Class 10 Social Science Previous Year Questions - Resources and Development

Ans: Two problems of global ecology due to indiscriminate resource use are:

1. Deforestation: The indiscriminate use of forest resources, such as excessive logging for timber, fuel, or agricultural land, leads to deforestation. This disrupts ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and destroys habitats for numerous species. Forests act as carbon sinks, and their loss accelerates climate change by increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. It also affects soil fertility and water cycles, leading to long-term ecological damage.
2. Global Warming: Overuse of fossil fuels for energy and industrial activities releases large amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This contributes to global warming, causing rising temperatures, melting polar ice, and extreme weather patterns. These changes disrupt ecosystems, affect agricultural productivity, and threaten human and animal survival, making it a significant global ecological issue.

Ans: The overuse of groundwater is a serious threat to sustainable development due to depletion, ecological imbalance, and socio-economic impacts.
Sustainable development emphasizes meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs. Overuse of groundwater, particularly in agriculture-heavy states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, threatens this principle in several ways:

1. Depletion of Groundwater Levels: Excessive extraction for irrigation, industry, and domestic use has led to rapidly declining water tables. In many regions, groundwater levels have dropped significantly, making it harder to access water, especially during dry seasons. This jeopardizes future water availability.
2. Ecological Imbalance: Over-extraction disrupts the hydrological cycle, reducing water availability in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. This affects aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity, as wetlands dry up and soil moisture decreases, leading to land degradation.
3. Socio-Economic Impacts: Farmers relying on groundwater for irrigation face challenges as wells dry up, increasing costs for deeper drilling or alternative sources. This can lead to reduced agricultural productivity, threatening food security and livelihoods, which are critical for sustainable development.
4. Long-Term Unsustainability: Without replenishment through measures like rainwater harvesting, groundwater depletion is irreversible in some areas, threatening future generations' access to water.
   To ensure sustainability, practices like efficient irrigation (drip or sprinkler systems), rainwater harvesting, and regulating groundwater extraction are essential to balance current needs with long-term resource availability.

Ans: The statement is true as different categories of people have diverse development goals based on their socio-economic conditions, priorities, and needs.
Development goals vary across groups due to differences in their circumstances and aspirations:

1. Economic Groups: Wealthy individuals or industrialists may prioritize infrastructure development, industrial growth, and economic profitability. In contrast, poor farmers or laborers may seek basic needs like access to food, clean water, and employment opportunities. For example, a farmer may want irrigation facilities, while an industrialist may advocate for better transport networks.
2. Social Groups: Marginalized communities, such as tribal groups, may focus on preserving their cultural heritage and access to land, while urban populations may prioritize modern amenities like healthcare and education.
3. Environmental Perspectives: Environmentalists emphasize sustainable development through resource conservation, while developers may prioritize rapid urbanization, sometimes at the cost of environmental degradation.
4. Regional Differences: People in arid regions like Rajasthan may prioritize water conservation, while those in flood-prone areas like Assam may focus on flood control measures.
   These differing goals highlight the need for inclusive planning to balance competing interests, ensuring equitable development that addresses diverse needs while promoting sustainability.

Ans: Planning is essential for the judicious use of resources to ensure their sustainable utilization and equitable distribution.

1. Sustainable Utilization: Resources like water, forests, and minerals are finite or take a long time to replenish. Planning helps regulate their use to prevent depletion. For example, planned irrigation systems reduce water wastage, ensuring long-term availability.
2. Equitable Distribution: Planning ensures resources are distributed fairly among different regions and communities, addressing disparities. For instance, resource planning can prioritize water supply to drought-prone areas, promoting balanced development.
   Without planning, overexploitation and unequal access can lead to resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and social conflicts, undermining sustainable development.

Ans: Planning is crucial for the judicious use of resources to ensure their sustainable and equitable utilization.

1. Prevents Overexploitation: Resource planning involves assessing the availability and demand for resources like water, minerals, and forests, ensuring they are used sustainably. For example, planned mining prevents depletion of mineral reserves.
2. Promotes Equitable Distribution: Planning allocates resources to address regional and social disparities, ensuring access to essentials like water and electricity for all communities, thus supporting balanced development.
   Without planning, resources may be misused or exhausted, leading to environmental degradation and inequality, undermining sustainable development.

Ans: Two measures to solve land degradation are:

1. Afforestation
2. Proper Irrigation Techniques
3. Afforestation: Planting trees helps prevent soil erosion by stabilizing soil with roots and reducing the impact of wind and water. Trees also improve soil fertility by adding organic matter through fallen leaves, combating land degradation caused by deforestation or overgrazing.
4. Proper Irrigation Techniques: Using efficient irrigation methods like drip or sprinkler irrigation reduces waterlogging and soil salinization, common causes of land degradation in agricultural areas. These techniques ensure optimal water use, preserving soil structure and fertility.

Ans: (c) (a) is true, but (R) is false.

• Assertion (a): India has enormous potential for solar energy production due to its geographic location near the equator, receiving abundant sunlight throughout the year, especially in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Reason (R): This is false because most of India falls under the tropical zone, not the cold zone, characterized by high temperatures and ample sunlight, which supports solar energy production.
  Since the reason is incorrect, option C is the correct choice.

Ans: Two features of arid soils are:

1. Low Moisture Content
2. High Salt Content
3. Low Moisture Content: Arid soils, found in dry regions like Rajasthan, have low water retention due to high evaporation rates and limited rainfall. This makes them less fertile and challenging for agriculture without irrigation.
4. High Salt Content: Due to excessive evaporation, salts accumulate on the surface, leading to salinization. This affects soil fertility and restricts plant growth, requiring specific management practices like leaching to improve usability.

Ans: Two features of forest soils are:

1. Rich in Organic Matter
2. Variable Texture
3. Rich in Organic Matter: Forest soils, found in forested areas, are enriched with decomposed leaves, plants, and animal remains, making them high in humus. This enhances fertility, supporting diverse vegetation.
4. Variable Texture: The texture of forest soils varies depending on the region, ranging from loamy in deciduous forests to sandy or clayey in others. This variability affects water retention and nutrient availability, influencing the type of vegetation.

Ans: (c) Black soil

Black soil, also known as regur soil, is formed by the weathering of volcanic rocks, particularly basalt. It is rich in minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum, making it highly fertile and suitable for crops like cotton.

• Laterite soil forms in hot, wet conditions through leaching, not volcanic rock.
• Alluvial soil is deposited by rivers and is not primarily volcanic in origin.
• Desert soil is found in arid regions and lacks the mineral richness of black soil.

Thus, black soil is the correct answer.

Ans: Equitable distribution of resources ensures fair access to essentials, promoting sustainable development and improved quality of life.

1. Reduces Inequality: Equitable distribution ensures that resources like water, food, and energy are accessible to all, reducing disparities between rich and poor or urban and rural areas. For example, providing irrigation facilities to remote villages supports agricultural livelihoods.
2. Sustains Resources for Future: Fair distribution prevents overexploitation by affluent groups, preserving resources for future generations. For instance, regulating groundwater use ensures long-term water availability, enhancing quality of life.
   This approach fosters social harmony and sustainable development, critical for human well-being.

Ans: Two characteristics of alluvial soil are:

1. High Fertility: Alluvial soil, deposited by rivers, is rich in nutrients like potash, phosphoric acid, and lime, making it highly fertile and ideal for agriculture, especially for crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
2. Fine Texture: It consists of fine particles like silt and clay, which enhance water retention and make it suitable for intensive farming. The texture varies from sandy loam in upper regions to clayey in lower regions.

Ans: Alluvial soil is characterized by high fertility, fine texture, wide distribution, varied composition, and ease of cultivation.

1. High Fertility: Alluvial soil is rich in nutrients like potash, phosphoric acid, and lime, deposited by rivers, making it ideal for crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses.
2. Fine Texture: Composed of fine particles like silt and clay, it has good water retention, supporting intensive agriculture. The texture varies from sandy loam in upper regions to clayey in deltas.
3. Wide Distribution: Found in northern plains, river valleys, and deltas (e.g., Ganga-Brahmaputra delta), covering about 40% of India’s land area, making it the most widespread soil type.
4. Varied Composition: It is classified into older (Bangar) and newer (Khadar) alluvium. Khadar is more fertile due to annual flooding, while Bangar is less fertile but stable.
5. Ease of Cultivation: Its soft texture and nutrient richness make it easy to till, supporting diverse crops and contributing significantly to India’s agricultural productivity.

Ans: Two characteristics of laterite soil are:

1. Low Fertility: Laterite soil, formed under intense heat and heavy rainfall, undergoes leaching, which removes nutrients like silica, leaving it less fertile. It requires fertilizers for agriculture.
2. High Iron and Aluminum Content: Due to leaching, laterite soil is rich in iron and aluminum oxides, giving it a reddish color. This makes it suitable for crops like tea, coffee, and cashew with proper management.

Ans: Resource planning involves identification, allocation, and sustainable management, and it is critical in India to address resource scarcity and promote equitable development.

Stages of Resource Planning

1. Identification and Inventory: This involves surveying and mapping resources to assess their availability, quantity, and quality. For example, geological surveys identify mineral deposits, and land surveys determine soil types for agriculture.
2. Planning and Allocation: Developing strategies to allocate resources efficiently based on regional needs and development goals. This includes deciding which areas need irrigation or industrial resources to balance growth.
3. Sustainable Management: Implementing policies for sustainable use, such as afforestation, water conservation, and regulating mining, to prevent depletion and ensure resources for future generations.

Need in India 

1. Resource Scarcity and Overuse: India faces challenges like groundwater depletion and deforestation due to population pressure and economic growth. Planning ensures sustainable use to prevent exhaustion.
2. Equitable Development: With diverse regions and socio-economic disparities, planning ensures resources are distributed fairly, addressing needs in rural and urban areas, promoting balanced growth.

Resource planning is vital for sustainable development, ensuring India’s resources meet current and future demands equitably.

Ans: (b) Non-Ferrous - Nickel
(a) Ferrous - Natural Gas: This is incorrect. Ferrous refers to metals that contain iron, such as iron and steel. Natural gas is a fossil fuel, not a metal, so this pair is not correctly matched.
(b) Non-Ferrous - Nickel: This is correct. Non-ferrous metals are those that do not contain iron. Nickel is a non-ferrous metal, often used in making alloys like stainless steel, so this is the correctly matched pair.
(c) Non-Metallic Minerals - Limestone: This is incorrect. Non-metallic minerals are minerals that do not have metallic properties. Limestone is indeed a non-metallic mineral, but it's typically classified under building materials rather than a generic category like non-metallic minerals. However, it's not the best answer in this list.
(d) Energy Minerals – Cobalt: This is incorrect. Energy minerals are minerals used for energy production, like coal, oil, and natural gas. Cobalt is a metal used in alloys and electronics, not primarily as an energy mineral.
So, the correct pair is (b) Non-Ferrous - Nickel.

Ans: There are two ways to address the issue of land degradation:
(1) Planting more trees and managing grazing activity can both help to some extent.
(2) In arid regions, planting plant shelter belts and stabilising sand dunes with thorny bushes are two of the most effective techniques.
(3) In industrial and suburban areas, wasteland management,  control of mining activity, and control of industrial effluent disposal and discharge will all help to lessen land degradation.

Ans: (c)

(I) Biological matches with 2. Wildlife because wildlife includes living organisms, which are biological resources.

(II) Renewable matches with 3. Solar Energy since solar energy can be replenished naturally and is sustainable.

(III) Non-renewable matches with 1. Coal because coal is a fossil fuel that cannot be replaced once used.

Ans: (a)
Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of fine particles such as silt, clay, and sand carried by rivers and streams. The Gangetic plain, which includes regions around the Ganges and its tributaries, is known for having extensive deposits of alluvial soil. This type of soil is fertile and supports agriculture, making it suitable for the cultivation of various crops.
On the other hand, the other options do not represent accurate soil-geography matches:
(b) Black Soil is commonly found in the Deccan Plateau, not the Himalayan Region.
(c) Arid Soil is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, not in the Western Ghats.
(d) Laterite Soil is often found in tropical regions with high rainfall and temperature, such as parts of the Western Ghats, but it is not associated with desert areas.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Alluvial Soil - Gangetic plain.

Ans: (a)
(a) Alluvial Soil consists of sand, silt, and clay, as it is formed by the deposition of sediments carried by rivers and streams. This type of soil is typically fertile and well-drained, making it suitable for agriculture.
(b) Black Soil is characterised by its high clay content, not high salt content. It is known for its moisture retention and nutrient richness, including calcium carbonate and potash.
(c) Arid Soil is associated with arid and semi-arid regions and is characterized by low organic content and high salinity, but the diffusion of iron in crystalline is not a defining characteristic of arid soil.
(d) Laterite Soil is formed through the weathering of rocks and typically contains high amounts of iron and aluminum oxides. It is not directly made up of lava flows.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Alluvial Soil - Consist of sand and silt.

Ans: (d)

Equitable distribution of resources is essential for effective resource development.

• It ensures that all communities benefit from available resources.
• Without equity, some regions may remain underdeveloped despite having resources.
• Fair distribution helps in reducing economic disparities.

Ans: (a)
 Overgrazing is the main cause of land degradation in states like, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat

Ans: (a)
 Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is complete leaving deep scars and traces of overburdening. This is a major cause of land degradation in Odisha.

Ans: (a)
 Deforestation has contributed most in land degradation. It makes the soil infertile for any use therefore it causes droughts and land pollutions.

Ans: (a)
Indian farmers should diversify their cropping pattern from cereals to high-value crops. This will increase income and reduce environmental degradation simultaneously. Because fruits, medicinal herbs, flowers, vegetables, bio-diesel crops like jatropha and jojoba need much less irrigation than rice or sugarcane. India’s diverse climate can be harnessed to grow ranges of high-value crops.

Ans: (c)
Arid soil is red to brown in colour and saline in nature. It is sandy in texture and lacks humus and moisture.

Ans: (c)
Running water leads to the maximum soil erosion in plains. It is of different types like gully erosion and sheet erosion.

Ans: Both (a) & (d)

Overgrazing is a significant cause of land degradation in several states. The states primarily affected include:

• Maharashtra
• Madhya Pradesh
• Rajasthan
• Gujarat

These areas experience severe land degradation due to excessive grazing by livestock.

Ans: (d)  Industrial waste
Industrial waste is a significant contributor to water pollution. It introduces harmful substances into water bodies through improper disposal.

Ans: (d) Decreases the fertility of soil
Over-irrigation leads to land degradation by (d) decreasing the fertility of soil through leaching away essential nutrients.

Ans: (d) Mining
The main reason for 'land degradation' in Jharkhand is (d) Mining.

Ans: (d)
The problems of resource development include:
(a) Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of a few individuals: This leads to unsustainable resource use.
(b) Accumulation of resources in a few hands: This creates inequality and limits access for the broader population.
(c) Indiscriminate exploitation of resources: This results in environmental degradation and resource depletion.
However, (d) An equitable distribution of resources is not a problem; rather, it is a solution or goal for fair and sustainable resource development. Equitable distribution ensures that resources are accessible to all and are used responsibly.
Thus, the correct answer is (d) An equitable distribution of resources.

Ans: (A) - Renewable (B) - Non-renewable

Ans: (A) - Fishery, Water (B) - Water, Fossil fuels

Ans: (A) - Community owned resources (B) - Individual resource

Ans: The importance of judicious use of resources includes:

• Sustainability: It helps maintain the availability of resources for future generations.
• Limited Availability: Resources are finite and must be used wisely.
• Development: Resources are essential for any developmental activities.

Ans: The different steps of resource planning are:
(i) Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country.
(ii) Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and institutional set-up.
(iii) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.

Ans: Resource planning is crucial for the sustainable existence of all forms of life. It plays a key role in managing resources effectively. 
Here are some important points:

• Identification of Resources: Resource planning helps to identify various resources available in different regions.
• Reducing Waste: It aids in minimising the wastage of resources, ensuring they are used efficiently.
• Equal Distribution: It promotes fair distribution of resources, especially in areas facing shortages.

Ans: 33%

According to India's National Forest Policy, it is desirable to have 33% of the geographical area under forest cover to maintain ecological balance. This target aims to ensure environmental stability, preserve biodiversity, and support sustainable development.

Ans: Ways to solve the problem of land degradation in Himalayan region.
(i) Afforestation is the solution for any kind of land degradation.
(ii) Proper management of grazing. It is the one of the main reasons of land degradation in hilly areas.
(iii) Adopting terrace farming in hilly areas, as it increase water retention capacity of soil.

Ans: Laterite soil

Develops in high rainfall areas: Laterite soil forms in regions with heavy rainfall and high temperatures, which accelerate the process of leaching.

Intense leaching process takes place: Due to heavy rainfall, soluble minerals are washed away, leaving the soil poor in essential nutrients.

Humus content is low: The leaching process also reduces the organic content in the soil, resulting in low humus.

These characteristics are typical of Laterite soil, which is commonly found in parts of India with tropical monsoon climates, such as Kerala, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra.

Ans: Tea, coffee, and cashew nut are the main commercial crops that thrive in laterite soil.

• Tea is widely cultivated in regions with suitable rainfall.
• Coffee grows well in the hilly areas of Karnataka and Kerala.
• Cashew nut is primarily found in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Ans: Sustainable economic development means development that is viable keeping the requirements of both the present and future generations in mind. 
(1) It is a development that doesn’t compromise with the environment, provides equal opportunities to grow, utilise resources for both the present and upcoming generations. 
(2) The issue of sustainability is important for development because without the same, man will use resources without care, destroying the environment, preventing all chances of survival and development in future. 
(3) If not for sustainability, people would start exploiting finitely available resources and end up finishing them soon, thus destroying Earth’s balance

Ans: The importance of judicious use of resources are : 
(1) Multiple environmental and socioeconomic problems may arise if resources are used in an indiscriminate manner. 
(2) Most of the resources are non-renewable. The continuous usage of these resources may result in exhaustion of the resources. This may stunt development and growth of the people. 
(3) It will enhance the status of a person and would not impede development in general for future generations. They have to be used with caution.

Ans: Arid soil is characterised by the following features:

• Ranges in colour from red to brown.
• Generally has a sandy texture and is saline.
• Lacks humus and moisture.

This type of soil is typically found in dry regions and can be made cultivable with proper irrigation.

Ans: Over irrigation in Punjab leads to significant land degradation through the following processes:

• Water logging: Excessive irrigation saturates the soil, preventing proper drainage.
• Increased salinity: Water logging raises the salt concentration in the soil, harming plant growth.
• Alkalinity issues: The accumulation of alkaline substances further reduces soil fertility.

These factors collectively lower the soil's fertility, making it less suitable for agriculture.

Ans: Grinding and crushing of limestone for the cement industry generate a large amount of dust. As the dust settles down on the soil it reduces the process of infiltration of water into the soil.

Ans: Contour ploughing is a vital agricultural practice that involves tilling sloped land along lines of consistent elevation. 
Its importance includes:

• Water conservation: Helps to retain rainwater, reducing runoff.
• Soil erosion reduction: Minimises soil loss from surface erosion.
• Improved crop yield: Enhances soil moisture retention, benefiting crops.

By following the natural contours of the land, contour ploughing effectively slows down water flow, preventing erosion and promoting sustainable farming.

Ans: Laterite soil is the most suitable type for growing cashew nuts. 
Key characteristics include:

• Develops in tropical and subtropical climates.
• Forms due to intense leaching from heavy rainfall.
• Typically deep and acidic (pH < 6.0).
• Commonly found in southern states, especially in the Western Ghats.
• Rich in humus where vegetation is dense; otherwise, it can be nutrient-poor.

In regions like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, red laterite soils are particularly favourable for cashew cultivation.

Ans: Alluvial soil is the most widely spread and significant type of soil in India.

• It covers the entire northern plains, formed by deposits from three major Himalayan river systems: the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra.
• Alluvial soil also extends into Rajasthan and Gujarat through a narrow corridor.
• In the eastern coastal plains, it is found particularly in the deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.

This soil is known for its high fertility, making it ideal for growing crops like:

• Sugarcane
• Paddy
• Wheat
• Other cereals and pulses

Regions with alluvial soil are often intensively cultivated and densely populated due to their agricultural productivity.

Ans: Alluvial soil is a significant type of soil found in India, characterised by the following features:

• Widespread Presence: Alluvial soil is the most important and widely distributed soil type across India.
• Fertility: It contains essential nutrients like potash, phosphoric acid, and lime, making it ideal for crops such as sugarcane, paddy, and wheat.
• High Productivity: Regions with alluvial soil are highly fertile, leading to intensive cultivation and dense populations. In drier areas, the soil can be treated and irrigated to enhance productivity.

Ans: Black soil has several important features:

• Composition: It consists of very fine, clayey material.
• Moisture retention: This soil is known for its ability to hold moisture effectively.
• Nutrient-rich: It contains essential nutrients like calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime.
• Aeration: During hot weather, it develops deep cracks, which aids in soil aeration.

Ans: (b)

Cultivable wasteland refers to land that has the potential for cultivation but has not been farmed for at least five years. 
Key points include:

• This land may be fallow or overgrown with shrubs, making it currently unused for agriculture.
• With appropriate efforts, it can be converted into productive agricultural land.
• Therefore, uncultivated land can be considered an example of cultivable wasteland if it has the potential for farming.

Ans: Contour ploughing is essential for maintaining soil health and preventing erosion. 
Here are its key benefits:

• Reduces soil erosion caused by wind and water.
• Helps retain moisture in the soil, promoting better crop growth.
• Improves soil structure, making it more fertile.
• Minimises runoff, allowing water to soak into the ground.

By following the natural contours of the land, contour ploughing effectively slows down water flow and protects the soil.

Ans: Mining activities are responsible for land degradation in Jharkhand due to several factors:

• Mining sites are often abandoned after excavation, leaving behind deep scars on the landscape.
• This abandonment leads to significant land disruption and loss of vegetation.
• Deforestation caused by mining further exacerbates the problem, contributing to severe land degradation.

Ans: The importance of judicious use of resources are: 
(1) Multiple environmental and socioeconomic problems may arise if resources are used in an indiscriminate manner. 
(2) Most of the resources are non-renewable. The continuous usage of these resources may result in exhaustion of the resources. This may stunt development and growth of the people. 
(3) It will enhance the status of a person and would not impede development in general for future generations. They have to be used with caution.

Ans: Resources can be categorised on the basis of origin:

• Abiotic resources: These are non-living elements, including land, water, air, and minerals.
• Biotic resources: These come from the biosphere and include living things such as humans, plants, and animals.

Ans: Sustainable development is crucial for development of a country as it: 
(1) Promotes use of renewable resources like solar energy, tidal energy, etc. 
(2) Puts a check on over usage of resources. 
(3) Promotes protection and conservation of resources for future generation

Ans: Three stages of Resource Planning in India are as given below:
(a) Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country. This involves surveying, mapping and qualitative and quantitative estimation and measurement of resources.
(b) Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and institutional set up for implementing resource development plans.
(c) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.

Ans: 

The three stages of resource planning in India are:

• Identification and inventory of resources: This includes surveying, mapping, and estimating the resources available across the country.
• Planning structure: Developing a framework that incorporates appropriate technology, skills, and institutions to implement resource development plans.
• Matching plans: Aligning resource development strategies with national development goals.

Resource planning is essential because:

• Resources are limited, so planning ensures their proper use and conservation for future generations.
• Resources are unevenly distributed across the country, necessitating careful planning.
• It helps in the production of resources and protects them from over-exploitation.

Ans: Arid Soil is commonly found in Western Rajasthan. 
Its two main characteristics that make it unsuitable for cultivation are:

• Sandy texture: The soil is primarily sandy, which leads to poor water retention.
• High salt content: It has a high level of salinity, making it difficult for most plants to grow.

Ans: Renewable: Replenished by nature e.g., crops and plants.
Non-renewable: Resources which get exhausted after years of use, e.g., crude oil.

Ans: Agenda 21 was adopted at first International Earth Summit held in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
The two principles are as follows:
(i) Combat environmental damage, poverty, and disease through global cooperation, focusing on common interests and shared responsibilities.
(ii) Each local government should create its own local Agenda 21.

Ans: (i) Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished after a short period of time are called renewable resources.
For example: agricultural crops, wind energy, water, forest, wildlife, etc.
(ii) Non-renewable Resources: Resources which take million years of time to replenish are called non-renewable resources.
For example: fossil fuels. We must remember that some resources like metals are recyclable.

Ans: Yes, there are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in some other resources.
(i) Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits.
(ii) Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water resources but lacks in infrastructural development.
(iii) Rajasthan is endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water resources.
(iv) Ladakh has rich cultural heritage but lacks in water resources and infrastructure.

Ans: Types of soil erosion:

• Gully erosion: This occurs when running water cuts through clayey soil, forming deep channels known as gullies. The affected land becomes unfit for cultivation and is referred to as badland or ravines.
• Sheet erosion: In this type, water flows as a sheet over large areas, washing away the topsoil.

Human activities causing soil erosion:

• Deforestation: The removal of trees leads to a loss of soil stability.
• Over-grazing: Excessive grazing by livestock can strip the land of vegetation.
• Mining: Excavation activities disturb the soil and leave it vulnerable to erosion.

Ans: Plains are the most widespread relief feature of India.

Ans: The problem of land degradation can be addressed through several effective measures:

• Afforestation: Planting trees to restore forest cover.
• Thorny bushes: Growing these in arid areas to combat desertification.
• Grazing management: Implementing proper practices on permanent pastures.
• Industrial waste disposal: Ensuring safe disposal of industrial waste.
• Shelter belts: Planting rows of trees to protect against wind erosion.
• Mining control: Regulating mining activities to prevent land damage.

Land Degradation

Ans: The important factors responsible for land degradation in India are as follows:
(i) Deforestation: By an estimate over one million hectares of forest is lost every year in India.
(ii) Erosion: Loss of vegetation cover makes land more susceptible to erosion. Wind and water have left vast tracts of land barren. Water erodes top soil to an extent of around 12,000 million tons per annum
(iii) Over-irrigation : Successive cropping and overirrigation, leads to water-logging and consequent salinisation and alkalisation. This situation mainly arises due to poor drainage.
(iv) Floods and Droughts : Drought is both man-made and environment-induced. Man has played a key role in the creation of drought-prone areas by over-exploitation of natural resources like forests, degradation by grazing, excessive withdrawal of ground water, silting of tanks, rivers, etc. Floods, on the other hand, are caused by heavy rains in a very short period. Each situation could have been altered had there been good vegetation cover. Vegetation helps in reducing run-off, increasing infiltration and reducing soil erosion.
(v) Over-grazing : India has the worlds largest cattle population, but not enough pasture land. This has led to serious problems as animals have encroached into forest lands and even agricultural lands. Land degradation due to over-grazing leads to desert like conditions.
(vi) Pollution : Pollution of land is caused by disposal of solid waste, leftover from domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors. Another major source of land pollution is the creation of derelict land due to mining particularly due to surface and underground mining activities.

Ans: Environmental degradation has far-reaching consequences that cross national and state boundaries. 
Here are some examples:

• Air Pollution: Emissions from factories in one country can affect air quality in neighbouring countries, leading to health issues.
• Water Contamination: Rivers that flow across borders can carry pollutants from one nation to another, impacting the health of communities downstream.
• Climate Change: Greenhouse gas emissions from one country contribute to global warming, affecting weather patterns and ecosystems worldwide.
• Deforestation: Logging activities in one region can lead to loss of biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems in adjacent areas, impacting wildlife and local communities.

These examples illustrate how environmental issues are interconnected and require cooperative international efforts for effective management.

Ans: 

• Colour: Arid soils vary from red to brown.
• Texture: They are typically sandy and saline.
• Evaporation: High temperatures lead to faster evaporation, resulting in low humus and moisture.
• Kankar: The soil often contains Kankar, a layer that forms due to calcium accumulation.
• Water Infiltration: The Kankar layer restricts the infiltration of water.

Ans: Soil is considered a resource for several reasons:

• Essential for survival: Soil is vital for fulfilling our basic needs.
• Renewable resource: It is the most important renewable natural resource.
• Supports plant growth: Soil serves as the medium for plants, containing both organic (humus) and inorganic materials.
• Habitat for organisms: It supports various living organisms on Earth.
• Foundation of life: Soil is fundamental to our existence.

Ans: The cement industry is responsible for land degradation in various ways:

• It generates a significant amount of dirt and dust that accumulates on the ground.
• This dust obstructs the infiltration of water into the soil.
• Consequently, it hampers proper percolation of water, which negatively impacts soil health.