Topic: The Northern Mountains and North-Western Mountains.

Q Describe the relief (Physical) features of the Karakoram Range.

Ans: The Karakoram Range runs 400 km from Hunza to Shyok River. The Karakoram Range is 200 km
wide. The range runs in an east-west direction. The average height of Karakoram Range is 6000 meters.
K-2 (8610metres) is the highest peak of Karakoram Range. The range has deep, narrow valleys are sharp
peaks covered with snow and glaciers. Siachen and Biafo are the main glaciers.

Q Describe the main features of Himalayas range.

Ans: Himalayas are in the south of Karakoram Range. They run East to West. The Himalayas is divided in
Pakistan in three sub parallel ranges the great or high Himalayas, the lesser Himalayas and the sub-
Himalayas.

(a) The great Himalayas: also known as central Himalayas mostly lie in Kashmir. The average height of
the Himalayas is 6000 meters. Highest peak is Nanga Parbat (8126meters). Rupal is the longest river.
Satpara is the largest lake of the region. The river Indus River has set up a number of gorges (narrow
valley) in its path. The peaks of central Himalayas are snowcapped and steep-sided with large glaciers.

(b) The lesser Himalayas: are located south of the great Himalayas. Lesser of lower Himalayas are of
medium height 1800 to 4500 meters. Lesser Himalayas are of special interest to tourists; Hill stations
like Murree, Ghora Gali, Nathia Gali are located in lesser Himalayas. No glacier is found in this region.

(c) The sub-Himalayas: The sub-Himalayas or Siwaliks are the southernmost mountain of Himalayas
located near Attock. They are low in altitude 600 meters to 1200 meters. They are located near Attock.

Q Describe the relief features of the Hindu Kush range.

Ans: The Hindu Kush range lies on north and north-west border of Pakistan. This range runs in a north-
south direction. Average altitude (height) of the Hindu Kush range is 5000 meters. Trich Mir (7690m) is
the highest peak of the range. High, steep (sharp), sided valleys with narrow floor are one of feature of
Hindu Kush range. Important passes of the range are Shandur pass connects which Gilgit and Chitral.
Lawari pass connects Chitral to swat and Peshawar Valley. Shangla pass connects Swat valley to upper
Indus pass. The Hindu Kush range is bare (empty) of vegetation. Some forests lie in Swat, Chitral and Dir
valleys and are located in the range.

Q How are the life and economy of the people living in northern areas affected by relief of northern
mountains?

Ans: Northern Mountains have steep slopes, high peaks; deep gorges, rugged (rough) landscape, several
steams and glaciers restrict (limits) human movement. Little land is available. Small scale agriculture is
done on terraced (stepped) field. In summer livestock and tourism are a source of income. Some hydro-
electric projects are set up on rivers. Indoor activities like carpet making and embroidery (needlework)
are carried out in winter because the land is covered with snow.
Q Describe the drainage pattern of northern areas.

Ans: River Indus and its tributaries are the main feature of drainage pattern. River Indus starts from
Mansrowar Lake in Karakoram. The Indus River passes through Hindukush joined by the rivers Kabul and
Swat. After passing from dissected gorges enter in plain areas at Kalabagh. Tributaries (branches) of
Indus such as Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej and Beas start from Himalayas, pass through Kashmir and enter
plain areas and join Indus at Mithankot.

Q Describe the main features of Gilgit agency area?

Ans: Gilgit agency covers extreme northern part of Pakistan. It is a mountainous region covered by
Karakoram Range. River Indus flows through it. In the south of river Indus located Himalayas range with
average altitude (height) of 6000 meters. High land comprises (made) of steep (sharp) sided parallel
ranges, sharp sided ridges, peaks covered with snow, huge glaciers are located in Karakoram and
Himalayas. River Gilgit and river Hunza flows from north and join Indus. Area is marked with cold winter
and snow falls.

Topic: The Western Mountains.

Ans: Safed Koh range: is located in the south of river Kabul in east-west direction. It has a height of up to
4712 meters. Sikeram is the highest peak. It has snowcapped limestone ridges (peaks). It forms barrier
on Pak-Afghan border.

2) Waziristan hills: are located between rivers khurran and Gomal along Afghan border are highly
mineralized. Hills have no vegetation. Hills rise up to 3513 meters. Bannu town is located in these hills.

3) Sulaiman range: is located towards west of river Indus. Range is 400 km long and 20 to 25km wide.
Highest peak is Takht-i-Sulaiman (3383metres). Limestone and sandstone are the main minerals of the
area. Range separate Indus plain from Balochistan plateau.

4) Kirthar range is located in the west of river Indus in Sindh and Balochistan plateau. The range rises up
to 2174 meters and is bare of vegetation. Hub and Lyari are main rivers of Kirthar range.

Q How is the life and economy of people living in western mountains affected by relief of the western
mountains?

Ans: Rugged (rocky) landscape is a hurdle in development of infrastructure and transport network. Canal
system cannot be set up due to mountainous landscape (land). Range is bare (empty) of vegetation can
only support nomadic way of livestock. Mineral deposits are unexplored (unfound) due to poor road
network. Only valleys like Peshawar, Kohat and Bannu are very much populated.

Topic: The Balochistan Plateau.

Ans: Average height of plateau is 1000 meters. The western part of the plateau has a number of parallel
ranges. Ranges in the south are comparatively low. Important ranges from south to north are Makran
coastal range, Raskoh and Chagai hills. Raskoh has a height of 3000 meters. Tobakakar range is located
in the east of Quetta. Sulaiman range is in north-west of Quetta.

Q Describe the relief and drainage pattern of upper Balochistan. (6) N 2002

Ans: In northern Balochistan basins like Zhob and Loralai are located between Toba Kakar and Sulaiman
range. Hills have steep slopes, sharp ridges and deep narrow valleys. The river Zhob passes through
Balochistan plateau and joins the river Indus. In the Sulaiman range hill torrents (flood) forms alluvial
fans and join the river Indus. Quetta valley is in the south-west of the Loralai basin. Quetta valley is
surrounded by mountain ranges and its bed is made of alluvial material brought by seasonal rivers. The
northern part of Balochistan has an average height of 2000 meters. Sulaiman range rises up to a height
of 3000 meters.

Q With reference to named location, describe the main features of the relief, drainage and soils of the
basins in Balochistan. (N 1996)

Ans: Northern Balochistan: The Northern part of the Balochistan plateau has a number of basins. Zhob
and Loralai basins are situated between TobaKakar and Sulaiman range. To the south-west of Loralai
basin is the Quetta valley surrounded by mountain ranges.

Western Balochistan: There are number of Basins located in Western Balochistan between chagai hills,
Raskoh, Siahan and central Makran range. These basins have no outlet to sea and have inland drainage.
There are a number of dry salt lakes located in these basins. Hamun-i-Mashkel is the largest salt range.

Drainage (water flow): River Hab, Hingol and Dasht flows in Arabian Sea. River Zhob flows in Indus River.
Soil: The valley floor is covered with sand, silt and clay with limited agriculture. Foothills are covered
with alluvial fans.

Q Describe the drainage (flow) pattern of Balochistan.

Ans: Rivers like Zhob, Khandar and Kalachi flows east ward. These rivers drain into the Indus River. Most
of the rivers of Balochistan are seasonal and active in the rainy season. Rivers Loralai, Chakar, Bolan and
Mula have inland drainage soaked in Kachi sibi plain. River Hab, Porali, Hingol and Mushkai flows in
Arabian Sea. Many small rivers flow west ward and drain into salt lakes called Hamun.

Q Describe one problem created due to the highland of Balochistan plateau and how it can be
overcome?

Ans: There is a shortage of land suitable for agriculture. Farming is done in narrow valleys on a small
scale. There is a shortage of water due to low rainfall. Karez system of irrigation is used in some valleys.
Small dams are made on the river Zhob.

Topic: The Potwar Plateau and the Salt Range.

Q Describe the drainage features of the Potwar plateau. (3) N 2003

Ans: There are number of perennial and non-perennial rivers in Potwar plateau which swell up (enlarge)
in the rainy season. River Soan is an important river which flows through potwar plateau northeast to
south west direction and join river Indus. Rawal dam has been set up on river Korang near Islamabad.
There are number of small salt lakes in the plateau such as kullar kahar, Uch Chali and Khabeki, which
add to scenic beauty of the area.

Q Describe the relief features of Potwar plateau. (3) N 2003

Ans: Potwar plateau is located in the south of Islamabad, between river Indus and Jhelum. Potwar
plateau had bad land topography. Steep (sharp) slopes, ravines, gullies and gorges are formed due to
soil erosion; there is series of low hills average height 300 to 600 meters. Residue hills such as Kala
Chitta and Khairi Murat rise to just over 1000 meters.

Q Describe the relief features of salt range.

Ans: Average height of salt range is 750 meters to 900 meters. The Skesar peak is 1527 meters high. The
range runs in an east-west direction. Range covers most of Jhelum, Chakwal, Kalabagh and Mianwali
districts. South slope of range is steep and other is gentle. Salt range is collection of several parallel
ranges which are folded and faulted. Sandstone and shale rocks are commonly found. The salt range is
also rich in rock salt, gypsum and limestone.

Topic: The Indus Plain.

Ans: The land between two rivers.

Q Name a doab and its location.

Ans: Rachna doab between river Ravi and Chenab, Chaj doab between river Chenab and Jhelum, Bari
doab between river Sutlej and river Ravi.

Q What are the locations of bars (alluvial terrace) in upper Indus plain?

Ans: Ganji bar and Neli bars are in Bari doab, Sandal bar is in Rachna doab and Kirana bar is in Chaj doab.

Q Where on doab would be best place to build a house? Why?

Ans: A house can be set up on doab at the bar up land area because it is highest place on doab safe from
floods.

Q Describe the relief and drainage of upper Indus plain. (6) (J97, N99, N2002)

Ans: Drainage of Upper Indus Plain: Upper Indus plain (Punjab) is flat land from Potwar plateau to
Mithonkot drained by river Indus and its tributaries Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi. At Panjnad
tributaries join to form river Panjnad which meets river Indus after 72km at Mithankot.

The Upper Indus plain is divided into Sindh Sargar, Chaj, Rachna and Bari doabs. Doabs are located
between Indus River and its tributaries. Active flood plains are narrow strips along rivers flooded every
year. Levees, meanders, oxbow lakes and braided channels are features of active flood plains. Old flood
plain: is next to active flood plain. Scars of levees, meanders, oxbow lakes and braided channels are
found in it. It is flooded once in 7 to 8 years. It is 5 to 10 meters higher than an active flood plain. Alluvial
terrace: or bar is located in the middle of doab. It is safe from floods. It is 5 to 15 meters high. Scarp or
bluff is a slope that separates an old flood plain from a bar (alluvial terrace). Kerana bar is located in Chaj
doab, sandal bar is in Rachna doab, Ganji and Neli bars are in Bari doab.

Q Describe the relief and drainage of the lower Indus plain.

Ans: Lower Indus plain is the southern part of Indus plain starts from Mithonkot. The land is flat
undulating (wavy) sloping towards the south. It is drained by the river Indus and has an active flood plain
that is around 40km. Meanders, levees, oxbow lakes and braided channels are the main features of an
active flood plain. Alluvial fans have formed piedmont plain along Kirthar and Sulaiman range in the
west of Indus. In the south of lower Indus plain River Indus forms Indus delta by deposition (setting
down) of alluvial material. Cuesta is located at Rohri and Ganjo Takkar.

Q How is the life and economy of people living in the Indus plain affected by its relief and drainage?

Ans: Indus plain has flat and undulating land. Doabs and active flood plain of lower Indus have rich
alluvial soil and water is available for irrigation so agriculture is the main profession. Industry that
processes material provided by the agriculture sector is also developed i.e., Textile mills, sugar mills and
flour mills. Roads and railway lines are easier to set up due to flat land. River Indus and its tributaries are
crossed by bridges at convenient places. The population is high due to food production and
employment.

Topic: Piedmont Plains.

Ans: Alluvial fans are found in the foothills of Sulaiman Mountain range and Kirthar mountains range in
piedmont plain region. Hill torrents (flood) become active only during rainfall on reaching foothills
brought material (sand, silt and gravel) is deposited (set down). Torrents divide into number of channels
like shape of Chinese fans spread from 2 to 4 miles. Piedmont plains have fertile soil suitable for
agriculture. Alluvial fans are also found in northern Punjab.

Topic: Tidal Delta.

Q Name two delta located on coastal areas of Pakistan.

Ans: Indus delta and Hub delta.

Q Describe the drainage of the Indus delta. N 2002.

Ans: Indus delta starts from Thatta. Here Indus River divides into a number of channels which are
shallow and natural channels. The delta is a flat region crossed by many shallow (not deep) channels
through which the water of river Indus flows into sea. The channels are shallow because of the
continuous deposit (lay down) of silt on their beds. The channel bed gets raised, and at many places the
channel is higher than nearby land. Levees are formed on the banks of channels. Sea water fills in lower
land between channels and forms swamps (marsh/wetland).
Topic: Cuestas in the lower Indus Plain.
Q What are important features of Cuestas?

Ans: Cuestas are located in lower Sindh. Cuesta is a ridge with a steep slope on one side and gentle slope
on the other side. Rohri Cuesta is 80 meters high and 48 Km long. Gango Takkar Cuesta is 24 Km long.

Q Describe important use of cuesta in Sindh.

Ans: Rohri cuesta is source of limestone for Rohri cement factory. Ganjo Takkar hills are source of
limestone for cement factories near Hyderabad, Kotri and Thatta. Cuesta provides a good location for
construction of barrages.

Topic: The Desert Areas.

Ans: Cholistan, Nara and Tharparkar.

Q Name a one desert in upper Punjab and one in Baluchistan.

Ans: Thal in upper Punjab and Kharan in Baluchistan.

Q Explain the appearance and development of sand dunes.

Ans: Thar Parkar and Thar deserts have land covered with rolling sand plain and countless sand dunes.
Sand dunes are normally 25 to 50 feet in height, maybe even higher. The sand dunes are steep on one
side and gentle on the other side. Sand dunes are formed by wind action and shift their location in the
direction of wind. Some places there is strip (narrow piece) of flat land called Patti.

Q How is the life of people in desert affected by natural environment? J 94

Ans: Desert relief (landform) is marked by sand dunes that have high temperature and low rainfall.
Agriculture is limited. Rearing sheep and goats are the main occupation (profession). Nomadic way of
life is practiced (done) due to shortage of vegetation and water. The population is low and scattered.
People travel at night due to high day temperature.

Q Location of only these latitude and longitude lines is included in syllabus.

Location: Latitude lines 24°, 30° and 36°. Longitude lines 64°, 70° and 76°.

Q Definitions
1) Alluvial material: material brought by river.

2) Alluvial terrace or bar: central high area of doab which has mature type of soil (fine loamy). It is 10 to
15 meters high separated from the old flood plain by a slope called scarp or bluff.

3) Alluvial fans: are found along the foot of Kirthar Mountains in Sindh. During the rainy season hill
torrents (sudden flow of water) bring a lot of silt, sand, gravel and rock material. At foot hill torrent
slowdowns and deposit the material. Torrent split in many channels spread over 2 to 4 miles forms a
sharp of Chinese fan called alluvial fans.
4) Alluvial cone: an alluvial fan with steep slope.

5) Basin: Natural or artificial depression in land like wash basin.

6) Braided channel: a steam with a wide, shallow channel split in two or more channels due to hurdle in
the path. Split channels merge (join) again.

7) Boulder: any large, detached, generally rounded mass of rock.

8)Catchment area: the total area drained by a river and its tributaries.

9) Doab: The land between two adjacent rivers is known as doab or interfluves.

10) Drainage: The natural runoff (flow) of water from an area by streams and rivers.

11) Delta: is the mouth of the river. The river is divided into a number of distributaries (channels) before
joining the sea called delta.

12) Glacier: A large mass of snow over huge area formed by consolidation of snow falling.

13) Gradient: slope.

14) Gully: a narrow channel set up in earth by the action of water.

15) Gorge: a rocky walled, steep (sharp) sided deep narrow river valley.

16) Hamun: Shallow Salt Lake with inland drainage found in Baluchistan Plateau.

17) Levees: are naturally built riverbank by slow deposition of silt along sides.

18) Meander: curves in the natural course (path) of a river known as meander.

19) Mangrove swamp: trees grown in tidal mud in delta.

20) Oxbow lake: The small horseshoe shaped lake which is formed by the separation of a meander from
its mainstream is known as oxbow lake.

21) Plateau: is a large stretch of highland which is practically at the same height above sea level. It
descends on all sides to lower land.

22) Pass: a route over or through a mountain.

23) Ravine: a small, narrow valley with steep sides, larger than a gulley.

24) Rugged: uneven, rough and irregular surface.

25) Relief: is the degree of unevenness or landform.

26) Riverbed: the channel in which river flows.

27) River basin: all area drained by river.

28) Runoff: all the water flowing from drained area. Flow of water.

29) Silt: fine particles larger than clay.

31) Swamp: wet and spongy land saturated with water.

32) Terrain: an area of land in respect of its physical characteristics or conditions.

33) Tributary: a stream or river flowing into large river.

34) Tidal flat: an area of sand or mud uncovered at low tide.

35) Undulating: wavy form of land.