Which of the following statements about the Indian Desert is correct?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: Option (3) is correct. The Indian Desert is an undulating sandy plain characterized by sand dunes, and it receives less than 150 mm of rainfall annually.
Explanation:
- The Great Indian Desert, also known as the 'Thar Desert,' is situated to the northwest of the Aravalli Hills. It is an undulating sandy plain covered with various types of sand dunes, among which 'Barchans' (crescent-shaped dunes) are the most prominent. The most distinctive feature of this region is its extremely arid climate; annual rainfall here is less than 150 mm (15 cm), resulting in very sparse vegetation. Due to low rainfall and high evaporation, it is also referred to as 'Marusthali.' The Luni is the only major river in this region; it appears during the rainy season and eventually disappears into the Rann of Kutch.
Additional Points:
- Analysis of Option (1): This is incorrect because the desert is located to the west of the Aravallis (not to the east), and the rainfall here is 'scanty' rather than 'moderate.'
- Analysis of Option (2): The Indian Desert is sandy, not a rocky plateau. Thorny bushes, rather than dense forests, are found here.
- Analysis of Option (4): The Deccan Plateau is located in South India, whereas the Thar Desert is situated in North-West India (primarily Rajasthan). Black soil is characteristic of the Malwa and Deccan regions, not the desert.
- Important Fact: This is the most densely populated desert in the world. Its extent covers the Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: What are the crescent-shaped sand dunes found in the Thar Desert called?
Answer: Barchans.
Question: Which is the longest and most significant river of the Indian Desert?
Answer: The Luni River. Question: Approximately what percentage of the Thar Desert is located in India?
Answer: Approximately 85% (the remaining 15% is in Pakistan).