MCQ
- Choose the right answers of the following from the given options.
(i) In which one of the following States are the major oil fields located?
(a) Assam
(b) Bihar
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Tamil Nadu
Ans. (a) Assam
Explanation: Assam is India’s oldest oil-producing state. The Digboi field, discovered in the 19th century, along with Naharkatiya and Moran, makes it the major centre of oil production.
(ii) At which one of the following places was the first atomic power station started?
(a) Kalpakkam
(b) Narora
(c) Rana Pratap Sagar
(d) Tarapur
Ans. (d) Tarapur
Explanation: India’s first atomic power station was set up at Tarapur, Maharashtra, in 1969. It marked the beginning of nuclear power generation in India.
(iii) Which one of the following minerals is known as brown diamond?
(a) Iron
(b) Lignite
(c) Manganese
(d) Mica
Ans. (b) Lignite
Explanation: Lignite, a low-grade brownish coal, is often called “brown diamond” due to its commercial value and use as a fuel in power generation.
(iv) Which one of the following is a non-renewable source of energy?
(a) Hydel
(b) Solar
(c) Thermal
(d) Wind power
Ans. (c) Thermal
Explanation: Thermal energy is generated by burning coal, oil, or gas. These fossil fuels are finite and exhaustible, making thermal power a non-renewable energy source.
Short Answer Type
- Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) Give an account of the distribution of mica in India.
Ans. Mica occurs mainly in Jharkhand (Hazaribagh Plateau), Andhra Pradesh (Nellore), Rajasthan (Jaipur-Bhilwara-Udaipur belt), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. India was once the largest producer of mica.
(ii) What is nuclear power? Mention the important nuclear power stations in India.
Ans. Nuclear power is generated through fission of uranium and thorium atoms in reactors. Major nuclear plants are Tarapur, Rawatbhata, Kalpakkam, Narora, Kaiga, and Kakrapar.
(iii) Name non-ferrous metals. Discuss their spatial distribution.
Ans. Non-ferrous metals include copper, bauxite, zinc, and lead. Odisha and Jharkhand have rich bauxite deposits. Copper occurs in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Zinc and lead are mainly found in Rajasthan.
(iv) What are non-conventional sources of energy?
Ans. Non-conventional energy sources are renewable, eco-friendly, and widely available. Examples include solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biomass, and small hydel power. They reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Long Answer Type
- Answer the following questions in about 150 words.
(i) Write a detailed note on the Petroleum resources of India.
Ans. Petroleum in India occurs in sedimentary rocks of the Tertiary age. Until the mid-20th century, Digboi in Assam was the only producing oilfield. The establishment of ONGC in 1956 accelerated exploration.
- Assam: Digboi, Naharkatiya, and Moran are major centres.
- Gujarat: Ankleshwar, Kalol, Mehsana, Nawagam, Kosamba, and Lunej are key oilfields.
- Offshore: The discovery of Mumbai High (1973) revolutionised petroleum production.
- East Coast Basins: Krishna-Godavari and Cauvery basins are emerging as major petroleum reserves.
Petroleum is vital for India’s transport, industry, and energy needs, though production still falls short of demand, leading to imports.
(ii) Write an essay on hydel power in India.
Ans. Hydroelectric power is generated using the kinetic energy of flowing water to run turbines and produce electricity. India is endowed with immense hydropower potential.
- Process: Large dams across rivers store water. Released water rotates turbines connected to generators, converting mechanical energy into electricity.
- Potential: India’s hydel power potential is about 150,000 MW (large projects) and 15,000 MW (small projects). The total exploitable potential is around 250,000 MW.
- Distribution: The Himalayan rivers (Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus) and Western Ghats rivers have the highest potential.
- Significance: Hydel power is renewable, eco-friendly, and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. India ranks 5th globally in hydel power potential.
Thus, hydropower forms a cornerstone of India’s sustainable energy strategy.