Class 9 SST Understanding Society india and beyond chapter 2 Shaping of the Earth's Surface

Questions and activities

1. What are the sources of energy that are required to cause movements associated with the internal forces of the Earth?

2. Relate various physiographic divisions you have studied in the earlier grades with various endogenic forces responsible for their origin.

3. Why and where do earthquakes occur frequently? Is it possible to predict earthquakes?

4. "Plate movements are responsible for the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes." Explain.

5. Draw and label a diagram of a meander and a delta.

6. How are deforestation and erosion associated with each other. Explain.

7. Develop a plan to protect the land in your local area frop erosion.

8. Which disasters do you think you might experience in your region? Discuss a mitigation plan in your classroom.

9. Prepare a model of landforms created by underground water.

10. What precautionary measures will you take if you are staying i an earthquake-prone region?

11. Prepare a map showing landform-associated disasters tha happened in the current calendar year.

12. Create a poster showing landforms that are considered to be sacred or important in your region, and add the folk storie associated with them.

13. Document a case of a disaster that hit your region in the past, highlighting its effects on various human activities.

14. Translate the given poster on landslide into your native language and display it in your home.

15. Divide the class into three groups. Each group will work on one project (water, wind, and glacier). The project should highlight the causes, impact on human life and the environment, and mitigation measures.

Answers

1. What are the sources of energy that are required to cause movements associated with the internal forces of the Earth?

Answer: The energy for the Earth's internal movements comes mainly from:

Heat left inside the Earth since its formation.

Heat produced by the radioactive decay of elements such as uranium, thorium, and potassium inside the Earth.

This internal heat drives the movement of tectonic plates, causing earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.

2. Relate various physiographic divisions you have studied in the earlier grades with various endogenic forces responsible for their origin.

Physiographic Division

Endogenic Force Responsible

Himalayas

Fold mountain formation due to the collision of tectonic plates

Peninsular Plateau

Uplift and volcanic activity

Rift Valleys

Faulting caused by tectonic movements

Deccan Plateau

Extensive volcanic eruptions (lava flows)

3. Why and where do earthquakes occur frequently? Is it possible to predict earthquakes?

Answer:

Earthquakes occur due to the sudden movement of tectonic plates along faults.

They occur most frequently along plate boundaries, especially around the Pacific Ring of Fire.

In India, earthquake-prone regions include the Himalayan region, Northeast India, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

No, earthquakes cannot be predicted accurately with the current level of scientific knowledge. Scientists can identify earthquake-prone areas but cannot predict the exact time and place of an earthquake.

4. "Plate movements are responsible for the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes." Explain.

Answer: Tectonic plates are constantly moving. Their movement causes:

Earthquakes when plates collide, separate, or slide past each other, releasing energy.

Volcanoes when magma rises through cracks formed at plate boundaries, especially at convergent and divergent boundaries.

Therefore, most earthquakes and volcanoes are concentrated along the boundaries of tectonic plates.

6. How are deforestation and erosion associated with each other? Explain.

Answer: Deforestation removes trees whose roots bind the soil together. Without vegetation, the soil becomes loose and is easily carried away by wind and water. Thus, deforestation increases soil erosion, reduces soil fertility, and can also lead to floods and landslides.

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7. Develop a plan to protect the land in your local area from erosion.

Answer:

Plant more trees and grasses.

Avoid unnecessary cutting of forests.

Build check dams and embankments where needed.

Practise contour farming on slopes.

Prevent overgrazing by animals.

Spread awareness about soil conservation.

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8. Which disasters do you think you might experience in your region? Discuss a mitigation plan in your classroom.

Answer (Example): Possible disasters: Floods, earthquakes, heatwaves, and air pollution.

Mitigation plan:

Prepare an emergency kit.

Follow disaster warnings.

Conduct regular evacuation drills.

Plant trees and keep drainage systems clean.

Learn first aid and emergency response.

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9. Prepare a model of landforms created by underground water.

Answer: A model can include:

Caves

Stalactites

Stalagmites

Sinkholes

Use clay, cardboard, and colours to label each feature.

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10. What precautionary measures will you take if you are staying in an earthquake-prone region?

Answer:

Construct earthquake-resistant buildings.

Secure heavy furniture to walls.

Keep an emergency kit ready.

During an earthquake, Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Stay away from windows and electric poles.

Follow official evacuation instructions.

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11. Prepare a map showing landform-associated disasters that happened in the current calendar year.

Activity Answer: On an outline map of India, mark examples such as:

Himachal Pradesh – Landslides

Assam – Floods

Uttarakhand – Landslides

Sikkim – Flash floods

Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Earthquakes (if reported)

(Label the locations with the disaster name.)

12. Create a poster showing landforms that are considered sacred or important in your region, and add the folk stories associated with them.

Sample Poster Content:

Sacred Landforms of Our Region

🌄 Hills – Believed to be the abode of local deities.

🌊 River – Worshipped as the source of life.

🌳 Sacred Grove – Protected because of traditional beliefs.

Message: "Protect Nature, Preserve Our Heritage."

13. Document a case of a disaster that hit your region in the past, highlighting its effects on various human activities.

Example: Disaster: Floods in Delhi (2023)

Effects:

Roads and houses were flooded.

Schools and markets remained closed.

Transport services were disrupted.

Crops and businesses suffered losses.

Thousands of people were temporarily displaced.

14. Translate the given poster on landslide into your native language and display it in your home.

Example (Hindi):

भूस्खलन से बचाव

भारी वर्षा के दौरान ढलानों से दूर रहें।

प्रशासन की चेतावनियों का पालन करें।

सुरक्षित स्थान पर जाएँ।

आपातकालीन सामग्री तैयार रखें।

पेड़ लगाएँ और पर्यावरण की रक्षा करें।

15. Divide the class into three groups. Each group will work on one project (water, wind, and glacier). The project should highlight the causes, impact on human life and the environment, and mitigation measures.

Group Topic Points to Cover

Group 1 Water Causes of floods and erosion, impacts on people and the environment, flood control and water conservation

Group 2 Wind Causes of wind erosion and storms, effects on agriculture and settlements, planting shelter belts and afforestation

Group 3 Glacier Formation and melting of glaciers, impacts of climate change, conservation and disaster preparedness