CLASS 10 : GEOGRAPHY

1. RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

COMPILED REFERENCE MATERIAL FOR STUDENTS

SUMMARY
* Every thing available in our environment that can be used to satisfy our needs, which is technologically
accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable can be termed as resource.
*Resources can be classified on the basis of origin, exhaustibility, ownership and the status of
development.
*On the basis of origin, resources are of two types, viz., biotic resources and abiotic resources while on
the basis of exhaustibility, resources are renewable and non-renewable
* On the basis of ownership, resources are individual, community owned, national and international
resources; on the basis of the status of development, resources are potential, developed, stocks and
reserves.
* Over utilisation of resources has led to the serious global problems like global warming, ozone layer
depletion, environmental pollution and land degradation.
* An equal distribution of resources therefore, is essential for a sustained quality of life and global peace.
This can be achieved through sustainable development and resource planning.
* Resource planning is essential for sustainable development in India because some regions are rich in
resources while some are deficient.
* Land is a very important natural resource. It is limited so, it needs to be used with careful planning.
* Land degradation is a common problem associated with land resources which is accelerated today
because of human activities like deforestation, overgrazing and mining.
* Measures to reduce land degradation are afforestation, controlled grazing, stabilisation of sand dunes
etc.
* Soil is a living system and supports different types of living organisms. There are various types of soils
found in India such as Alluvial, Black, Red and Yellow, Laterite, Arid, Forest and Mountain soils.
* Human has contributed more towards soil erosion due to deforestation, faulty methods of agriculture,
overgrazing, construction and mining, etc. Contour ploughing, terrace farming, strip cropping, shelter
belts can prevent soil erosion.

TEXTUAL EXERCISE

Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.
Ans:The three states having black soil are Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The crops,
which mainly grown are cotton, tobacco and sugarcane.

ii) What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the Eastern coast? Give three main
features of this type of soll.
Ans:Alluvial soil is found in the river deltas of the Eastern coast. Three main features of this type of soil
are :(a) It is very fertile.
(b) It contains adequate proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime.
(c) It is more alkaline in the drier areas.

iii) What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?
Ans:Following steps should be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas
(a) Afforestation This is done by planting trees.
(b) Terrace farming and contour ploughing This is done across the hill slopes.

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(c) Restricted grazing of animals Animals should be moved over different pastures so as to avoid erosion
of soil.
(d) Plugging of gullies By this method, gully erosion can be prevented.

(iv) What are the biotic and abiotic resources?Give some examples.
Ans. Biotic resources All resources which are obtained from the biosphere and have life are known as
biotic resources e.g., forests, animals, birds, etc. Abiotic resources All resources which are non-living, are
called abiotic resources e.g. mineral ores, petroleum, etc.

Answer the following questions in about 120 words.

(i) Explain land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much
since 1960-61?
Ans:Land resources in India are primarily divided into agricultural land, forest land, land meant for
pasture and grazing, land for other non-agricultural use (such as housing, roads and industry) and waste
land (rocky, arid and desert areas). According to recent data available, (2014-15) the percentage of Net
Sown Area (NSA) in India is about 45.5% of the total reporting area 23.3% is covered by forests and
3.38% is used for grazing. The rest is waste land with traces of miscellaneous cultivation.
Land under forest has increased by only about 5 per cent since 1960-61 due to following reasons
* Improper use of forest land has degraded the available land area and made conservation of forests
difficult.
* Human activities such as deforestation, mining and quarrying have contributed to the slow growth rate
of forests.

(ii) How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
Ans. The following technical and economic development have led to more consumption of resources.
(a) Technological development has led to industrialisation which has increased the use of natural
resources.
(b) Technological development has converted the subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture and
this has led to the over-utilisation of soil.
(c) Technological development has also improved the process of mining.
(d) The development of technology contributed to increase in production of quality goods and provision
of better services to the people.
(e) Economic development has led to increasing urbanisation and modernisation which demand more
resources.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Very Short Answer Questions

1. Classify resources on the basis of origin.

Ans. On the basis of origin resources can be classified as follows
(i) Biotic resources (ii) Abiotic resources

2. What do you understand by reserve resources?

Ans. Reserves are those stocks of resources which can be put into use with the help of existing technical
"know-how', but their use has not been started.

3. Which is the most widespread relief feature of India?

Ans. Plains are the most widespread relief feature of India.

4. State any one reason for overuse of resources.

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Ans. Rapid increase in population is a reason for overuse of resources.

5. Who said, "there is enough for everybody's need and not for anybody's greed"?
Ans. The father of our nation, Mr MK Gandhi made this statement voicing his concern about resource
conservation.

6. Why only 93 per cent of the total geographical area is measured for land use pattern in
India?
Ans. Most of the North-East states except Assam is inaccessible and some parts of Jammu and Kashmir is
occupied by Pakistan and China, that accounts to about 7 per cent of the total area.

7. How are mining activities responsible for land degradation in Jharkhand?

Ans. Mining activities are responsible for land degradation in Jharkhand. It is because Jharkhands is a
mineral rich state where mining activities are done at large scale. When excavation work is completed,
the mining sites represent deep scars and evidences of over burdening which lead to land degradation.

8. How is overgrazing responsible for land degradation in Gujarat?

Ans. Overgrazing is responsible for land degradation in Gujarat. It is because Gujarat is one of the fastest
growing states in India. The state has a large number of livestock. Thus, overgrazing by this large
livestock leads to land degradation.

9. Khadar is the geographical area popularly related to which soil type?

Ans. Khadar is related to the new alluvial soil.

10. Which soil is well-known for its capacity to hold moisture?

Ans. Black soil or regur soil in deccan plateau in India is well-known for its capacity to hold moisture.

11. Which type of soil is most suitable for growing the crop of Cashew nut?
Ans. Red laterite soil is most suitable for growing the crop of cashew nuts.

12. Which type of soil in India is most widespread and important?

Ans. Alluvial soil is the most widely spread and important in India. The entire Northern plains are made
of alluvial soil.

13. What is soil erosion?

Ans. The denudation of the soil cover and its subsequent washing down is described as soil erosion.

14. Where in India bad land topography is commonly found?

Ans. Chambal basin is a major bad land region in India.

15. What is a resource?

Ans. Anything which can be used for satisfying the human needs is called a resource.

16. What does the process of transformation of things in nature involve?

Ans. The process of transformation in nature involves an interactive between nature, technology and
institutions by human beings.

17. How does man develop the resources?

Ans. Man develops resources according to his needs and aspirations, his technical skill along with its
economics feasibility and cultural acceptance.

18. What is the full form of UNCED?

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Ans. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

19. What is resource planning?

Ans. Judicious use of resources is known as resource planning.

20. Absence of which two components can hinder development of an area?

Ans. Corresponding changes in technology and institutional development.

21. Why is conservation of resources important?

Ans. Conservation is important as resources are used for developmental activities.

22. What does the waste land include?

Ans. It includes rocky, desert and acid areas and land put to
non-agricultural uses like settlements roads, railways, industry, etc.

23. What gives red and yellow colour to red and yellow soil?
Ans. Red and yellow soil develops a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic
rocks. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.

24. What type of soil develops due to high temperature and evaporation?
Ans. Arid Soil.

25. What are bad lands?

Ans. Due to the formation of gullies, the land becomes unfit for cultivation and is known as bad land.

26. What is sheet erosion?

Ans. Sometimes water flows as a sheet over large area down the slope. In such cases the top soil
washes away. It is called sheet erosion.

27. How is over irrigation responsible for land degradation in Punjab?

Ans. over irrigation is responsible for land degradation in Punjab. It is because due to over irrigation,
water logging situation is created. This increases the salinity and alkalinity in the soil.

28. How is cement industry responsible for land degradation.?

Ans. Cement industry is responsible for land degradation. It is because limestone is the raw material for
cement industry. When grinding of limestone to make cement.

Short Answer type Question

1. Explain the role of human in resource development.

Ans. Human being is also a resource and is the dynamic factor in resource development. By technological
advancement, humans have developed ways to make the natural resources more useful and
economically beneficial.
For example, extracting metals from minerals and making different things from metals, humans have
added value to the natural resource. Thus, the interaction of humans with nature is essential to develop
natural resources. So, the role of humans in resource development is very important.

2. What is sustainable economic development? Suggest any two ways in which resources
can be used judiciously.
Ans. Sustainable economic development means development should take place without damaging the
environment, so that the developmental process in the present should not compromise with the needs of
the future generations. Two ways in which resources can be used judiciously are
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(i) Resource planning (ii) Resource conservation

3. Sustainability of development is a new area of knowledge". Do you agree? Justify your

answer.
Ans. No, we do not agree with the statement because sustainable development is not a new area of
knowledge. This had been the main concern of leaders, philosophers and thinkers in the past. Gandhiji
was also very apt in voicing his concern about resource conservation.
However, the term 'sustainable development' is recently originated by the Brundtland Commission
Report, 1987 for this purpose.
is done, then this process generates huge quantity of dust in the atmosphere. After some times when
this dust settles down on the land, this reduces the infiltration capacity of land and water does not reach
to the soil. It ultimately leads land degradation.

4. What are the main advantages of India's land under a variety of relief features?
or "India has land under a variety of relief features." Justify the statement with three
examples.
Ans. India has land under a variety of relief features. In India, 30 per cent area are mountainous, 27 per
cent are plateaus and 43 per cent are plains, all of these have specific advantages to be utilised.
Main advantages of India's land
* Mountains are source to many streams and rivers, some of them are perennial. These regions have
very high potential for hydro electricity productions, etc and are also good tourism destinations.
* Plateaus are mostly laden (heavily loaded) with minerals, fossil fuels and forest, etc so are
economically very useful.
* Plains are most important land resource for human beings. These are fertile and most of the food
crops, etc are grown here. They are also useful for the development of factories, roads, etc.

5.How can we implement sustainability of development? Suggest three ways for its
implementation
or What are the steps involved in the process of resource planning?
or Describe the different steps of resource planning.
or Describe the three stages of resource planning in India.
Ans.We can implement sustainability of development through resource planning. There are three ways
through which we can ensure sustainable development or three stages of resource planning are
(i) Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country, which involve surveying,
mapping and measuring the quality as well as quantity of the resources.
(ii) Planning for the development of the resources by using appropriate skill, technology and institutional
set up.
(iii) Proper resource development plans matching with overall national development plans.

6. "Resource planning is a complex process." Justify the statement with arguments.

Ans. It is true that resource planning is a complex process. It can be proved through the following
argument
(i) Resource planning involves identification and taking stock of the resources. It is very difficult to
estimate the quantity and quality of each resource of a country.
(ii) Resource Planning involves finding appropriate technology and skill to utilise the resources. It
becomes difficult to match the available technology
that can be used to utilise the resources fully.
(iii) Matching the resource development plans to the overall national development plans for the
betterment of the country, its people and maintaining the environmental balance at the same time is a
complex process.

7. How can we solve the problem of land degradation? Suggest any six measures.
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or Suggest any six measures to solve the problem of land degradation.
Ans. The following measures can help to solve the problem of land degradation
(i) Afforestation over deforested areas.
(ii) Proper management of grazing on permanent pastures.
(iii) In areas where desertification has taken place, growing thorny bushes.
(iv) Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents after treatment.
(v) Planting of shelter belts.
(vi) Control on mining activities.

8. Which is the main cause of land degradation in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh?
How can it be checked?
Ans. Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are semi-arid regions with patches of vast grasslands.
These states have large number of cattle population which are left
open to grate on the grasslands. Large-scale overgrazing has caused severe land degradation in these
states. Different mearures may be taken to check such problems
(i) Afforestation and proper management of grazing grounds.
(ii) Control on overgrazing by limiting certain areas for grazing only.

9. Give three main features of the soil found in the river deltas of the Indian coast. or
Describe any three main features of Alluvial soil found in India.
Ans. The three main features of the soil found in the river deltas of the Indian coast (alluvial soil) are
(i) These soils are more common in the piedmont plains or plains at the foothills such as Duars, Chos and
Terai.
(ii) It is also known as transported soil, as the soil has been transported by the rivers to its current
location.
(ii) It can also be described on the basis of age. The older alluvial soil, further away from the rivers is
known as Bangar, whereas the newer soil near the rivers is known as Khadar.

10. Describe any three main features of black soil found in India.
or Discuss the nature and distribution of black soil in India.
or Give the characteristics of the soil used for growing cotton. List the areas in India where
this soil is found.
or Write any three characteristics of black soil.
Ans.Characteristics of soil used for growing cotton are
(i) It is made up of fine clayey material with a high moisture retention capacity.
(ii) It is rich in soil nutrients like calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime, but poor in
phosphoric content.
(iii) It develops deep crack during hot weather, helping in proper aeration of the soil.
(iv) It is found in the plateau areas of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, as well
as in the Godavari and Krishna valleys.

11. Mention any two human activities which are responsible for the process of soil erosion.
Explain the two types of soil erosion mostly observed in India?
Ans. Human activities responsible for soil erosion Deforestation, mining activities, excessive use of
fertiliser, etc are various major causes for soil erosion.
The two types of erosion seen mostly in India are
(i) Gullies cut the clayey soils into deep creeps and the land becomes unfit for cultivation and popularly
known as bad lands.
(ii) Sheet erosion washes away top soils over large areas and productivity is mostly decreased.

12. Examine the three major problems created as a result of indiscriminate utilisation of
natural resources.
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Or
'Indiscriminate use of resources has led to numerous problems'. Justify the statement.
Ans. Indiscriminate use of resources by human beings has led to economic, social and ecological
problems. The major problems that have arisen due to overexploitation, irrational consumption and
indiscriminate use of resources are:
(a) Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of a few selfish individuals.
(b) Accumulation of resources in a few hands, which in turn, has led to social segregation into rich and
poor. The society is divided into two segments, i.e., the haves and the have-nots.
(c) Indiscriminate and uncontrolled exploitation of resources without consideration for the future has led
to grave ecological problems like global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution and land
degradation.

13. “33 per cent of the total land area of a country should be under forests." Justify the
statement highlighting the environmental values of forests.
Ans.The National Forest Policy (1952) outlines that forest area of a country is far lower than the desired
33 per cent of the geographical area.
(a) Forests are essential for maintaining the ecological balance. Plants, animals and microorganisms
recreate the quality of air, that we breathe and the soil that produces our food, without which we cannot
survive.
(b) Forests protect the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding.
(c) Forests are the primary producers on which all other living organisms survive.

14. Explain the importance of conservation of resources. Ans. Conservation of resources is

necessary because of following reasons:
(a) Resources are vital for any developmental activity
but irrational consumption and overutilisation of resources may lead to socio-economic and
environmental problems. To overcome these problems, resource conservation at various levels is
important.
(b) If resources are not conserved at this point of time, then our future generations will be left with no
resources at all. So it is very important
to conserve the resources.

15. Suggest any six measures to solve the problem of land degradation in India.
Ans. The following steps can be taken to solve the problem of land degradation.
(a) Contour ploughing: Ploughing along the contour lines can decelevate the flow of water down the
slopes.
(b) Terrace cultivation: Steps can be cut out on the slopes, making terraces. Terrace cultivation
restricts erosion.
(c) Strip cropping: Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips of grass are left to grow between the
crops. This breaks up the force of the wind, reducing its effect. (d) Afforestation - Planting of more trees.
(e) Control on over grazing.
(f) Stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes.
(g) Proper management of waste lands.
(h) Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment. (any six)

16. Explain any three factors responsible for the formation of soil.
Ans. Soil is the most important renewable natural resource. It supports many kind of living organisms
and it is a medium of plant growth. It takes millions of years to form soil. It is a living system.
Soil is formed through various factors like:
(a) Relief, bed rock, climate, vegetation, and many forms of life and time are important factors in the soil
formation.

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(b) Various forces of nature e.g. change in temperature, action of running water, glaciers, wind and the
activity of decomposers help in the formation of soil.
(c) Chemical and organic changes taking place in soil are equally important.

17. What type of soil is found in river deltas of the eastern coast? Give two main features of
this type of soil. Or
Describe any three features of 'Alluvial Soil' found in India.
Ans. Alluvial soil. Its main features are:
(a) Mostly these soils contain adequate proportion of potash and lime which are ideal for the growth of
sugar cane, paddy, wheat etc.
(b) Such a soil is the result of deposits of river.
(c) It is a very fertile soil.

18. Mention any three features of arid soil.

Ans. The following are the features of arid soil:
(a) Arid soils have colour ranging from red to brown. They are generally sandy in texture and saline in
nature.
(b) In some areas salt content is very high and common salt can be obtained by evaporating the water.
(c) Due to dry climate and high temperature, evaporation is faster and soils lack humus and moisture.
(d) The lower part of the soil is occupied by kankar because of calcium content. (any three)

19. What is soil erosion? Write two human activities that lead to soil erosion.
Ans.The denudation of the soil cover and subsequent washing down is described as soil erosion.
Two human factors leading to soil erosion are:
(a) Deforestation: Due to heavy deforestation, soil erosion is increasing.
(b) Overgrazing: In many regions, people still practise grazing of cattle, goats and sheep. Gradually this
leads to soil erosion.

Long Answer Type Question

1. Discuss anthropogenic factors of land degradation.

or Explain any four human activities which are mainly responsible for land degradation in
India. or "Human activities have contributed significantly in land degradation." Justify the
statement with three examples.
Ans. The human activities responsible for land degradation in India are
(i) Deforestation due to mining activities in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have
caused severe land degradation. Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is completed, leaving
deep scars.
(ii) Mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry as well as calcite and soapstone for
ceramic industry generate huge quantities of dust which falls down on land. This retards the process of
infiltration of water into the soil.
(iii) Effluents as waste from industries have become a major source of land and water pollution in many
parts of the country.
(iv) Over irrigation in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh is responsible for land degradation due
to waterlogging, leading to increase in salinity.

2. "Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national or state

boundaries". Support the statement with examples.
Ans. Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national or state boundaries, as it
affects all the countries of the world equally.
This can be understood by following points

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(i) Land degradation affects agricultural international trade, these crops reach different places thus
affecting everyone.
(ii) Addition of greenhouse gases in atmosphere increases temperature that causes global warming.
(iii) Addition of chlorofluorocarbons in atmosphere depletes ozone layer that affects everyone.
(iv) Polluted water in rivers makes the sea and oceans polluted.
(v) Polluted air near the industries pollutes the entire atmosphere.

3. How much land is degraded in India at present? Explain any four human activities which
are mainly responsible for land degradation in India.
Ans. At present, about 130 million hectares of land is degraded in India. Continuous use of land over a
prolonged period of time without taking necessary steps to conserve and manage it, has resulted in land
degradation. Four human activities responsible for land degradation in India are as follows:
(a) In states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa deforestation due to mining have
caused severe land degradation. Mining sites are dug, drilled and abandoned after excavation work is
over, leaving the land overburdened and in a highly degraded state.
(b) Mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry and calcite and soapstone for
ceramic industry generate huge quality of mineral dust in the atmosphere which ultimately settles down
on the land. It retards the process of infiltration of water into the soil, thus, degrading the land.
Discharge of industrial effluents and wastes cause pollution and land degradation in industrial regions.
(c) In states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra overgrazing is one of the main
reasons for land degradation.
(d) In Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh over-irrigation is responsible for land degradation. It
leads to water logging which in turn increases salinity and alkalinity in the soil and reduces its fertility.

Correct and Rewrite

1. Rio Convention is the first ever convention on global climate change and biological
diversity held in Australia in December, 1992.
Ans. Rio Convention is the first ever convention on global climate change and biological diversity held in
Brazil in June 1992.

2. Alluvial soils are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature.

Ans. Arid soils are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature.

Assertion/Reason

1. Assertion (A) The lower horizon of the arid soil is occupied by Kankar.
Reason (R) It is because of the increasing calcium content downwards in arid soil.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

Read the extract and answer the questions that follow.

Planning is the widely accepted strategy for judicious use of resources. It has importance in a country
like India, which has enormous diversity in the availability of resources. There are regions which are rich
in certain types of resources, but are deficient in some other resources. There are some regions which
can be considered self sufficient in terms of the availability of resources and there are some regions
which have acute shortage of some vital resources. For example, the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits. Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water
resources, but lacks in infrastructural
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development.
(i) How judicious use of resources can be done by planning.
(ii) Why planning is necessary in India?
(iii) State two examples of resource availability in India.
Ans. (i) Planning involves identification and quantification of resources. By knowing their exact quantity
ways can be developed to use them properly.
(ii) Planning is necessary in India due to two reasons.
They are
(a) There are regions which are rich in certain types of resources, but are deficient in some other
resources.
(b) There are some regions which can be considered self-sufficient in terms of the availability of
resources, and there are some regions which have acute shortage of some vital resources.
(iii) The states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits.
Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water resources. This shows that India has resource availability.

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