chp 1

Short Answer Questions

Question 1
How can you prove that the earth is a sphere by looking at the horizon?

Answer

The view of the earth's surface as seen from a height is circular. We can prove
that the earth is a sphere by looking at the horizon as with increase in altitude,
the circular horizon also widens. Had the earth's surface been flat, the horizon
would have been the same irrespective of the altitude.

Question 2
Briefly describe the shape of the earth.

Answer

The earth is said to be spherical, but it is not a perfect sphere. The diameter at
the equator is greater than the diameter at the poles. The bulge at the equator and
compression at the poles gives earth the shape of an oblate spheroid or 'Geoid'.

Question 3
What is the earth's mean temperature? State its one advantage.

Answer

The mean temperature of the earth is 17 degrees Celsius. This temperature is ideal
for life to exist.

Question 4
Why is the earth called a watery planet?

Answer

Earth is called a watery planet because 70% of the earth's surface is covered by
water.

Question 5
What is 'biosphere'?

Answer

Biosphere is the life zone of the earth. It is that part of the earth's terrestrial
system - including air, land and water - in which life develops and where life
processes in turn get transformed.

Question 6
Name the conditions necessary for life on earth.

Answer

The conditions necessary for life on earth are as follows:

Optimum distance from the sun

Ideal temperature of 17 degrees Celsius
Presence of Atmosphere
Presence of water
Presence of lithosphere and biosphere
Life-giving cycles operate in nature
Question 7
Give any two features of the earth that make it a 'Unique Planet'.

Answer

Two features of the earth that make it a 'Unique Planet' are as follows:

Presence of Atmosphere
Presence of water

chp 2
Short Answer Questions
Question 1
What is a geographic grid? How does the geographic grid serve the same purpose as
co-ordinates on a graph?

Answer

A framework of lines of longitude and latitude on a globe or a map is called a

geographic grid.

This grid on the globe or the map serves the same purpose as the system of
coordinates on the x-axis and y-axis on a graph paper. In this case the x-axis is
represented by lines of latitude (horizontal) and y-axis, by lines of longitude
(vertical). These lines help to locate places on the globe.

Question 2
What are lines of latitude and longitude? Who devised the lines of latitude and
longitude?

Answer

The imaginary lines running east to west, parallel to the equator are called lines
of latitude.

The imaginary lines running north to south passing through the poles are called
lines of longitude.

Eratosthenes, the Greek philosopher, devised the lines of latitude and longitude.

Question 3
Mention two characteristics of lines of latitude.

Answer

Two characteristics of lines of latitude are:

Lines of latitude are imaginary lines joining all places having the same latitude
towards north or south of the equator.
A latitude is marked in degrees, with equator being 0 degrees.
Question 4
Name the two hemispheres of the earth made by the Equator. Name the thermal zones
of the earth.

Answer

The two hemispheres of the earth made by the Equator are-

Northern hemisphere
Southern hemisphere
The thermal zones of the earth are-

Torrid or Tropical zone

Temperate zone
Frigid zone
Question 5
List any two uses of the lines of latitude. Express 1° angular distance in
kilometres.

Answer

Two uses of the lines of latitude are:

To find the location of a Place — Latitudes give us the location of a place north
or south of the Equator. Such a location is known as an absolute location.
To measure the distance of a Place — Distances are calculated with reference to the
Equator at right angle to the place. We can therefore, measure the distance of any
place from the Equator based on its degree of latitude.
The angular distance of 1° latitude is equal to 111 km.

Question 6
With the help of a diagram, show the important lines of latitude.

Answer

With the help of a diagram show the important lines of latitude. Total Geography
ICSE Class 9
Question 7
Briefly describe the cycle of seasons with the change in inclination of the sun's
rays. Which temperature zone receives almost vertical rays of the sun and which
zones receive slanting rays?

Answer

The cycle of seasons is determined by the change in the angle of the sun's rays
hitting the earth's surface, which is caused by the earth's axial tilt of
approximately 23.5 degrees. As the earth orbits the sun, different parts of the
earth are tilted towards or away from the sun at different times of the year,
resulting in the four seasons.

Torrid zone receives almost vertical rays of the sun and temperate zone and frigid
zone receive slanting rays of the sun.

Question 8
Which line is known as the Prime Meridian? State its importance.

Answer

The Prime Meridian is the line of longitude whose angular distance is defined as 0
degrees. It passes through Greenwich near London.

While fixing the Time Zones, the time at Prime Meridian has been selected as the
mean time. The time for all the other places is calculated with reference to the
time at Prime Meridian.

Question 9
How can the general climate of an area be described with the help of the lines of
latitude?

Answer

Lines of latitude divide the earth into three distinct heat belts -

Torrid zone, being the hottest zone

Temperate zone with moderate climate
Frigid zone with the coldest climate
The lines of latitude indicate the general climate of the area by applying the
principle of heat zones of the earth.

Question 10
Which line of longitude is used to fix the World Standard Time? State its value in
degrees. State the longitudinal value in degrees of Indian Standard Meridian.

Answer

Prime Meridian is used to fix the World Standard Time.

Its value in degrees is 0°.

The longitudinal value of Indian Standard Meridian is 82° 30'E.

Question 11
List any two characteristics of the Great Circles.

Answer

Two characteristics of the Great Circles are:

All such circles must pass through or touch the centre of the circle.
Infinite number of circles that touch the two opposite ends of the sphere can be
drawn on a sphere.
Question 12
List any two uses of the Great Circles.

Answer

Two uses of the Great Circles are:

Great Circle routes are specially important for places that are on opposite sides
of the globe. Most globes show great circle routes between distant ports across the
Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
Great circles are used by meteorologists to determine climate and weather
conditions in a region.
Question 13
What are the Great Circle Routes? State their importance.

Answer

A great circle route is the shortest distance between two places on the earth and
lies on the arc of a great circle.

Great Circle Routes are specially important for places that are on opposite sides
of the globe.

chp 3
Question 1
What is meant by the inclination of earth's axis? At what angle is the earth's axis
inclined?

Answer

The earth is always tilted in the same direction as it moves round the sun. The
angle at which the earth is tilted is known as the inclination of the earth's axis.

The axis of the earth makes an angle of 23 1/2° with the vertical or 66 1/2° with
the plane of the earth's orbit.

Question 2
Name the two chief motions of the earth.

Answer

The two chief motions of the earth are rotation and revolution.

Question 3
Describe two characteristics of rotation.

Answer

Two characteristics of rotation are-

Direction- The earth completes one rotation from west to east on its axis in 23
hours, 56 minutes, 4.09 seconds.

Inclination of axis- The earth is always tilted in the same direction as it moves
round the sun. The angle at which the earth is tilted is known as the inclination
of the earth's axis.

Question 4
State two effects of the rotation of the earth.

Answer

Two effects of the rotation of the earth are-

Day and night are caused by the rotation of the earth on its axis.
Rotation causes difference in time over various places on the earth.
Question 5
Mention any two possible consequences if the axis of the earth was vertical instead
of inclined.

Answer

Two possible consequences if the axis of the earth was vertical instead of inclined
are-

The length of day and night would have been equal at all places on the earth.
All the places on the earth would have had the same temperature throughout the
year. There would be no seasons.
Question 6
State one reason why we do not feel the motions of the earth.

Answer
We do not feel the motions of the earth because the force of gravity keeps
everything attached to the earth. This keeps all objects at rest with reference to
the motions of the earth.

Question 7
What is an elliptic?

Answer

The path of the earth around the sun is known as elliptic.

Question 8
Define 'revolution'.

Answer

The motion of the earth around the sun in an elliptical orbit is called revolution.

Question 9
State two chief characteristics of the revolution of the earth.

Answer

Two chief characteristics of the revolution of the earth are-

The earth moves round the sun in an elliptical orbit at an average speed of 29.8 km
per second.
When the earth is closer to the sun, the gravitational pull makes the earth move
faster than when it is away from the sun. Thus, the speed of revolution is not
uniform.
Question 10
Mention two effects of revolution.

Answer

Two effects of revolution are-

Revolution causes different seasons on earth due to differences in the heating of

the earth.
The spherical shape of the earth along with revolution of the earth causes
difference in the distribution of heat on the earth's surface and results in the
creation of heat zones.
Question 11
What do you understand by perihelion and aphelion?

Answer

Due to the elliptical orbit of the earth, the distance between the earth and the
sun varies. When the earth is closest to the sun, the position is called perihelion
and when the earth is farthest from the sun, the position is called aphelion.

Question 12
On which two days are the days and nights equal all over the world and why? What
name do you give to these days?

Answer

The days and nights are equal all over the world on March 21st and September 23rd
because the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator making day and night of
equal length.

March 21st is known as Spring or Vernal Equinox and September 23rd is known as
Autumnal equinox.

Question 13
Which is the longest and which is the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere and
why?

Answer

The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere is June 21st as the sun's rays fall
vertically at the Tropic of Cancer and the North Pole is tilted towards the sun.

The shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere is December 22nd as the sun's rays fall
vertically at the Tropic of Capricorn and the North Pole is tilted away the sun.

Question 14
On which dates does the sun shine vertically overhead at:

(a) Equator
(b) Tropic of Cancer
(c) Tropic of Capricorn

Answer

The sun shines vertically overhead at the:

(a) Equator on 21st March and 23rd September

(b) Tropic of Cancer on 21st June
(c) Tropic of Capricorn on 22nd December

Question 15
Why is noon hotter than morning?

Answer

Noon is hotter than morning because at noon, the sun is overhead. So, vertical rays
of the sun fall at noon making the place hotter than the morning when slanting rays
of the sun fall at a place.

Question 16
Why are days and nights equal at all places on earth on September 23? What are the
seasons in the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres on this date?

Answer

Days and nights are equal at all places on earth on September 23 because on this
date, the sun shines vertically over the equator, making day and night of equal
length.

It is autumn season in the northern hemisphere and spring season in the southern
hemisphere.

Question 17
What is meant by Summer Solstice? When do we have Summer Solstice in the Northern
Hemisphere?

Answer
On June 21, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun and the sun is
overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. So, the northern hemisphere enjoys the longest
day. This day is called Summer Solstice.

We have Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere on June 21st.

Question 18
What is meant by Equinox?

Answer

Equinox refers to the time when the sun shines vertically over the equator. At the
equinoxes, the days and nights are of equal length throughout the world.

Question 19
What will be the duration of daylight on March 21st at 23°30'N and 66°30'S
latitudes? Give reason.

Answer

The duration of daylight on March 21st at 23°30'N and 66°30'S latitudes will be 12
hours because on March 21st, the sun shines vertically over the equator and so the
length of day and night is equal all over the world.

Question 20
What is the relationship of seasons between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Answer

The northern and southern hemispheres always experience opposite seasons. This is
because due to the tilted axis of the earth, the north pole remains inclined
towards the sun for a part of the year while the south pole is tilted away. For the
remaining part of the year, the situation is reversed.

Question 21
How is the duration of twilight influenced by seasons?

Answer

The duration of twilight is influenced by seasons because it is related to the

angle at which the Earth's axis tilts towards the Sun, which changes as the Earth
orbits around the Sun throughout the year.

In summer, the Sun sets at a shallower angle, causing longer periods of twilight.
The twilight period is defined as the time between sunset and when the Sun is 18°
below the horizon. Since the angle of the Sun's descent is more gradual in summer,
it takes longer for it to reach the 18° mark, resulting in longer periods of
twilight.

In winter, the Sun sets at a steeper angle, causing it to reach the 18° mark more
quickly, resulting in shorter periods of twilight.

Question 22
How has the phenomenon of the 'Midnight Sun' come about?

Answer

During the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the rays of the sun fall
vertically on the Tropic of Cancer. The duration of sunlight increases from 12
hours at the equator to 13 hrs 27 minutes at 23 1/2° N and further to 24 hrs at 66
1/2° N. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the regions experience 24 hours daylight. This
phenomena is called the ‘Midnight Sun’ and it only takes place at the poles.

Question 23
Mention one effect of seasons in low and high latitudes.

Answer

The effect of seasons in low and high latitudes is distinct through various phases
of different seasons. Low latitude areas experience high temperature and get ample
rainfall while the high latitude areas are cold and receive less rainfall.

Tropical regions are always warm with heavy rainfall season, the temperate regions
are cold with scanty rainfall and the polar regions are covered with snow
throughout the year due to extremely low temperature.

Question 24
Draw a well labelled diagram to show changes in the altitude of the midday sun at
different times of the year.

Answer

Draw a well labelled diagram to show changes in the altitude of the midday sun at
different times of the year. Total Geography ICSE Class 9

chp 4
Short Answer Questions
Question 1
In which part of the earth is NIFE found? What is it composed of?

Answer

The core of the earth is called NIFE. It is composed of Nickel (Ni) and Iron (Fe).

Question 2
What are the consequences of the pressure and temperature in the interior of the
earth?

Answer

The temperature in the core ranges from 4400°C to about 6000°C. Pressure and
density increases towards the interior of the earth. The inner core is in solid
state due to high pressure and density which compresses the molten rock material.
Outer core is in liquid state as there is not enough pressure to keep it in a solid
state.

Question 3
How do the meteorites help scientists to know about the interior of the earth?

Answer

The earth is said to be constituted of the same materials as the meteorites. So,
scientists study meteorites to know more about the interior of the earth.

Question 4
What is the composition of the earth's crust?
Answer

The crust of the earth is a sphere of solid rocks. It is only 1% of earth's mass.
It is made up of rocks with large content of silicates, feldspar, mica etc.

The crust is divided into two broad divisions- SIAL and SIMA. SIAL is composed of
Silica and Aluminium while SIMA is composed of Silica and Magnesium.

Question 5
What is the lithosphere?

Answer

The crust of the earth is called lithosphere as it is a sphere of solid rocks with
a thickness of 60 km below high mountains and just 5-10 km below the oceans.

Question 6
Name the three layers of the earth's interior. Name their boundaries.

Answer

The three layers of the earth's interior are Core, Mantle and Crust.

The boundaries between the three layers of the earth's interior are:

Gutenberg Discontinuity — It lies between the mantle and the core.

Mohorovicic Discontinuity — It lies between the crust and the mantle.
Question 7
Describe the mantle. State its two chief characteristics.

Answer

Mantle lies below the crust. It makes up 84% of the earth's total volume. Mantle is
divided into two parts — the upper mantle and the lower mantle.

Two chief characteristics of mantle are-

Its average thickness is 2900 km.

The temperature varies between about 1000°C to around 3700°C.
Question 8
Where is asthenosphere found? In which form does it exist?

Answer

Asthenosphere is found at the depth of around 100-410 km. It exists in partially

molten form.

Question 9
Write one difference between Moho Discontinuity and Gutenberg Discontinuity.

Answer

Moho Discontinuity Gutenberg Discontinuity

Moho Discontinuity is the boundary between crust and mantle. Gutenberg
Discontinuity is the boundary between mantle and core.
Question 10
Why is the earth's interior in most part found in a solid state despite great heat
and pressure?
Answer

The solid state of the inner core is due to high density and pressure which have
compressed molten rock material.

chp5
Short Answer Questions
Question 1
What is meant by a landform? Give two examples.

Answer

A landform is a natural feature on the surface of the earth. For example-

mountains, plateaus.

Question 2
Why are the fold mountains called so?

Answer

Fold mountains are the result of large scale earth movements caused by stresses in
the earth’s crust. Such stresses may be caused by weight of the overlying rocks,
movements in the mantle, the expansion or contraction of some part of the earth,
etc. These stresses subject the rocks to compressive forces, producing wrinkling or
folding along the lines of weakness. Hence, these mountains are called fold
mountains.

Question 3
Give two chief characteristics of the fold mountains.

Answer

Two chief characteristics of the fold mountains are-

The fold mountain system has parallel ranges.

A fold mountain region is also a region of sudden forces such as of volcanoes and
earthquakes.
Question 4
Give one example of each:

(a) Young fold mountain.

(b) Old fold mountain.

Answer

(a) Young fold mountain - The Himalayas

(b) Old fold mountain - The Aravallis

Question 5
Give one example of residual mountain and an example of depositional plain.

Answer

An example of residual mountain - Nilgiri mountains

An example of depositional plain - Northern plains of India

Question 6
Draw a well labelled diagram to show the formation of a residual mountain.
Answer

Draw a well labelled diagram to show the formation of residual mountain. Earth's
Landforms, Total Geography ICSE Class 9.
Question 7
How is a rift valley formed? Give one example of a rift valley.

Answer

If there are two parallel faults, the valley floor may sink and a rift valley is
formed. For example- African Rift Valley.

Question 8
Give a brief definition of a plateau.

Answer

Plateau is defined as an area of high ground, 500 feet above the ground level.
Plateaus have steep slope on one side. The upper part is generally flat and is
called tableland.

Question 9
What is an intermontane plateau? Give one example.

Answer

The plateaus surrounded by hills and mountains on all sides are called intermontane
plateaus. For example- Tibetan plateau.

Question 10
Give two points of importance of landforms.

Answer

The importance of landforms are-

The mountain ranges of the world are the abode of snow and glaciers. They are thus
the source of perennial rivers.
Mountains, plateaus, plains and valleys are beautiful sculptures of nature on the
surface of the earth. They add to the beauty of the earth.

chp6
Short Answer Questions
Question 1
State two points of distinction between rocks and minerals.

Answer

Rocks Minerals
Rocks are aggregates of mineral elements. Minerals are solid inorganic substances
occurring naturally.
A rock has no definite chemical composition. Minerals have a definite chemical
composition.
Question 2
Name any three elements of the earth's crust.

Answer

Three elements of the earth's crust are iron, silicon and aluminium.
Question 3
Name three types of rocks.

Answer

Three types of rocks are-

Igneous rocks
Sedimentary rocks
Metamorphic rocks
Question 4
Give two differences between Extrusive Igneous and Intrusive Igneous rocks.

Answer

Extrusive Igneous rocks Intrusive Igneous rocks

They are formed by the cooling of molten magma on the earth's surface. They are
formed when magma solidifies within the earth's crust.
These rocks are smooth, crystalline and fine grained. These rocks are coarse
textured, hard rocks with large crystals.
For example- Basalt For example- Granite
Question 5
Name any two characteristics of Igneous Rocks.

Answer

Two characteristics of Igneous Rocks are-

They are hard and compact.

They are formed by solidification of molten magma.
Question 6
State two characteristics of Basic Igneous Rocks.

Answer

Two characteristics of Basic Igneous Rocks are-

They have higher percentage of oxides of denser elements and silica content varies
between 40 to 60 percent.
It is heavy and dark in colour.
Question 7
Name two important landforms made by Igneous Rocks.

Answer

Two important landforms made by Igneous Rocks are lava sheets and lava plateaus.

Question 8
What are Sills? Give an example.

Answer

Sometimes magma flows between layers of rocks horizontally. It then hardens there.
This layer of intrusive rock is called sill. For example- Archuleta Mesa in
southern Colorado.

Question 9
Which rocks are associated with ores of metals and which rocks are associated with
fossil fuels?

Answer

Igneous rocks are associated with ores of metals and sedimentary rocks are
associated with fossil fuels.

Question 10
Mention any two characteristics of Sedimentary Rocks.

Answer

Two characteristics of Sedimentary Rocks are-

Sedimentary rocks are formed from materials derived from other rocks. They may also
have plant and animal remains. These rocks may thus contain fossils.
Sedimentary rocks are generally soft and layered as they are formed by deposition
of sediments.
Question 11
Name the rocks which are most widespread on the earth. Give two examples of
Sedimentary Rocks.

Answer

Sedimentary rocks are most widespread on the earth. Examples of sedimentary rocks
are Gypsum and sand stone.

Question 12
Name the three stages of lithification of Sedimentary rocks.

Answer

The three stages of lithification of Sedimentary rocks are-

Evaporation
Compaction
Cementation
Question 13
Name the types of Sedimentary rocks based on agents of formation.

Answer

The types of Sedimentary rocks based on agents of formation are-

Riverine rocks
Lacustrine rocks
Glacial rocks
Aeolian rocks
Marine rocks
Question 14
Which agents are responsible for deposition of sediments?

Answer

The main agents responsible for deposition of sediments are water, wind and ice.

Question 15
What are known as metamorphic rocks? Give two examples.
Answer

Metamorphic rocks are formed by complete change of texture and composition of pre-
existing rocks through volcanism and diastrophism. For example, slate is formed
from clay and graphite from coal.

Question 16
Briefly define Mechanical Metamorphism.

Answer

Mechanical metamorphism is the mechanical transformation of pre-existing rocks, in

which texture of rocks is changed by crushing and rubbing processes associated with
heat and compression created by mechanical action.