Through the Sandy Expanse Notes Class 9 Geography Chapter 7 Kerala Syllabus Questions and Answers

Students often refer to SCERT Class 9 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus and Std 9 Geography Chapter 7 Through the Sandy Expanse Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.

Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Social Science Geography Notes Chapter 7 Through the Sandy Expanse

Class 9 Social Science Geography Chapter 7 Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus Through the Sandy Expanse

Class 9 Geography Chapter 7 Notes Kerala Syllabus English Medium

Question 1.
Write the features of deserts that make them stand out from other parts of the world.
Answer:

• Arid Climate
• Extreme Temperatures
• Dry Soil

Question 2.
Identify the important cold deserts of the world and understand their locations with the help of an Atlas.
Answer:

Question 3.
Identify the important hot deserts of the world and understand their locations with the help of an Atlas.
Answer:

Question 4.
Identify the natural boundaries of the Thar Desert by observing the map provided below. Mark them on the outline map of India and include it in ‘My Own Atlas’.

Answer:

Question 5.
Identify the movement of the Arabian branch of the southwest monsoon through Rajasthan, as well as the location of the Aravali mountains.

Question 6.
Is the Thar Desert a rain shadow region? If so, based on which branch of the Southwest monsoon winds is the Thar Desert said to be a rain shadow region?
Answer:
Yes, the Thar Desert is a rain shadow region. The Thar Desert is said to be a rain shadow region based on the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branch.

Question 7.
Prepare an analytical note on the role of Aravali mountain ranges in the formation of the Thar Desert and present it in the classroom.
Answer:
The Aravali Mountain Range plays a critical role in the formation and characteristics of the Thar Desert by influencing the region’s climate and rainfall patterns. Running in a southwest-to northeast direction, the Aravali are positioned parallel to the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon winds.

This orientation prevents them from effectively blocking these moisture-laden winds; as the winds approach the mountains, they pass over with minimal uplift and consequently, little rainfall is deposited. This results in arid conditions on the western side, where the Thar Desert is located. Additionally, the low elevation and extensive erosion of the Aravali allow hot, dry winds from the desert to flow freely, increasing the region’s dryness.

Question 8.
Identify and locate River Luni on a map and include it in ‘My Own Atlas’.
Answer:

Question 9.
Identify and locate the major salt lakes other than Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan on a map using information technology and include it in ‘My Own Atlas’.
Answer:

Question 10.
The salinity in the water bodies of the Thar Desert is high. Why?
Answer:
The high salinity in the water bodies of the Thar Desert is primarily due to its arid climate and lack of significant rainfall. The region receives very little precipitation, leading to high rates of evaporation, which concentrates salts in the remaining water.

Moreover, the groundwater in the Thar Desert is often saline because it accumulates minerals and salts from the soil as it flow through layers of rock and earth. Over time, as water evaporates, these salts are left behind, leading to the high salinity levels observed in the water bodies of the region. Additionally, there is minimal drainage to flush out these salts, further increasing salinity.

Question 11.
Using IT, collect the pictures of different landforms formed through abrasion in desert and include them in the digital album.
Answer:

Question 12.
Collect the pictures and details of different landforms formed in deserts through the depositional process by wind and prepare a digital album using information technology.
Answer:
Depositional Landforms

• It is a small-scale ridge or sediment structure that can be found in deserts.
• Ripple marks are formed by the interaction of a moving fluid, like air or water, with an erodible sediment bed.
• There are several types of ripple marks, including current ripples, wave ripples, and wind ripples.

• Barchans are crescent-shaped sand dunes that are common in sandy deserts around the world.
• It looks like a convex structure.

• It is a wind-blown dust that builds up in desert edges.
• It is formed when wind picks up fine particles, like sand crystals, and deposits them in arid or semi-arid regions.
• These deposits can also contain organic material, like the remains of desert animals.
• It is classified into two types based on its source area: glacial loess and desert loess.

Question 13.
Read the given newspaper headlines about the climate of Rajasthan. What are the characteristics of the climate of Rajasthan that you can identify from these news headlines?

Answer:

• Severe drought and water scarcity are experienced during the summer.
• Strong dust winds are common in the Thar Desert, often disrupting traffic.
• Rajasthan also has significantly cold winters, showing a wide temperature range throughout the year.

Question 14.
Don’t you remember that we have discussed the features of the hot wind called Loo? Collect more details about this wind and prepare a note on it.
Answer:
The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot, and dry summer wind from the west that blows over North India and Pakistan’s western Indo-Gangetic Plain. It is especially strong in May and June. The Loo has a severe drying effect on vegetation. The wind Loo comes to an end with the arrival of the Indian monsoon in late summer.

This usually happens in June. During the summer months, many birds and animals are killed by the Loo, especially in deforested areas where the Loo blows unhindered and shelter is unavailable. During the Loo season, using sharbat and juices keeps the body hydrated and maintains body temperatures at normal.

Question 15.
Why does the Thar Desert receive a very less amount of rainfall? Write your answer based on the following indicators.
(Availability of rainfall, Movement of the monsoon winds. Location of the Aravali mountains)
Answer:
The Thar Desert receives very less amount of rainfall due to several key factors:

Availability of rainfall
The Thar Desert is characterised by a low average annual rainfall, typically ranging from 100 to 500 mm . This limited precipitation is insufficient to support extensive vegetation or agriculture, contributing to the desert’s arid conditions.

Movement of the monsoon winds
During the monsoon season, the southwest monsoon winds bring moisture to the Indian subcontinent. However, as these winds travel northward, they lose moisture due to orographic lift when they encounter the Western Ghats. By the time they reach the Thar Desert, the winds are significantly drier, leading to reduced rainfall in the region.

Location of the Aravali Mountains
The Aravali mountains run parallel to the direction of the monsoon winds, blocking the moistureladen winds from reaching the Thar Desert.

Question 16.
Using IT, create a digital pictorial album showcasing major tourist destinations in the Thar Desert.
Answer:

Through the Sandy Expanse Class 9 Extended Activities

Question 1.
The northwestern part of India experiences dry climate through out the year. Conduct a discussion based on it.
Answer:
Climatic Characteristics:

• Low Rainfall: Northwestern India receives very little annual rainfall, often less than 500 mm . This scarcity of moisture results in dry conditions throughout the year.
• Temperature Extremes: The region experiences extreme temperatures during the summer months.
  Influence of Geography:
• Thar Desert: It plays a crucial role in the climate. Its vast sandy expanse contributes to the high temperatures and low humidity levels.
• Aravali Mountains: The Aravali mountain range serves as a natural barrier that restricts the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds from reaching the desert. This results in a rain shadow effect, leaving the area dry and arid.
  Impact on Agriculture and Water Resources:
• Agricultural Limitations: The dry climate limits agricultural productivity. Farmers often depend on hardy crops like millets and pulses, which can withstand arid conditions, but yield is generally low.
• Water Scarcity: The lack of rainfall leads to significant water scarcity, impacting drinking water supplies and irrigation.

Question 2.
Write an essay on the topic ‘The role of tourism in the life of people in the Thar Desert’.
Answer:
Tourism plays a vital role in the lives of people in the Thar Desert by providing economic opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable development. In a region where agriculture and traditional livelihoods are limited due to harsh environmental conditions, tourism offers an alternative source of income. Local communities benefit from employment in hospitality, handicraft sales, and guiding services.

Additionally, tourism helps preserve the rich cultural traditions of the Thar, such as folk music, dance, and festivals, which attract visitors from around the world. By promoting ecotourism and sustainable practices, tourism also encourages environmental conservation, helping protect the desert’s unique ecosystem. Overall, tourism has become a key driver of economic growth and cultural preservation in the Thar Desert, significantly impacting the lives of its inhabitants.

Question 3.
Prepare a pictorial description on ‘The famous Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan’ using IT and present it in the class room.
Answer:
Pushkar Fair
The Pushkar Fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) or Pushkar Mela, as it is locally known, is an annual fiveday camel and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar between the months of October and November. It is one of the world’s largest cattle fairs. Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, it has become an important tourist attraction.

Competitions such as the ‘matka phod’, ‘longest moustache’ and ‘bridal competition’ are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists. In recent years, the fair has also included an exhibition football match between the local Pushkar Club and a team of foreign tourists.

Question 4.
Conduct a seminar on ‘The challenges faced by the agricultural sector of Rajasthan.’
Answer:
(Hints: Conduct a Seminar by using the given steps)

• Introduction: Begin by explaining why agriculture is important in Rajasthan and mention the challenges.
• Key Challenges to Discuss
• Water Scarcity
• Soil Quality
• Climate Change
• Traditional Farming Methods
• Economic Problems
• Possible Solutions
• Irrigation Techniques
• Improving Soil Health
• Government Support

Conclusion: Summarize by saying that although Rajasthan’s agriculture faces many challenges, with proper planning and modern techniques, farming can become more sustainable and productive.

Std 9 Geography Chapter 7 Notes Kerala Syllabus Extra Question Answer

Question 1.
What is the study of deserts called?
Answer:
The study of desert is called Eremology.

Question 2.
Where are cold deserts found, and what are their characteristics?
Answer:
Cold deserts are found in polar regions, mountains, and high plateaus of temperate regions. They are characterised by extreme cold throughout the year and permanent snow cover.

Question 3.
Where are hot deserts generally located, and what are their characteristics?
Answer:
Hot deserts are typically found between 15º and 30° latitudes along the western margins of continents. They are characterised by very high temperatures during the day, low temperatures at night, and a high diurnal temperature range.

Question 4.
Where is the Thar Desert located, and how much area does it cover?
Answer:
The Thar Desert is located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. It spans an area of around 200,000 square kilometers, of which 175,000 square kilometers are in India.

Question 5.
Write the natural boundaries of the Thar Desert.
Answer:

• East – Aravali Mountains
• South – Rann of Kachchh
• West – Indus River Basin
• Northwest – Sutlej River Basin

Question 6.
Explain the two geographical regions of the Thar Desert.
Answer:
a) The Marusthali

• It is a vast sandy expanse with a few outcrops of bedrock composed of gneisses, schists and granites.
• The bedrocks in this region prove that, geologically, it is the northwestern extension of the Peninsular Plateau.
• The average elevation of this region is between 200 and 250 meters above mean sea level.
• In general, the eastern part of the Marusthali is rocky, while its western part is covered by shifting dunes locally known as Dhrian.

b) The Rajasthan Bagar

• The eastern part of the Thar desert, up to the Aravali range is a semi-arid plain which is known as the Rajasthan Bagar.
• It is drained by several short seasonal rivers originating from the Aravali. These rivers make agriculture possible in some patches of fertile tracts called Rohi.
• The sandy plain to the north of the Luni River is called Thali.
• The Rajasthan Bagar region has several salt lakes.
• The most significant and the largest among them is the Sambhar Lake, which is situated about 65 km west of Jaipur.
• It occupies an area of about 225 sq km during the rainy season but shrinks considerably in the dry season.
• The Didwana, the Sargol and the Khatu are the other important lakes in this region. These lakes are used extensively for salt production.

Question 7.
Explain Granites and Gneiss.
Answer:
Granites are coarse-grained rocks that form when magma solidifies before reaching the Earth’s surface.
Gneiss is the metamorphosed form of granite rocks formed due to high temperature and high pressure.

Question 8.
What is deflation in desert regions?
Answer:
The strong whirlwind lifts up and moves dry sand from one place to another place. The type of erosional process through which the sand is blown away by wind is called deflation.

Question 9.
How are mushroom rocks formed?
Answer:
The portions of the rocks subjected to high rates of abrasion wear out considerably more. As the rocks wear out in this manner, mushroom-like landforms are formed. These landforms are called Mushroom rocks

Question 10.
What are sand dunes, and how do they form?
Answer:
Sand dunes are loose mounds of sand formed by the depositional process of wind. When wind velocity decreases, sand particles carried by the wind are deposited and gradually pile up, creating dunes of various sizes and shapes.

Question 11.
What are oases, and why are they important in deserts?
Answer:
Oases are fertile patches in deserts that form due to the presence of a freshwater source, such as natural springs or groundwater. They support the cultivation of crops like cotton, citrus fruits, wheat, and corn.

Question 12.
How much rainfall does the Thar Desert receive during the rainy season, and when does it occur?
Answer:
The rainy season in the Thar Desert occurs from July to September. The region experiences low annual rainfall, with the western part receiving less than 25 cm of rain, while the eastern part of the Aravali mountains gets about 76.2 cm of rainfall.

Question 13.
What are the characteristics of desert soil in the Thar Desert?
Answer:
Desert soil in the Thar Desert is sandy in structure and brown in colour. It has high salinity due to the high rate of evaporation in the hot and arid climate.

Question 14.
What are the major vegetation types found in the Thar Desert?
Answer:
The major vegetation types in the Thar Desert are thorny shrubs with fleshy stems and no leaves.

Question 15.
What types of fauna are found in the Thar Desert?
Answer:
The Thar Desert is home to various birds, reptiles, and wild animals, including camels, red foxes, chinkara (Indian gazelle), falcons, Indian spotted eagles, blackbucks, and wild cats.

Question 16.
What are the major crops cultivated in the Thar Desert, and how is agriculture made possible?
Answer:
The major crops cultivated in the Thar Desert include bajra, jowar, wheat, corn, millets, groundnut, and cotton. Agriculture is made possible by irrigation facilities, such as the Indira Gandhi Canal Project.

Question 17.
What are the main products of the handicraft industry in the Thar Desert?
Answer:
The handicraft industry in the Thar Desert is known for its leather products made from camel hides, such as lampshades, pouches, sandals, and traditional Indigenous musical instruments made of leather.

Question 18.
What role does tourism play in the economy of the Thar Desert?
Answer:
Tourism is a major source of income in the Thar Desert. National parks, historic sites like Hawa Mahal and Ajmer Fort, and activities like camel rides through the desert with local guides attract many tourists, providing employment opportunities for locals.

Question 19.
What are the challenges faced by people living in the Thar Desert?
Answer:
Challenges include harsh physical conditions such as extreme heat, strong winds, water scarcity, lack of rainfall, and inadequate infrastructure. High temperatures of up to 50°C cause water shortages, melt tar on roads and obstruct transportation, while communication facilities are also limited.