Question

The northern plains are generally described as flat land with no variations in its relief. It is not true. These vast plains also have diverse relief features.

With reference to the above statement, explain the diverse relief features of the vast plains?

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Give an introduction.
• Explain the four diverse relief features. (1 X 5 = 5 Marks)

Solution:

The northern plains are generally described as flat land with no variations in its relief. It is not true.
The diverse relief features of the vast plains are :

1. Bhabar : The rivers, after descending from the mountains deposit pebbles in a narrow belt of about 8 to 16 km in width lying parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks. This is known as bhabar region. Here, all the streams disappear.
2. Terai : . In the south of Bhabar, the streams and rivers re-emerge and create a wet, swampy, and marshy region. This is known as terai. This was a thickly forested region full of wildlife. The forests have been cleared to create agricultural land and to settle migrants from Pakistan after the partition.
3. Bhangar : The largest part of the northern plain is formed of older alluvium. It lies above the floodplains of the rivers and presents a terrace-like feature. This part is known as bhangar. The region contains calcareous deposits, which are locally known as kankar.In Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, these are called as Reh, Kallar or Dhaya
4. Khadar : The newer alluvium deposits of the floodplains are known as khadar. They are renewed every year and thus, are fertile, therefore, ideal for intensive agriculture.
5. Bad Lands: In north peninsular plateau and foothills of western Shiwalik hills, due to gully erosion by the rivers, streams and rains, narrow valleys and ravines are formed. The land is not fit for agriculture in such plain areas is known as the bad land.