Class 11 Geography Peninsular Block Notes: Geography Class 11 Notes is a crucial subject in the Social Science curriculum that requires students to have a thorough understanding of the Earth, its physical features, and human activities. The subject demands a strong foundation in conceptual knowledge and an ability to analyze and interpret geographical data. These notes provide a comprehensive summary of the key topics, aiding students in better comprehension of the subject matter.
In Class 11 Geography, learning about the Peninsular Block is important. It refers to the southern part of India, below the Great Northern Plains. This area has diverse landscapes like plateaus, hills, and coastal plains. The Peninsular Block is famous for its minerals, rivers, and different climates. Studying it helps us understand India’s physical geography and how it affects things like farming, industries, and where people live.
Peninsular Block
The Peninsular Block is a significant geological formation in India, once part of the Gondwana landmass. Over geological ages, it separated and shifted alongside the Indian, Australian, Antarctica, and African plates. This Indian plateau forms an uneven triangle, elevating from around 150 meters above river lowlands to 600-900 meters high. This article explains its features and significance which is helpful for Class 11 students.
What is India’s Peninsular Block?
The Peninsular plateau’s borders are marked by distinct geographical features: the Delhi Ridge in the northwest (an extension of the Aravallis), the Rajmahal Hills in the east, the Gir range in the west, and the Cardamom Hills in the south. Also known as the Plateau of Peninsular India, it stands as one of the country’s most prominent physiographic formations.
Its northern boundary, delineated by an irregular line stretching from Kachchh near Delhi to the western slope of the Aravali Range and then roughly parallel to the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, extends to the Rajmahal Hills and the Ganga delta.
The Peninsular Block showcases various physiographic features, including tors, block mountains, rift valleys, spurs, rocky structures, hummocky hills, and quartzite dykes, which are natural water reservoirs.
Climate of India’s Peninsular Block
The climate across the region varies, transitioning from semi-arid in the north to predominantly tropical across most areas, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Rayalaseema and Vidarbha stand out as the driest regions within this expanse.
The monsoon season, spanning from June to October, witnesses heavy rainfall. Conversely, the period from March to June is marked by extreme dryness and scorching temperatures, often surpassing 35 degrees Celsius. In comparison to the coastal areas, the plateau experiences a drier climate, with certain locales even exhibiting aridity.
Marwar Plateau or Mewar Plateau
- The Marwar Plateau is situated to the east of the Aravalli Range.
- It is characterized by an average elevation ranging from 250 to 500 meters above sea level.
- The plateau slopes gently towards the east.
- Geologically, it consists of sandstone, shales, and limestones from the Vindhyan period.
- The Banas river and its tributaries, including the Berach and Khari rivers, originate from the Aravalli Range and flow northwestward into the Chambal river.
- Erosional activity by these rivers has shaped the plateau’s terrain, giving it a rolling plain-like appearance.
Central Highland
- The Central Highlands, alternatively known as Madhya Bharat Pathar or Madhya Bharat Plateau, lie east of the Marwar Upland.
- Its principal tributaries include the Kali Sindh originating from Rana Prataph Sagar, the Banas passing through the Mewar plateau, and the Parwan and Parbati emerging from Madhya Pradesh.
- Characterized by rolling terrain and rounded sandstone hills, the area hosts dense forests.
- Towards the north, the landscape transitions into arid landforms, the Chambal river’s ravines or badlands, typical of the Chambal river basin.
Bundelkhand Upland
- The Bundelkhand Upland lies to the north of the Yamuna River, bordered by the Madhya Bharat Pathar to the west, the Vindhyan Scarplands to the east and southeast, and the Malwa Plateau to the south.
- Comprising the ancient upland of ‘Bundelkhand gneiss,’ characterized by granite and gneiss formations, dissected by numerous deep valleys.
- It extends across five districts of Uttar Pradesh and four districts of Madhya Pradesh, with an average elevation ranging from 300 to 600 meters above sea level.
Malwa Plateau
- The Malwa Plateau assumes a triangular shape, bordered by the Aravali Range to the west, Madhya Bharat Pathar to the north, and Bundelkhand to the east.
- It features dual drainage systems: one directing water towards the Arabian Sea through rivers like Narmada, Tapi, and Mahi, while the other channels flow into the Bay of Bengal via the Chambal and Betwa, eventually merging with the Yamuna.
- The northern region, drained by the Chambal and its tributaries like Kali, Sindh, and Parbati rivers, also includes upper Sindh and the Ken and Betwa rivers.
Baghelkhand
- Situated north of the Maikal Range, Baghelkhand’s western part comprises limestones and sandstones, while its eastern section is predominantly granite.
- Bounded by the Son River to the north, it serves as a water divide between the Son drainage system in the north and the Mahanadi river system in the south.
- The terrain exhibits uneven topography, with elevations ranging from 150 to 1,200 meters.
Chotanagpur Plateau
- Representing the northeastern extension of the Indian Peninsula, the Chotanagpur Plateau encompasses primarily Jharkhand, northern Chhattisgarh, and portions of West Bengal’s Purulia districts.
- The plateau, averaging 700 meters above sea level, is predominantly composed of Gondwana rocks.
- It developed a large drainage basins, with rivers like the Damodar, Subarnarekha, North Koel, South Koel, and Barkar flowing in various directions.
Meghalaya Plateau
- Stretching eastward from the Rajmahal Hills, the Peninsular Plateau extends to Meghalaya, also known as the Shillong Plateau.
- The Garo-Rajmahal Gap, a geological formation resulting from down-faulting (specifically, a normal fault), separates this plateau from the main block. Over time, sediments carried by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers have filled this gap.
- Comprising Archaean quartzites, shales, and schists, the Meghalaya Plateau slopes downward to the Brahmaputra valley in the north and the Surma and Meghna valleys in the south.
Deccan Plateau
- With a total area spanning approximately 5 lakh sq km, the Deccan Plateau is characterized by its triangular shape.
- Its northern borders are boundaries with the Satpura and Vindhya ranges, while the Mahadev and Maikal ranges mark its northern boundary.
- To the west by the Western Ghats, while the Eastern Ghats define its eastern edge.
Maharashtra Plateau
- The Maharashtra Plateau is situated within the boundaries of Maharashtra state, positioned in the northern sector of the Deccan Plateau.
- Predominantly, the region is characterized by lava-formed basaltic rocks, with the iconic Deccan Traps formations prominently present.
- The landscape bears the imprint of weathering, presenting a rolling plain appearance across much of the area.
Karnataka Plateau
- The Mysore Plateau forms a constituent part of the Karnataka Plateau, situated southward of Maharashtra’s plateau region.
- Spanning an average elevation ranging between 600 to 900 meters, the plateau boasts a picturesque landscape resembling a rolling terrain.
- It is intricately laced with a network of rivers originating from the Western Ghats, which crisscross the plateau.
Telangana plateau
- Telangana plateau comprises Archaean gneisses, forming its geological bedrock.
- With an average elevation ranging between 500 to 600 meters above sea level, the plateau boasts a moderately elevated terrain.
- The southern segment of the plateau exhibits a higher elevation compared to its northern counterpart.
Chhattisgarh Plain
- Among the Peninsular plateau’s features, the Chhattisgarh plain stands out as the notable plain.
- It is characterized by a saucer-shaped depression, primarily drained by the upper Mahanadi river.
- Positioned between the Maikala Range and the Odisha hills, the entire basin encompasses this region.
Importance of the Peninsular Block
- The peninsular plateau is rich in minerals like iron ore, bauxite, gold, copper, coal, manganese, and mica. Its fertile Black Earth soils support extensive cotton cultivation. The Western Ghats are abundant in wood, timber, and other natural resources.
- The plateau features Lonar Lake, formed by a meteoric strike. The region’s rugged terrain and rivers make it suitable for hydroelectric power plants, vital for economic development.
- The Western Ghats provide ample water resources, while rivers across the plateau offer excellent irrigation, enhancing agricultural productivity. The Srisailam and Koyna hydropower plants rank among India’s largest.
Conclusion – Class 11 Geography Peninsular Block
The Peninsular Block is a significant part of India’s land with a long history. It has diverse landscapes, valuable minerals, and fertile soils that help agriculture. The rivers here provide water for farming and energy through hydroelectric power. Overall, the Peninsular Block is crucial for India’s past, present, and future development.
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FAQs on Class 11 Geography Peninsular Block
What is the Peninsular Block?
The Peninsular Block is a large region of land in India, characterized by its triangular shape and diverse geological features.
What are some key features of the Peninsular Block?
Peninsular Block is known for its varied topography, including plateaus, hills, and plains. It is rich in minerals and natural resources.
How did the Peninsular Block form?
Peninsular Block was formed through geological processes over millions of years, including tectonic movements and erosion.
What are the major rivers in the Peninsular Block?
Some major rivers in the Peninsular Block include the Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, and Narmada.
What is the significance of the Peninsular Block?
Peninsular Block is significant for its role in India’s geography, economy, and culture. It provides valuable resources, supports agriculture, and is home to diverse communities.