Pakistan Natural Topography Overview

A large mass of snow that slides down a mountain slope.

An old and relatively high flood plain, located above the active flood plain.

The flat, fertile land that is regularly flooded by a river.

A wide, flat area of land located between two rivers.

A small, shallow lake containing salt water.

Freshly deposited alluvium, found near the river banks.

A water tunnel, or underground canal, used for irrigation in Baluchistan.

The movement of rock and soil down a mountain slope.

Two salt lakes located on the Potwar Plateau.

Two prominent hill ranges on the Potwar Plateau, reaching heights of 1000 meters.

The two main rivers that provide drainage for the Potwar Plateau.

A large dam built on the River Jhelum, serving as a crucial source of irrigation, drainage, and power generation for the region.

A mineralized zone rich in resources like coal, rock salt, and limestone.

A strip of land along the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries, regularly flooded by the river.

The fertile topsoil formed by the annual deposition of alluvium during floods in the active flood plain.

The natural bends, crescent-shaped lakes, and raised banks that are characteristic features of active flood plains.

A low-lying area formed by the deposition of old river sediment (alluvium). These plains are higher than active floodplains and are flooded only during heavy monsoon rains.

A terrace formed by the deposition of river sediment (alluvium) on the banks of a river. They are elevated and fertile, making them ideal for agriculture.

A fan-shaped deposit of sediment at the foot of a mountain, formed by rivers flowing down slopes.

A plain located at the foot of mountains, usually characterized by alluvial fans and fertile soil.

A large area of land built up by river sediment (alluvium) flowing into the sea, often with mangrove swamps, a low and flat coastal area

Limestone ridges (mounds) that form due to geologic processes. These ridges are relatively small and vary in height.

The study and description of the surface features of land, including its shapes and forms.

The highest mountain in the Karakoram range, reaching 8,611 meters.

A mountain range situated in the north of the Himalayas, encompassing Northern Kashmir and Gilgit.

A large mass of rock and ice found at the northernmost part of Pakistan.

The Karakoram Range stretches for over 400 kilometers, running from Hunza to the Shyok River.

The Karakoram range features a unique, rugged landscape with snow-capped peaks, valleys, gorges, and cliffs.

The combination of water runoff from the Karakoram Range forms the drainage system.

Glaciers melting provides the water source for the drainage system in the Karakoram Range.

The Indus River and its tributaries originate from the melting snow of these peaks, providing irrigation for the vast Indus Plain.

The range of mountains located in the south of Kabul River, known for their snowy peaks.

The high peaks experience snowfall, while the lower regions receive rainfall during winters.

The Safed Koh provide strategic protection against cold winds from Central Asia, ensuring tolerable temperatures for the Indus Plain.

Warsak Dam on the Kabul River and Kurram Dam on the Kurram River are vital for irrigation, drainage and power generation.

Located between the Kurram and Gomal rivers, they form a natural barrier between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Waziristan Hills are rich in minerals, promoting mining activities and contributing to the economic significance of the region.

Passes like Tochi and Gomal provide access and communication routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The act of migrating with animals seasonally between higher and lower altitudes, often practiced by nomadic communities.

Located in the northern mountains of Pakistan, the Karakoram Highway is a strategic road, linking Pakistan to China. It allows for significant trade exchange.

The process of melting snow in mountainous regions provides water for rivers, ultimately contributing to the water table.

The deposition of silt from rivers into reservoirs can decrease their storage capacity, impacting water management and irrigation.

The Northern Mountains of Pakistan are characterized by a variety of forests, including alpine and coniferous, reflecting varying elevations and climates.

Warsak Dam, built on the Kabul River, plays a vital role in providing irrigation, drainage and electricity generation.

Northern Pakistan experiences a distinct climate with cold winters, snowfall at higher elevations, and rainfall at lower elevations.

Due to its upper course, the flow of rivers in the Northern Mountains is rapid, carrying sediments and depositing them in reservoirs.