, e.g. Chagai, Ras Koh, Siahan, Central Makran
viii. When rivers deposit alluvium alluvial plains form. and Makran Coastal Range in east-west direction. Central Brahui
ix. Ravines between ridges and soft rocks. and Hala Range in north-south direction.
x. Residual hills of limestone and sandstone. viii. Rise in altitude from south to north.
xi. Badland topography.
2. Climate.
2. Climate.
Summers.
Summers.
i. Most of the area does not receive any rainfall from monsoons.
i. Hot (31°C -39°C)
ii. Sulaiman-Kirthar ranges do not allow monsoons to penetrate
ii. Evapotranspiration is high. Balochistan Plateau and the southern Balochistan . Monsoons by
iii. Monsoons and thunderstorms are the main source of the time reach this area they are dry. (Arid less than 125mm. of
precipitation in the form of rainfall (250mm.-500mm.) rainfall)
amount rising from south to north. iii. Temperature inversion layer does not allow moisture to condense
iv. Large daily range and difference in sun and shade and form into clouds. (Southern Balochistan)
temperature. iv. In the central areas of Balochistan, the climate is mild (10°C -20°C)
Winters. v. Low-lying Zone plain areas are hot (31°C -39°C).
i. Cool to cold. (-5°C-9°C) vi. In coastal areas the temperature is warm (21°C-30°C) due to
ii. Western Depressions are the main source of precipitation maritime influence.
(250mm.-500mm.) vii. Rainfall is less than 125mm i.e. arid.
3. Soils. viii. Evapotranspiration is high.
i. Loess and alluvial soils are present which are fertile. If ix. There is a large difference in the sun and shade temperatures.
provided with water good for agriculture
x. There is a high daily range of temperature.
ii. Residual soils which are poor not good for agriculture. Winters.
4. Vegetation. i. Temperature ranges between cool (3°C -9°C) to cold (-5°C-2°C)
depending on altitude.
Mostly tropical thorns and dry scrubs.
ii. Mountain tops may record very cold temperatures. (Below-5°C).
5. Drainage.
iii. Coastal areas experience mild (10°C-20°C) temperature due to
i. Soan, Haro, Sill, Penad are the main rivers which are
maritime influence.
draining the area flowing from NE to SW and draining into
Indus river. iv. Western Depressions influence most of the area amount of
precipitation decreasing from north to south. (250mm.-125mm.) It
ii. Rivers are active in rainy season.
may be in the form of snow or rain depending on altitude.
iii. Meanders.
3. Soils.
iv. Alluvial plains along rivers formed due to flooding.
i. Thin soils on mountain slopes.
6. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life
ii. In depressions(basins) soils are thick but due to lack of
of the people.
rainfall and irrigation agriculture is not practiced.
i. This area is developed as compared to Balochistan plateau
iii. Kharan desert and coastal areas have sandy soils not fit
as it has good infrastructure, e.g. M.1, M2, N5, airport and
for agriculture.
railway.
4. Vegetation.
ii. Industries of oil refining, cement, marble cutting, chemical,
textile are present in i. Mostly dry scrub forests and thorny bushes.
in this area gas and oil fields are also present. ii. Desert vegetation is present in Kharan and western parts
of Balochistan.
iii. Educational facilities are also present. (Schools, Colleges
and Universities) iii. Sub-tropical forest dry evergreen forests are present at
higher altitude.
iv. Islamabad as a capital city provides job opportunities in
different public and private sector departments. 5. Drainage.
v. Good areas for agriculture due to barani agriculture and in i. Seasonal river (Rivers are active whenever there is
limited areas canal irrigation. rainfall) are present in South of Balochistan Plateau, e.g.
Porali, Hingol, Dasht, Hub and Mushkai flow from north to
vi. Population density is high because of development in this
south in coastal areas and drain into Arabian Sea.
region and climatic conditions favour.
ii. In central Balouchistan lakes are present which are known
Animal grazing.
as hamuns, e.g. Hamun-i-Mashkel, Hamun-i-Murgho.
(Inland drainage)
iii. In north River Zhob meets River Gomal flowing from south
to north which later meets river Indus in the east.
6. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the

people.
i. It is the least populated area due to harsh climate
(Aridity, Temp.) and relief conditions.
ii. Lack of water discourages agriculture and large
settlements.
iii. Limits of agriculture only to those areas where sub-
soil water is present. In some areas agriculture is
being practiced by Karez irrigation.
iv. Cost of laying down infrastructure is very high.
(Topography)
v. Less exploitation of natural resources and almost non-
existent industries.
vi. Air and Rail transport is very limited.
vii. There is a lack of jobs due to less industry.
viii. Limited mineral exploration and exploitation.
Potwar Palteaue And Salt Range

Fact sheet
North – Marghalla & Kala chitta, South – Salt Range, East –
Topography Location
River, Jehlum
Average
300 to 600 m
altude
Bad Lan Topography – residual hills of limestone & Sandstone,
Peaks Ridges of hard rocks – Kala Chitta & Khari Murat, Dissected &
eroded land
Winter 3oC to 9oC
& life of Soils Drainage Climate
Summer 31oC to 39oC

Rainfall Monsoon, Western Depression & Relief
Rivers Jehlum, Soan, Haro, Sil & Penad
Lakes Kalar – Kahar & Khabaki, Uchali
Dams Magla
Loess & Alluvial soil are present which is very fertile, Residual soil is not good for
agriculture
Economy
people
Good infrastructure network of industry educational facilities, population density is

very high, Job opportunities in mining industries (Salt Range)
1. Topography.
In the north there is Potwar Plateau in south there is Upper Indus Plain in the east there is river
Jhelum and in west there is river Indus.
i. Height varies from 750m.-900m. Sakesar (1527m.) being the highest point.
ii. Parallel ranges running from NE — SW.
iii. Steep slope towards south gentle slope towards north.
iv. Altitude rising from south to north.
2. Climate.
Summers.
i. Mild (10°C -20°C)
ii. Monsoons, relief and thunderstorms about 250mm of rain.
iii. Difference in temperatures in sun and shade.
iv. Large daily range of temperature. Difference in temperatures in day and night.
v. Hot winds blow during the months of May and June at the foothills of the mountain.
Winters.
i. Cool (3°C -9°C)
ii. Western Depressions and Relief rainfall around 250 mm. of rain.
iii. Differences in sun and shade temperatures.
iv. Difference in day and night temperatures.
3. Soils.
i. Loess and alluvial soils suitable for agriculture if provided with water
ii. Residual soils not good for agriculture used for pasturing.
i. .
4. Drainage.
i. On the northern side of the salt range there are several saline lakes and basins in which the water
drains from salt range whenever it rains e.g. Lake Kallar Kahar, Khabeki. But water does drain into
rivers of Potwar Plateau which drain into River Indus.
ii. On the southern side there are several rivers e.g. Khewra and Jamsukh, Rivers. They are active
with rainfall but soak in the piedmont plains.
i. Highly mineralized rock salt, gypsum, coal and limestone used as raw materials in cement and
chemical industries (soda ash).
ii. Job opportunities in mining and industry.
iii. Good infrastructure, e.g. railway roads (M.2, N5).
iv. Tourism.
v. Animal grazing.
Indus Plain
Fact sheet
Mostly Punjab (UIP) & Central part of Sindh (LIP) formed by river Indus
Drainage Climate Topography
Location
and its tributaries
Slopes NE to SW, Extend to Pajnad – Active flood Plain (AFP) Old flood
UIP
plain (OFP), Scrap, Bar upland
LIP Central Part of Sindh only river Indus flows here
Winter 5oC to 9oC
Summer Longer 31oC to 40oC
Rainfall July to Sep (monsoon), Dec to Mar (Western Depression)
Rivers Extensive network of irrigation – Indus, Jehlum, Satlej, Ravi & Chenab
Fertile Soil growth of agriculture subsistance & Cash Crop farming

Indus/Tidal
Distributers, Tidal mud flats, Oxbow lakes, Meanders
Soils
Delta
Piedmont
(At the foot hills of Suleiman, Khirthir & Himalaya)
Plains
Cuestas Limestones ridges (mound)
Economy
& life of
people
Growth of agriculture industry & trade, developed infrastructure, Subsistence and cash crop
farming, extensive network of irrigation, HEP & Thermal power plants
1. Topography.
i. Both upper and lower Indus Plains are flat
ii. In upper Indus plain there are doabs (interfluves) e.g. Bari Doab and bars (alluvial terraces) which
are 5-15m. high e.g. Nili and Ganji Bars.
iii. The rivers keep on changing positions (meanders)

iv. Oxbow lakes are also present in the lower Indus plain
v. There are levees along the river bed
vi. There are active flood plains along the river which are annually flooded in the rainy season
vii. The old flood plains are flooded every 5-7 years
viii. Active flood plain is made up of new alluvium and old flood plain is made up of old alluvium
ix. Piedmont plains are found at the foot hills of the Himalayas, Salt Range and Sulaiman and Kirthar
mountain ranges in upper and lower Indus plain respectively.
x. Tidal Delta (Deltaic Plains) are made up of river deposited material near the sea
xi. In the upper and lower Indus Plain there are low lying hills
xii. In the upper Indus Plain there are hills between river Chenab and Jhelum which are known as
Kirana hills. In the lower Indus Plain they are known as cuestas which are made up of limestone.
They slope gently towards south and steeply towards north e.g. Rohri and Gango Takar Cusetas.
xiii. Part of the Indus Plain that extends into Balochistan is known as Kachi Sibi Plain.
2. Drainage.
i. Lower Indus plain is drained by River Indus mainly flowing in north south direction.
ii. Upper Indus Plain is mainly drained by River Indus (N-S) and its eastern tributaries Sutlej, Ravi,
Chenab, Jhelum. (N.E.-S.W.) Eastern tributaries meet at Panjnad further downstream River
Panjnad meets River Indus at Mithankot.
What are topographical and drainage features of the Upper and Lower Indus Plains?
Both plains have a new flood plain (active), and an old flood plain on which oxbow lakes, meander scars
may be found.
Both have braided channels that are distinct in the drier season of winter
As the Upper Indus Plain is made up of the Indus and its eastern tributaries, it has doabs between the
rivers.
The doabs have higher land of river terraces with slopes or bluffs that descend to the river Lower Indus has
a steep slope on the one side (cuesta) which is made up of resistant limestone
How does climate and topography favor agriculture in the Upper and Lower Indus Plains?
Topography Flat land that favors agriculture and the use of modern farm machinery. Flat land also favors
large farms, and commercial farming, as areas are large Alluvium (making lands fertile) is spread across
the lands by annual flooding
Active Flood Plain. Old flood Plain. Bars (Alluvial Terraces) Scrap/Bluff/Cliff.
Physical Features.
• Flat. • Higher than active • Bluff along the edge • Steep slope from CFP to Alluvial
• Annual Floods. flood plains. height Terrace/Bar Upland (highest point
• Braided Channels. • Main River • 5-I5m. high. across a Doab)
• Changing position of rivers. abandoned. • Areas of silt and • 5-11m high, about 6m wide
• Abandoned channels in dry • Evidence of levees. clay. • UIP also has slate hills/Quartzite,
season. • Ox-bow lake • Flat surfaces. Piedmont plains, alluvial fans
• Soils of loam and silt (Alluvial depressions. • Slopes to SW. (plains on the foothills) & sand
Soils). Fertile, good for • Evidence of • Low hills in some plains.
farming. meanders. areas.
p BAR Upland/Alluvial Terrace
Sc
ar
OFP OFP
Sc
ar
p
AFP AFP
6. lndus / Delta.
i. Distributaries.
ii. Tidal Mud flats.
iii. Ox bow lakes
iv. Meanders.
6. Piedmont Plains.
i. Many piedmont plains have developed between Indus River and Sulaiman and Kirthar Mts.
ii. They have been formed by alluvial fans (alluvium deposited in the plains at the foot hills by hill
torrents).
iii. There are alluvial fans in the south of the Siwaliks between river Jhelum and Chenab and
between Ravi and Chenab.
iv. Alluvial fans have low gradient of 1°-2°and 2°-4.5°.
v. Alluvial fans are small in size 1-2.5 miles in radius
vi. Piedmont plains are flat and have fertile soils good for agriculture if provided with irrigation.
vii. The area between Sulaiman and Kirthar Mts. And river Indus is Arid if provided with irrigation
can be used for agriculture.
7. Climate.
Summers.
i. Summers are of longer duration.
ii. Summers are hot to very hot (31°C-40°C and above)
iii. Rainfall is from Monsoons 250mm. and decreasing towards south to less than 125mm.
iv. Thunderstorms are common in the months of April- June in Upper Indus Plain.
v. Hot winds blow during May and June.
vi. High temperature causes low pressure.
vii. Large daily range of temperature.
viii. Differences between sun and shade temperatures.
ix. During the months of July –September temperature falls due to formation of clouds and rainfall.
Winters.
i. Winters are of shorter duration.
ii. Cool-Cold (-5°C-9°C) temperatures are experienced in U.I.P. Temperature increasing towards
south cool (3°C-9°C) to mild (10°C-20°C) in coastal areas.
iii. Cold winds blow in the U.I.P/L.I.P.
iv. Rainfall is mainly from Western Depressions decreasing in amount from north to south.
Monsoons are caused due to differences in temperature and pressure. In summers temperature on
land becomes hot. Air in contact with land also becomes hot. Air expands becomes light and rises
creating a low pressure area on the land. At the same time Indian Ocean and sea surrounding
subcontinent has lower temperature and high pressure. Winds move form high pressure to lower
temperature and high pressure. Indian Ocean blow towards land i.e. subcontinent. These winds are
moist and cool as they come in contact with land they become hot, expand and rise. As air rises it cools
and condenses and forms cloud bringing precipitation. These winds blow from east to west along
Himalayas bringing precipitation to the north eastern and eastern parts of Pakistan.
Coastal Climate.
i) Due to the influence of sea there is low annual and daily range of temperature (10°C - 16°C)
i.e. winters are warmer and summers are cooler as compared to north.
ii) Land and sea breezes.
iii) Tropical Cyclones.
iv) Monsoon rainfall.
v) High humidity.
i. Large river distributaries.
ii. No firm land.
iii. Area cannot be used for agricultural and economic activities on large scale.
iv. Fear of flooding, less agriculture.
v. Marshy area not fit for agriculture.
vi. Provision of infrastructure difficult.
Deserts of Pakistan
Fact sheet
Climate Topography
Eastern Deserts (Thar, Nara & Cholistan), Western Deserts

Location
(Kharan), Thal (between indus & jehlum rivers)
Strips of soils between sand dunes, Sandy Plains, Ridges 150 m High, Barn
areas with bare rocks
Winter 10oC to 20oC, Large daily range of temperature
Summer Longer duration very hot 40 oC & above
Rainfall Less than 125 mm (Monsoons), Kharan (Western Depression)
Drainage
No active river system. When it rains shallow depression can fill with water.
Lake of vegetation water table is extremely low nomadic life style, farming is
& life of Soils
difficult, sandy infertile soils, sand dunes, mining of coal & oil (largest coal
reserves)
Economy
people
Indoor activities limited infrastructure & educational facilities, travel during nights
or early morning. Animal rearing handicrafts carpet weaving
Explain the economic activities and challenges of living in a desert area.
influences of relief and climate on economic activity

Economic Activities Challenges
• Indoor activities limited • High temperatures / hot (during day) / cold at
infrastructure night / uncomfortable living
• Educational facilities • Lack of / little / unreliable rainfall;
• Travel during nights or early • Difficult to grow crops / carry out agriculture;
morning • Difficult to rear animals;
• Lack of water / travel long distance to find water
/ low water table;
• Dust / sandstorms;
• Infertile soils / lack of nutrients / lack of humus
produced;
• Reliable food supply;
• Isolated / far from urban areas / remote;
• Inaccessible / poor / lack of roads;
• Wild / poisonous animals.
Note: One mark for identification of appropriate idea and a further mark for development (in
parentheses).
Eastern deserts (Thar, Nara, and Cholistan)

Western deserts (Kharan)
Thal desert
i. Thal in Punjab between river Indus and Jhelum.

ii. Cholistan in south east of Punjab.
iii. Pat/Nara in North East of Sind.
iv. Thar Parkar in South east of Sind.
v. Kharan in West of Balochistan.
1. Topography.
i. Strips of soils between sand dunes.
ii. Sandy plains.
iii. Ridges 150m. high.
iv. Barren area with bare rocks.
v. Gently undulating.
vi. Shifting Sand Dunes.
vii. Longitudinal and latitudinal sand dunes.
viii. Bare Rocks (Kharan).
ix. Weathered Rocks.
x. Crescent shaped low lying sand dunes.
2. Climate.
Summers.
i. Longer duration.
ii. Arid less than 125 mm. of rainfall due to monsoons. (east)
iii. Very hot (4O°C and above).
iv. Large daily range of temperature.
v. Difference in sun and shade temperature.
vi. High evapotranspiration.
vii. Hot winds / Dust storms blow during the summers.
viii. In Kharan desert rainfalls only in winter due to Western Depressions.
Winters.
i. Mild (10C-20C) to Warm (21°C — 30°C)

ii. Arid (125mm.) Western Depressions don’t reach south eastern desert some rain in Kharan and
Thal.
iii. Large daily range of temperature.
iv. Differences in sun and shade temperatures.
i. Travel during the nights or early morning.
ii. Indoor activities like embroidery, weaving and pottery making.
iii. Limited agriculture where irrigation is present.
iv. Limited infrastructure and educational facilities.
iii. Grazing.
Sample Question
(i) Name the deserts X and Y.
• X Thar/Nara/Cholistan/Tharparkar
• Y Thal
(ii) Describe the scene in Photograph A.

• Dry/desert
• Camels
• Bare/sandy ground/ barren
• Low bushes } or sparse vegetation
• Small trees/larger bushes }
• Flat
• No clouds
(b) (i) Explain why desert X has very low rainfall.

• too far south for monsoon rain
• too far east for depressions/westerly winds
• little water to evaporate for convectional rain
• low/flat land so no relief rain
• not coastal so no cyclones/sea breezes
(ii) Describe simple methods that can be used to irrigate small areas of desert X.
• A sentence on 2 or more of the following
• wells, ponds, tanks, shaduf, jars
• tubewell/tanker/sprinkler
(iii) Explain how some parts of desert Y can be irrigated by large-scale schemes. You should refer
to Fig. 1 and use your own knowledge.
• Barrages (name + location)
• e.g. at Jinnah or Chashma
• at Rasul or Trimmu
• link canals (+ example) – to transfer water
• perennial canals – to provide water all year
• distribution canals – to reach all fields
• inundation and diversion canals
• dams (name + location)
• e.g. Tarbela
• Mangla
(c) (i) Why do problems of waterlogging and salinity occur in some irrigated areas?
Waterlogging
• Water available all year
• Crops given more water than they use

• Watertable rises/reaches surface
Salinity
• Evaporation of water
• Salt in irrigation water
• Salts brought to surface
• Unlined canals leak
(ii) How can these problems be overcome?
Lowering water table by tubewells trees

Control of water by lining canals closing canals temporarily surface drains
Flushing out of salt by water from tubewells surface drains
Education to improve farming methods
Government schemes SCARP, WAPDA

Chapter 1 The Land of Pakistan (Topography)

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Chapter 1 The Land of Pakistan (Topography)

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Geography O-Level P-2 Notes by Javed Kausar 1 Unit 1: The land of Pakistan (topography)

Read & Write Publications

UNIT 1 Syllabus 2019 – 21

The Land of 36°N, longitudes 64°E, 70°E and 76°E

Pakistan Pakistan, and Pakistan’s position in

(Topography) (b) Location of provinces and cities

Sale Point: Shop # 25-28 Lower Ground Floor,

UNIT-1: THE LAND OF PAKISTAN

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Latitude and longitude

Latitude and longitude,

Importance of Pakistan’s location

b. Provinces, Northern Area FANA and FATA

Major City of Pakistan

c. The natural topography of Pakistan

1. The Northern Mountains and north-western mountains:

Nanga Parbat (81,

Shyok mustuj, Kabul

Soils do not support agriculture above 4,000m, agriculture is only practiced

Nomadic & Sami nomadic life, infrastructure is expensive winter life is

difficult, lake of job opportunities, Tourism provides job in summer, Cattle

influences of relief and climate on economic activity

Valleys are cold and mountain tops are very cold.

Summer 10oC to 20oC, Shorter

Rivers Kurram, Kabul kabul Hub, Porali & Hingol

Soils cannot be used for farming expect Peshawar

Location E – W – Central Makran Coast (1000 to 1200 m)

Balochistan drain into Arabian sea), Hamuns, e.g. Hamun-i-Mashkel,

Due to Lack of rainfall and irrigation agriculture is not practiced

Potwar Plateau. Balochistan Plateau.

6. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the

Potwar Palteaue And Salt Range

Summer 31oC to 39oC

Good infrastructure network of industry educational facilities, population density is

Fertile Soil growth of agriculture subsistance & Cash Crop farming

iii. The rivers keep on changing positions (meanders)

p BAR Upland/Alluvial Terrace

Eastern Deserts (Thar, Nara & Cholistan), Western Deserts

Explain the economic activities and challenges of living in a desert area.

influences of relief and climate on economic activity

Eastern deserts (Thar, Nara, and Cholistan)

i. Thal in Punjab between river Indus and Jhelum.

v. Kharan in West of Balochistan.

i. Mild (10C-20C) to Warm (21°C — 30°C)

(ii) Describe the scene in Photograph A.

(b) (i) Explain why desert X has very low rainfall.

• Crops given more water than they use

(ii) How can these problems be overcome?

Lowering water table by tubewells trees

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