Answer the following in a paragraph

VIII. Answer the following in a paragraph

1. Describe the nature of the plateau region of Tamil Nadu.

• Plateaus of Tamil Nadu are located between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.

• It is triangular in shape covering about 60,000 sq.km.

Bharamahai plateau;

• Bharamahai plateau is a part of Mysore plateau in the northwestern part of Tamil Nadu.

• Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts are located in this region.

Coimbatore plateau:

• It lies between the Nilgiris and Dharmapuri districts.

• This region includes Salem, Coimbatore and Erode districts.

• Moyar river separates this plateau from the Mysore plateau.

• Rivers Bhavani, Noyyal and Amaravathi form valleys in this region.

Sigur plateau:

• Sigur plateau is found in the region of Nilgiris.

Madurai plateau:

• Madurai plateau is found in Madurai district.

• It extends up to the foothills of the Western Ghats.

• Vaigai and Thamirabarani basins are located in this zone.

2. Write an account on river Cauvery.

• River Cauvery originates at Talacauvery in Kodagu districts of Karnataka.

• It runs for about 416 km in Tamil Nadu. It serves as the boundary between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for a distance of 64 km.

• It forms Hogenakkal waterfalls in Dharmapuri.

• Mettur Dam is across this river in Salem district.

• Bhavani, Noyyal and Amaravathi are the tributaries of the Cauvery.

• Bhavani and Noyal join Cauvery at Thirumukkudal and this region is called 'Agandra Cauvery'.

• In Tiruchirappalli district, the river branches into two parts. The northern branch is called Coleroon or Kollidam and the southern branch remains Cauvery. After flowing for about 16 km, the two branches join together to form the 'Srirangam Island'.

• Kallanai has been constructed across Cauvery.

• After Kallanai, the river breaks into many distributaries and forms a network all over the delta.

• This network within the delta of Cauvery in the coast is called 'Garden of Southern India'.

• It merges into the Bay of Bengal to the south of Cuddalore.

3. Explain the characteristic features of summer and winter seasons of Tamil Nadu.

Summer Season:

• During March to May the sun's rays fall vertically over South India.

• There is a steady rise in temperature from the equator.

• Hence, Tamil Nadu is located to the south of Tropic of Cancer, it experiences high temperature.

• The temperature varies from 30°C to more than 40°C.

• During this season, the southern part of Tamil Nadu receives some rainfall from pre-monsoon showers in May.

• Some parts of Tamil Nadu experience convectional rainfall.

Winter Season:

• During January and February, the vertical rays of the sun fall between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Equator.

• Tamil Nadu receives sianting rays from the sun. So, the weather is slightly cooler during these months.

• The difference between the summer and the winter temperature is not very high.

• The winter temperature of Tamil Nadu varies from 15°C to 25°C.

• The temperature of hili stations is below 5°C and even 0°C in the valleys of Nilgiris.

• This drop in temperature leads to the formation of thick mist and frost.

• This season is practically dry

4. Bring out the types and distribution of soils in Tamil Nadu.

Types of soil in Tamil Nadu:

1. Alluvial soil

2. Black soil

3. Red soil

4. Laterite soil

5. Saline soil

Distribution:

Alluvial Soil:

• Alluvial Soil is formed by the deposition of silt by the rivers.

• CThis soil is found in the river valley regions and the coastal plains of Tamil Nadu. It is found in the districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari.

Black Soil:

• Black soil is formed by the weathering of igneous rocks. It is also known as regur soil and black cotton soil.

• In Tamil Nadu black soil is found in the districts of Coimbatore, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi.

Red Soil:

Red soils cover over two-thirds of the total area of Tamil Nadu. It is largely found in Sivagangai and Ramanathapuram districts.

Laterite Soil:

• Laterite soil is formed by the process of intense ieaching.

• Laterite soil is found in the districts of Kancheepuram, Tiruvailur, Thanjavur and Nilgiris.

Saline Soil:

Saline soil is found in the Coromandel coast. Vedaranyam has a pocket of saline soil.

5. What are the Risk reduction measures taken before and after cyclone.

Before:

• Ignore rumours, stay calm, don't be panic

• Keep your mobile phones charged to ensure connectivity; use sms;

• Listen to radio; watch TV; read newspapers for weather updates.

• Keep your documents and valuables in water proof containers;

• Prepare an emergency kit with essential items for survival;

• Secure your house; carry out repairs;

• Don't leave sharp objects loose;

• Untie cattle / animals for their safety.

After:

• Those who shifted to the cyclone centre must remain there till instructions are received;

• Strictly avoid loose electrical wires after the cycione;

• Beware of snakes and other animals immediately after the cyclone;

• Clear debris and carcasses from the premises after the cyclone and report losses accurately to the authorities.