X Geography Ch-1 Resources and Development

 

                                                                                

X Geography Ch-1

Resources and Development

Resource: Meaning

*Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs is called resource.

*It is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable Eg. Land, soil, water

* Resources are a function of human activity -

Materials available in the environment become a resource only when human beings utilise the available technology and institutions created by themselves to transform the substances into usable products which have utility and fulfill human wants. Hence, resources are a function of human activity.

** Technologically accessible – It means technology must be available to extract and process the natural resource.

** Economically feasible – Means we should have enough money to extract and process it.

Importance *

Resources are compulsory for human survival as well as for maintaining the quality of life.

 

Classification of resources

 

Resources can be classified in the following ways :

(a)  On the basis of origin:

(i) Biotic                                                   (ii) Abiotic

 

(b)  On the basis of exhaustibility:

(i) Renewable                                         (ii) Non-renewable

 

(c)  On the basis of ownership:

(i) Individual                             (iii) Community                      (ii) National                   (iv) International

 

(d)  On the basis of status of development:

(i) Potential                                           (iii) Developed                      (ii) Stock                        (iv) Reserves

 

 

1.Biotic and Abiotic resources.

On the basis of origin, resources can be classified into biotic and abiotic resources.

Biotic resources

*These are obtained from biosphere. Everything within the biosphere, which has some utility for man,

 is a biotic resource.

*These are also called  living resources because these resources are obtained from living being.

*Some of these resources are renewable.

*Eg. Fish , human , tree , birds , animals.

 

Abiotic resources

These are obtained from the non-living resources. They occur as solid, liquid or gaseous materials

on the earth and in its atmosphere.

Most of them are non- renewable but some are recycled.

Eg: rocks , air, water , land or soil.

                                                                       

 

Questions

1.What are biotic and abiotic resources, Give some examples.

OR

Classify resources on the basis of origin. Explain them in brief along with examples.

2. What are resources ? Explain the resources on the basis of origin and exhaustibility. [2010, 2011

3.” Resources are compulsory for human survival as well as for maintaining the quality of life” Justify the statement .

 

1.How can the resources be classified on the basis of their origin? 2010, 201 1

(a) Biotic and  Abiotic                         (b) Renewable and Non-renewable

(c) Individual and Community            (d) Potential and Reserves

Which one of the following is not an Abiotic Resource? [2010, 201 1

(a) Metals                                                       (b) Rocks

(c) Machines                                                   (d) Horses

Which one of the following is a Biotic Resource? 2010

(a) Land                       (b) Water                    (c) Human beings                   (d) Rocks

Which one of the following is an example of biotic resources? [2010, 2011

(a) Rock                                               (b) Iron ore

(c) Gold                                               (d) Animal

 

 

                                                                      Geography Ch-1                                       

                Resources and Development                       (1:2)

2.Renewable  and non renewable resources.

On the basis of exhaustibility , resources can be classified into renewable  and non renewable resources.

 

Renewable resources( Inexhaustible )

 

*Resources which can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical and mechanical processes

*They get renewed over a  short period of time.

*They are unlimited and are not exhausted.  

*These are further divided into continuous or flow and biological

These resources are generally available throughout the world.

Eg: water, wind , forest, wildlife, solar energy.

 

Non-renewable resources (Exhaustible)

Resources which cannot be renewed or reproduced.

They take millions of years to form .

They are limited in their availability and Exhausted

These are divided into recyclable and non recyclable.

These resources are generally unevenly distributed on the earth.

Eg: minerals and fossil fuels.

                                                                                    Ownership

 

Individual , community , national , international resources 

 

On the basis of ownership , resources can be classified into individual , community , national , international

 (1)  Individual resources: These are owned by individuals privately. Example individual ownership of land in the form of houses pasture etc.

(2)  Community Owned resources: these resources are accessible to all the members of the Community. Example: Play ground, park, burial grounds  etc.

(3)  National resources: These resources belong to the nation within the political boundaries of the country. Example : Minerals, forests , wildlife within the country or within the EEZ etc.

(4)  International resources : The oceanic resources beyond 200 km of the Exclusive Economic Zone can be termed as International resources

These oceanic resources  do not lie within the  Exclusive Economic Zone of any country they  are managed by  international institutions and each country has the equal right to access these resources.

 

 

 

‘                                                                       Development

 

3.On the basis of the development resources can be actual & potential

 

Actual resources – resources that are in use whose quantity and quality are properly known at present

these resources are also called developed resources 

 

Potential resources

Resources which are in existence but they are not completely used .

They are either not easily accessible or not properly developed for present use but

have the potential to fulfill our  future needs

Eg. potential of wind and solar energy in Rajasthan

Similarly, the hot springs of Himalayan region have potential for development

of geothermal energy but their development.

 

Stock Resources – resources which are not developed yet due to lack of technology .these can be used in future.

Human beings do not have the appropriate technology to access these resources.

Eg .Making of hydrogen and oxygen from water

 

Reserve –

These are the subset of stock which can be put to use with the help of existing technology but they are still unused .They can be used for future.                                                                                                             

Questions

1.Which of the following types of resource is iron-ore?

(a) Renewable (b) Biotic (c) Flow (d) Non-renewable

2.Fossil fuels are examples of which of the following types of resources?

(a) Renewable (b) Flow (c) Biological (d) Non-renewable

3.Which one of the following is not a renewable resource? [2010, 201 1

(a) Solar energy (b) Wind energy (c) Forests (d) Fossil fuels

4.Resources which are surveyed and their quantity and quality have been determined for

utilisation are known as : [2010, 201 1 (T -1)]

(a) Potential resources (b) Developed resources (c) Stock (d) Reserves

 

Subjective Questions

Distinguish between potential resource and stock with the help of examples.2012

Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources. [2010, 201 1

Classify resources on the basis of exhaustibility. Mention four features of each

Explain what is meant by national resources and individual resources? [2010 (T -1)]

Classify resources on the basis of ownership into four categories. Mention the main feature of each.

Explain the role of human in resource development.2015

                                                                                                                            Gx @ SPV_ April 7 ,2020 

                                                                      Geography Ch-1                                       

                Resources and Development                       (1:3)

Need of resource conservation

Conservation of resources is necessary because of foll wing reasons :

(i) 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 level is important.

(ii) 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 think for conservation of resources.

(iii) As resources are limited, their conservation is necessary so that we can use them properly and also save them for our future generations. (Add points from res. Planning)

 

Overutilization of resources

Overutilization of resources has led to the following major problems:

a. Depletion of resources due to over utilization.

b. Accumulation of resources in few hands, which in turn, divided the society into rich and poor.

c. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution and land degradation.

 

*The resultant threat to ecology and environment has put the future of our planet in danger.

Natural disasters have become very frequent. Many species of flora and fauna have

already become extinct.

Leads to

Deforestation

Extinction

Migration

Resource depletion

Green House emission

 

SOLUTION:

*an equitable distribution of resources has become essential for a sustained quality of life and global peace.

Resource conservation* and resource planning* is essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life.

Resource planning

Resource planning is necessary for maximum utilization of resources

 

It is a complex process which involves-:

i)Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country.

This involves surveying ,mapping and qualitative and quantitative estimation and measurement of the resources.

 

ii)Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and institutional set up for implementing resource development plans.

 

iii)Matching the resource development plans with overall national development goals . Resource planning in India is done through Five Year Plans

 

Importance of resource planning

*Resources are not equally distributed throughout the world. an enormous diversity in the availability of resources Within a country also. Some regions may be rich in resources and self sufficient in terms of availability of resources while some other regions may have acute shortage

 of some vital resources.

*In a country like India which has an enormous diversity in the availability of resources, resource planning is indispensable.

*It is important for the sustainable development of different part of the countries and to maximize and rationalize the utilization of resources (Add points from need of conservation)

*It will lead to conservation of nonrenewable resources

*It will lead to equal and judicious use of resources

*It improves the quality of human life

*It minimize the depletion of natural resources.

 

 

Gandhi ji’s view about resource conservation

 

*Gandhiji expressed his concern about resource conservation through these words, “There is enough for everybody’ s need but not for anybody’ s greed.” *According to Gandhiji , greedy and selfish individuals and exploitative nature of modern technology is the root cause for resource depletion at the global level.

*He advocated production by the masses and was against mass production that lead to uncontrolled exploitation of resources.

*Accumulation of resources in a few hands due to indiscriminate exploitation of resources has divided the society into rich and poor .

* An equitable distribution of resources has become essential for sustained quality of life and global peace.

* This can reduce tension between countries and lead to planned and judicious use of resources. Similarly , conservation of resources can also help tackle ecological crises of global level.

 

 

 

                                                                             Geography Ch-1                                            

                Resources and Development                       (1:4)

Relief features

 

India has diverse relief features namely mountains, plateaus and plains.

Plains: about 43% of the land is plains which is agriculturally and industrially productive.

Mountains: mountains account for 30% of the total area and are the source of many perennial rivers, promote tourism and development of horticulture.

Plateaus: about 27% of the land area of the country are the plateaus which are the storehouse of minerals, forest and fossil fuels. They form the backbone of the country’s economy in promoting the development of industries.

 

Land use

Utilization of land for various purposes such as cultivation grazing of animals mining

construction of roads etc.

Factors

1)  Topography 

2)  Climate

3)  Human Factor

4)  Accessibility

 

Land use pattern in India.

The total area of India is 3.28 million sq.km. according to the land use data ,records are available only for about 93%of the total area .the land is used for following purposes:

 

 

What is land degradation?

Land degradation is the reduction of the quality of soils and land  .  The quality of the land becomes poorer due to gradual loss of fertility and unplanned use. it leads to the Salinization  loss of  biodiversity and ecosystems.

 

Factors responsible for land degradation in India

 

Land degradation has accelerated during the 20th century due to over-cultivation, overgrazing, forest conversion ,urbanization, deforestation, and extreme weather events such as droughts and coastal surges which salinate land.

 

1.MINING AND DEFORESTATION-Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is complete leaving deep scars and traces ofb  over burdening .In states like Jharkhand .Chhattisgarh ,Madhya Pradesh and Orissa deforestation due to mining have caused severe land degradation.

2 OVERGRAZING: Due to overgrazing grasses are uprooted and land is

exposed to soil erosion .In states like Gujarat ,Rajasthan ,Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra .overgrazing is one of the main reasons for land degradation .

3.OVER IRRIGATION: it is responsible for land degradation due to water logging leading to increase in salinity and alkalinity in the soil .in the states of Punjab ,Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh over irrigation is the main cause of land degradation.

4:MINERAL PROCESSING :the mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry generate huge quantity of dust in the atmosphere. it retards the process of infiltration of water into the soil after it settles down on the land .

5.INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS :industrial effluents as waste .which are discharged without treatment, have become a major source of land and water pollution in many parts of the country.

 

Effects -  Land degradation affects large areas and many people in dryland regions.  it affects food  production, livelihoods, Desertification, is a form of land degradation, by which fertile land becomes desert.

The potential impacts of desertification on health include:

higher threats of malnutrition from reduced food and water supplies;

more water- and food-borne diseases that result from poor hygiene and a lack of clean water;

respiratory diseases caused by atmospheric dust from wind erosion and other air pollutants;

the spread of infectious diseases as populations migrate.

 

 

Land reclamation

Land reclamation is the idea of getting new land. It is usually done in coastal areas. Sometimes it is also done in areas like rivers and lakes.

land fill is a fresh land created from the ocean or riverbeds. The new land formed by the process of reclamation is termed as reclamation ground or land fill.

Usually, there is a natural process which fills such areas with sand, dirt and other materials. Land reclamation uses the same process,. In many cases, this is done using dikes. An example land reclamation is done in the Netherlands.

                                                                                    **********************

 

Questions

 

 

1.“India’s vast and diverse size is the most important resource.” Support the statement. 201 1

2. Why is it important to raise the land area under forests? [2010

3. Why does the pattern of net sown area vary from one state to another?(Explain the factors of land use )

4. Explain any four human activities which are mainly responsible for land degradation in India. (2009)

5. What does the term ‘land degradation ’mean? Which human activities have contributed

significantly in land degradation? Suggest measures to solve the problems of land degradation.

OR

What are the reasons for land degradation? Describe any four measures to conserve land.(2010)

 

 

 

Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab? [2010 (T -1)]

(a) Extensive cultivation                                 (b) Deforestation

(c) Overgrazing                                               (d) Over-irrigation

 

The mountain share in the total land area is : [2010 (T -1)]

(a) 30%                                    (b) 27%                        (c) 43%                        (d) 40%

 

What is the percentage share of plains in the total land area ? [2010 (T -1)]

(a) 43%                                    (b) 23%                        (c) 33%            (d) 27%

 

In which of the following states is overgrazing responsible for land degradation? [2010, 201 1 (T -1)]

(a) Jharkhand and Orissa                                (b) Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

(c) Punjab and Haryana                                  (d) Kerala and  Tamil Nadu

 

How much desired area is required for forest in our country? [2010 (T -1)]

(a) 16%                                                            (b) 20%

(c) 23.2%                                                         (d) 33%

 

How much desired area is required for forest in our country? [2010 (T -1)]

(a) 16%                                                            (b) 20%

(c) 23.2%                                                         (d) 33%

 

 

 

Questions

Highlight any three problems associated with the indiscriminate use of resources by the human beings 2010 ,11,16

What is the need for conservation of resources’? Elucidate in the light of Gandhiji’s view.

What is resource planning?  Why is resource planning essential? Explain with three reasons.          2008

 

Explain resource planning. What are the steps involved in resource planning ?    2014

What are the three stages of resource planning in India ? 2011,12

Provide a suitable classification for resources on the basis of ownership. Mention main features of

any three types of such resources.                2014

‘Indiscriminate use of resources had led to numerous problems.’ Justify this statement.      2011,12,14                            

 

                                                                      Geography Ch-1                                       

                Resources and Development                       (1:5)

 

Soil

Soil is the top most layer of the earth .It is made up of organic and inorganic matter .The right mix of organic and inorganic matter make soil fertile

Soil = organic matter + inorganic matter

Humus  it is formed by  decaying remains of plants and animals it adds fertility to the soil 

 

Importance of soil

Human existence and settlement is determined by soil fertility as it determines agricultural productivity of an area. Soil determines the natural vegetation and type of crop production of an area. It also influences the land use of an area. Areas of fertile soil are agriculturally productive and densely populated. It is one of the most important renewable natural resource

 

 

Soil formation

The three most important factors of soil formation are :

(i) Nature of parent rock. It influences the chemical and physical properties like colour and texture of the soil. The mineral content of the soil also depends on the parent rock from which it is formed.

(ii) Climate influences the rate and types of weathering and erosion of the rocks. Weathering of the parent rocks due to climatic factors and natural forces lead to disintegration of rocks which leads to the formation of soil. Flora and fauna influence rate of humus formation rate .

(iii) Time determines maturity of the soil. The soil is a living system. It takes millions of years to form soil up to a few centimeters in depth

 

 

Types of soil

(1) Alluvial Soil                                        (2) Black Soil

 (3)  Red and Yellow Soil                                  (4)  Laterite Soil

(5)  Mountain Soil                                             (6)  Desert Soil

 

 

Alluvial soil

 

 is the most important and widespread soil in India. It covers about 45.6%area in India which is about

 15 lakh sq.km

 

Characteristics  a. This soil is formed by deposition of materials brought down by rivers

b. It is highly fertile. It is rich in potash, phosphoric acid, Zn, Mg,Cu.

c. This rich soil is ideal for growth of paddy , wheat, sugarcane and other cereals and pulses.

d. Alluvial soil forms the Northern Plains.  The soil has been deposited by the three great Himalayan river systems – the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. They are also found in the Eastern Coastal Plains, mainly in the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the  Kaveri rivers

e Alluvium can contain valuable ores such as gold and platinum and a wide variety of gemstones.

 

Bangar Soil

It is an old alluvial soil.

2. It is found away from the rivers

3. It is less Fertile.

4It has high concentration of kankars nodules and is coarse

5 It is dark in colour

Khadar Soil

1. It is a newer alluvial soil.

2. It is found close to rivers valleys

3. It is more Fertile

4.It has fine particles and is quite smooth.

5It is light in colour

 

The laterite soil

develops in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall & occupies 2.4 Lakh sq.km. area.

ii)This is the result of intense  leaching due to heavy rain.

iii)Humus content is low due to micro -organisms particularly the decomposers ,like bacteria, get destroyed due to high temperature & laterite soil is acidic in nature as its pH is below 7.

iv) Laterite soils are suitable for cultivation with adequate doses of manures and fertilizers

v)rice ragi sugarcane nuts are cultivated & it is rich in iron oxide and aluminium.

  Laterite are source of aluminium ore.

  Laterite is used in acid solution, to remove heavy metals at several sewage treatment facilities. 

Historically, laterite was cut into brick-like shapes and used in monument building.  eg- Angkor Wat

 

 

Red soil

 

1) Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall and covers an area

of 10.6%in India.

ii)These soils develop a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline igneous and metamphoric rocks.

iii)It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form. It has porous and friable structure & its chemical composition include iron 3.61%, Al 2.92%,Mg 0.70%, Co2 0.30%, P 0.09%, N 0.08% &

organic matter 1.01%.

iv) These soils are found in parts of Orissa ,Chhattisgarh, southern parts of the middle Ganga.

plain and along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats.

v)Tobacco, Potato ,millet ,oil seeds are cultivated.

   The Indian Council Of Agricultural Research(ICAR) divided red soil into four groups :           

     (a) red soils,(b) red gravelly soils,(c) red and yellow soils,(d) mixed red and black soils.

 

Arid soils

 range from red to brown in colour.

ii) They are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature and covers an area of 1.4 Lakh sq.km.

iii)Due to the dry climate, high temperature, evaporation is faster and the soil lacks humus and moisture.

iv) The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by Kankar because of the increasing calcium content downwards.

 The kankar layer formations in the bottom horizons restricts the infiltrations of water.

v)After proper irrigation these soils become cultivable as has been in the case of Rajasthan.

 

 

Regur soil – Black Soil

Features

1)  Made up of lava flows it has extremely fine particles ad cover an area of 16.6%of India.

2)  have good capacity to hold moisture. This soil is rich in Iron oxide (9-10%), Calcium, Potash(less than 5%) ,  magnesium & lime(6-8%)

3) It develops deep cracks during hot weather. it swells and become sticky when wet.

4)  it is rich in calcium carbonate, potash and lime . Black soil is ideal for growing cotton and

so it is also known as black cotton soil. Term Regur means cotton

Regions

1)  Maharashtra – Malva Plateau

2)  Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh Plateau

 

 

 

Questions

 

Q. Why is soil considered as a resource? Explain with five arguments. 2015(5 mark)

                                                                 Or

Q. Give the importance of soil. Explain any three factors responsible for soil formation.            2009(5 mark)    

Q. Distinguish between Khadar and Bhangar soils. 2011-12(3 mark)

                                                       or

     How are alluvial soils formed? How Bhangar different from Khadar?

Q. Give a brief note on the productivity of alluvial soil

.Q. How the alluvial soils are formed? How is ‘Bhangar ’alluvium  different from ‘Khadar’ ? 2009(3 mark)

Q. Which soil type is made up of lava flows? 2014(1 mark)

Q. Enumerate any three features of “regur” soil. 2011-12(3 mark)

Q. Which geographical factors are responsible of the evolution of black soil?

Q.Why is it considered the most suitable for growing cotton ?2012(3 mark)

Q. Mention any three features of arid soils.2014(3 mark)

Q. Describe any five distinct charateristics of ‘Arid soil’.2015(5 mark)

Q. Distinguish between red and laterite soils, stating five points of distinction. 2014(3 mark)

Q. Explain any three factors responsible for soil formation. 2011-12(3 mark)

Q Give the importance of soil. Explain three factors responsible for soil formation.2010(3 mark)

 

                                                                      Geography Ch-1                                       

                Resources and Development                       (1:6)

Soil erosion

 

*The destruction of the soil cover and their subsequent natural removal is termed as soil erosion. Human activities as well as natural forces cause the removal of the top soil .

 

Human factors leading to soil erosion are :

(a) Deforestation :-Due to heavy deforestation, soil erosion is increasing.

(b) Overgrazing :-In many regions people still practice grazing of cattle, goats and sheep. Gradually this leads to soil erosion.

c- Construction

d- Mining

e- Soil erosion is also caused due to defective methods of farming. Ploughing in a wrong way i.e. up and down the slope form channels for the quick flow of water leading to soil erosion.

*Natural forces like wind, glacier and water lead to soil erosion.

 

Types

1.water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope. In such cases the top soil is washed away.This is known as sheet erosion .

2. Wind blows loose soil off flat or sloping land known as wind erosion.

3.Deep channels removing  the top soil created by fast running water are called gullies . fast running water cuts soft clayey soil making deep ravines 

 

 

Soil conservation

In hilly and mountainous areas the following measures can control soil erosion and help in soil conservation.

*Contour ploughing or ploughing along the contour lines of a highland can reduce the flow of water down the slopes.

*Terrace cultivation or cutting of steps around the slopes for agriculture also checks downhill flow of water and controls soil erosion,* western and central Himalayas have well developed terrace farming.

*Afforestation or planting of trees in the hilly regions can help in soil conservation.

Growing thorny bushes in arid and semi arid regions can help in binding the soil with the roots and also reduce the speed of wind.

 

*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..

Proper management of waste lands, control of mining activities

,proper discharge and disposal industrial effluents  and wastes after treatment can reduce land  soil and water degradation in industrial and sub urban areas.

*Shelter belt-planting lines of trees to  break up of the force

of the wind  are called shelter belts .these shelter belts have contributed

Significantly to the stabilization of sand dunes and in stabilizing the desert  in western India.

 

 

 

*proper management of grazing   control on over grazing,  stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes are some of the methods to check land degradation. Proper management of waste lands, control of mining activities, proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment an reduce land and water degradation in industrial and suburban areas.       

 

 

 

Questions

Q. Explain the major factors which are responsible for the formation of soil ? 2009,11,13

Q. Explain the distribution of black soil .2013

Q. What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in hilly areas? 2011(3 marks)

Q. Which is the most widely spread and important soil of India.2010(1 mark)

Q. Mention any two types of human activities which are responsible for the process of soil erosion. Explain the two types of soil erosion observed in India?2012-15(3 mark)

 

Group Activities completed

 

1._______________________

2._______________________

3._______________________