Geography (PGT) – HTET Level 3 Study Notes
Overview
Geography at the PGT level for HTET covers a comprehensive understanding of Physical, Human, and Economic Geography. This subject is crucial for teaching Classes IX-XII and forms a significant portion of the Level 3 examination. Candidates must demonstrate mastery over both theoretical concepts and their practical applications.
The syllabus integrates global perspectives with Indian and Haryana-specific content. Questions typically test conceptual clarity, map-based knowledge, and the ability to connect geographical phenomena with real-world issues like urbanisation, resource management, and climate change. Strong command over this subject also helps in the Haryana GK section, as state geography overlaps considerably.
Students should focus on understanding processes (not just memorising facts), interpreting diagrams and maps, and connecting physical phenomena to human activities. Around 40-50% of questions come from Physical Geography, 30-35% from Human Geography, and 20-25% from Economic Geography.
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Key Concepts
• **Geomorphology** – The study of landforms and processes shaping the Earth's surface. Key agents: running water, glaciers, wind, waves, and groundwater. Each creates distinct erosional and depositional features.
• **Climatology** – Understanding atmospheric processes, pressure belts, wind systems, and climate classification (Koeppen and Thornthwaite). India's monsoon mechanism is a must-know topic.
• **Oceanography** – Ocean floor relief, salinity, temperature distribution, ocean currents, and their influence on climate (El Niño, La Niña effects).
• **Population Geography** – Distribution, density, growth, migration theories (Ravenstein's Laws), demographic transition model, and population policies.
• **Settlement Geography** – Rural vs urban settlements, urban morphology, central place theory (Christaller), and urbanisation trends in India.
• **Economic Activities** – Primary (agriculture, mining), secondary (manufacturing), tertiary (services), quaternary and quinary sectors. Von Thünen's agricultural location theory and Weber's industrial location theory.
• **Resource Geography** – Classification of resources, conservation strategies, and sustainable development. Focus on Indian mineral and energy resources.
• **Regional Planning** – Concept of region, regionalisation, growth pole theory, and planning regions in India.
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Formulas / Key Facts
**Physical Geography:**
- Lapse rate of temperature: 6.5°C per 1000 metres (normal lapse rate)
- Coriolis effect deflects winds: right in Northern Hemisphere, left in Southern Hemisphere
- Major ocean currents: Gulf Stream (warm, Atlantic), Labrador (cold), Kuroshio (warm, Pacific)