Himalayan Mountains Geography

Study Notes

Stretch for over 2,500 km across northern India
Formed as a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates
Highest peak: Mount Everest (Nepal), but India's highest peak is Kanchenjunga (8,598m)
Divided into three parallel ranges:
- Greater Himalayas: highest and most rugged range
- Middle Himalayas: lower in elevation, with fertile valleys and human settlements
- Shiwalik Hills: outermost range, with dense forests and a subtropical climate
Play a crucial role in India's climate, weather patterns, and water resources

Covers almost 60% of India's land area
Formed from volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years
Characterized by:
- Flat-topped hills and plateaus
- Rivers flowing through it, including the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri
- Black soil (regur soil) suitable for agriculture
Divided into two regions:
- Northern Deccan Plateau: more rugged and elevated
- Southern Deccan Plateau: more gentle slopes and lower elevations
Supports a wide range of flora and fauna, including forests, grasslands, and wildlife sanctuaries

Narrow strips of land along the Indian Ocean coastline
Formed by the deposition of sediments by rivers and sea erosion
Divided into two regions:
- Western Coastal Plain: narrower and more rugged, with a higher elevation
- Eastern Coastal Plain: wider and more fertile, with a lower elevation
Supports a variety of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and estuaries
Home to major ports and industrial centers, including Mumbai and Chennai

Also known as the Thar Desert
Located in the northwestern part of India, covering parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab
Characterized by:
- Arid climate with low rainfall
- Sandy dunes and scrub vegetation
- Limited vegetation and wildlife
Supports a unique ecosystem adapted to the harsh desert conditions
Plays an important role in India's climate and weather patterns, including the formation of the monsoon winds

Stretch for over 2,500 km across northern India
Formed by the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates
Home to the highest peak, Mount Everest (Nepal), and India's highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8,598m)
Composed of three parallel ranges:
Greater Himalayas: highest and most rugged range
Middle Himalayas: lower in elevation, with fertile valleys and human settlements
Shiwalik Hills: outermost range, with dense forests and a subtropical climate
Crucial for India's climate, weather patterns, and water resources

Covers almost 60% of India's land area
Formed by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years
Characterized by flat-topped hills, plateaus, and rivers, including the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri
Features black soil (regur soil) suitable for agriculture
Divided into two regions:
Northern Deccan Plateau: more rugged and elevated
Southern Deccan Plateau: more gentle slopes and lower elevations
Supports a wide range of flora and fauna, including forests, grasslands, and wildlife sanctuaries

Consist of narrow strips of land along the Indian Ocean coastline
Formed by the deposition of sediments by rivers and sea erosion
Divided into two regions:
Western Coastal Plain: narrower and more rugged, with a higher elevation
Eastern Coastal Plain: wider and more fertile, with a lower elevation
Support a variety of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and estuaries
Home to major ports and industrial centers, including Mumbai and Chennai

Also known as the Thar Desert
Located in northwestern India, covering parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab
Characterized by arid climate, low rainfall, sandy dunes, and scrub vegetation
Limited vegetation and wildlife
Supports a unique ecosystem adapted to the harsh desert conditions
Plays a crucial role in India's climate and weather patterns, including the formation of the monsoon winds