Chapter 7 Geography of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

1. Answer the following questions :-

i. Explain the major physical divisions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh?

Ans:The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh are divided into the following physiographic regions:

I. Outer Plains: Fertile lowlands with rivers supporting thriving agriculture.

II. Shiwaliks: Young hills with rich biodiversity, serving as an ecological buffer zone.

III. Middle Himalayas: Scenic ranges with diverse landscapes, influencing regional climate.

IV. Valley of Kashmir: Picturesque valley, fertile soil, famous for saffron and apples.

V. Ladakh Region: High-altitude desert with a unique culture, popular for adventurous tourism.

ii. Name the areas of Jammu Division which are covered by the alluvial plains?

Ans: Areas of jammu division which are covered by the alluvial plains are :

1. Kathua

2. Akhnoor

3. Hiranagar

4. Bishnah

5. R.S Pura

6. Domana

These regions are characterized by fertile soils deposited by rivers and are suitable for agriculture, making them productive crop lands in the region.

iii. Discuss the main features of climate of Ladakh

Ans: Ladakh experiences a cold and arid climate, resembling a cold desert. It has extreme heat and cold variations, with very low precipitation, mainly as snow. Sun and shade temperatures differ significantly. Summers are short and intense, while winters are long and extremely cold.

iv. Name the main tributaries of River Jhelum

Ans: The city of Kashmir is on the bank of river Jhelum. Romushi, Doodh Ganga, Sukhnag, Lidder, Sindh Nallah, Madhumati and Phuru are important tributaries of Jehlum.

v. Which mountain ranges of Himalayas surround the valley of Kashmir?

Ans: The beautiful valley of Kashmir is situated in the northwestern part of the Himalayas. It is surrounded by the Greater Himalayas in the north and the middle Himalayas in the south.

vi. Name the main rivers and tributaries which flow through the outer plains of Jammu?

Ans: The outer plains are drained by River Ravi and Chenab and their tributaries like Basantar, Ujh, Tawi & Manawar Tawi.

vii. Give a brief account of the soils found in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Ans:The top layer of the earth's crust, known as soil, supports plant life. There present alluvial soils in Jammu plains, including old and new alluvium near rivers. Karewas soils in the Kashmir Valley are suitable for horticulture. Ladakh's cold desert has limited soil development, with some alluvial tracks and mountainous soils in certain areas.

1. Write short notes on

a. Alluvial soil

Ans: Alluvial soil, rich in fertility, originates from river deposition. It prevails mainly in Jammu, supporting agriculture and livelihoods in the region. Its two variants, old alluvium (Bhangar) above riverbanks and new alluvium (Khaddar) in floodplains, play crucial roles in sustaining various crops and fostering agricultural prosperity.

b. Side Valleys

Ans: Side valleys are smaller valleys branching off from the main river valley. They offer diverse landscapes, microclimates, and resources, contributing to the region's ecological and socio-economic diversity. Kishenganga Valley in Gurez is one of the famous side valleys of Kashmir.

c. Plateau of Ladakh

Ans: Ladakh, the northernmost region of India, is a vast cold desert plateau at 5000 meters height. With limited vegetation and arid conditions, agriculture is restricted to irrigated tracks along the Indus River, cultivating crops like wheat, barley, and apricots. The area also includes the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range.

2. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:-

(i) The outer plains of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir are locally called as

a. Wuddars

b. Pahars

c. Khads

d. Andarwah and Bajwa

(ii) Saffron is cultivated in the

a. Middle Mountains

b. Karewas of Kashmir

c. Outer Plains

d. Plateau of Ladakh

(iii) Karewas is formed of which kind of deposits

a. Lacustrine

b. Calcareous

c. Argillaceous

d. Fluvial