Geography: 2006: CBSE: [Delhi]: Set – I

Deterministic approach was followed by F. Ratzel and E.C Semple in the study of human geography. This approach is also known as environmentalism. Two main characteristics of this approach are:

1. According to this approach man is a slave of environmental forces and man is totally influenced by the forces of nature. According to Semple, ‘man is a product of nature’.

2. This approach explains man as an insignificant and helpless creature before the natural forces.

The nature of mining in the world has undergone major changes over time. Some of the major changes are:  

1. In early days of the feudal period, mining was carried on mainly by labour from the prisons and slaves.

2. In the middle ages, mining was considered a noble profession.

3. In modern times, mining is no longer a major employer. Mechanisation and technological advancement has increased the efficiency and thus very less workforce is now required in this kind of activity.

The conditions of industrial development in India before the advent of industrial revolution in Europe were:  

1. India was industrially more developed before the advent of industrial revolution in Europe.
2. India’s handicrafts were prized in foreign countries.
3. Cotton textiles, pottery, bronze, metal articles and wares were famous throughout the world.

The main problems that are related to water resources are:  

1. Problems of Availability: Water resources are in excess in certain regions and deficit in others. The north eastern states of the country have excess water resources. On the other hand, dry areas of Rajasthan face acute shortage of water. Rainfall is concentrated in the short period of rainy season and the major part of the year remains dry.

2. Problems of Utilisation: About 90% of the towns are provided with potable water, and the quality and quantity of water is much below normal. Slums and squatter settlements are practically without any water supply. Rural areas are much worse off with respect to supply of potable water.

3. Problems of Quality: Quality of water is largely deteriorating throughout the country. It has been estimated that about three-fourths of the surface water in India is polluted. Most of the rivers in India are polluted. In fact, the water bodies for long have been treated as dumping grounds.

The three main reasons responsible for the location of sugar mills near the sugarcane producing regions in India are:  

1. Sugarcane is a weight-losing raw material and thus sugar mills are located near the sugarcane producing regions.

2. Sugarcane cannot be stored for long as the loss of sucrose content is inevitable.

3. Also sugarcane cannot be transported to long distances because any increase in transportation cost would raise the cost of production and sugarcane may dry on the way.

The three main reasons for the uneven distribution of roads in India are:  

1. Topography: In northern plains, the topography is very flat and even which favours the construction and maintenance of roads. The hilly and undulating terrain in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and in north eastern states, act as an obstacle in the construction and maintenance of the roads.

2. Density of Population: In fact in the Great Plains compact settlement is found. On the other hand in Himalayan Mountains, dispersed settlement is more common. Thus this encouraged laying of more roads in Great Plains to meet the higher demand of passengers.

3. Economic Development: The states having high concentration of industries also have high density of roads to facilitate movement of raw material from the source to the industries and of goods from the industries to the market.

8.1 Godavari River of peninsular India has the highest annual run-off. It is 119 bcm
8.2 The value of storage capacity is 17.27 bcm and usable water is 76 bcm.
8.3 This river has the highest usable water because this river is one of the longest and largest rivers of south India.

9.1 Lake Superior is the largest lake.
9.2 The approximate depth of this lake is 120 meters below sea level.
9.3 There is a difference of 131 mts. between Lake Huron and Lake St. Francis.

a. Four major regions of ranching are:  

(i)  Pampas in South America

(ii) Steppes in Europe

(iii) Prairies in North America; and

(iv) Downs in Australia.

b. Two important activities associated with ranching are:

1. In ranching, number of animals in a pasture are kept according to the carrying capacity of the pasture.

2. Rearing of animals in ranching is organised on a scientific basis. The main emphasis is on breeding, genetic improvement, disease control and health care of the animals.