The Greater Himalayas Overview

Study Notes

The Greater Himalayas/Himadri

The northernmost range of the Himalayas
Average elevation: 6100 meters above sea level
Average width: 25 km
The highest and most continuous mountain range in the world
Made up of crystalline and metamorphic rocks (granites, gneiss, and schists)
The range is almost continuous, with gaps created by rivers like the Indus, Brahmaputra, and Sutlej which eroded the range as it folded
Asymmetrical, steep southern slopes and gentle northern slopes, merging into the Tibetan plateau
The Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries originate here
The range abruptly turns southward at syntaxial bends (Nanga Parbat in the west and Namcha Barwa in the east)
Over 100 peaks exceed the average height of the range
Mount Everest (8848 m) and Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna are some of the peaks over 8000 meters high
Passes are part of ancient trade routes like the Silk Route
Covered in snow year-round, with many large and small glaciers (e.g., Gangotri and Yamunotri)
The melting snow and ice from glaciers feed the rivers in northern India, making them perennial
Global warming is affecting the Himalayan region, with ice sheets and glaciers melting rapidly
This increased melting is creating a positive feedback loop, increasing temperatures and impacting tourist areas
Waste disposal issues exist in the region, with large amounts of wastewater flowing into the Lhasa River
This leads to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which refer to the sudden release of glacial lake water
Climate change is increasing the frequency of GLOFs

Description

Explore the majestic Himadri, the northernmost range of the Himalayas, renowned for its towering elevations and unique geological formations. This quiz covers key aspects such as its height, composition, and significant peaks, including Mount Everest. Test your knowledge about the geography and importance of this remarkable mountain range.