Geological and Physiographic divisions of India

<–2/”>a >Three Geological divisions:

The peninsular block
The Himalayas and other Peninsular Mountains
Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain

Peninsualar block is made of gneisses (metamorphic) and granites (igneous).

Six physiographic divisions:

The Northern and North-eastern Mountains
The Northern Plain
The Peninsular Plateau
The Indian Desert
The Coastal Plains
The Islands

Table of Contents

Northern and North-Eastern Mountains

Approximate length of the Great Himalayan range: 2500 KM. Width: 160-400 KM

Impact of Himalayas on the Climate-of-india/”>Climate of India?

It can be divided into five sub-divisions:

Kashmir (or Northwestern) Himalayas
Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas
Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas
Arunachal Himalayas
Eastern Hills and Mountains

Kashmir Himalayas

Ranges: Karakoram, Ladhakh, Zaskar, Pir Pinjal
Glaciers: Baltoro, Siachen
Passes: Zoji La (Great Himalayas), Banihal (Pir Pinjal), Photu La (Zaskar) and Khardung La (Ladakh)
Lakes: (freshwater) Dal and Wular; (saltwater) Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri
Pilgrimage: Vaishno Devi, Amarnath cave, Charar-e-Sharif
They are also famous for Karewa formations which are useful for the cultivation of Zafran (a local variety of Saffron). Karewas are the thick deposits of glacial clay and other materials embedded with moraines.
Kashmir is located on the banks of Jhelum river.
Meanders is a typical feature associated with the rivers in this region.
In South, there are longitudinal valleys called duns; Jammu dun and Pathankot dun

Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalayas

Lies between rivers Ravi and Kali
Drained by two major river systems: Indus and Ganga
Northernmost part is an extension of the Ladakh desert, lies in Spiti.
Ranges: Great Himalayan Range, Lesser Himalayas (Dhaoladhar in HP and Nagtibha in Uttarakhand), Shivalik range
Pilgrimage: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and the five famous prayags (Refer to Panch Prayag)
Famous for hill stations: Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Shimla, Kaosani; Cantt.: Kasauli, Almora, Lansdowne, Ranikhet
The important distinguishing features of this area are the ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Dun formations’.
Important duns: Chandigarh-Kalka, Nalagarh, Dehra, Harike, Kota
Dehradun is the largest of all duns: Length – 35-45 KM, Width: 22-25 KM
Inhabited with the Bhotia They migrate to higher reaches (Bugyals) in summer and return to the valleys during winters.

Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas

Between Nepal Himalayas and Bhutan Himalayas.
Fast flowing rivers such as Tista
Peaks: Kanchenjunga
Tribe: Lepcha
Has a mixed Population of Nepalis, Bengalis and tribals from Central India.
Importance: Due to the moderate slope, it is best suited for tea plantations. <India produces about 26 pc of tea in the world; second after China. Also, accounts for 12 pc of tea exports; fourth in the world.>
Duar formations are peculiar to this region.

Arunachal Himalayas

From Bhutan Himalayas to Diphu pass in the east.
Direction: Southwest to Northeast
Peaks: Kangtu and Namya Barwa
Rivers: Brahmaputra, Kameng, Subansiri, Dihang, Dibang and Lohit.
These rivers are perennial and have the highest hydro-electric power potential in the country.
Tribes: Monpa, Daffla, Abor, Mishmi, Nishi and Nagas
These communities practice shifting cultivation known as Jhumming.

Eastern Hills and Mountains

Direction: North to South
Ranges: Patkai Bum, Naga hills, Manipur hills, Mizo or Lushai hills
These are low hills
Tribes practice Jhum cultivation
Rivers: Barak. Most of the Nagaland rivers form a tributary of Brahmaputra. Rivers in eastern Manipur are the tributaries of Chindwin, which in turn is a tributary of the Irrawady of Myanmar.
Lake: Loktak
Loktak Lake: is an important lake in Manipur which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. Also called the only Floating Lake in the world due to floating masses of organic matter on it. It serves as a source for hydropower generation, Irrigation and drinking water supply.
Keibul Kamjao National Park located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur is the only floating park in the world and is an integral part of the Loktak Lake. Home to the endangered Manipur Eld’s Deer or Brow-antlered Deer or Sangai or Dancing Deer.
Mizoram is also known as the ‘Molassis basin’ which is made up of soft unconsolidated deposits.

The Northern Plains

Formed by the alluvial deposits of rivers – Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra.
Length: 3200 KM; Width: 150-300 KM

Three main zones:

Bhabar
Tarai
Alluvial Plains (Khadar and Bangar)

Bhabar

Narrow belt. 8-10 KM wide.
Paralllel to Shivalik at the break-up of the slope. Hence, streams and rivers deposit heavy rocks (and at times disappear) in this zone.

Tarai

South of Bhabar. 10-20 KM wide.
Rivers re-emerge and create marshy and swampy conditions known as Tarai.

Alluvial Belt

South of Tarai.
Features of mature stage of fluvial erosional and depositional Landforms such as sand bars, meanders, ox-bow lakes and braided channels. Riverine islands in Brahmaputra.
Brahmaputra takes a turn an almost 90 degree turn at Dhubri (Assam) before entering Bangladesh.

Peninsular Plateau

Bounded by the Delhi ridge, Rajmahal Hills, Gir range and Cardamom hills.
Made up of a series of patland plateaus: Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ranchi, Malwa, Coimbatore, Karnataka etc.
One of the oldest and most stable landmass of India.
Physiographic Features: Tors, Block Mountains, rift valleys, spurs, bare rocky structures, hummocky hills and quartzite dykes offering natural sites for water storage.
Black Soil in western and northwestern parts.
Bhima fault in this region has frequent seismic activity (Lathur earthquake)
NW part also has ravines and gorges: Chambal, Bhind and Morena.

Three broad regions:

Deccan Plateau
Central Highlands
Northwestern Plateau

Deccan Plateau

Bordered by Eastern Ghats, Satpura, Maikal range and Mahadeo hills
Important ranges: WG: Sahyadri, Nilgiri, Anaimalai and Caradamom hills; EG: Javadi hills, Palconda range, Nallamala Hills, Mahendragiri hills
EG and WG meet at Nilgiri hills.
Highest peak: Anaimudi (2695 m) on Anaimalai hills; Dodabetta (2637 m) on Nilgiri hills.
Rivers: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri etc.

Central Highlands

Bounded by the Aravali and Satpura range.
Relic mountains, highly denuded and form discontinuous ranges.
Near Jaisalmer it is covered by the longitudinal sand ridges and crescent-shaped sand dunes called barchans.
Elevation: 700-1000 m
Banas, a tributary of Chambal, originates in the Aravalli. Other tributaries of Yamuna originate from the Vindhyan and Kaimur ranges.
Minerals in Chotanagpur plateau.

Northeastern Plateau

Extension of the main Peninsular plateau.
Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong plateau.
Megahalaya plateau: Garo hills, Khasi hills and Jaintia hills (named after the tribals inhabiting the region)
Rich in minerals like coal, iron, sillimanite, limestone and uranium.
Receives maximum rainfall from SW monsoon. Hence, Meghalaya plateau has a highly eroded surface. Cherrapuni and Myswarnam.

Indian Desert

Aka Marusthali
Northwest of the Aravali hills
Dotted with longitudinal dunes and barchans.
Low rainfall: >150 mm per year Low vegetation cover
Evidence that this area was under the sea during the Mesozoic era.
Features: Mushroom Rocks, shifting dunes and oasis.
Rivers are ephemeral: Luni. Brackish lakes. Inland drainage.

Coastal Plains

Two divisions:

Western coastal plains
Eastern Coastal Plains

Western Coastal Plains

Submerged coastal plain. Hence, a narrow belt. Narrow in middle and broader towards north and south.
Ports: Provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbours due to submergence. Kandla, Mazagaon (Mumbai), JLN port Navha Sheva, Maramagao, Mangalore, Cochin etc.
Mumbai has the world’s largest natural harbour.
May be divided into: Kachchh and Kathiawar coast in Gujarat, Konkan coast, Goan coast and Malabar coast.
Rivers don’t form delta.
Kayals (Backwaters): Found in the Malabar coast. Used for fishing and inland navigation. Every year Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) is held in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala.

Eastern Coastal Plains

Broader
Emergent coast. Hence, less number of ports and harbours. Chennai, Vizag, Paradwip, Haldia.
Delta formation

The Islands

Two major Divisions:

Andaman and Nicobar
Lakshwadeep & Minicoy

Andaman and Nicobar

Two major island groups: Ritchie’s archipelago and the Labrynth island.
The group is divided into: Andaman in the North and Nicobar in the South.
Andaman and Nicobar separated by the Ten Degree channel.
Barren Island
Peaks: Saddle Peak (N.Andaman – 738 m), Mt. Diavolo (Middle Andaman – 515 m), Mt. Koyob (S Andaman – 460 m) and Mt. Thuiller (Great Nicobar – 642 m)
Coral deposits found
Convectional rainfalls and equatorial type of vegetation.

Lakshadweep and Minicoy

Entire group built of coral deposits.
Total of 36 islands of which 11 are inhabited.
Smallest UT
Minicoy is the largest island
Separated by the 9 Degree Channel, north of which is the Amini Island and to the south Canannore island.
These islands have storm beaches consisting of unconsolidated pebbles, shingles, cobbles and boulders.

India is a vast and diverse country, with a wide range of geological and physiographic features. The Himalayas, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Lakshadweep Islands, and the Nicobar Islands are all important parts of India’s landscape.

The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world, and they form the northern border of India. The Himalayas are a young mountain range, and they are still growing. The Himalayas are home to many glaciers and snow-capped peaks, and they are a popular destination for mountaineering and trekking.

The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a vast plain that lies between the Himalayas and the Vindhya Mountains. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is the most densely populated region in India. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is home to many major rivers, including the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Brahmaputra. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a fertile region, and it is home to a wide variety of crops.

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau that lies south of the Vindhya Mountains. The Deccan Plateau is a geologically stable region, and it is home to many ancient civilizations. The Deccan Plateau is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.

The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs along the western coast of India. The Western Ghats are a popular tourist destination, and they are home to many endangered species of Plants and animals. The Western Ghats are a Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity hotspot, and they are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.

The Eastern Ghats are a mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of India. The Eastern Ghats are not as well-known as the Western Ghats, but they are still a beautiful and important part of India’s landscape. The Eastern Ghats are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands that lie in the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a popular tourist destination, and they are home to many indigenous peoples. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a biodiversity hotspot, and they are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.

The Lakshadweep Islands are a group of islands that lie in the Arabian Sea. The Lakshadweep Islands are a popular tourist destination, and they are home to many beautiful beaches. The Lakshadweep Islands are a biodiversity hotspot, and they are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.

The Nicobar Islands are a group of islands that lie in the Bay of Bengal. The Nicobar Islands are a popular tourist destination, and they are home to many indigenous peoples. The Nicobar Islands are a biodiversity hotspot, and they are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.

India’s geological and physiographic features are a result of its long and complex history. The Himalayas were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, the Indo-Gangetic Plain was formed by the deposition of sediment from the Himalayas, the Deccan Plateau was formed by the eruption of Volcanoes-2/”>Volcanoes, the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats were formed by the folding of the Indian plate, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and Nicobar Islands were formed by the eruption of volcanoes and the deposition of sediment.

India’s geological and physiographic features have a profound impact on the country’s climate, vegetation, and wildlife. The Himalayas block the Cold Winds from Central Asia, which makes India a much warmer country than it would otherwise be. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a fertile region, which is why it is home to so many people. The Deccan Plateau is a geologically stable region, which is why it is home to so many ancient civilizations. The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats are biodiversity hotspots, which is why they are home to so many endangered species of plants and animals. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and Nicobar Islands are beautiful and important parts of India’s landscape.

What are the different Types of Rocks?

There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous Rocks are formed when magma or lava cools and solidifies. Sedimentary Rocks are formed when pieces of other rocks are broken down and then cemented together. Metamorphic Rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to heat and pressure.

What are the different types of landforms?

There are many different types of landforms, but some of the most common include mountains, valleys, plateaus, and plains. Mountains are high areas of land that rise above the surrounding area. Valleys are low-lying areas of land between mountains. Plateaus are flat or gently sloping areas of land that are higher than the surrounding area. Plains are flat or gently sloping areas of land that are not very high.

What are the different Types of Climate?

There are many different types of climate, but some of the most common include tropical, temperate, and polar. Tropical climates are warm and wet. Temperate climates are mild and have four distinct seasons. Polar climates are cold and dry.

What are the different types of vegetation?

There are many different types of vegetation, but some of the most common include forests, grasslands, and deserts. Forests are areas of land that are covered in trees. Grasslands are areas of land that are covered in grass. Deserts are areas of land that receive very little rainfall.

What are the different types of animals?

There are many different types of animals, but some of the most common include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Mammals are warm-blooded animals that have hair or fur. Birds are warm-blooded animals that have feathers. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that have scales. Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that have smooth, moist skin. Fish are cold-blooded animals that live in water.

What are the different types of Ecosystems?

There are many different types of ecosystems, but some of the most common include forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and Oceans. Forests are ecosystems that are dominated by trees. Grasslands are ecosystems that are dominated by Grasses. Deserts are ecosystems that receive very little rainfall. Wetlands are ecosystems that are saturated with water. Oceans are ecosystems that cover most of the Earth’s surface.

What are the different types of human activities?

There are many different types of human activities, but some of the most common include agriculture, Industry, and transportation. Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and raising Livestock. Industry is the production of goods and Services. Transportation is the movement of people and goods from one place to another.

What are the different types of environmental problems?

There are many different types of environmental problems, but some of the most common include pollution, Climate Change, and deforestation. Pollution is the contamination of the Environment with harmful substances. Climate change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate. Deforestation is the clearing of forests.

What are the different types of solutions to environmental problems?

There are many different types of solutions to environmental problems, but some of the most common include reducing pollution, conserving energy, and protecting wildlife. Reducing pollution is the act of making the environment less dirty. Conserving energy is the act of using less energy. Protecting wildlife is the act of keeping animals safe from harm.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a physiographic division of India?