Shaping of Earth surface
Class 9 Social Science – Chapter 2: Shaping of the Earth's Surface
30 Competency-Based & Long Revision Questions (with Bullet-Point Answers)
1. Explain how endogenic and exogenic forces work together to shape the Earth's surface. • Endogenic forces create landforms through uplift and volcanic activity. • Exogenic forces wear them down through weathering and erosion. • Both continuously modify the Earth's surface. • Together they maintain the cycle of landform development.
2. Why is the Earth's surface constantly changing? Explain with examples. • Internal forces cause earthquakes and volcanoes. • External forces include rivers, glaciers, wind and sea waves. • Weathering and erosion reshape landforms. • Human activities also accelerate changes.
3. Differentiate between weathering and erosion. • Weathering breaks rocks at the same place. • Erosion removes and transports weathered materials. • Weathering does not involve movement. • Erosion involves transportation by natural agents.
4. Explain the three types of weathering with examples. • Physical weathering – breaking due to temperature changes. • Chemical weathering – decomposition by water and chemicals. • Biological weathering – caused by plants, animals and humans. • All contribute to soil formation.
5. Explain the process of the rock cycle. • Magma cools to form igneous rocks. • Sediments form sedimentary rocks. • Heat and pressure form metamorphic rocks. • Rocks continuously change from one type to another.
6. Explain how earthquakes occur and their effects. • Caused by sudden movement of tectonic plates. • Release of energy creates seismic waves. • Damage buildings and infrastructure. • Cause loss of life and property.
7. Suggest measures to reduce earthquake hazards. • Construct earthquake-resistant buildings. • Conduct mock drills regularly. • Avoid weak structures during earthquakes. • Spread public awareness.
8. Explain the formation of volcanoes. • Magma rises through cracks in the crust. • Pressure forces magma to erupt. • Lava cools and forms volcanic mountains. • Ash and gases are also released.
9. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of volcanoes. • Volcanic soil is fertile. • Valuable minerals are obtained. • Cause destruction of life and property. • Pollute the atmosphere.
10. Explain the theory of plate tectonics. • Earth's crust consists of tectonic plates. • Plates move slowly over the mantle. • Their movement causes earthquakes and volcanoes. • Mountains are also formed.
11. How are fold mountains formed? • Two plates collide. • Rocks are compressed. • Layers bend into folds. • Examples: Himalayas and Alps.
12. Explain the formation of block mountains and rift valleys. • Form due to faulting. • Land between faults rises to form block mountains. • Land sinks to form rift valleys. • Caused by tectonic movements.
13. Explain the work of rivers in shaping landforms. • Rivers erode rocks. • Transport sediments. • Deposit materials in plains. • Form valleys, floodplains and deltas.
14. Describe the landforms formed by rivers in different stages. • Upper course – V-shaped valleys and waterfalls. • Middle course – Meanders. • Lower course – Floodplains and deltas. • River finally joins the sea.
15. Explain the work of glaciers. • Move slowly downhill. • Erode rocks by plucking and abrasion. • Transport rock materials. • Form U-shaped valleys and moraines.
16. Explain how wind shapes the Earth's surface. • Erodes loose particles. • Transports sand. • Deposits sediments elsewhere. • Forms sand dunes and loess.
17. Explain the work of sea waves. • Erode coastal rocks. • Form sea caves and arches. • Deposit sand on beaches. • Continuously reshape coastlines.
18. Explain the causes and prevention of landslides. • Heavy rainfall weakens slopes. • Deforestation increases risk. • Unplanned construction triggers landslides. • Afforestation and proper drainage reduce risk.
19. Explain the importance of weathering in soil formation. • Breaks rocks into small particles. • Releases minerals. • Forms fertile soil. • Supports agriculture.
20. How do human activities accelerate erosion? • Deforestation removes vegetation. • Mining weakens land. • Overgrazing exposes soil. • Construction disturbs natural slopes.
21. Why are forests important in preventing soil erosion? • Roots bind soil particles. • Reduce surface runoff. • Prevent landslides. • Maintain soil fertility.
22. Explain the role of glaciers in freshwater supply. • Store freshwater as ice. • Melt during summer. • Feed rivers. • Support drinking water and irrigation.
23. Why do earthquakes mostly occur along plate boundaries? • Plates constantly move. • Stress accumulates at boundaries. • Sudden release causes earthquakes. • Most seismic activity occurs there.
24. Explain the importance of deltas. • Highly fertile soils. • Support agriculture. • Rich biodiversity. • Suitable for settlements.
25. How do volcanoes help in the formation of new land? • Lava cools and solidifies. • Creates new islands. • Increases land area. • Forms volcanic mountains.
26. Explain the relationship between weathering, erosion and deposition. • Weathering breaks rocks. • Erosion transports materials. • Deposition lays down sediments. • Together they shape landforms.
27. Why are coastal areas more vulnerable to erosion? • Constant wave action. • Strong tidal currents. • Cyclones increase erosion. • Human activities worsen the problem.
28. Explain how climate affects weathering. • High temperature causes expansion. • Rainwater promotes chemical weathering. • Frost breaks rocks in cold regions. • Vegetation causes biological weathering.
29. Suggest sustainable measures to conserve landforms. • Afforestation. • Controlled mining. • Proper land-use planning. • Soil and water conservation.
30. 'The Earth's surface is dynamic.' Justify the statement. • Internal forces create new landforms. • External forces continuously modify them. • Weathering, erosion and deposition never stop. • The landscape changes over millions of years.
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