ICSE Geography Question Paper 2015 Solved for Class 10

ICSE Geography Previous Year Question Paper 2015 Solved for Class 10

ICSE Paper 2015
GEOGRAPHY

(Two hours)
Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.
This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.
Attempt seven questions in all.
Part I is compulsory. All questions from Part I are to be attempted.
A total of five questions are to be attempted from Part II.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
To be supplied with this Paper : Survey of India Map Sheet No. 45D/10
and 20 cm of twine.

Note:
(i) In all Map Work, make wise use of arrows to avoid overcrowding of the map.
(ii) The extract of Survey of India Map Sheet No. 45D/10 must not be taken out of the examination hall. It must be handed over to the Supervising Examiner on completion of the Paper.
(iii) The Map given at the end of this question paper must be detached, and after marking must be fastened to your answer booklet.
(iv) All sub-sections of the questions attempted must be answered in the correct serial
order.
(v) All working including rough work should be done on the same answer sheet which is used to answer the rest of the paper.

PART I [30 Marks]

Attempt all questions from this Part.

Question 1:
Study the extract of the Survey of India Map Sheet No. 45D/10 and answer the following questions :
(a) Give the four figure grid reference for a figure similar to the one given below. Identify the figure: [2]
(b) How is the drainage pattern in grid square 1606 different from that in grid square 1608? [2]

(c) Identify the correct six figure grid reference for each of the following:
(i) Gautam Maharishi Mandir
200071; 071200; 201070 ?
(ii) 0.443
172059; 052179; 179052 ? [2]

(d) Name the most prominent settlement other than ABU. Give two reasons to support your answer. [2]

(e) (i) What is the general slope of the land in the north-west comer of the map extract ?
(ii) What is the compass direction of Chandela (1803) from Hanumanji ka Mandir (2208) ? [2]

(f) What do you understand by the following terms as used on the map extract :
(i) Causeway (1702)
(ii) Falls 25m (2307). [2]

(g) (i) If you were to cycle at 10 km an hour, how much time would it take to cover the north-south distance depicted on this map extract ?
(ii) Calculate the area enclosed by Eastings 19 to 22 and Northings 04 to 09. [2]

(h) (i) Identify one natural feature in grid square 1610
(ii) Identify one man made feature in grid square 1903. [2]

(i) Give two probable reasons, other than dry water features, to indicate that the region depicted on the map extract receives seasonal rainfall. [2]

(j) Calculate, in metres, the difference in height between the highest point on the map extract and the contour height given in grid square 2402. [2]

Answer:
(a) The four fig grid reference for the figure is 1903. And the figure is a seasonal tank with an embankment.

(b) Drainage pattern of grid square 1606 is Radial and of grid square 1608 is Trellis.

(c) The correct six figure are
(i) Gautam Maharishi Mandir-200071.
(ii) 0.443-179052.

(d) Vajna settlement is another prominent settlement because
(1) It has a police Chauki.
(2) It is located on the metalled road therefore good transport is available.

(e) (i) General slope of the land in the North west comer is towards North west.
(ii) Compass direction of Chandela from Hanumanji Ka Mandir is South west.

(f) (i) Cause way : It is a raised road or path that enable us to cross a seasonal river. It does not work during rain. It is not a bridge.
(ii) Fall 25 m indicate the presence of a waterfall i.e., 25 metres high.

(g) (i) one hour.
(ii) Area = L × B = 3 × 5 = 15 km²

(h) (i) Natural feature in 1610 is broken ground and seasonal stream.
(ii) One man made feature in grid square 1903 is hut and embankment.

(i) Two reasons to indicate that the region depicted on the map receives seasonal rainfall are :

1. Cart tracks are motorable in the dry season.
2. Presence of causeway and broken ground.

(j) Difference between the highest point on the map and the contour height given in grid square 2402 is 1129 metres.

Question 2:
On the outline map of India provided :
(a) Mark and. name the Nilgiris. [1]
(b) Shade and label the Malwa Plateau. [1]
(c) Shade and label the Malabar Coastal Plains. [1]
(d) Mark and name the river Gomti. [1]
(e) Shade and name the Andaman Sea. [1]
(f) Mark and name Allahabad. [1]
(g) Mark with a single arrow and name the winds that bring winter rain to north-west India. [1]
(h) Mark and name Digboi. [1]
(i) Mark an area with laterite soil below the Tropic of Cancer. [1]
(j) Mark and name the Karakoram Pass. [1]

Answer:

PART II [50 Marks]

Attempt any five questions from this Part.

Question 3:
(a) Explain two factors that affect the climate of India giving a suitable example for each. [2]

(b) State two differences between the rainfalls that occur from June to September and that from December to February in North India. [2]

(c) Give a geographic reason for each of the following :
(i) Kerala has the longest rainy season.
(ii) The Konkan coast experiences orographic rainfall.
(iii) The city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh has a higher range of temperature than that of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. [3]

(d) Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow :

(i) Identify the hottest month.
(ii) Calculate the annual rainfall.
(iii) Name the winds that bring the maximum rainfall to this city. [3]

Answer:
(a) Two factors that affect the climate in India are :

1. Altitude: As the height increases temperature decreases at the rate of 1°C for every 165 m of ascend. Example : Nainital has lower temperature than Agra.
2. Distance from the sea: Places close to the sea have lower range of temperature i.e. moderate climate and places away from the influence of the sea have higher range of temperature i.e. continental climate. Example : Mumbai has lower range of temperature than Delhi as it is close to the sea.

(b) Two differences between the rainfall that occur from June to September and from December to February are :

1. Rainfall in June to September is caused by S.W. monsoon whereas rainfall in December to February is caused by temperate cyclones (western disturbances) originating in Mediterranean sea.
2. Rain in June to September is heavy ranging between 75 to 150 cm. whereas rain in Dec. to February is only 5 to 7 cm but beneficial for wheat and barley.

(c) Geographical Reasons:
(i) Kerala has the longest rainy season because it lies in the extreme south of India and it is the first and last to see the monsoon.
(ii) Konkan coast experiences orographic rainfall because it lies of the wind ward side of western ghats when south west monsoon strikes it.
(iii) Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh has a higher range of temperature than that of Chennai because Kanpur is located away from the sea and the equator.

(d) (i) May is the hottest month.
(ii) Annual rainfall is 131.9 cm.
(iii) Maximum rainfall is received by North-East monsoon winds.

Question 4:
(a) State the characteristic of each of the soils named below that makes them most suitable for crop cultivation :
(i) Black soil.
(ii) Red soil. [2]

(b) State the geographic term for each of the following processes :
(i) The process by which soluble minerals dissolve in rain water and percolate to the bottom, leaving the top soil infertile.
(ii) The process by which rain water, flowing in definite paths, removes the top soil, thus causing deep cuts to the surface of the land. [2]

(c) Define the following :
(i) Pedogenesis.
(ii) Humus.
(iii) Bhangar. [3]

(d) Give a geographic reason for each of the following :
(i) Alluvial soil is extremely fertile.
(ii) Need for soil conservation.
(iii) Reafforestation should be practised extensively. [3]

Answer:
(a) (i) Characteristic of black soil : It is able to retain moisture.
(ii) Characteristic of red soil : It is rich in potash and become fertile with proper use of fertilizers and irrigation.

(b) Geographic terms are :
(i) Leaching
(ii) Gully erosion.

(c) Definition:
(i) Pedogenesis: Process of soil formation is called pedogenesis.
(ii) Humus: Decayed remains of plants, animal manures and dead animals is called Humus. It is an essential element in determining the fertility of soil.
(iii) Bhangar: Older alluvium soil found about 30 m above sea level in river terraces, light grey in colour and calcareous clay is called humus.

(d) Geographical reasons:
(i) Alluvial soil is extremely fertile because it is found to a depth of 500 m and rich in humus, lime and potash.
(ii) There is a need for soil conservation because top soil that is eroded is the main feeding zone. With the increase in population the demand of crops is also increasing.
(iii) Reafforestation should be practised extensively because the area under forest cover is shrinking day by day due to urbanization etc.

Question 5:
(a) State two characteristics of Tropical Deciduous forests. [2]

(b) State two reasons why Tropical Evergreen forests are difficult to exploit. [2]

(c) Identify the tree as per its characteristics mentioned below :
(i) It yields wood that is hard and scented and is usually found in high altitudes.
(ii) It is generally found in deltaic regions and is used to make boats.
(iii) The furniture made from the wood of this tree is generally the most expensive. [3]

(d) Differentiate between afforestation and deforestation. State a disadvantage of deforestation. [3]

Answer:
(a) Characteristics of Tropical deciduous forests are :
(i) They shed their leaves before the summer season.
(ii) These trees are found in pure stands.

(b) Tropical evergreen forests are difficult to exploit because they are found in mixed stands and found in dense growth.

(c) Trees as per its characteristics are :
(i) Deodar
(ii) Sundri
(iii) Teak.

(d) Afforestation means growing of trees where there are no trees. It increases the forested area.
Deforestation means cutting of trees for various purposes.
Disadvantage : It increases soil erosion.

Question 6:
(a) State two reasons why’irrigation is important to a country like India. [2]

(b) Name two modern methods of irrigation. State one important reason for their growing popularity. [2]

(c) (i) Why is well irrigation still a popular means of irrigation ? Give two reasons to support your answer.
(ii) State the significance of rainwater harvesting. [3]

(d) (i) Why is the world in danger of facing a severe water shortage in the coming future ? Give two reasons to support your answer.
(ii) State one measure the Government should adopt to handle the present water crisis. [3]

Answer:
(a) Irrigation is important to a country like India because rainfall here is seasonal in nature. It is limited to four months of a year. It is also important because some crops require more water than what it is provided by the rainfall therefore we have to depend on irrigation.

(b) Two modern methods of irrigation are :

1. Perennial canals.
2. Drip irrigation system.

They are becoming popular because there is minimum loss of water and can irrigate fields throughout the year.

(c) (i) Well irrigation is still a popular means of irrigation because :

1. It can supply water whenever and where ever required.
2. It is also a cheap source of irrigation.

(ii) Significance of rain water harvesting are :
(i) Reduce surface run off therefore no flooding of roads.
(ii) It raises ground water table by adding to ground water reserves.
(iii) It solve the problem of water scarcity.

(d) (i) The world is in danger of facing a severe water shortage in coming future because :

1. Most of our surface waters are polluted by industrial waste, sewage etc.
2. The indiscriminate use of chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, to increase farm productions had led to increasing ground water pollution.

(ii) One measure the Government should adopt to handle present water crisis is rain water harvesting and recycle and reuse of water.

Question 7:
(a) State two reasons why limestone is a valuable mineral. [2]

(b) State the most important use of the following :
(i) Iron ore
(ii) Bauxite [2]

(c) Name the :
(i) Largest oil refinery in the Public sector.
(ii) State that is the largest producer of coal.
(iii) Best variety of iron ore. [3]

(d) Give a geographic reason for each of the following :
(i) Many port cities have their own oil refineries.
(ii) Petroleum is called a ‘fossil fuel’.
(iii) Coal is called a versatile mineral. [3]

Answer:
(a) Limestone is a valuable mineral because it is used in various industries like chemicals, iron and steel, cement, fertilizers etc.

(b) Most important use of:
(i) Iron ore : In the production of steel.
(ii) Bauxite: In the production of aluminium.

(c) (i) Largest oil refinery in the public sector — Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
(ii) Jharkhand is the largest coal producing state.
(iii) Hematite is the best variety of iron ore.

(d) Geographical reasons for the following are :
(i) Port cities have their own oil refineries because two thirds of the petroleum is imported. The crude oil is imported from Gulf countries and Malaysia.
(ii) Petroleum is called fossil fuel because it is derived from plant and animal . life buried in sedimentary rocks millions of years ago.
(iii) Coal is called a versatile mineral because it forms a basic raw material for the production of chemicals, dyes, fertilizers, paints, synthetics, explosive apart from source of energy.

Question 8:
(a) Differentiate between a Rabi crop and a Kharif crop. [2]

(b) State an important difference between the climatic requirements for growing cotton and jute. [2]

(c) Give the geographic term for each of the following :
(i) Cultivation of sugarcane from the root stock of the cane which has been cut.
(ii) The residue left behind after the crushing of oilseeds.
(iii) The process by which latex is converted into a thick, spongy mass by adding acetic acid or formic acid. [3]

(d) Give a geographical reason for each of the following :
(i) Tea is cultivated on hill slopes.
(ii) The yield per hectare of sugarcane is higher in the Southern states.
(iii) Pulses are important food crops. [3]

Answer:
(a) Rabi crop is sown during late November and harvested in March e.g. : wheat, mustard etc.
Kharif crop is sown in June and harvested in early November e.g. : rice, cotton etc.

(b) Climatic requirements for growing cotton :
Temperature: 20°C to 32°C and atleast 200 frost free days.
Rainfall: Ranging between 50 cm to 120 cm abundant sunshine is required during ripening period.
Climatic requirement for Jute :
Temperature: 21°C to 35°C a hot climate with high atmospheric humidity. Rainfall : Ranging between 150 cm to 200 cm.

(c) Geographical terms are :
(i) Ratoon crop
(ii) Oil cake
(iii) Coagulate.

(d) Geographical reasons are :
(i) Tea is cultivated on hill slopes because tea plant can not tolerate standing water on its roots.
(ii) Yield per hectare of sugarcane is higher in southern states because of the use of modem scientific agricultural methods and the factories are located close to the fields.
(iii) Pulses are important food crops because they are rich source of protein for vegetarian people.

Question 9:
(a) (i) Why is the cotton textile industry called an agro-based industry ?
(ii) Give an important reason for it being more widespread than the jute industry. [2]

(b) (i) State one important point of similarity between the woollen industry and the silk industry.
(ii) Name the state that produces the most woollen and silk products respectively. [2]

(c) (i) State two major problems faced by the sugar industry.
(ii) Name two by-products of the sugar industry. [3]

(d) (i) State one of the main problems of the silk industry.
(ii) Name two products of the jute industry, other than rope and gunny bags.
(iii) Why are synthetic fibres popular ? [3]

Answer:
(a) (i) Cotton textile is called an agro-based industry because for its raw material it depends on cotton which is an agricultural product.
(ii) It is more widespread than the jute industry because India has tropical climate where cotton is mainly used for clothing.

(b) (i) Main similarity between the woollen and the silk industry : Both of them derive their raw material from animals and both require skilled labour.
(ii) State that produces woollen products is Punjab and state that produces silk products is Karnataka.

(c) (i) Two problems faced by sugar industry are :
(1) It is the most soil exhausting crop therefore cost increases.
(2) Sugar mills are old-fashioned and far from the sugar farms.
(ii) Two by products of the sugar industry are :
(1) Bagasse
(2) Pressmud.

(d) (i) One main problem of the silk industry is that it has a limited market as it is very expensive.
(ii) Two products of the jute industry are upholstry and carpets.
(iii) Synthetic fibres are popular because they are cheap, durable and easy to maintain.

Question 10:
(a) (i) Why is the iron and steel industry called a basic industry ?
(ii) Define a mini steel plant. [2]

(b) With which large scale industry would you identify the following manufacturing centres :
(i) Kanpur
(ii) Rourkela
(iii) Pune
(iv) Mangalore. [2]

(c) (i) State two reasons for the growing importance in the status of petrochemical industries.
(ii) Name two products of the petroleum industry. [3]

(d) (i) State two conditions necessary for the setting up of a heavy engineering industry.
(ii) Name a ship building yard on the east coast and a centre for making electric locomotives. [3]

Answer:
(a) (i) Iron and steel industry is called basic industry because it supports fertilizers and cement industry. It is linked with the economic development of a country.
(ii) Mini steel plant is a unit that uses cheaply available scrap iron in the electric arc furnaces to make steel which is futher rolled and shaped into necessary products.

(b) Large scale industry that we identify with :
(i) Kanpur : Woollen industry.
(ii) Rourkela : Iron and Steel plant.
(iii) Pune : Electronics Industry.
(iv) Mangalore : Petrochemical Industry.

(c) (i) Two reasons for the growing importance is the status of petrochemical, industries are :

1. It is durable, cheap, light weight and attractive.
2. It has replaced wood, glass, metal, natural rubber etc.

(ii) Two products of the petroleum industry are :

1. PVC pipes.
2. Synthetic fibre.

(d) (i) Two conditions necessary for the setting up of a heavy engineering industry are :

1. Availability of market.
2. Availability of cheap labour.

(ii) Ship building yard on east coast is Vishakhapatnam and Chittaranjan for making electric locomotives.

Question 11:
(a) (i) Why is the Railways an important means of transport as compared to Airways ?
(ii) State one economic benefit of the Golden Quadrilateral Project. [2]

(b) (i) State one important difference between an expressway and a highway.
(ii) Name the first expressway constructed in the country.
(iii) State a reason why the Northern Rivers are more suitable for navigation than the Deccan Rivers. [3]

(c) (i) “Waste segregation is important”. Give a reason to support your answer.
(ii) Why is nuclear waste harmful ?
(iii) Explain briefly how as a student, you can help in the reduction of waste generation. [3]

(d) (i) What is understood by biodegradable waste ?
(ii) State one source of gaseous waste. [2]

Answer:
(a) (i) Railways is an important means of transport as compared to airways as it is cheap and has more carrying capacity of passengers and goods.
(ii) Economic benefit of the Golden Quadrilateral project is that it leads to general improvement of the area with more employment.

(b) (i) Expressway is a six lane highway where two and three wheelers are not allowed. A highway is a two lane road where all vehicles are allowed.
(ii) Mumbai-Pune expressway is the first expressway constructed in the country.
(iii) Northern Rivers are more suitable for navigation than the Deccan Rivers because they are perennial in nature and flow over gentle sloping plains.

(c) (i) Waste segregation is important because the method of treating waste depends on the nature of waste like solid waste, liquid waste, biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
(ii) Nuclear waste is more harmful because radioactive wastes remain active for a long time therefore it can enter in human body through food and water and can cause damage of tissues, blood cells and cancer.
(iii) As a student I can segregate the waste into biodegradable and non biodegradable waste of my house, reduce the water by incineration and recycling it.

(d) (i) Biodegradable waste is a type of waste which can be broken down in a reasonable amount of time, into its base compounds by micro organisms and other living things regardless of what those compounds may be.
(ii) Release of smoke, ashes and aerosols from chimneys of factories, increase CO₂. Methane comes out from cattle shed. Swamps, coal mines etc. Volcanic erruptions gives out SO₂.

ICSE Class 10 Geography Previous Years Question Papers