Class 10 Social Geography Chapter 2 Environment and Environmental Problems
Are you looking for SEBA Class 10 Social Geography Chapter 2 Environment and Environmental Problems? Then you have come to the right place. This article provides complete notes, textbook solutions, important questions and answers, and exam-oriented study materials for Class 10 students.
This chapter explains the concept of the environment, its different components, and the relationship between humans and nature. Students will learn about major environmental problems such as pollution, deforestation, global warming, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. The chapter also highlights the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable development, and the measures that can be taken to protect our natural resources for future generations.
All notes and answers are written in simple and easy-to-understand English, making learning easier and helping students prepare effectively for examinations. These study materials are highly useful for revision, class tests, annual examinations, and the HSLC board examination.
Part-II: Geography
Environment and Environmental Problems
Selected Questions & Answers
Very Short Answer Type Questions (Mark-1)
1. Which gas contributes the most to global warming? HSLC ’12
Ans: Carbon dioxide.
2. Mention three causes of environmental change. HSLC ’12
Ans: The three causes of environmental change are:
(a) Population growth
(b) Industrialization
(c) Development of transport and communication
3. According to the famous geographer Peter Haggett, what is environment?
Ans: According to Peter Haggett, “Environment is the outcome of the interrelationships among land, water, air, and living organisms.”
4. What is the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere under normal conditions?
Ans: 0.035%.
5. How is acid rain formed?
Ans: Acid rain is formed when excess sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide accumulate in the atmosphere.
6. What is the definition of desertification according to the United Nations? HSLC ’22
Ans: According to the United Nations, “Desertification is a process that destroys the biological potential or productivity of land and ultimately leads to desert-like conditions.”
7. Which gas contributes the most to global warming? HSLC ’12
Ans: Carbon dioxide.
8. Where is acid rain generally formed? HSLC ’18
Ans: In industrial regions.
9. Among greenhouse gases, which gas is mainly responsible for global warming? HSLC ’19
Ans: Carbon dioxide.
10. What do you understand by environment? Write in your own words.
Ans: Environment generally refers to the natural and human-made surroundings around us. It includes both biotic and abiotic components.
11. Mention some biotic and abiotic components of the environment.
Ans: Biotic components include plants and animals. Abiotic components include air, water, soil, sunlight, etc.
12. What is meant by lithosphere?
Ans: The solid part of the Earth composed of rocks, sand, and soil is called the lithosphere. It covers about 29% of the Earth’s surface.
13. What is included in the hydrosphere?
Ans: The hydrosphere includes oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. It covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface.
14. What is the atmosphere composed of?
Ans: The atmosphere is composed of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, etc.
Essay-type Question-Answers
1. What kinds of problems are caused by global warming? HSLC ’20
Ans: Global warming causes several problems such as melting of large ice masses in polar regions, rise in sea level, changes in geographical conditions, and desertification. Studies suggest that if the atmospheric temperature rises by 2–3°C, the ice caps in the North and South Poles will melt. As a result, sea levels will rise and many parts of the Earth will be submerged.
2. What are the measures to control global warming? HSLC ’18
Ans: Several measures can be adopted to control global warming, such as:
First, increasing forest cover to enhance rainfall.
Second, reducing the use of vehicles and limiting industrial activities.
Third, stopping nuclear explosions.
Fourth, countries of the world should work together through collective efforts.
3. Define pollution. HSLC ’17, ’22
Ans: Pollution is the condition in which the natural environment is degraded due to the indiscriminate use of resources. In simple terms, when harmful substances adversely affect the environment, it is called pollution. Substances that cause harm to the environment are known as pollutants, such as dust, smoke, ash, foul smell, lead, carbon monoxide, etc.
4. What is water pollution and how does it occur? HSLC ’20
Ans: Water pollution is the process in which the natural properties of water are altered due to the mixing of chemical substances, microorganisms, or radioactive elements. Generally, waste materials used by humans mix with water sources and pollute them. Water pollution causes great harm to living organisms, spreads diseases, and disturbs environmental balance.
5. Write a short note on soil pollution.
Ans: Soil pollution refers to the degradation of soil quality due to the mixing of chemicals, toxic metals, waste materials, radioactive substances, and acid rain. Soil is the main source of food for humans, but it is being polluted due to human activities. The use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and dumping of rubber and plastic materials reduce soil fertility.
6. Briefly describe the relationship among the four major spheres of the environment. HSLC ’18
Ans: The four major spheres of the environment are interdependent. They constantly interact with each other, forming the environment and ecosystem. The present environment is the result of a complex network of interactions among these spheres, and it is dynamic in nature.
7. Mention the main factors of environmental change.
Ans: The main factors of environmental change include population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of transport and communication systems.
8. Explain what is meant by environmental problems. HSLC ’17
Ans: Environmental problems refer to the imbalance created among the various components of nature. Human beings are mainly responsible for creating environmental problems. In order to increase comfort and convenience, humans use natural resources indiscriminately, putting pressure on the environment. For example, forests are cleared for settlement and agriculture, leading to desertification. Industrial growth also increases the emission of carbon dioxide, contributing to environmental degradation.
9. From a geographical perspective, how can environmental problems be classified? HSLC ’17
Ans: From a geographical perspective, environmental problems can be classified into three types: local problems, regional problems, and global problems.
10. How does air get polluted? HSLC ’17
Ans: Air pollution occurs when harmful gases, smoke, and dust mix with the air and disturb its natural composition. Natural causes include volcanic eruptions, which release smoke, ash, and gases. Human causes include industrial expansion, urbanization, increased use of vehicles, nuclear explosions, and the increase of carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the atmosphere.
11. What is a desert? Define desertification. HSLC ’17
Ans: A desert is a large area where the fertility of the soil is lost and productivity is very low due to various reasons. Desertification is the process by which productive land in tropical regions is transformed into desert-like conditions.
12. State the causes of desertification. HSLC ’19, ’22
Ans: Desertification is the process of converting productive land into infertile land. It is caused by both natural and human factors. Natural factors include drought and global warming. Lack of rainfall leads to dry conditions, reducing soil productivity and plant growth. Human activities such as settlement expansion, agricultural expansion, and deforestation play a major role in accelerating desertification.
13. What is global warming? Mention its causes. HSLC ’18, ‘23
Ans: Global warming refers to the increase in temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and surface worldwide. The causes include emissions from industries and vehicles, smoke, ash, carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These gases mix with the atmosphere, disturb its natural composition, and contribute to the rise in global temperature.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Q. Which sea separates Asia and Africa?
(a) Mediterranean Sea
(b) Red Sea
(c) Caspian Sea
(d) Arabian Sea
Ans: (b) Red sea
Q. Europe is naturally separated from Asia by—
(a) Karakoram Range and Black Sea
(b) Himalayas and Amur River
(c) Ural Mountains and Ural River
(d) Rocky Mountains and Lena River
Ans: (c) Ural Mountains and Ural River
Q. Which is the longest mountain range in the world?
(a) Himalayas
(b) Andes
(c) Rockies
(d) Urals
Ans: (b) Andes
Q. Which is the largest ocean in the world?
(a) Indian Ocean
(b) Atlantic Ocean
(c) Pacific Ocean
(d) Southern Ocean
Ans: (c) Pacific Ocean
Q. What is the total surface area of the Earth?
(a) 410 million sq. km
(b) 510 million sq. km
(c) 511 million sq. km
(d) 510 sq. km
Ans: (b) 510 million sq. km
Q. Which is the largest continent in the world?
(a) North America
(b) Europe
(c) Asia
(d) Africa
Ans: (c) Asia
Q. Acid rain is generally formed in—
(a) Polar regions
(b) Forest regions
(c) Industrial regions
(d) Grassland regions
Ans: (c) Industrial regions
Q. How many main components does the environment have?
(a) Three
(b) Four
(c) Five
(d) Six
Ans: (b) Four
Q. Among greenhouse gases, which gas is responsible for global warming?
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Argon
Ans: (b) Carbon dioxide
Q. Which is the second most populous country in the world?
(a) China
(b) India
(c) USA
(d) Africa
Ans: (b) India
Q. The deepest trench in the world is located in which ocean?
(a) Indian Ocean (b) Atlantic Ocean
(c) Pacific Ocean
(d) Southern Ocean
Ans: (c) Pacific Ocean
Q. Which is the smallest ocean in the world?
(a) Indian Ocean
(b) Arctic Ocean
(c) Southern Ocean
(d) Atlantic Ocean
Ans: (b) Arctic Ocean
Q. Which geographer defined environment as the interaction among land, water, air, and living beings?
(a) Peter
(b) Haggett
(c) Peter Haggett
(d) Robert Brown
Ans: (c) Peter Haggett
Q. What percentage of the Earth’s surface is covered by the lithosphere?
(a) 27%
(b) 29%
(c) 30%
(d) 25%
Ans: (b) 29%
Q. What percentage of the Earth’s surface is covered by water (hydrosphere)?
(a) 70%
(b) 71%
(c) 72%
(d) 75%
Ans: (b) 71%
Q. An example of a local environmental problem is —. HSLC ’24
(a) Sea level rise
(b) Flood problem of Brahmaputra valley
(c) Soil pollution by small industries
(d) Desertification in America
Ans: (c) Soil pollution by small industries
Q. At present, what percentage of the Earth’s land is affected by desertification?
(a) 31%
(b) 33%
(c) 35%
(d) 37%
Ans: (c)
Q. Which continent is most affected by desertification at present?
(a) America
(b) North America
(c) West America
(d) None of these
Ans: (b)
Q. How many plant and animal species have been identified in the biosphere so far?
(a) 1.71 million
(b) 1.75 million
(c) 1.76 million
(d) 1.77 million
Ans: (b)
Q. What is the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere under normal conditions?
(a) 0.025%
(b) 0.035%
(c) 0.06%
(d) 0.037%
Ans: (b)
Q. Up to what height does the atmosphere extend from the Earth’s surface?
(a) About 460 km
(b) About 470 km
(c) About 480 km
(d) About 490 km
Ans: (c)
Q. What is the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? HSLC’23
(a) 0.0035%
(b) 0.035%
(c) 0.35%
(d) 3.35%
Ans: (b)
Q. Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas? HSLC ’24
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Methane
(c) Nitrous oxide
(d) Oxygen
Ans: (d)
Q. Which country has the highest population in the world?
(a) India
(b) Japan
(c) USA
(d) China
Ans: (d)
Q. What is the total population of China?
(a) 1,371,921,000
(b) 1,371,920,000
(c) 1,371,918,000
(d) 1,371,930,000
Ans: (b)
Q. Which is the smallest continent in the world?
(a) North America
(b) Europe
(c) Antarctica
(d) Oceania
Ans: (d)
Q. Which is the second largest ocean in the world?
(a) Pacific Ocean
(b) Indian Ocean
(c) Atlantic Ocean
(d) Southern Ocean
Ans: (c)
Q. In which year did Mount Pinatubo erupt?
(a) 1990
(b) 19911
(c) 1890
(d) 1891
Ans: (b)
