30 important short questions with answers on Physical Geography, covering physiographic divisions, soil and vegetation, climate, and population, suitable for graduate students:

 What are the major physiographic divisions of India?

The major physiographic divisions of India are: The Himalayan Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.  

 Define the term "bhabar" in the context of Indian physiography.

The bhabar is a narrow belt of porous pebbles and gravels deposited by rivers descending from the Himalayas, resulting in the disappearance of most streams.

 What is the significance of the Western Ghats in influencing India's climate?

The Western Ghats act as a major barrier to the moisture-laden monsoon winds, causing orographic rainfall on their windward side and creating a rain shadow region on the leeward side.

 Explain the concept of "regur" soil.

Regur soil, also known as black cotton soil, is formed from the weathering of basaltic lava rocks. It is rich in iron, lime, calcium, and potash, and is well-known for its water-retention capacity.

 What are the key factors influencing the distribution of natural vegetation in India?

The key factors are climate (temperature and rainfall), topography, and soil characteristics.

 Differentiate between tropical evergreen and tropical deciduous forests.

Tropical evergreen forests thrive in regions with high rainfall and temperature throughout the year, maintaining their foliage. Tropical deciduous forests shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve moisture.

 What is the Coriolis effect, and how does it influence wind patterns?

The Coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects (like wind and ocean currents) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Earth's rotation.  

 Define the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

The ITCZ is a low-pressure zone near the equator where the northeast and southeast trade winds converge. It is characterized by rising air and significant convective rainfall.

 What are the main characteristics of the monsoon climate?

The monsoon climate is characterized by seasonal reversal of wind direction, distinct wet and dry seasons, and uneven distribution of rainfall in space and time.

 Explain the concept of "soil profile".

A soil profile is a vertical section of soil showing different horizons or layers, each with distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties.

 What is the role of humus in soil fertility?

Humus is the decomposed organic matter in soil. It improves soil structure, water retention capacity, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, thus enhancing soil fertility.

 What are the different types of natural vegetation found in the Himalayan region?

The Himalayan region exhibits a variety of vegetation types ranging from tropical deciduous forests in the foothills to temperate coniferous forests and alpine vegetation at higher altitudes, influenced by altitude and precipitation.

 What are the major causes of deforestation in India?

Major causes include agricultural expansion, urbanization, industrial development, mining, and overgrazing.

 Define "agro-climatic zones".

Agro-climatic zones are geographical divisions based on similar climate, soil type, and hydrological conditions, which are suitable for specific crop production strategies.

 What are the key features of the Indian population?

Key features include a large size and high density, rapid growth rate (though declining), youthful age structure, and significant regional variations in demographic characteristics.

 What is the difference between population density and population distribution?

Population density refers to the number of people living per unit area, while population distribution refers to the way people are spread across a given area.

 What are the main factors influencing population distribution in India?

Main factors include availability of water, climate, terrain, soil fertility, economic opportunities, and socio-cultural factors.

 Define the term "demographic transition".

Demographic transition is a model that describes the historical shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates in a population as a society develops economically and socially.  

 What are the different stages of demographic transition?

The stages are typically: Stage 1 (High stationary), Stage 2 (Early expanding), Stage 3 (Late expanding), Stage 4 (Low stationary), and sometimes Stage 5 (Declining).

 What is the significance of the Peninsular Plateau in terms of mineral resources?

The Peninsular Plateau is a storehouse of various metallic and non-metallic minerals due to its ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks.

 Explain the formation of the Northern Plains of India.

The Northern Plains were formed by the depositional work of three major river systems – the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra – and their tributaries, bringing down sediments from the Himalayas.

 What are the characteristics of alluvial soil?

Alluvial soil is fertile, light-textured to clayey, rich in potash and lime, and ideal for agriculture. It is formed by the deposition of sediments by rivers.

 What is social forestry?

Social forestry refers to the management and protection of forests and afforestation on barren and community lands with the involvement of local communities to meet their social, rural, and environmental needs.

 What is the role of jet streams in India's climate?

Jet streams are high-altitude westerly winds that influence the onset and withdrawal of the monsoon in India and also play a role in the occurrence of western disturbances during winter.

 What are the main characteristics of the tropical thorn forest vegetation?

Tropical thorn forests are found in regions with low rainfall and high temperatures. They consist of thorny and drought-resistant trees with long roots and small leaves to minimize transpiration.

 Define "carrying capacity" in the context of population geography.

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustainably support given the available resources and technology.

 What are the implications of a high dependency ratio?

A high dependency ratio (ratio of non-working population to working population) can put a strain on the economy as a smaller proportion of the population has to support a larger proportion of children and elderly people.

 What are the key objectives of India's National Forest Policy?

Key objectives include maintaining environmental stability, conserving natural heritage, increasing forest cover, meeting the needs of rural communities, and encouraging efficient utilization of forest produce.

 Differentiate between weathering and erosion.

Weathering is the breakdown of rocks in situ (at the same place), while erosion is the transportation of weathered material by agents like water, wind, and ice.

 What is the significance of the Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the context of India's physiography?

The Lakshadweep Islands are coral islands formed by the accumulation of coral reefs, while the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are largely volcanic in origin and represent a submerged extension of the Arakan Yoma mountain range.