Q1. [3] medium thorough-understanding
Arid and semi-arid regions of India are particularly vulnerable to a specific form of land degradation driven by wind. (a) Name this process. (b) Describe any three measures recommended to check this process, explaining briefly how each one works.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:28 · grounding rag
Model Answer
(a) The process is wind erosion / deflation (desertification driven by wind action).
(b) Three measures to check wind erosion in arid areas:
- Planting shelter belts – Rows of trees act as windbreaks, reducing wind speed and preventing soil from being blown away.
- Stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes – Plant roots bind the sand, preventing dunes from shifting and spreading.
- Control on overgrazing – Limiting livestock prevents removal of vegetation cover, so plant roots hold the topsoil in place against wind action.
Source: Resources and Development, Land Degradation and Conservation Measures
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Explanation
- The question is specifically about wind-driven land degradation in arid/semi-arid regions — the textbook lists three measures directly: shelter belts, stabilising sand dunes, and controlling overgrazing. Use these exact terms.
- Part (a) is 1 mark — one term suffices. Parts (b) needs three distinct measures with a brief explanation of how each works — that's the key examiner expectation.
- Do not write about water-logging, salinity, or industrial effluents — those relate to other regions/causes.