Physical Features of India
Q & A
Physiographic divisions
Q1: Discuss the geological structure of India.
Answer: Geological structure of India:
- India is part of ancient continent called Gondwanaland which is divided into many plates. One such Indo-Australian plate moved towards the north and collided with Euro-asian plate and thus resulted in rising to the present day Himalayas.
- To the south of Himalayas a basin was formed. It was filled with alluvium brought by the rivers and thus forming North Indian plains.
- During Himalayas formation, two major events affected the plateau. An extensive volcanic eruption took place in the north-west part of the plateau.
- The western part subsided and the Indian Ocean advanced and occupied the depression. It led to the rise to the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea.
Q2: Describe the physiographic divisions or physical features of India.
Answer: Physiographic division of India is:
- The Himalayan Mountains: Geologically young and fold mountains stretch over the northern borders of India. These are the one of the most rugged mountain barriers of the world.
- The Northern Plain: It is about 2400km long and 240-320km wide. Formed by interplay of three major river systems - the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahamputra. It is rich in fertile alluvial soil.
- The Peninsular Plateau: The tableland composed of old crystalline igenous and metamorphic rocks. It is abundant with shallow valleys and rounded hills.
- The Indian Desert: It lies towards the western margins of the Aravalli Hills and has arid climate with low vegetation cover.
- The Coastal Plains: These plains are stretched along the eastern and the western edges of the peninsular plateau.
- The Islands: Two island groups - The Lakshadweep Islands and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Q3: Write three important features of Aravalli Hills.