CLASS 9 · SOCIAL STUDIES · CHAPTER 2

Shaping of the Earth’s Surface

Simple answers to 15 questions about Earth forces, landforms, erosion and disaster safety.

15 worked answersComplete chapter answers

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15 worked answers · short steps first, explanations when you need them

Questions and activities

Textbook pages 37–38

Question 1

What energy sources cause movements associated with Earth’s internal forces?

Steps only

Internal heat powers endogenic forces.

Answer

Earth’s internal heat—left from its formation and released by radioactive decay—drives mantle movement and plate motion.

Question 2

Relate physiographic divisions studied earlier to endogenic forces that helped form them.

Steps only

Landforms reflect internal and external processes.

Answer

Plate collision uplifted the Himalayas; volcanic activity and uplift shaped the Deccan Plateau; river deposits formed the northern plains.

Question 3

Why and where do earthquakes occur frequently? Can they be predicted?

Steps only

Earthquake-prone areas can be identified, but exact events cannot be reliably predicted.

Answer

Earthquakes happen when rocks suddenly move, especially near plate boundaries.

Question 4

Explain how plate movements cause the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.

Steps only

Plate interactions create belts of earthquakes and volcanoes.

Answer

Many earthquakes and volcanoes occur near plate boundaries.

Question 5

Draw and label a meander and a delta.

Steps only

Draw a winding bend and a branching river mouth; label erosion and deposition.

Answer

This is a drawing activity.

Question 6

How are deforestation and erosion associated?

Steps only

Removing vegetation exposes soil and increases erosion.

Answer

Tree roots hold soil and vegetation slows rainwater.

Question 7

Develop a plan to protect land in your area from erosion.

Steps only

Find the cause, restore ground cover and slow runoff.

Answer

Sample plan: identify eroding places, restore native plants, keep ground cover during construction and direct rainwater safely.

Question 8

Which disasters may occur in your region? Discuss a mitigation plan.

Steps only

Name a local hazard and give preparation and response steps.

Answer

Answers depend on location.

Question 9

Prepare a model of landforms created by underground water.

Steps only

Show cave formation by dissolving limestone and depositing minerals.

Answer

Make a labelled limestone cave model.

Question 10

What precautions would you take in an earthquake-prone region?

Steps only

Prepare ahead; during shaking drop, cover and hold on.

Answer

Secure shelves, keep supplies ready and practise a family plan.

Question 11

Prepare a map showing landform-associated disasters from the current calendar year.

Steps only

Map verified events with dates, locations, types and sources.

Answer

Choose verified current-year events such as floods, landslides or earthquakes.

Question 12

Create a poster about sacred or important landforms in your region and include related folk stories.

Steps only

Show the landform, explain its meaning and respectfully credit the story.

Answer

Draw or map a locally important landform, explain its cultural meaning and include a sourced folk story.

Question 13

Document a past disaster in your region and describe its effects on human activities.

Steps only

Report the event, impacts and response using verified sources.

Answer

Write the event, date and place; explain the hazard, effects on people and activities, and response measures.

Question 14

Translate the landslide-safety poster into your native language and display it at home.

Steps only

Translate clearly, check the meaning and display it.

Answer

Translate each instruction accurately, especially warnings to move away from slopes and follow official directions.

Question 15

In groups, prepare projects on water, wind and glaciers, including causes, effects and mitigation.

Steps only

Explain causes, landforms, impacts and practical risk-reduction measures.

Answer

Each group can explain how its agent shapes land, show a diagram, describe benefits and hazards, and suggest ways to reduce harm.

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Shaping of the Earth’s Surface

Questions and activities

What energy sources cause movements associated with Earth’s internal forces?

Answer

Relate physiographic divisions studied earlier to endogenic forces that helped form them.

Answer

Why and where do earthquakes occur frequently? Can they be predicted?

Answer

Explain how plate movements cause the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.

Answer

Draw and label a meander and a delta.

Answer

How are deforestation and erosion associated?

Answer

Develop a plan to protect land in your area from erosion.

Answer

Which disasters may occur in your region? Discuss a mitigation plan.

Answer

Prepare a model of landforms created by underground water.

Answer

What precautions would you take in an earthquake-prone region?

Answer

Prepare a map showing landform-associated disasters from the current calendar year.

Answer

Create a poster about sacred or important landforms in your region and include related folk stories.

Answer

Document a past disaster in your region and describe its effects on human activities.

Answer

Translate the landslide-safety poster into your native language and display it at home.

Answer

In groups, prepare projects on water, wind and glaciers, including causes, effects and mitigation.

Answer

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