Transport and Communication Class 12 Important Extra Questions Geography Chapter 8

Here we are providing Class 12 Geography Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 8 Transport and Communication. Geography Class 12 Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 Important Extra Questions Transport and Communication

Transport and Communication Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
When and where was the first railway line opened ?
Answer:
First public railway line was opened in 1825 between Stockton and Darlington (England).

Question 2.
What is the length of total motorable roads in world ?
Answer:
15 million kms.

Question 3.
Which two towns are connected by Transcanadian highway ?
Answer:
Vancouver (British Columbia) and St. John (New foundland)

Question 4.
Why is West Asia the least developed in rail facilities ? Explain one reason.
Answer:
West Asia is the least developed in rail facilities because of sparsely populated and Vast deserts.

Question 5.
Which highway connects Darwin and Melbourne ? (C.B.S.E. 2018) !
Answer:
The Trans-Continental Stuart Highway.

Question 6.
Which towns are connected by a new highway constructed in China and Tibet ?
Answer:
Chengdu with Lhasa.

Question 7.
Which country has the largest rail network in Africa ?
Answer:
South Africa has largest rail network in Africa continent.

Question 8.
In which countries, commuter trains are popular ?
Answer:
In U.K, U.S.A., Japan and India, millions of passengers daily move to and for in the city by commuter trains.

Question 9.
Which country has the highest rail- density ?
Answer:
Belgium-1 km of railway for every 6.5 sq. km.

Question 10.
Which Tunnel connects London and Paris
Answer:
Channel Tunnel operated by Euro Tunnel group.

Question 11.
Name a trans-continental railway of South America through which pass does it run.
Answer:
Trans Andean Railway connecting Valparaiso (Chile) with Buenos Aires (Argentina). It runs across the Andes through the Uspallatta Pass (3900 m length).

Question 12.
What is Blue Train ?
Answer:
A train from Capetown to Pretoria in South Africa.

Question 13.
From which station runs Orient express to ? (C.B.S.E. 2011)
Answer:
From Paris to Istanbul.

Question 14.
Name the two terminal ports of Suez canal.
Answer:
Port Said (North) and Port Suez (South).

Question 15.
Which country of the world has the highest road density? (C.B.S.E. Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Japan has the highest road density.

Question 16.
Name two terminal ports of Panama canal.
Answer:
Port Colone and Panama.

Question 17.
Name an inland waterway in North America and Germany. (C.B.S.E. 2011, 2014)
Answer:
St. Lawrence River-great lakes and Rhine waterway.

Question 18.
Name the busiest ocean route of the world. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
North Altantic ocean route.

Question 19.
Which means of transport is highly suitable for transporting heavy and bulky goods, at a very low cost over long distances between continents ?
Answer:
Waterways.

Question 20.
What term is used for a railway line that runs across a continent and link its two ends ?
Answer:
Trans continental railway.

Question 21.
Name the famous petroleum pipeline which connects the oil wells of the Gulf of Mexico and the North Eastern States in U.S.A.
Ans.
Big Inch pipeline.

Question 22.
Name the terminal station of Australian Trans-continental railway.
Answer:
West—Perth
East—Sydney.

Question 23.
Explain the most important feature of the pipe line constructed from Noharkatiya oil field to Barauni ? (C.B.S.E. 2009)
Answer:
This was the first pipe fine constructed by I.O.L in 1956.

Question 24.
Which one of the following water ways has drastically reduced the oceanic distance between India and Europe. (C.B.S.E. 2009)
(i) Rhine Water way
(ii) The Cape of good hope as a route
(iii) Suez Canal
(iv) Panama Canal.
Answer:
(iii) Suez Canal.
Or
Which Inland waterway of the world is most heavily used. (C.B.S.E. Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
The Rine Inland waterway of the world in most heavily used.

Question 25.
Name the terminal stations of the longest railway in the world. (C.B.S.E. 2009,11)
Answer:
Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world. It has terminal station of Vladivostock (in the east) and St. Petersburg (in the west).

Question 26.
Which highway connects North America and South America ? (C.B.S.E. 2013
Answer:
Pan American highway.

Question 27.
Define the term Road density. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Road density in the length of roads per 100 sq. km. of area.

Question 28.
“The Volga is one of the most developed inland waterways in Russia” Justify.
Answer:
Volga is 3840 km long river in Russia and provide 11,200 km navigable able route. It joined Moscow and Ukraine through densely populated area.

Transport and Communication Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Define transport services. Name different methods and goods carried by these.
Answer:
Transport is a service for the carriage of person and goods from one place to another.
It uses humans, animals and vehicles. Such movements take place over land, water and air.
(i) Land transport includes roads and railways.
(ii) Water transport includes shipping and waterways.
(iii) Air transport includes high valued goods.
(iv) Pipelines carry petroleum, natural gas and liquids.

Question 2.
On what factors does the significance of mode of transport depend ?
Answer:
The significance of a mode of transport depends upon :
(i) Type of goods and services to be transported.
(ii) Costs of transport.
(iii) The mode which is available.

Question 3.
Distinguish between metalled and unmetalled roads as regards their utility.
Answer:
Two types of roads are constructed :
(i) Unmetalled roads
(ii) Metalled roads.
Unmetalled roads or surface roads are simple roads. These are not effective and serviceable for all seasons. In rainy season, these become unmotorable.
Metalled roads are laid with bricks and stones. These are solid roads. But during heavy rains and floods these, are damaged. High embankments are constructed to protect these.

Question 4.
What are border roads ? What [ are their functions ?
Answer:
Roads laid along international borders are called border roads. They play an important role in integrating people in remote areas with the major cities. These provide defence needs. These are used to transport goods to border villages and military camps.

Question 5.
State any two advantages of water transport.
Answer:
(i) It does not require route construction.
(ii) The oceans are linked with each other.
(iii) These are negotiable with ships of various sizes.
(iv) The energy cost of water transport is low.
(v) It is the cheapest means of transport.

Question 6.
Describe the Great lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway.
Answer:
The great lakes of North America, Superior, Huron Erie and Ontario are connected by Soo canal and Willand canal to form an Inland waterway. The Estuary of St; Lawrence River along with great lakes forms a commerical waterway.

Question 7.
Analyse the three factors that affect the development of Inland of waterways. Explain the significance of Rhine Inland Waterway. (Delhi 2019)
Answer:
The development of inland waterways depend upon the following factors :
(i) Width and depth of channel
(ii) Continuous flow of water
(iii) Use of technology for dredging.

Significance of Rhine Inland Waterway: The Rhine flows through Germany and the Netherlands. It is navigable for 700 km from Rotterdam, at its north in the Netherland to Basel in Switzerland. It flows through a rich coalfield and the whole basin has become a prosperous manufacturing area. This waterway is the world’s most heavily used.

Question 8.
Write an essay on the economic importance of Trans-Siberian Railway line. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
Trans-Siberian Railway line connects the Ear East, the Ural region and the Siberian region with the European Russia. It has helped in the economic development of Siberia. Iron ore and machinery is sent to the Eastern region by this railway.

Foodgrains, wood and coal are sent towards the western part from the Siberian region. Many navigable rivers join this railway line from North and South. Many industrial and commercial towns of Siberia are located on this railway fine. This railway line has helped in the utilisation of resources of Siberia and consequently the density of population has increased in this region.

Question 9.
Name any two inland waterways of Europe. Explain any two factors that influence inland waterways. (C.B.S.E. 2009)
Answer:
The two important inland waterways of Europe are Rhine waterway and Danube waterway. The following factors affect the inland waterways.
(i) Navigability of waterway
(ii) Width and depth of waterway
(iii) Water flow
(iv) Transport technology.

Question 10.
Write six characteristics of Panama canal. (C.B.S.E. 2009, 2017)
Answer:
Panama Canal.
1. It is located in Panama. U.S.A. has control over this canal.
2. It allows two way traffic.
3. It has lock system to allow the ships.
4. Less taxes are charged from the ships passing through this canal.
5. It connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
6. Coal is not available in large quantity on this route.
7. It is important for U.S.A., as the ships do not have to go around Cape Horn.

Question 11.
Name the trans-continental railway of North America constructed in 1886. Write any two characteristics of it. (C.B.S.E. 2009)
Answer:
Trans-canadian railway line was constructed in 1886.

It runs across Canada from West to East.
It connects Halifax and Victoria.

Question 12.
Write any six characteristics of the Suez canal. (C.B.S.E. 2009)
Answer:

Suez canal is the longest navigation canal in the world.
It was constructed in 1866 by French Engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps.
Suez canal joins Red Sea with Mediterranean Sea.
Suez canal has been called the lifeline of the British Empire.
It is well served with coal and oil.
This is a sea level canal passing through a level area.

Question 18.
Mention any six advantages of oceanic routes. (C.B.S.E. 2009)
Answer:
Advantages of Ocean Routes :

It is the cheapest means of transport.
It is a natural highway and involves no expenditure on its construction.
It is a global route as all the oceans are interlinked.
It saves a lot of coal and petroleum as fuel.
It carries heavy goods. Cost of transportation becomes low.
Ocean routes run in all directions with no maintenance costs.

Question 14.
Describe the pack animals used in different countries.
Answer:
Pack Animals. The following pack animals are used in different countries :
(i) Horses are used as a draught animal even in the Western countries
(ii) Dogs and reindeer are used in North America, North Europe and Siberia to draw sledges over the snow-covered ground.
(iii)Mules are preferred in the mountainous regions
(iv) Camels are used for caravans in deserts and arid regions
(v) In India, bullocks are used for pulling carts.

Question 15.
Describe the main railways of African continent. How do these connect mining areas ?
Answer:
Africa. This continent, despite being the second largest, has only 40,000 km of railways with South Africa alone accounting for 22,051km due to the concentration of gold, diamond and copper mining activities. The important routes of the continent are

the Benguela Railway through Angola to Katanga- Zambia Copper Belt
the Tanzania Railway from the Zambian Copper Belt to Dar-es-Salaam on the coast
the Railway through Botswana and Zimbabwe linking the landlocked states to the South African network, and
the Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.

Question 16.
Describe any three major problems of road transport in the world. (CBSE 2018)
Answer:
Major problems of Road transport are:
(i) Air pollution is caused by C02, hydrocarbons and nitrogen emission from the automobiles.
(ii) High rate of accidents are there to use unmetalled or low maintained roads.
Roads are difficult if use during the time of natural calamities and bad weather conditions.
(iii) Road network cannot cope with the demands of traffic as a result congestion occurs.
(iv) Road construction requires heavy investment in construction and regular maintenance.

Question 17.
Describe the Rhine Waterway. “The Rhine waterways is the world’s most heavily used inland waterway.” In the light of this statement, examine the significance of this waterway. (CBSE 2016)
Answer:
The Rhine Water way: The Rhine flows through Germany and the Netherlands. It is navigable for 700 km from Rotterdam, at its mouth in the Netherlands to Basel in Switzerland. Ocean-going vessels can reach up to Cologne. The Ruhr river joins the Rhine from the east. It flows through a rich coalfield and the whole basin has become a prosperous manufacturing area.

Dusseldorf is the Rhine port for this region. Huge tonnage moves along the stretch south of the Ruhr. This waterway is the world’s most heavily used. Each year more than 20,000 ocean-going ships and 2,00,000 inland vessels exchange their cargoes. It connects the industrial areas of Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands with the North Atlantic Sea Route.

Question 18.
Why Pipelines are used extensively to transport commodities such as mineral oil and natural gas ? (C.B.S.E. 2011, Delhi 2019)
“Pipelines have become the most convenient and efficient mode of ; transporting liquids and gases over ; long distances in India.” Support the statement with examples. (Delhi 2019)
Answer:
Pipelines are used extensively to transport liquids and gases such as water, mineral oil and natural gas. We are familiar with supply of water and mineral oil through pipes. Even cooking gas or LPG is supplied through pipelines in many parts of the world.

Pipelines can also be used to transport coal mixed with water. In USA, there is a dense network of pipelines for carrying petroleum from the regions of production to the regions of consumption. A famous pipeline of USA, known as the ‘Big Inch’ carries mineral oil from the wells of the Gulf of Mexico to the north-eastern part. About 17 per cent of all freight per tone-kilometre is carried through pipelines in U.S.A.

In Europe, West Asia, Russia and India, pipelines are being used to connect oil wells to refineries and to ports in internal markets. It is also popular for carrying natural gas. One of the longest pipelines, called COMECON, is 4800 km long. It connects oil wells of the Ural and the Volga region to the countries of East Europe.

Question 19.
Describe the importance of Railways.
Answer:
Railway is a major medium of land transport in modem times. Railways are important from economic, social and political point of view.

These help in the development of minerals of an area.
Railways carry raw materials to industrial areas and distribute manufactured goods to the market.
Railways accelerate trade.
Railways help to maintain national unity.
Railways provide useful help during any emergency.
In areas of low population, construction of railways help in the growth of population.
It is a convenient means for long distance travel.

Question 20.
‘Transport and communications are necessary infrastructure for the economic advancement of a country.’ Explain.
Answer:
Means of transportation are necessary for the exchange of goods to meet the basic needs of man. Transportation means the exchange of persons, goods and information from one place to another. Transport and communications constitute the infrastructure for the growth and development of agriculture, industry and trade of country. These determine the stage of development and culture of the people of a country.

Main features of transport:
(i) The production and exchange of agricultural products depends on means of transportation.

(ii) Developed means of transport are essential for assembling raw materials for different industries. The manufactured goods are sent to markets at a low cost of transportation.

(iii) An efficient system of transport is essential for the growth of trade of country.

(iv) The working population, both employed in the government and personal services, largely depends on the means of transportation. Life in the Metropolitan cities would come to a standstill if the lines of transport and communications were dislocated for a single day.

(v) Regional specialisation such as tea plantations in Assam and steel plants in Damodar valley are not possible without an efficient system of transport.

(vi) Telecommunication networks help in the diffusion of new ideas to far more people.

(vii) Development of the Trans-Siberian railway line has helped in the utilisation of mineral, forest and agricultural resources of Siberia and Central Asia.

(viii) The sparsely populated, forested, mountainous and arid regions lack developed means of transportation.
As a matter of fact, the developed mean of transport are an index of a country’s economic development. Transport and communications serve as ‘lifelines’ of a country’s development. These can be compared to arteries and veins of a nation.

Question 21.
Distinguish between a harbour I and a port.
Answer:
Tertiary and Quaternary Activities Extra Questions Long Answer TypeTertiary and Quaternary Activities Extra Questions HOTS

Harbour

Port

1. A harbour is an area of sea presiding tie up for anchor.

2. It protects the ships front waves and storms.

3. River estuaries and Bays provide natural harbours surh as Mumbai.

4. A harbour provides sufficient room hinterland.

1. A port is a point on coast where ships can safe entrance to ships.

2. Ships load and unload commodities here.

3. Indented coasts provide natural ports.

4. A port is connected with a productive for an chorage of ships.

Question 22.
Distinguish between National highways and State highways.
Answer:

National highways

State highways

1. These are the major roads of the whole country.

2. These connect the different capitals of within a state.

3. These are maintained by the Central Government.

4. Total length of national highways in India is 33,612 km.

5. These have commercial and strategic significance.

6. Sher Shah Suri large (G.T. Road) is a national highway.

1. These are the major roads within a state.

2. These connect the state capitals with the major towns and district headquarters within a state.

3. These are maintained by State Government.

4. The total length of state highways is 3.81,000 kms.

5. These have administrative significance.

6. Amritsar-Chandigarh is a state highway.

Question 23.
Write a comparative account of the Panama Canal and Suez Canal.
Answer:

Panama Canal

Suez Canal

1. It is located in Egypt which has control over this canal.

2. It has one way traffic.

3. It is located on level aroii.

4. Heavy taxes are charged from the ships passing through this canal.

5. It connects Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

6. Coal and petroleum are available on this route.

7. It is important for U.K. as the ships have not to go around Cape of Good Hope.

1. It is located in Panama. U.S.A. has control over this canal.

2. It allows two way traffic.

3. It has lock system to allow the ships.

4. less taxes are charged from the ships passing through this canal.

5. It connects Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

6. Coal is not available in large quantity on this route.

7. It is important for U.S.A. as the ships have not to go around Cape Horn.

Transport and Communication Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Describe the world distribution of roads.
Answer:
The developed countries have a well developed system of metalled roads. These are also called Highways. The industrial countries depend upon roads for raw materials. The countries with developed economies have large and dense road network.

(i) North America: The U.S.A. and Canada in North America have largest road network in the world. The U.S.A. has the highest density of roads in the world and has the largest number of vehicles in the world. The highway density is 0.65 km per km2 and every place is within 20 km distance from a highway. Cities located on the Western and Eastern coasts of North America have been linked by highways.

The Pan American highway connects Alaska in the North with Southern Chile. It is 48,000 kilometres long and is the longest highway in the world. The Trans Canadian Highway links St. John City in New foundland and Vancouver in British Columbia. Alaskan Highway links Edmonton to Anchorage.

(ii) Asia : Land transport has been important in Asia since earliest times. Travellers have been following caravan routes. In China, Beijing is connected with Shanghai Guangzhou, Tsungtso. A highway runs from Chengdu to Lhasa.

(iii) India: In India, most of metalled roads are found in Southern India. Sher Shah Suri Marg or G.T. Road is historically important. It connects Amritsar, Delhi and Kolkata and is known as National Highway No. 1. and No. 2. Its total length is 2500 km. The longest highway in India is N. H. No. 7. which links Varanasi to Kanniyakumari and is 2369 km long. The Golden Quadrilateral or Super express way links New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.

(iv) Other Routes: Europe has a dense network of roads in Russia where Moscow is the focus. In Africa, Cairo to Capetown is an important highway. In Australia, Stuart Highway connects Eastern, Southern and Western Australia, (from Darwin to Melbourn).

Question 2.
Describe the location and importance of major railways of the world.
Answer:
Railways : Railways are the most important means of transport on land. The invention of Steam Engine in 1819 and the industrial revolution led to the development of Railways. Railways are very important from the economic, social and strategic point of view.

Importance :

Railways carry heavy raw materials to industrial areas.
Railways distribute large volume freight manufactured goods over long distances.
Railways are vital for national unity, and administration in time of war and peace.
Railways are the important life-lines of a nation. They bring people close to one another.
Railways are the cheapest and fastest carriers of passengers for long journeys. Underground railways in big cities carry huge number of people.

Major Railways of the World. The U.S.A. has the longest network of railways in the world.

1. Trans-Siberian Railway line : Trans-Siberian Railway line is the longest railway in the world. It is 11,000 km. long. It is mainly double-tracked. It runs from Vladivostok through Moscow to St. Petersburg. Many towns like Kubyshev, Omsk, Irkutsk, Chita are located on it.

It is the basis of industrial and economic development of Siberia. It has helped settlement in these empty lands. This railway connects wheat lands, coalfields, iron ore region and industrial areas of Siberia. It is highly important from the strategic point of view. Irkutsk is a fur centre on it.

2. Canadian Pacific Railway: Canada has a large east-west extent. It covers mostly snow covered mountains, forests, lakes and high mountains. Canada has two great railway systems. These run from Atlantic coast to Pacific coast connecting Quebec-Montreal industrial region with wheat belt of Prairies and coniferons forests.

The Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway run from Vancouver and Seatle on the west coast to Montreal, Halifax and St. John on the Atlantic coast. These railways carry wheat, minerals, coal and iron ore.

3. Railways of the U.SA. : A dense network of railways is found in the eastern part of the U.SA. On the western side, railways are not developed due to hilly nature of the area. These railways join the main centres on the east coast and on the west coast. These are also called Trans-Continental Railway lines. The Union Pacific railway line runs from Chicago to San Francisco. Chicago is the largest rail junction in the world. Ores, grain, paper, chemicals and machinery are exported.

4. Cape-Cairo Railway: This railway line connects Cape Town in South Africa and Cairo (Egypt). This railway runs in a North-South direction. It has to face many obstacles like mountains, high plateaus, equatorial forests and political barriers. This railway has not been completed so far. It runs from Capetown through Kimberley, Lusaka to Bukama (Zaire).

After this, there is water transport (Victoria Lake) or road transport up to Khartoum (Sudan). This railway line continues beyond Khartoum up to Cairo. This railway has helped mining areas and agricultural areas of Africa. South Africa alone has 18000 km railways due to concentration of gold, diamond and copper mines.

5. Trans-Andean Railway: This trans continental railway line, 400 km. long, links Valpraiso (Chile) and Buenos Aires (Argentina). This railway line runs through the Andes mountains at a height of 3485 metres, through Uspallata Pass. It connects the wheat areas of Argentina, coffee areas of Brazil and mining areas of Chile. Pan American railway from Alaska to Chile is the longest railway line in the world.

6. Europe. Europe has one of the most dense rail networks in the world, (about 4,40,000 kms). Most of which is double tracked. Belgium has the highest density of 1 km for every 6.5 km2. London, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Berlin and Warsaw are main rail heads. Channel Tunnel (Euro Tunnel Group) connects London with Paris. Underground railways run in

London, Paris and Moscow Orient express railway runs from Paris to Istanbul. There is a proposal to build a Trans-Asiatic railway linking Istanbul to Bangkok via Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

7. Australian Trans-continental Railway. It runs west-east across the Southern Australia from Perth to Sydney; passing through Kalgoorlie, Broken hill and Port Augusta. This is called National Railway line.

Question 3.
Write short notes on :
(i) Inland waterways
(ii) Air transport.
Answer:
(i) Inland waterways: Water transportation is of two types :
(a) Inland waterways
(b) Ocean routes.
Ocean routes are used for international trade; Inland waterways are used for internal trade of a country. Navigable rivers, canals and lakes are used as inland waterways. These provide cheap transport for heavy raw materials in industrial countries. Rivers and canals should be deep and flow throughout the year. They should have plenty of water. There should be no silting of beds. The river course should be free from waterfalls.

Inland waterways of the world :
(a) Europe :
A number of countries like France, Germany and Russia use rivers and canals as inland waterways. The Rhine (Germany), Seine, Rhone (France), Volga (Russia), Danube, Elbe and Weser are the important navigable rivers. The Rhine river is the life line of the trade of Germany. The Volga system links five seas. The Rhine-Rhone canal, Volga-Baltic canal, Manchester Liverpool canal are also used as inland waterways.

(b) North America : Great lakes, St. Lawrence sea waterways and the Mississippi river are the important waterways. They serve the industrial region of North America.

(c) Others : The Amazon is the main inland waterway in South America. It is navigable for 1600 kms. upstream. The Yangtze river in China, the Indus in Pakistan, the Ganga and Brahmaputra in India and Irrawaddy in Burma provide inland water transport. The Nile, the Zaire and the Niger rivers in Africa are not useful. These are interrupted by waterfalls.

(ii) Air transport: Since ancient times, men have wanted to fly. The first successful flight by aeroplane was made by the American Wright Brothers in 1903. Many developments during the 20th century have revolutionised air transport.Air transport is the quickest means of transport. It needs no expenditure on the construction of air routes. It can cross physical barriers like mountains, oceans and deserts. But it is a costly means of transport. It is useful for transporting passengers, mails, food supplies and commodities of high value.
Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 8 Transport and Communication 1
Factors affecting air transport:

Air routes generally follow great circles to fly over the shortest distance.
Air transport needs clear weather. Low clouds, fog, dust storms and snow are big handicaps.
The construction of aerodromes needs level land.
Air transport requires huge capital.
The air transport needs adequate equipment and machinery.

World Air-Routes : Major air-routes of the world connect economically developed countries. The U.S.A., Russia and Western Europe have a dense network of air routes.

North Atlantic Air Route (between N. America and Europe).
South Atlantic Air Route (between S. America and Europe).
Air Routes between Europe and Russia.
Air Routes between Middle East and Europe.
Europe-Australia Air Route.
Europe-Asia (Far East) Air Route.

Nodal points. U.S.A. alone accounts for the 60% of this airways of the world. New York, London, Paris, Amestardam, Frankfurt, Rome, Moscow, Karachi, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago are nodal points where air routes coverage or radiate.

Question 4.
Describe the chief ocean routes of the world. Discuss their characteristics, trade and importance.
Answer:
Ocean routes are the most important and the cheapest means of transportation. It is the mainstay of international trade. When the ships regularly follow a well defined track, it is called a route.

Importance of Ocean Routes :

It is the cheapest means of transport.
It is a natural highway and involves no expenditure on its construction.
It is a global route as all the oceans are inter-linked.
It saves a lot of coal and petroleum as fuel.
It carries heavy goods. Cost of transportation becomes low.

Factors influencing the ocean routes. Ocean routes depend on the following factors:

Ocean routes follow great circles (the shortest distance between two points on the globe).
Ships pass through the points where cargo is available.
Ships avoid areas of icebergs, fog and storms.
Ships stop at ‘ports of call’ where fuel is available.
Ocean routes pass through densely populated and economically developed areas.

Major Ocean Routes of the World. The major ocean routes are located in mid-latitude countries.

1. North Atlantic Route. This route lies between 40° – 50° N latitudes and connects Europe and North America. It is the busiest route of the world. About 25% ships of the world follow this route.

About half the major ports of the world are located on this route. This route connects the two continents highly developed in manufacturing, transportation and trade. This is called Big-Trunk Route.

This route follows the Great Circle. This route is well served with Coal and Petroleum. On both sides of the route, there are many deep, protected harbours and modern shipyards. The route connects two regions of dense population with a high standard of living of the people. The route suffers from the handicaps of fog and icebergs near Newfoundland.

Ports and Trade. The important ports of the European side of the route are London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Oslo, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Lisbon. On the American side of the route, the major ports are Quebec, Montreal, Halifax, Boston, Philadelphia and New York. This route handles about one fourth of the world’s trade.

The East-bound traffic consists of wheat, cotton, wood-pulp, petroleum, dairy products and fruits. The West-bound traffic consists of medicines, olives, chalk, pyrites and manufactured goods.

2. The Suez Route. This route runs through the heart of the old world. It serves most of the world-land area and most of the world’s population. It is known as Grand Trunk Route as regards its length. It is a vital link between the Northern and Southern continents.

This route is well served with coal and petroleum. This route has resulted in the saving of distance of 8000 kms. between Asia and Europe. The Suez route has been called the Life-Line of the British Empire.

Ports and Trade. This route extends from Western Europe through Mediterranean Sea upto Suez Canal. After crossing the Suez Canal it runs through Red Sea and Indian Ocean. This route follows three directions:

Towards South-Africa.
Towards Australia and New Zealand.
To India and the Far-East.

Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 8 Transport and Communication 2

This route is a short-cut to Afro-Asian market. On the western side, European Ports serve this route. On the Eastern side, the important ports are Aden, Karachi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Colombo, Rangoon, Singapore, Hongkong, Shanghai, Yokohama, Melbourne and Wellington. The

East-bound traffic consists of manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, medicines. The West- bound traffic consists of oil, dates from the Persian Gulf; jute, tea, sugar from India; tin and rubber from Malaysia ; sugar, tea, spices from Indonesia; silk and cotton textiles from China and Japan, dairy products from Australia.

3. The Panama Route. This route connects the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. The Panama canal was opened in 1914. The Panama Canal is the Gateway to the Pacific. This route has increased the trade between the West coasts of America and Europe. It has eliminated the long voyage round the stormy Cape Horn. It has reduced the distance between East and West of North America by 10,000 kms.

Ports and Trade. The important ports on the western side are Auckland, Valparaiso, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. On the eastern coast, the important ports are Kingston, Havana, Rio-de- Janeiro, Panama and New Orleans. There is a great exchange of minerals and raw materials between these regions. Iron-ore, nitrates, copper, cotton, coffee move along this route in exchange for manufactured goods.

4. Cape of Good-Hope Route. The route was discovered in 1498 by Vasco-de-Gama. It became an important route due to the closure of Suez canal. It connects Europe with South-Africa, Australia and New Zealand. This route follows a great circle to clear the shoulder of Africa. This route is cheaper than Suez route. Cape of Good-Hope? is a focus of many trade routes from Europe to

South Africa
Persian-Gulf
Far- East
Australia and New Zealand.

Ports and Trade. On the western side, it serves all the important ports of Europe. On the eastern side, Capetown, Durban, Dar-es-Salaam, Adelaide, Sydney and Jakarta are the important ports. The East-bound traffic consists of manufactured goods, machinery, automobiles and medicines. Large quantities of wheat, hides, rubber, sugar, copper, gold, wool and coffee are exported to Europe.

5. Trans-Pacific Routes. This route connects the western coas t of North America with Asia. This is an unimportant route. Few ships move across the vast ocean. It forms a Great circle route. Several routes meet at Honolulu. It is called the cross roads of the Pacific.

Ports and Trade. The important ports on the American side are Vancouver, Prince Rupert, San Francisco and Los Angeles. On the eastern side, Yokohama, Hong Kong, Manila, Sydney and Auckland are important ports. Wood-pulp, wheat, paper and machinery is exported towards Asian side. Sugar, jute, tea, silk, toys, rubber, teak are sent to North America.

6. The South Atlantic Route. This route connects West Indies and South America with Europe. It links the agricultural nations of Brazil and Argentina with the industrial regions of Europe and U.S.A. Cape San Roque (Brazil) leads this route into two branches, one to Europe and the other-to North America.

Ports and Trade. On the northern side, it serves the ports of Europe and North America. On the southern side, the important ports are Kingston, Bahia, Santos, Buenos Aires, Monte Video and Rio-de-Janeiro. Wheat, coffee, sugar and wool are sent to Europe in exchange of coal, machinery and manufactured goods.

Question 5.
Describe the geographical, economic and strategic importance of Suez Canal. (C.B.S.E. Outside 2017) (CBSE 2018-19)
Answer:
Suez canal
1. Location. The Suez Canal is the longest navigation canal in the world. It has been cut across the isthmus of Suez in Egypt.

2. History. The construction of Suez canal was begun by French Engineer, Ferdinand-de-Lesseps in 1859. It was opened on 17th November, 1869. It took ten years to complete this canal at a cost of Pound 180 lakh. The canal was nationalised on 26 July, 1956 by Col. Abdul Nasser to help-the construction of Aswan dam. Due to war, the canal remained closed till 1975 due to Arab-Israel conflict.

3. Seas and Ports. Suez canal joins the Red Sea with the Mediterranean. On the Mediterranean Sea, Port Said is the major Port while Port Suez stands on the Red Sea side. This canal is 162 kms. long, has a depth of 13 metres and a width of 60 to 80 metres. This is a sea-level canal passing through a level area. It has 3 salt lakes :

Little Bitter Lake
Great Bitter Lake
Timshah Lake.

Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 8 Transport and Communication 3
It takes about 12 hours to cross this canal. The Suez Canal can handle about 10 ships a day. It is difficult for modern ships to pass through this canal.

4. Importance. This route runs through the densely populated areas. It is well served with coal and oil. Many deep, protected harbours are found on this route. It is located at the cross-roads of the three continents. It has been called the life-line of the British Empire. Ships avoid long route via Cape of Good-Hope. The distance between Europe and Asia has been shortened by about 8000 kms. This manmade navigation canal serves as gate-way to India Ocean.

5. Drawbacks. It is a narrow canal. It is not very deep. Modern ships and oil tankers cannot pass through it. It takes longer time to cross the canal due to oneway traffic. The canal taxes are very high. Therefore, it is a costly route. It needs regular dredging due to the sand falling into the canal.

The closure of Suez canal had adverse effect on the economy of many countries. It caused an increase in the prices of oil and raw materials. The canal had been re-opened on June 5, 1975. It has definitely helped India to increase her exports. Suez Canal is being deepened and widened at a great cost, but it will not be the same old romantic Suez Canal.

Question 6.
Describe the geographical, economic and political importance of Panama Canal. (Imp)
Answer:
Panama canal
1. Location. Panama Canal has been cut across Panama isthmus. The canal lies in Panama situated in Central America.

2. History. After the opening of Suez Canal, Ferdinand-de-Lesseps started the construction of Panama Canal in 1882. The project faced many handicaps and was abandoned. In 1914, U.S.A. completed the construction of Panama Canal. This canal is constructed, owned and controlled by U.S.A. The construction of Panama Canal was a great feat of engineering.

Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 8 Transport and Communication 4

3. Ports and seas. The canal connects two great oceans—The Pacific and the Atlantic. It is also called the Gateway to the Pacific. The port of Colon is situated on the Atlantic while the port of Panama is situated on the Pacific. The canal is 81.6 km long, about 13 metres deep and the width varies from 90 to 305 metres. It takes ships about 8 hours to cross this canal.

The water level in the canal is 26 metres above sea level. So it is necessary to construct locks in the canal to raise and lower ships. The Panama Canal passes through:

(i) Two bays.
(ii) One artificial lake—Gatun lake
(iii) One natural lake
(iv) One cut through Culbera Ridge.
(v) Three lock systems

Gatun locks
Pedro Miquel lock
Mira Flores lock.

4. Importance
(i) Panama Canal has changed the element of distance in geography of transportation. The Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean are nearer to each other now by 1000 km.
(ii) It has eliminated the long voyage around the stormy Cape Horn.
(iii) It has reduced the distance between the eastern and western coasts of U.S.A.
(iv) Australia, New Zealand and South America are now nearer to Europe via Panama Canal.
(v) It is of great strategic importance to U.S.A. as she can keep only one navy.

5. Drawbacks:
(i) The system of locks is inconvenient, costly and delays the ships.
(ii) The vast Pacific Ocean has few ports and islands.
(iii) Large ships cannot pass through this canal.
(iv) The Panama Canal passes through thinly populated and under-developed countries.

Future. U.S.A is the biggest user of this canal. Almost 50 ships pass through this canal daily. The opening of this canal has helped the development of West India and Western coast of South America.

Question 7.
“The Suez and Panama canals are two vital man-made navigation canals which are gateway of commerce for both the Eastern and Western World!” In the lights of this statement explain the economic significance of these two canals. (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Answer:

Suez canal
1. Location. The Suez Canal is the longest navigation canal in the world. It has been cut across the isthmus of Suez in Egypt.

Little Bitter Lake
Great Bitter Lake
Timshah Lake.

Panama canal
1. Location. Panama Canal has been cut across Panama isthmus. The canal lies in Panama situated in Central America.

Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 8 Transport and Communication 4

The water level in the canal is 26 metres above sea level. So it is necessary to construct locks in the canal to raise and lower ships. The Panama Canal passes through:

(i) Two bays.
(ii) One artificial lake—Gatun lake
(iii) One natural lake
(iv) One cut through Culbera Ridge.
(v) Three lock systems

Gatun locks
Pedro Miquel lock
Mira Flores lock.

Future. U.S.A is the biggest user of this canal. Almost 50 ships pass through this canal daily. The opening of this canal has helped the development of West India and Western coast of South America.

Transport and Communication Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
Why is river Rhine the world’s most heavily used waterway? Explain any three reasons. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
The river Rhine flows through Germany and Netherlands. It is the most used inland waterway.

It flows through a rich coalfield (Ruhr) and the whole basin is a prosperous manufacturing area.
Huge tonnage vessels moved along the stretch, south of Ruhr each year more than 20,000 ocean going ships and 2,00,000 inland vessels exchange their cargo.
It connects the industrial areas of Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands with the North Atlantic sea route.

Question 2.
Study the map given below carefully and answer the questions that follow :
(i) Identify and name the canal shown in the map.
Answer:
Panama canal

(ii) Explain any two features of this canal.
Answer:

The canal connects two great oceans-the Pacific and the Atlantic. It is also called the gateway to the Pacific.
Panama canal has been cut across Panama Isthmus.
It has reduced the distance between eastern and western coasts of U.S.A.