EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

NOTE:

 Question and answer provided are for revision, reference & model question.
 Students can frame their own answers for exam with the help of various books & other
resources
 It should NOT be considered as important for exam point of view. All the content of slides
are important for exams.
 Refer slides & books for more details
 Any mistakes/typological error may be reported & corrected accordingly

1. Write a note on Land degradation.

OR
What is Land degradation? What are the factors responsible for land degradation?
Explain briefly.
[May 2017-End Sem Ques- 3(a)]

Land is an important natural resource, which provides food, fuel, fodder and timber to us.
Unfortunately, the land has been exploited indiscriminately from centuries resulting in the
enhanced rate of land degradation. Land degradation means loss in the capacity of a given land
to support growth of useful plants. Land degradation is a big loss to economy as the land loses
its productivity and gets converted into wastelands. It results in deterioration of physical
properties of soil, reduction in soil organic matter, nutrient depletion, decline in biomass. Hence
shrinking of land resource is a big problem before developing country like India.

In India, about 25% of the land area is suffering from the problem of water erosion. Wind
erosion in chiefly the problem of arid and semi-arid regions of the country where the soil is
sandy with scanty vegetation or even without vegetative cover. In India about 50 million
hectares of land area is affected from wind erosion most of which belongs to Rajasthan and
Gujarat.

The advent of Green revolution in mid sixties has led to increased use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides which has not only polluted the atmosphere but also has caused an significant
decline in floral and faunal population of the soil, which are responsible for the maintenance of
soil fertility. This has resulted in a decline in land productivity.

Indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers destroys the soil structure and micro fauna and flora
which are responsible for maintaining the soil fertility.

It can be concluded that land degradation is a serious problem in India, which need to be
tackled because shrinking of land resource base will lead to a substantial decline in food grain
production, which in turn would hamper the economic growth rate, and there would be
unprecedented increase in mortality rate owing to hunger and malnutrition.

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

Various factors of Land degradation/Causes of land degradation:

 Soil erosion
 Desertification
 Excessive irrigation
 Deforestation
 Modern agricultural practices
 Rapid industrialization
 Unplanned urbanization

2. What is soil erosion? What are the causes1 and effect2 of soil erosion on
environment? Discuss types3 and remedies4 of soil erosion.
[Dec 2016-End Sem Ques- 3(b)]
OR
Write a note on Soil erosion
Soil erosion refers to the washing away or the movement of topsoil from one place to another by
the natural physical forces of water (rainfall) and wind (storm). Flowing water is largest cause
of erosion. The top layer of the soil is the vital component, since all the nutrients required by
plants is present in this layer. The top layer therefore is said to be the feeding zone of plants.
This fertile top layer of the soil is most valuable natural resource and is generally lies at a depth
of 15 to 20 cm.

Agents of Soil Erosion:

Depending on the agents of erosion, soil erosion is called as water erosion or wind erosion.

1. Water erosion: It is caused by the action of water, which removes the soil by falling on as rain
drops, as well as by its surface flow action. The different forms of erosion by water are sheet
erosion, rill erosion, gully erosion, ravines, and landslides or slip erosion and stream bank
erosion.

2. Wind erosion: Soil erosion by wind is common in arid and semi-arid regions where the land
is bare and devoid of vegetation or soil is sandy and the vegetation is poor and sparse.
Overgrazing in these areas exposes soil to wind erosion.

Causes1 of Soil Erosion:

The chief causes of soil erosion are:

 Land use changes involving destruction of forests and grasslands for expansion of
agriculture, urbanization and other commercial activities.

 Overgrazing of pastures/ grassland.

 Fallowing of land for a longer duration.

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

 Overuse of chemical fertilizers under intensive cultivation practices destroys the soil
structure consequently, the soil becomes susceptible to erosive forces, like wind & water.

 Shifting cultivation by tribal population. (Jhum cultivation in North East India)

Effects2 of Soil Erosion

Soil is the weathered superficial layer of the earth crust supporting growth of plants. The topsoil
is the richest part of the soil containing most of the organic matter and other nutrients. They
serve as reservoir of mineral, organic matter, water, air, nutrients for crops and provide
mechanical anchorage. Washing away of top soil means removal of organic matter and
nutrients. The removal of organic matter and nutrient will result in low productivity of plants
Thus, reducing agricultural productivity. Loss of agricultural productivity may leads to food
shortage. Soil erosion also accelerates aridity and lowers the level of water content in soil.

Types3 of soil erosion

1. Rain drop or splash erosion: Erosion preceded due to the impact of falling raindrop on
the surface of soil is termed as splash erosion.
2. Sheet erosion: It is the uniform removal of soil in thin layers from the land surface, often
scarcely perceptible, especially when caused by wind. Areas where loose, shallow
topsoil are most susceptible to sheet erosion.
3. Rill erosion: A form of water erosion in which numerous very small and more or less
straight channels are produced.
4. Gully erosion: A form of water erosion in which gullies are produced by combination of
unattended rills.
5. Stream bank erosion: Stream banks are eroded by water either flowing over the sides of
a stream or scouring at the base. It is aggravated by removal of vegetation, over grazing
or cultivation near the stream banks.

Remedies4 /Solutions for Soil Erosion

When it comes to finding solutions for soil erosion, the most useful techniques found tend to be
those that emphasize reinforcing the structure of the soil, and reducing processes that affect it.

 Crop rotation: Plenty of crop rotation is crucial for keeping land happy and healthy.
This allows organic matter to build up, making future plantings more fertile.
 Careful tilling: Because tilling activity breaks up the structure of soil, doing less tilling
with fewer passes will preserve more of the crucial topsoil.
 Terrace farming: Introducing terraces or other means of stabilizing plant life or even the
soil around them can help reduce the chance that the soil loosens and erodes. Boosting

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

areas that are prone to erosion with sturdy plant life can be a great way to stave off
future effects.

 Increased knowledge: A major factor for preventing soil erosion is educating more and
more people who work with the land on why it is a concern, and what they can do to
help reduce it. This means outreach to farmers in susceptible areas for ways that they
can help protect crops from adverse weather, or ways that they can help make sure their
soil remains compact without restricting their plant growing activities.

3. Explain Desertification and its harmful effects

Desertification is a process of land-degradation by which a region becomes progressively drier

and drier — eventually becoming desert. Or, to put it another way — desertification is the
process by which previously biologically productive land is transformed into wasteland

Cause/Reason for desertification:

 Destruction of plants in dry regions: Destruction of plants in dry regions is causing

desertification to occur. People are cutting down trees to use them as a source of fuel.
Once all these trees are cut down there is nothing to protect the soil. Wind and water
erosion aggravate the damage, carrying away topsoil and leaving behind a highly
infertile mix of dust and sand. It is the combination of these factors that transforms
degraded land into desert.

 Loss of nutrients from soil: Intensive unscientific farming depletes the nutrients in the
soil. Nutrient support the growth of plants. Loss of nutrient may lead to desertification
process

 Farming of average/marginal Land: The productivity of marginal land is always low

because they are devoid of valuable nutrients. Repetitive farming in marginal land may
lead to desertification process.

 Excessive Irrigation in arid regions causes a buildup of salt in the soil: Incorrect and
excessive irrigation is commonly used in poorer areas. Farmers are using canal irrigation
and other poor techniques. This type of irrigation causes a build up of salt in the soil,
which is making land unfit for use

The Effects of Desertification

 Soil becomes less usable: The soil can be blown away by wind or washed away by rain.
Nutrients in the soil can be removed by wind or water. Salt can build up in the soil which
makes it harder for plant growth

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

 Vegetation is Lacked or Damaged: Loosened soil may bury plants or leave their roots
exposed. Also, when overgrazing occurs, plant species may be lost

 Causes Famine: Places that have war and poverty are most likely to have famine. Drought
and poor land management contribute to famine

 Food Loss: The soil is not suited for growing food; therefore the amount of food being
produced will decline. If the population is growing, this will cause economic problems and
starvation

The issue of desertification is not new though — it played a significant role in human history,
contributing to the collapse of several large empires, and the displacement of local populations.
But today, the pace of arable land degradation is estimated at 30 to 35 times the historical rate.

4. What is Deforestation and its harmful effects on environment

[May 2017-End Sem Ques- 2(b)]

Earth was full of forests in the last century however currently around eighty percent of the
forests (including rain forests) have been cut and destroyed permanently. Forests are required
for the wellness of the wild animals, human being and environment. Because of the
deforestation many species of the plants and animals has been extinct permanently.

Deforestation is the temporary or permanent removal/destruction of forests for agriculture,

urbanization, industries & other uses. Deforestation has many negative effects on the
environment. The most dramatic impact is a loss of habitat for millions of species. Seventy
percent of Earth's land animals and plants live in forests, and many cannot survive the
deforestation that destroys their homes.

Harmful effect of deforestation:

 Loss of Species/Biodiversity

Many species of plants and animals have become extinct, and many others remain endangered.
More than 80% of the world's species remain in the Tropical Rainforest. It is estimated that
about 27 species of animals are being lost each day as a result of destruction of their habitats.
Example: cutting of rain forest of brazil will reduce the number Orangutan, because
orangutan are endemic to Rain forest

 Loss of valuable products:

Many valuable products and raw material are obtained from the forest, especially those
products which are of medicinal (research) and industrial use. Loss of forest will reduce the
chances of getting some of these rare products.

 Increase in soil erosion

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 EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

Soils (and the nutrients in them) are exposed to the sun’s heat. Soil moisture is dried up,
nutrients evaporate and bacteria that help break down organic matter are affected. The root of
the trees dies and they no longer binds the soil. Eventually, rain washes down the soil surfaces
and erosion takes place. Example: extreme deforestation in Chiang Mai, Thailand (Tropical
forest) has led to removal of top soil which has harmed the productive capacity of the land.

 Affects Water Cycle

When forests are destroyed, the atmosphere, water bodies and the water table are all affected.
Tree absorbs and retains water in their roots. A large part of the water that circulates in the
ecosystem of rainforests remains inside the plants. Plants loose water in the form of water
vapour through the process of transpiration. Lack of trees affects this process. When this
process is broken, the atmosphere and water bodies begin to dry out affecting the efficiency of
water cycle.

 Contribute to Global Warming & Climate Change

Plants absorb Carbon Dioxide CO2 (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere and uses it to
produce food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that make up trees). In return, it gives off
Oxygen. Destroying the forests mean CO2 will remain in the atmosphere and in addition,
destroyed vegetation will give off more CO2 stored in them as they decompose. This will alter
the climate of that region. Cool climates may get hotter and hot places may get cooler

Harmful effect of
deforestation:

Increase in Affects Water Loss of Species/ Global Warming & Loss of

Soil erosion Cycle Biodiversity Climate Change valuable
products:

Climate
Change

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

5. Advantages & disadvantages of dam construction

OR
Adverse effects of large Dams [Dec 2016-End Sem Ques- 2(b)]
Advantages of Dams:

 Electricity can be produced

 For irrigation purposes

 Drinking water supply

 Water sports, tourism, recreation activities

 Flood control

 Fishing industries

Disadvantages of Dams

 Submergence: Flooding of large areas of land & destruction of natural environment

 Social issue: displacement of people, Resettlement and rehabilitation of people

 Noise pollution & landslides: Rock blasting during construction create and loosen
ground surface making more prone to Landslides

 Ocean fish migrations are blocked: most notably the Salmon fish: The migration od
Salmon fish is blocked as salmon live first part of their lives in fresh water, then
migrate to the ocean. After reaching adulthood, they return to the freshwater stream
of their origin to lay their eggs. If a dam is build across their migration path then
their survival will be highly affected.

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

5. Write a note on Rainwater harvesting

Rain Water Harvesting in India: Need, Methods and other Details

Water is an important natural resource. We use water for drinking, irrigation, industry,
transport and for the production of hydro-electricity. The best way to conserve water is its
judicious use.

Rain Water Harvesting:

Rainwater harvesting is one of the most effective methods of water management and water
conservation. It is the term used to indicate the collection and storage of rainwater used for
human, animals and plant needs. It involves collection and storage of rainwater at surface or in
sub-surface aquifer, before it is lost as surface run off.

Need:

 To overcome the inadequacy of surface water to meet our demands.

 To arrest decline in ground water levels.
 To enhance availability of ground water at specific place and time and utilize rain water for
sustainable development.
 To increase infiltration of rain water in the subsoil this has decreased drastically in urban
areas due to paving of open area.
 To increase agriculture production.
 To improve ecology of the area by increase in vegetation cover etc.
 It reduces flood hazards.
 Mitigates effects of drought.
Methods and Techniques:

The methods of rain water harvesting in urban areas:

 Tubewell
 Recharge Pit
 Recharge Trench
 Recharge Well

The methods of rain water harvesting in rural areas:

 Contour Bund
 Percolation Tank
 Check Dam/
 Small Ponds
 Ground Water Dams/Subsurface Dyke

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 EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

6. Harmful effect of miming

Harmful effects/Adverse Consequences of mining

B) Ecological effect B) Pollution

• Deforestation • Air pollution
• Loss of flora and fauna • Water pollution
• Ecosystem degradation • Soil pollution
• Noise pollution

C) Effect on Physical environment D) Occupational hazard

• Land subsidence • Health hazard due to long term
• Underground fires exposure to dust, harmful gases
• Soil erosion

E) Socioeconomic effect
• Encroachment (अित मण)
• Resettlement and rehabilitation
(पुन थापन और पुनवास)

Note: The above representation in the form of boxes is sufficient for 5 marks short note

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

7. Give an account of renewable and non-renewable energy in India.

[Dec 2015-End Sem Ques- 4]
OR
Write short notes on renewable energy giving its advantages & disadvantages.
a. Solar Energy
b. Wind energy/wind mill/wind power [End sem ques-2(b)]
c. Geothermal Energy
d. Bio gas plant
e. Photo voltaic technology
f. Tidal Energy
g. Biomass energy [Dec 2016-End Sem Ques- 2(g)]

India is staying true to its ambitious renewable energy targets by showing a steady growth in
renewable energy installations in India, which as of April 2017 account for 17.5 percent of the
total energy source. India's overall installed capacity has reached 329.4 GW, with renewables
accounting for 57.472 GW. In the country's renewable mix, wind power accounted for 56.2
percent with as much as 32.3 GW, followed by solar which took the share of 21.8 percent with
12.5 G. India has set a target of reaching 170 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, out of
which 100 GW is to come from solar.

Renewable energy: Energy that can be replenished regularly in nature and is available in
abundance is called renewable energy. Renewable energy can be used on a continuous basis.
This energy keeps our environment clean and green, as it is environment-friendly.

The important renewable energy sources, which can be utilized for generating electricity in our
country are as follows:

a. Solar Energy
b. Wind energy/wind mill/wind power [End sem ques-2(b)]
c. Geothermal Energy
d. Biomass energy/ biogas plant
e. Tidal Energy
f. Biomass energy [Dec 2016-End Sem Ques- 2(g)]

Solar Energy: Solar energy is utilized for direct thermal applications and for solar-electric
applications. Solar thermal applications include water heating, space heating, drying, cooking
etc. Generation of electricity is possible in solar thermal-electric power plants. These plants use
concentrating collectors to collect the sun’s energy at high temperatures and use this energy to
generate high-pressure steam. As on 30 March 2015, the installed grid connected solar power
capacity is 3,383 MW, and India expects to install an additional 10,000 MW by 2017 and a total
of 100,000 MW by 2022.

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

Solar Photovoltaic technology is a direct method of utilizing solar energy, which makes use of
solar cells to convert solar energy directly into electrical energy. Some semiconductor material
like silicon germanium are used in manufacture of solar panel

Wind energy: India has great potential of wind energy. Electricity can be generated from wind
power by converting the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical energy utilizing wind
turbines. The energy in the wind is utilized to turn propeller shaped blades around a rotor,
which when connected to the main shaft can spin a generator to produce electricity.

The installed capacity of wind power in India was 22,645 MW as of 30 March 2015. The target
set for wind power generation capacity is 60,000 MW by the year 2022. India stand 4th in terms
of wind energy production.

Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy is the thermal energy stored in the earth’s interior. The
steam and hot water at high temperature and pressure come naturally to the surface of the earth
at some places that can be utilized for electricity generation, residential and industrial heating.
According to the estimates, India has 10,600 MW potential in the geothermal energy sector but
it still needs to be exploited. Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently
drafted a national policy, which intends to exploit the sector by generating 1,000 MW in phase-
one by 2022.

Biomass Energy: Biomass energy has been an important alternate energy source because 70% of
the country’s population depends on biomass for energy needs. It is renewable, widely
available, and free from greenhouse gases. Biomass is biological material derived from
agricultural and forest resources including plant and animal manure. As an energy source,
biomass can be used directly via combustion to produce heat. Indirectly, biomass can be
converted into forms of bio fuel, like ethanol and methanol, to be used in engines. gaseous fuel
called biogas can be obtained from biomass by anaerobic fermentation.

In India, 288 biomass power and cogeneration projects with 2,665 MW capacity have been
installed in the country for feeding power to the grid. A target of 10,000 MW has set for biomass
energy till 2022.

Tidal energy: Tides are the largest source of short-term sea-level fluctuations and caused by the
combined effects of gravitational forces of sun and moon and the rotation of the earth. When the
gravitational forces due to the Sun and the Moon add together, tides of maximum range called
spring tides form, and when the two forces oppose each other, tides of minimum range, called
neap tides, are obtained. Electrical energy can be extracted from tides in several ways by
constructing a reservoir behind a barrage, and then tidal water is allowed to pass through
turbines in the barrage to generate electricity.

India has a potential of 8,000 MW of tidal energy as per the estimates. Despite the huge
potential, there is no progress in extracting tidal energy.

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

8. Write short notes on mine safety

Mining is a hazardous occupation, and the safety of mineworkers is important. There are two
types of mining. One is surface and another is underground mining. Underground mining is
much more hazardous than surface mining. The safety of miners has been a concern due to
following problems associated with mines related activities.

Some of the problem associated with mining are:

Rock fall & Roof Fall: mining operation are sometime associated with fall of rocks and debris,
which are harmful to mineworker. This result in injury and loss of life. To reduce the impact
associated with this, miners wear helmet and other personal protective equipments.

Flooding due to water: mines areas are sometime flooded with rain water or underground
water. This creates a health hazard for miners.

Inadequate ventilation: Poor ventilation inside mines causes exposure to harmful gases, heat,
and dust, which can cause illness, injury, and death.

Poisonous gases: Sometime inside mines, some poisonous gases affect the health of
mineworkers. Poisonous gases displace oxygen in the mine that causes breathing problems.

Explosives disaster: the explosion done in mining operation may cause air and noise pollution

Occupational hazards to miners: mineworkers are often exposed to mine dust, coal dust. These
cause respiratory problems to the mineworkers.

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EVS Question & Answer_V5 UNIT # 3: Natural Resources

9. Write an essay on mineral resources of Jharkhand. [Dec 2016-End Sem Ques- 3(d)]

Jharkhand is one of the leading mineral states of India and is the storehouse of more than 30
types of minerals hence aptly called the “Museum of Minerals”. Numerous Steel companies,
thermal power units as well as aluminum plants are supported on coal, iron and bauxite that
are present in Jharkhand state. Some of the important minerals resources of Jharkhand are:

Iron Ore: The major area in Jharkhand where Chiria, near Monoharpur in the Singbhum
district is one of the largest single deposits of the world. The average quality of Chiria deposits
62-63%

Coal: Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India. It is mined from Jharia,
Bokaro, Rajmahal, Hazaribagh and Chatra areas.

Lime Stone: There are 22 mines of limestone in Jharkhand having a total reserve of 563 million
tones in Palamau, Hazaribagh, Singbhum and Ranchi districts.

Graphite: The Graphite reserve of Jharkhand are mainly located in Palamau district. The most
important deposit of Palamau district is located at Sokra, Satbarba, Barwadih area where both
flaky and amorphous graphite occur in lumpy form.

Mica: Jharkhand which is having about 46% of the Mica reserves, continues to be the leading
producer of Mica in the country. Hazaribagh and Koderma have rich deposit of mica

Copper: Ore deposits of Copper ore occur in East Singbhum region.

Uranium ore is mined in Jaduguda (East Singhbhum) and processed by Uranium Corporation
of India Ltd (UCIL) for use as fuel in the country's nuclear power reactors

Note: For all answers as mentioned above, some extra points may be added using books and other relevant
internet resources

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