Physical Regions of Madhya Pradesh

Physical Regions of Madhya Pradesh

• The Central Highlands natural region covers approximately two-thirds of Madhya Pradesh's total area.

Formation of the Central Highlands

• The Central Highlands were formed during the Precambrian, Vindhyan, and Deccan Trap geological eras.

Changes in Madhya Pradesh's Territory

• The region now known as Chhattisgarh was previously part of Madhya Pradesh.

Geographical Features of Madhya Pradesh

• The north and south-central areas of Madhya Pradesh feature a geographical feature known as the Vindhya-Valmiki hills.

Malwa Plateau

• The average altitude of the Malwa Plateau is approximately 500 meters.
• The Malwa Plateau is characterized by rocks that are predominantly basaltic, forming black and dark brown cotton soil.
• The Tropic of Cancer passes through the central part of the Malwa Plateau.
• Rivers such as the Narmada, Tapti, and Mahi flow in a westerly direction and eventually meet the Arabian Sea.
• The plateau region is drained by rivers that flow northward, ultimately merging with the Yamuna River.

Baghelkhand Plateau

• The Baghelkhand Plateau was formed during the Archaean, Dharwad, and Vindhyan geological eras.

Satpura-Maikal Range

• The rocks of the Satpura-Maikal Range are predominantly composed of sandstone, shale, and limestone.

Vindhyachal Range

• The Vindhyachal range is the origin of several rivers, including the Narmada, Tapti, and Mahi.

Narmada and Tapti River Valleys

• The Narmada and Tapti river valleys exhibit remarkable geomorphic diversity due to the rugged ravines of the Chambal in the north and the sprawling plains of the valleys in the south-central area.

Sagar Peak

• The Sagar peak, located in the Malwa Plateau, has an average altitude of 530 meters.

Significance of the Tropic of Cancer

• The passage of the Tropic of Cancer through the central part of the Malwa Plateau is significant, as it divides the region into two distinct climatic zones.