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Showing posts with the label biogeography

Distinguish between the characteristics of Chernozem and Sierozem soils - 2017 UPSC Civil Services Exam Geography Optional Mains Questions

  The following table can be elaborated for the above question :  Chernozem Sierozem Location Temperate Grasslands Mid latitudinal deserts Climate  Sub humid climate Arid climate Fertility Highly fertile Less fertile Organic content Medium to High Low Minerals Calcium rich soils on surface Lime and Gypsum close to surface Vegetation Steppe grasses Thorny, Xerophytic vegetation Regions Prairies, Steppe, Pampa, Entre Rios, Downs, Veld Mongolia, Colorado, Sinkiang, Turkmenistan Join the Geography telegram channel for latest updates and current events in the field of Geography using the link https://t.me/geolite Visit  www.enliteias.com  for details regarding Geography Optional.

Forest fires : Disaster Management : Environment Geography

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  FOREST FIRES:   Vulnerability: 54.40% of forests in India are exposed to occasional fires North-Eastern India and Central India along with some patches in Western ghats, Uttarakhand etc. Causes: Natural :  Lightening  Volcanic eruptions Dry leaves litters Swaying of Bamboos Rolling stones Heat waves and high temperatures. Anthropogenic causes:  Shifting cultivation  Invasive species brought into forest as plantations, increasing vulnerability.        Eg Chir pine in Uttarakhand.  Deliberate fires  Camp fires and irresponsible tourism in forest Burning farm residues Forest Fire Management: Preventing Moisture retention measures – landscape management, artificial water sources inside forest.  Forest fire prone zone identification and mapping. Effective forest floor biomass management – controlled burning Firelines Weed management. Preparedness Vulnerability assessment Early Fire detection and response. Digitisation of fore...

Write short note: Uniqueness of fauna in the Notogean realm. 2013 UPSC Geography Optional Mains Question.

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  Austral Realm/ Notogean Realm    Evolution ; Biogeographical evolution is characterized by continental drifting and Orogenic changes  Drifting : Australia was having Mediterranean and temperate deciduous vegetation. As it started drifting by breaking away from Antarctica in the early Cenozoic period, it came under the influence of cold West wind drift current, increasing the aridity of Australia. Orogeny : As it drifted further to the north and reached the sub-tropics, the orogeny of Great Dividing range started and its rain shadow effect converted a large part of Australia into desert from the temperate forest and Mediterranean vegetation . The Xerophytic vegetation and arid climatic conditions restricted the growth of Mammal families in Australia. Most of the mammals in Australia are believed to have come from outside via the Island bridges and settled there, undergone speciation, to attain the present form. All major mammals including Monotremes like Duck ...

Speciation : Biogeography

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  Speciation Speciation is the process by which a new kind of plant or animal species is created. It occurs when a group within a population separates from other members and develops its own unique characteristics t o form a new species.  Geographical / Allopatric speciation It is also called as allopatric speciation . It is the method by which geographical isolation stops the connection between interbreeding  members of the same population. A physical barrier, such as a mountain range or a waterway, makes it impossible for them to breed with one another. Each species develops differently based on the demands of their unique habitat or the genetic characteristics of the group that are passed onto offspring forming two different species in the long term.  Example:   The elephant population in Africa and India evolved separately forming different species of the same population. Marsupials developed as Kangaroo in Australia, Opossum in South America, Tasmanian...

Soil Structure : Biogeography

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  Soil Structure It is defined by the way individual particles of sand, silt, and clay are assembled. Single particles when assembled appear as larger particles. These are called aggregates. Based on the size and shape of peds, there are different structures. Some of them are 1. Granular and crumb structures are individual particles of sand, silt and clay grouped together in small, nearly spherical grains. Water circulates very easily through such soils. They are commonly found in the A-horizon of the soil profile 2. Blocky and sub angular blocky structures are soil particles that cling together in nearly square or angular blocks having more or less sharp edges. Relatively large blocks indicate that the soil resists penetration and movement of water. They are commonly found in the B-horizon where clay has accumulated; 3. Prismatic soil particles that are formed into vertical prismatic structure. Similar to  columnar structure. 4. Columnar structures are soil particles...

Monsoon Climatic Type and Tropical Deciduous Forest Biome

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  CLIMATE : Monsoon Climate type BIOME : Tropical Deciduous forest Biome It is  generally found along the eastern margins of subtropical regions  Average annual range of temperature is between 32-40 degree Celsius with mean annual average temperature is 27 degree Celsius. Typically characterized by two phenomena Seasonal reversal of winds Fixed period of rainfall The monsoonal regions are given in the map below : They are a degraded form of tropical rainforest with two canopies of trees.  The forests are more open resulting in penetration of sunrise paving way for growth of grasses and shrubs. Average annual precipitation is between 100cm and 200cm.  The coastal areas receive more precipitation while  the interior areas are generally dry. The heavy rainfall in the region lead to excessive leaching away of the topsoil, resulting in formation of Latosols.  Climatic conditions of the region are highly influenced by the shifting of wind belts. Vegetat...