1
The 'Bangar' region in the Northern Plains of India is characterized by:
🗺️ Deserts & Plains
Deserts & Plains
50 Questions Indian Geography
A comprehensive collection of 20 high-quality MCQ questions covering the physiographic features, formation, and distribution of deserts and plains in the Indian subcontinent.
2
Which of the following semi-arid regions is located between the Aravalli range and the Thar Desert?
3
The 'Terai' region of the Northern Plains is best described as:
4
The Luni river, which originates in the Aravallis, vanishes into which of the following regions?
5
Which of the following is the largest alluvial plain in India?
6
The 'Bhabar' belt is characterized by which of the following features?
7
What is the local name for the fertile floodplains in the Punjab region?
8
Which desert is characterized by the presence of 'Playas' (short-lived lakes)?
9
The 'Doab' region in the Northern Plains refers to:
10
Which state has the largest area covered by the Thar Desert?
11
The 'Rohi' plain is a fertile tract found in which region?
12
The movement of sand dunes in the Thar Desert is known as:
13
Which mountain range acts as the eastern boundary of the Thar Desert?
14
The Northern Plains of India are essentially a result of:
15
What is the term for the seasonal streams that cause soil erosion in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab?
16
The Thar Desert receives very low rainfall primarily because:
17
Which soil type is most prevalent in the Northern Plains of India?
18
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the desert region of India?
19
The 'Bhabar' belt is widest in which region?
20
The 'Khadar' plains are rejuvenated every year by:
21
Which specific geological formation in the Northern Plains is composed of old alluvium and contains calcareous deposits locally known as 'kankars'?
22
The 'Bet' lands in the Punjab plains refer to which type of depositional feature?
23
Which of the following is the most prominent feature of the 'Bhabar' belt that makes it unsuitable for agriculture?
24
The 'Thar Desert' in India is considered a part of which larger desert system?
25
In the context of the Northern Plains, what is the term used for the marshy and swampy region formed by the resurgence of streams in the south of the Bhabar belt?
26
Which mountain pass/range is responsible for the rain-shadow effect that contributes to the aridity of the Thar Desert?
27
The Northern Plains of India are divided into three sections; which river system forms the 'Punjab Plains'?
28
What is the primary reason for the absence of large-scale drainage systems in the western parts of the Thar Desert?
29
Which of the following terms describes the crescent-shaped sand dunes found extensively in the Thar Desert?
30
The 'Khadar' plains are characterized by which of the following?
31
Which of the following regions is an example of a structural plain formed by the aggradational activities of the rivers?
32
What are 'Dhaya' plains in the context of the Punjab-Haryana region?
33
The Thar Desert is largely located in the state of Rajasthan, but it extends into which other Indian state?
34
Which term describes the land between two rivers in the Northern Plains?
35
What is the name of the salt-water lake located in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan?
36
Which soil type is extensively found in the Thar Desert due to the arid conditions?
37
Which of the following is the largest 'Doab' in the Punjab plains?
38
The Northern Plains reach their maximum width in which direction?
39
Which landscape feature in the Thar Desert is caused by the deposition of sand in the shape of long ridges?
40
What is the common name for the seasonal streams that disappear in the sandy plains of the Thar Desert?
41
The 'Bhabar' region, characterized by high porosity and pebble-strewn landscape, is located at the foot of which mountain range?
42
Which of the following terms describes the undulating sandy plains of the Thar Desert covered with longitudinal sand dunes?
43
The 'Khadar' soil is highly productive because it is replenished every year by:
44
In the context of the Thar Desert, what is the significance of the 'Luni' River?
45
Which region of the Northern Plains is synonymous with 'old alluvium' and is situated above the flood limits of the rivers?
46
The 'Reh' or 'Kallar' lands in the Northern Plains refer to areas affected by:
47
Which of the following desert features is a salt-lake or 'playa' found in the Thar Desert?
48
The 'Bist Doab' in Punjab is the land lying between which two rivers?
49
Which of the following statements about the Thar Desert's rainfall pattern is correct?
50
The 'Terai' region is characterized by:
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Important Notes — Deserts & Plains
The Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a significant arid region located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. It covers an area of approximately 200,000 sq. km, primarily spread across the state of Rajasthan, with parts extending into Haryana, Punjab, and Gujarat.
Key Geographical Features
- Topography: The region is characterized by sandy plains, shifting sand dunes (locally called Dhrian), and isolated rocky projections.
- Drainage: It is a region of inland drainage. Most streams are ephemeral and disappear after the monsoon. The Luni is the only significant river in this region, flowing towards the Rann of Kutch.
- Climatic Conditions: The area experiences extreme temperatures, with very low annual rainfall (averaging less than 150 mm). The lack of moisture and high evaporation rates contribute to its arid nature.
- Geological Significance: The region is home to the Akal Wood Fossil Park, known for fossils dating back to the Jurassic period.
Exam-Oriented Points
- Longitudinal Dunes: These are dominant in the southern parts of the Thar.
- Transverse Dunes: Found extensively in the northern and western parts.
- Barchans: These are crescent-shaped sand dunes that are highly mobile and pose a threat to agricultural land.
- Indira Gandhi Canal: Often referred to as the "lifeline of the Thar," this irrigation project has significantly transformed the desert landscape by facilitating agriculture in western Rajasthan.
The Northern Plains (Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plains)
The Northern Plains are formed by the interplay of three major river systems: the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra. Covering an area of roughly 7 lakh sq. km, these plains are among the most fertile and densely populated regions globally.
Divisions based on Relief
The Northern Plains are divided into four distinct belts from north to south:
- Bhabar: A narrow belt of 8-16 km width lying parallel to the slope of the Shiwaliks. It consists of pebble-studded, porous soil where streams disappear.
- Terai: South of the Bhabar, this is a wet, swampy, and marshy region. Historically dense in forests, it is now largely reclaimed for agriculture.
- Bhangar: The older alluvium plain. These are located above the flood plains of the rivers and present a terrace-like structure, often containing calcareous deposits locally known as Kankar.
- Khadar: The newer, younger deposits of the flood plains. These are renewed almost every year, making them highly fertile for intensive agriculture.
Key Facts for UPSC/SSC
- Regional Variations: The plains are broadly divided into the Punjab Plains (Indus system), the Ganga Plain (between Ghaggar and Teesta rivers), and the Brahmaputra Plain (mostly in Assam).
- Economic Importance: Known as the "Granary of India," these plains support a massive population and are the backbone of the country's agricultural economy.
- Soil: Dominated by Alluvial soil, which is rich in potash and phosphoric acid, making it ideal for crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
