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A group of villagers in a remote area of Rajasthan have discovered a large deposit of uranium. However, they lack the technology and capital to extract it. Based on this information, which of the following categories does this uranium deposit fall under? 1mark(a) Stock(b) Reserve(c) Developed stock(d) Potential resource
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A multinational company has patented a new technology to convert atmospheric nitrogen into fertilizers, making it economically viable for widespread use. Which category of resources does this new technology represent in transforming potential resources into actual resources? 1mark(a) Institutions(b) Nature(c) Technology(d) Human beings
3
Consider the following statement: "The present trend of resource depletion by a few individuals and countries continues, the future of our planet is in danger." 2marksWhich major problem of resource exploitation does this statement highlight? Explain one consequence of this problem.
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Read the following statement: "Development in the present should not compromise with the needs of the future generations." 2marks(a) What is the term given to this concept?(b) Name the international conference where this concept was first addressed.
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A state in India has abundant mineral resources and coal deposits but lacks proper infrastructure for their exploitation and transportation. However, another state, though poor in mineral resources, has a well-developed industrial base and advanced technology, leading to economic prosperity. 3marks(a) Identify the key elements that are crucial for the development of resources beyond mere availability.(b) Explain why the presence of resources alone does not guarantee development.
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Case Study: A village in the Western Ghats, known for its high rainfall and biodiversity, has been experiencing severe land degradation due to deforestation for timber extraction and expansion of coffee plantations. This has led to increased soil erosion and reduced water retention capacity. The local community is now considering afforestation drives and sustainable land management practices. 3marks(a) Identify the primary human activities causing land degradation in this case.(b) Suggest two conservation measures that the community can adopt to address the problem of land degradation.(c) What is the significance of forest cover for ecological balance, as mentioned in the National Forest Policy?
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A farmer in Punjab is concerned about the increasing salinity and alkalinity of his soil, making it difficult to cultivate crops like wheat and rice. He has been practicing intensive irrigation methods. 2marks(a) Identify the primary cause of land degradation in this region.(b) Explain how this practice leads to land degradation.
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Assertion (A): Mining activities contribute significantly to land degradation. 2marksReason (R): Mining sites, after excavation, are often abandoned, leaving behind scars and overburden, which degrades the land.(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.
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Application Question: Imagine you are a member of the village council in a region prone to wind erosion. 3marks(a) What types of landforms are likely to be affected by wind erosion?(b) Suggest two specific measures that can be implemented at the local level to check wind erosion and conserve the soil.
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Data Interpretation: The following data shows the land use pattern in India for two different years:
| Land Use Category | 1960-61 (%) | 2019-20 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Forests | 18.11 | 23.66 |
| Not available for cult. | 4.18 | 4.91 |
| Other uncult. land | 12.03 | 7.95 |
| Fallow lands | 3.78 | 4.71 |
| Net Sown Area | 51.85 | 43.82 |
| Note: Figures are approximate and based on available data. [3 marks] | ||
| (a) Which land use category has shown the most significant increase? | ||
| (b) Which land use category has shown a significant decrease? | ||
| (c) Suggest a possible reason for the decrease in "Net Sown Area." |
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Scenario: A large industrial zone is being developed near a river. The industries are releasing untreated effluents into the river, causing pollution and making the water unusable for irrigation and domestic purposes. 2marks(a) What is the immediate impact of this industrial effluent on the land and water resources?(b) What steps can be taken to mitigate this problem?
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Assertion (A): Laterite soils are generally rich in humus content. 2marksReason (R): Laterite soils develop under sparse vegetation and in semi-arid environments where humus is poorly formed.(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.
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Application Question: You are planning to set up a small agricultural farm in a region known for its arid climate and sandy soil. 3marks(a) Describe the characteristics of arid soils.(b) What challenges would you face in cultivating crops in such a region?(c) Suggest methods to make this land cultivable and productive.
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Case Study: In the hilly regions of North-East India, communities are practicing shifting cultivation, which involves clearing forests, cultivating crops for a few years, and then abandoning the land to allow it to regenerate. However, with increasing population pressure, the regeneration period has reduced, leading to land degradation and loss of biodiversity. 3marks(a) Identify the type of land use practice mentioned and its consequence.(b) Explain why the reduced regeneration period leads to land degradation.(c) Suggest sustainable agricultural alternatives for this region.
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Assertion (A): Black soils are ideal for growing cotton. 2marksReason (R): Black soils are rich in soil nutrients, including calcium carbonate, magnesium, and potash, and have excellent moisture-holding capacity.(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.
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Scenario: A region has experienced a significant increase in population density. This has led to increased pressure on land resources for housing, agriculture, and infrastructure development. 2marks(a) How does population density influence land use patterns?(b) What are the potential consequences of increased pressure on land resources?
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Source-based Question: "Alluvial soil is the most widely spread and important soil. In fact, the entire northern plains are made of alluvial soil. These have been deposited by three important Himalayan river systems – the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra." 2marks(a) Name the major soil type found in the Northern Plains of India.(b) Which river systems are responsible for the formation of this soil?
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Application Question: You notice that the topsoil in your locality is being washed away during heavy monsoon rains, leaving the land barren. 3marks(a) What is this process called?(b) Name two human activities that might have contributed to this problem.(c) Suggest two methods to prevent this type of soil erosion.
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Assertion (A): Forests are crucial for maintaining ecological balance. 2marksReason (R): The National Forest Policy (1952) outlined the importance of forest cover for ecological balance.(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.
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Situational Question: A community is planning to develop a new Agenda 21 for their local area, focusing on sustainable development. 3marks(a) What is the primary aim of Agenda 21?(b) How can the local community actively participate in drawing up their local Agenda 21?(c) Give an example of a sustainable development initiative that could be part of their local Agenda 21.
Answers
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(d) Potential resource. The resource is known to exist but cannot be exploited due to lack of technology and capital.
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(c) Technology. Technology is the means through which potential resources are transformed into actual resources.
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The statement highlights the problem of 'Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of a few individuals' and 'Accumulation of resources in few hands, which, in turn, divided the society into two segments i.e. haves and have nots or rich and poor.' One consequence is the widening gap between the rich and the poor, leading to social inequality and unrest.
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(a) Sustainable development. (b) Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992.
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(a) The key elements crucial for resource development beyond mere availability are appropriate technology, quality of human resources, and historical experiences. (b) Resources alone do not guarantee development. Development occurs only when resources are accompanied by appropriate technological development and institutional changes, which enable their exploitation and utilization for the benefit of the people.
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(a) Deforestation for timber extraction and expansion of coffee plantations. (b) Two conservation measures: (i) Afforestation drives: Planting trees to restore forest cover. (ii) Sustainable land management practices: Implementing techniques like terracing, contour ploughing, or agroforestry to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility. (c) Forest cover is essential for maintaining ecological balance, and the National Forest Policy (1952) considered a minimum of 33% of the geographical area under forest cover as essential.
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(a) Over-irrigation is the primary cause of land degradation in this region. (b) Over-irrigation leads to waterlogging, which increases the salinity and alkalinity of the soil, making it unsuitable for cultivation.
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(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. Mining operations often leave behind large pits, spoil heaps, and polluted water, which directly results in land degradation.
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(a) Regions prone to wind erosion often have flat or gently sloping landforms with loose, sandy soils, such as coastal dunes, desert margins, and arid plains. (b) Two measures to check wind erosion: (i) Planting shelter belts of trees: Rows of trees planted perpendicular to the wind direction can break the force of the wind and stabilize sand dunes. (ii) Strip cropping: Planting crops in alternate strips with rows of grass or other cover crops in between. This helps to break the wind's force.
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(a) Forests. (b) Net Sown Area. (c) A possible reason for the decrease in Net Sown Area could be the increase in land under non-agricultural uses (settlements, roads, industries) and the increase in forest cover, as well as land being left fallow for longer periods due to various reasons.
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(a) The immediate impact is water pollution, making the river water unfit for irrigation and domestic use, and potentially causing soil contamination if the polluted water seeps into the land. (b) Steps to mitigate this problem include: (i) Treating industrial effluents before discharging them into the river. (ii) Implementing stricter environmental regulations and monitoring industrial discharge. (iii) Promoting cleaner production technologies by industries.
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(d) A is false but R is true. Laterite soils are generally acidic and deficient in plant nutrients, and humus content is low under sparse vegetation and in semi-arid environments, not rich.
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(a) Arid soils range from red to brown in colour, are generally sandy in texture, and saline in nature. They lack humus and moisture due to dry climate and high evaporation. (b) Challenges include low fertility, scarcity of water, high salinity, and the presence of a Kankar layer in lower horizons restricting water infiltration. (c) Methods to make this land cultivable: (i) Proper irrigation techniques, potentially using drip irrigation to conserve water. (ii) Treatment of the soil to improve its structure and fertility, possibly by adding organic matter and appropriate fertilizers. (iii) Improving the Kankar layer to allow better water penetration.
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(a) The land use practice mentioned is shifting cultivation, which leads to land degradation and loss of biodiversity due to the reduced regeneration period. (b) The reduced regeneration period means the forest does not have enough time to regrow before being cleared again. This leads to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and a decrease in forest cover. (c) Sustainable agricultural alternatives: (i) Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops and livestock. (ii) Contour farming and terracing: To prevent soil erosion on slopes. (iii) Crop rotation and maintaining soil fertility through organic methods.
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(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. The characteristics of black soil mentioned in R directly contribute to its suitability for cotton cultivation.
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(a) Increased population density leads to greater demand for land for various purposes like housing, agriculture, and industry. This often results in the conversion of natural landscapes and agricultural land into built-up areas and intensifies land use. (b) Potential consequences include deforestation, loss of biodiversity, increased land degradation, pressure on food production, and potential conflicts over land resources.
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(a) Alluvial Soil. (b) The Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra river systems.
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(a) This process is called soil erosion, specifically sheet erosion if the topsoil is washed away over large areas. (b) Two human activities that might have contributed: (i) Deforestation: Removal of tree cover reduces the soil's ability to bind together. (ii) Over-grazing: Excessive grazing by livestock can remove vegetation cover, exposing the soil. (c) Two methods to prevent this type of soil erosion: (i) Contour ploughing: Ploughing along contour lines slows down water flow. (ii) Terrace cultivation: Cutting steps on slopes reduces the speed of water flow and prevents soil wash-off.
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(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. The National Forest Policy's recognition of the importance of forests for ecological balance validates the assertion.
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(a) The primary aim of Agenda 21 is to achieve global sustainable development by combating environmental damage, poverty, and disease through international cooperation on common interests, mutual needs, and shared responsibilities. (b) The local community can participate by: (i) Identifying local environmental and developmental issues. (ii) Suggesting solutions and action plans tailored to their specific needs and resources. (iii) Drawing up a 'local Agenda 21' document to guide their efforts. (c) An example of a sustainable development initiative: Implementing a community-managed waste segregation and recycling program to reduce landfill waste and create employment opportunities.
