Learner's spot

Q.4. What are the causes of land use change and explain land degradation. Ans. Introduction: Land is a very important resource needed for food production, poultry farming, housing construction of dams and for the ever growing industrial sector. The opportunity cost of using land is loss of forest land, grassland or aquatic ecosystems. It is therefore of grave importance for the Government to frame a fair land use policy. Causes for change in land use: (i) Intensive Agriculture: Due to growing population, land utilization for producing food has increased drastically, taking away opportunities for land to be used for other purposes. Land-hunger' is the greed of having to use land for agricultural purposes which is ever increasing. (ii) Industrialization: Industries have polluted the quality of land and soil which is essential in ensuring productivity of growth of forests and other ecosystems, Natural wetlands are being used for purposes of building industries, urban settlements...

Q.3. Write a short note on: (a) Soil erosion (b) Desertification Ans. (a) Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is defined as the wearing away of topsoil. Topsoil is the top layer of soil and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials. The most common forms of soil erosion are by wind and water. A few causes for soil erosion are: (i) Deforestation: Deforestation refers to the cutting down of trees to use the land for alternative purposes Such acts lead the top layer of soil being exposed to agents like water and wind. (ii) Floods: Heavy flow of water leads to soil erosion and thus results in reduced productivity of the land. (iii) Steep Slopes: Slopes results in erosion as water flows easily and makes it simple to erode soil. For example, there is heavy soil erosion in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats. (iv) Idle Land: If the land isn't used for any purpose, it leads to soil erosion.  Ans. (b) Desertification: The process by which fertile land becom...

Q.2. What is deforestation? Explain the impact of mining/dam building on the environment, forests, biodiversity and tribal populations. Ans. Introduction: Deforestation is the cutting down of trees for several purposes like building dams, mining, timber extraction etc. Deforestation has several environmental impacts on different stakeholders. It also affects the biochemical cycles in the environment. 1. Environment (a) Degradation of soil quality: Deforestation results in reduced soil quality as the top most layer of soil with all nutrients is eroded. It leads to productivity losses and change in the quality/nature of soil.  (b) Pollution: In case of mining, the nearby water and soil is contaminated due to the acidic properties of debris which is left after mining.  (c) Health problems: Health problems can occur in the nearby areas as the water, air and soil get polluted. Water borne diseases like cholera and typhoid are common in polluted areas. (d) Loss of water: Due to...

Q.1. Explain the effects of overutilization of water resources with reference to floods and droughts. Ans. Introduction: Water is the most important resource for the existence of life on Earth. 70% of our planet is covered with water but only 1% of this water is of drinking standards. Today, water management has become the most important issue. States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have been fighting over water problems.  Causes for Overexploitation/Water Pollution: (i) Growing Population: With the number of people increasing each day, the daily requirement of water has increased, thus causing over utilization of water resources. (ii) Use of excessive fertilizers: Use of excessive fertilizers and pesticides makes the ground water toxic and unsuitable for drinking. (iii) Pollutants from industries: Industries try to reduce their costs by inducing toxic substances into water bodies without treating them. Effects of overutilization:   (i) Global climate change: Due to overutil...