Which of the following statements are correct for the Peninsular plateau of India? Select the correct answer from codes given below :
(a) It contains a rich variety of metallic minerals.
(b) Its northern margins are constructive plate margins.
(c) Its north-west part is covered with fertile black soil.
(d) It has only two perennial rivers.
Codes :

Question

Which of the following statements are correct for the Peninsular plateau of India? Select the correct answer from codes given below : 
(a) It contains a rich variety of metallic minerals. 
(b) Its northern margins are constructive plate margins. 
(c) Its north-west part is covered with fertile black soil. 
(d) It has only two perennial rivers.
Codes :

Accepted Answer

Okay, here's the explanation supporting why Option 3 (a and c) is the correct answer, and why the other options are incorrect, focusing solely on justifying the given correct answer:

**Justification for Option 3 (a and c):**

*   **(a) It contains a rich variety of metallic minerals:** This statement is correct. The Peninsular plateau is known for its abundance of metallic minerals like iron ore, manganese, bauxite, copper, and gold. This is due to its ancient crystalline rocks and geological history. The Chota Nagpur Plateau, a significant part of the Peninsular plateau, is particularly rich in mineral resources.

*   **(c) Its north-west part is covered with fertile black soil:** This statement is also correct. The northwestern part of the Peninsular plateau, particularly the Deccan Trap region, is characterized by the presence of black soil (regur soil). This soil is formed from the weathering of basaltic lava rocks and is highly fertile, making it suitable for cotton cultivation.

**Why other options are incorrect:**

*   **Option 1 (a, c and d):** This option includes statement (d), "It has only two perennial rivers." This is incorrect. While the Peninsular plateau has fewer perennial rivers compared to the Himalayan region, it has more than just two. Rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and Narmada are considered perennial or semi-perennial, depending on rainfall patterns and dam construction. Therefore, including (d) makes this option incorrect.

*   **Option 2 (a, b and c):** This option includes statement (b), "Its northern margins are constructive plate margins." This is incorrect. Constructive plate margins are associated with divergent plate boundaries where new crust is formed. The northern margins of the Peninsular plateau are not located at a constructive plate boundary. The formation of the Himalayas is related to a convergent plate boundary, but the Peninsular plateau itself is a stable landmass. Therefore, including (b) makes this option incorrect.

*   **Option 4 (b and d):** This option includes both statements (b) and (d), which, as explained above, are both incorrect. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.

**In conclusion:**

Only statements (a) and (c) accurately describe characteristics of the Peninsular plateau. Therefore, Option 3 is the only correct answer.