Physical Features of India Flashcards
(16 cards)
How do the Himalayan Mountains influence the climate of India?
The Himalayan Mountains act as a barrier to cold winds from the north, influencing the climate of the Indian subcontinent by creating a rain shadow effect and affecting monsoon patterns.
List the major physical features of India as mentioned in the content.
The major physical features of India include the Himalayan Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.
What is the average height of the peaks in the Great Himalayas?
The average height of the peaks in the Great Himalayas, or Himadri, is approximately 6,000 meters.
Do the Himalayan Mountains have a uniform width throughout their length?
No, the width of the Himalayan Mountains varies, ranging from about 400 km in Kashmir to 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh.
Define the term ‘Himadri’ in the context of the Himalayas.
Himadri refers to the northern-most range of the Himalayas, known as the Great or Inner Himalayas, which is characterized by its continuous range and includes the highest peaks of the mountain system.
How do the altitudinal variations in the Himalayas differ between the eastern and western halves?
The altitudinal variations are greater in the eastern half of the Himalayas compared to the western half, indicating a more pronounced elevation change in that region.
Explain the structure of the Himalayas.
The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges running longitudinally, with numerous valleys situated between them. The northern-most range is known as the Great or Inner Himalayas (Himadri), which contains the highest peaks averaging around 6,000 meters.
Describe the geographical significance of the Himalayan Mountains in India.
The Himalayan Mountains form a major mountain barrier along the northern borders of India, stretching approximately 2,400 km from the Indus to the Brahmaputra. They are geologically young, structurally fold mountains, and represent some of the loftiest and most rugged peaks in the world.
How does the terrain vary between plains and hilly regions in India?
Plains are characterized by vast stretches of flat land, while hilly regions feature rugged terrain with mountains and valleys.
Identify the major physiographic divisions of India.
The major physiographic divisions of India include mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands.
Describe the topography of the Himalayan mountain system.
The Himalayan mountain system features high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, indicating a youthful topography.
What types of rocks compose the Peninsular Plateau?
The Peninsular Plateau is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Define the characteristics of the Northern Plains of India.
The Northern Plains are characterized by alluvial deposits, making them fertile and suitable for agriculture.
How do the Himalayan mountains differ from the Northern Plains in terms of geological stability?
The Himalayas form an unstable zone and represent a youthful topography with high peaks and deep valleys, while the Northern Plains are formed of stable alluvial deposits.
Explain the geological significance of the Peninsular Plateau in India.
The Peninsular Plateau is one of the ancient landmasses on the earth’s surface and is considered one of the most stable land blocks.
