20 Questions
What geographical features border the Thar desert?
Indo-Gangetic plain and West Aravali range
What is the primary composition of the Thar desert?
Sea of sand and low hills
What factor contributes to the aridity of the Thar desert?
Irregular rainfall and descending winds
Which area is considered a continuation of the Thar desert?
Salt Marsh of Rann of Kuchchh
What is the average annual rainfall received by the Thar desert?
Less than 10-50cm
What geographical features hem the Thar desert?
The Thar desert is hemmed by the Indo-Gangetic plain to the west, the Aravali range in the southeast, and the Rann of Kuchchh to the south.
What is the average height of the sand dunes in the Thar desert?
The sand dunes in the Thar desert can reach heights of 150 meters.
Why does the Thar desert receive little rainfall?
The Thar desert receives less than 10-50cm of rain annually due to irregular rainfall patterns and the Aravalli range lying parallel to monsoon winds, preventing the winds from rising, condensing, and bringing rain to the area.
What are 'playas' and where are they found in the Thar desert?
Playas are saline lake beds found in the Thar desert region.
Which factors contribute to the aridity of the Thar desert?
The aridity of the Thar desert is attributed to irregular rainfall, the parallel alignment of the Aravalli range to monsoon winds, and the region being in a zone of descending winds, preventing cloud formation and rainfall.
Explain the factors responsible for the formation of the Thar Desert.
The Thar Desert is formed due to irregular rainfall, receiving less than 10-50cm annually, and the Aravalli range lying parallel to monsoon winds, preventing them from bringing rain to the area. The region also experiences descending winds, which inhibit cloud formation and rainfall.
Describe the geographical features that border the Thar desert.
The Thar desert is bordered by the Indo-Gangetic plain to the east, the West Aravali range to the south, Punjab to the north, and the Rann of Kuchchh to the south. It extends from northwestern Rajasthan to Pakistan, characterized by low-lying plains and hills.
What are 'playas' and where are they found in the Thar desert?
'Playas' are saline lake beds found in the Thar desert region. They are also known as 'Dhandas' and are present in areas such as Sambhar, Pachpadra Tal, Chhapar, Phalodi, and Lunkaransar.
Explain the relationship between the salt marshes of Kuchchh and the Thar desert.
The salt marshes of Kuchchh are considered a continuation of the Thar desert. When these salt marshes hold water, they resemble lakes and are connected to the Thar desert region.
What is the average height of the sand dunes in the Thar desert?
The sand dunes in the Thar desert can reach heights of up to 150 meters, characterized by their crescent-shaped and low hill formations.
What geographical features hem the Thar desert?
The Thar desert is hemmed by the Indo-Gangetic plain to the west, the Aravali range to the south, and the Rann of Kuchchh to the south.
What factors contribute to the formation of the Thar desert?
The irregular rainfall, receiving less than 10-50cm annually, and the Aravalli range lying parallel to monsoon winds, preventing the rise, condensation, and bringing of rain to the area.
What geographical feature is considered a continuation of the Thar desert?
The salt marsh of the Rann of Kuchchh is considered a continuation of the Thar desert.
What are 'playas' in relation to the Thar desert?
Playas are saline lake beds found in the Thar desert region.
What is the height that sand dunes in the Thar desert can reach?
The sand dunes in the Thar desert can reach heights of 150 meters.
Study Notes
Geographical Features of the Thar Desert
- The Thar desert is bordered by the Aravalli Range to the southeast, the Punjab plain to the north and northeast, the Rann of Kutch to the southwest, and the alluvial plains of the Indus River to the west.
Composition of the Thar Desert
- The primary composition of the Thar desert is sand and sandstone, with some areas of rocky outcrops.
Factors Contributing to Aridity
- The aridity of the Thar desert is contributed to by the rain shadow effect of the Aravalli Range, which blocks the passage of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.
- The Thar desert also receives little rainfall due to its location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
Continuation of the Thar Desert
- The Cholistan Desert in Pakistan is considered a continuation of the Thar desert.
Climate of the Thar Desert
- The average annual rainfall received by the Thar desert is around 25 cm (10 in).
Sand Dunes
- The average height of the sand dunes in the Thar desert is around 60-80 meters (200-260 ft).
- The sand dunes can reach heights of up to 150 meters (490 ft).
Playas
- Playas are temporary lakes that form during the rainy season and are found in the Thar desert.
- They are shallow and evaporate quickly, leaving behind a layer of salt and minerals.
Formation of the Thar Desert
- The Thar desert was formed as a result of the drying up of the Ghaggar-Hakra River, which once flowed through the region.
- The region's arid climate and lack of rainfall also contributed to the formation of the desert.
Relationship with the Salt Marshes of Kuchchh
- The salt marshes of Kuchchh are connected to the Thar desert by a series of seasonal rivers and streams.
- The salt marshes are a result of the evaporation of seawater, which leaves behind a layer of salt and minerals.
Test your knowledge of the Thar Desert with this quiz! Explore the geography, features, and characteristics of this expansive desert region located in Northwest India and Southeast Pakistan.
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