Geography Notes

Comprehensive Geography study materials covering Physical, Human, and Indian Geography for CTET, STGT, and WBTET preparation. Master geographical concepts with expert notes, maps, and practice questions.

Physical Geography Fundamentals

Earth's Structure

Layers of Earth

  • • Crust - Outermost solid layer
  • • Mantle - Semi-solid middle layer
  • • Core - Innermost layer (outer & inner)
  • • Lithosphere - Rigid outer shell
  • • Asthenosphere - Semi-fluid layer

Types of Rocks

  • • Igneous - Formed from molten magma
  • • Sedimentary - Formed from sediments
  • • Metamorphic - Changed by heat/pressure
  • • Rock Cycle - Transformation process

Major Landforms

  • • Mountains - High elevation landforms
  • • Plateaus - Elevated flat-topped areas
  • • Plains - Low-lying flat areas
  • • Hills - Lower elevation than mountains
  • • Valleys - Low areas between mountains
  • • Deserts - Arid regions with minimal vegetation

Indian Geography Overview

Physiographic Divisions

Northern Mountains

  • • Himalayas - Young fold mountains
  • • Karakoram Range
  • • Ladakh Range
  • • Zaskar Range
  • • Shivalik Hills

Northern Plains

  • • Indo-Gangetic Plains
  • • Punjab Plains
  • • Ganga Plains
  • • Brahmaputra Plains
  • • Alluvial soil formation

Peninsular Plateau

  • • Deccan Plateau
  • • Central Highlands
  • • Malwa Plateau
  • • Bundelkhand Plateau
  • • Chota Nagpur Plateau

Coastal Plains

  • • Western Coastal Plains
  • • Eastern Coastal Plains
  • • Konkan Coast
  • • Malabar Coast
  • • Coromandel Coast

Climate of India

  • • Tropical Monsoon Climate
  • • Four Seasons: Winter, Summer, Monsoon, Post-Monsoon
  • • Southwest Monsoon (June-September)
  • • Northeast Monsoon (October-December)
  • • Regional variations in temperature and rainfall

Important Rivers of India

Himalayan Rivers

Ganga System

  • • Ganga (Ganges)
  • • Yamuna
  • • Ghaghara
  • • Gandak
  • • Kosi

Indus System

  • • Indus
  • • Jhelum
  • • Chenab
  • • Ravi
  • • Beas
  • • Sutlej

Brahmaputra

  • • Brahmaputra
  • • Teesta
  • • Manas
  • • Subansiri
  • • Dibang

Peninsular Rivers

East Flowing

  • • Mahanadi
  • • Godavari
  • • Krishna
  • • Kaveri
  • • Pennar

West Flowing

  • • Narmada
  • • Tapi
  • • Mahi
  • • Sabarmati
  • • Luni

Key Facts

  • • Three main branches: Physical, Human, Indian
  • • India has 7 major physiographic divisions
  • • 4 seasons in Indian climate
  • • Major rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra
  • • Important for map-based questions
  • • Focus on current geographical issues

Study Tips

  • • Study maps regularly
  • • Understand physical processes
  • • Focus on Indian geography
  • • Practice location-based questions
  • • Learn about climate patterns
  • • Revise river systems

Practice Questions

Which is the longest river in India?

Answer: Ganga (Ganges)

How many physiographic divisions does India have?

Answer: 7 major divisions

What type of climate does India have?

Answer: Tropical Monsoon Climate