Question

Even the Himalayas have a lot of variations. In reference to the above statement, explain the variations of the Himalayas from North to South?

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Give a small introduction to the Himalayas.
• Write about the three divisions from North to South.

Solution:
The Himalayas are among the young fold mountains in the world. It shows a lot of variations.
Concerning North-South division, the Himalayas can be divided into :
The Greater Himalayas or Himadri:

• It is the most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres.
• It contains all prominent Himalayan peaks.
• The core of this part the of Himalayas is composed of granite.
• It is perennially snowbound.

The Lesser Himalayas or Himachal:

• The range lying to the south of the Himadri forms the most rugged mountain system and is known as Himachal or lesser Himalaya.
• The ranges are mainly composed of highly compressed and altered rocks.
• The altitude varies between 3,700 and 4,500 metres and the average width is 50 Km.
• The Pir Panjal range forms the longest and the most important range, the Dhaula Dhar and the Mahabharat ranges are also prominent ones.
• This region is well-known for its hill stations.

The Siwaliks:

• The outermost range of the Himalayas is called the Shiwaliks.
• They extend over a 10-50 Km width and have an altitude varying between 900 and 1100 metres.
• These ranges are composed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges.
• The longitudinal valley lying between lesser Himalayas the Shiwaliks are known as Duns. Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun and Patli Dun are some of the well-known Duns.