Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Landslides are a frequent and devastating natural hazard in India, particularly in the geologically fragile Himalayan and Western Ghats regions. While both regions experience landslides, their underlying causes differ significantly due to variations in their formation, lithology, and climatic conditions. The Himalayas, born of tectonic collision, are younger and more prone to seismic activity, while the Western Ghats are a result of Deccan volcanic activity and subsequent erosion. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective disaster management and mitigation.
Causes of Landslides: A Comparative Analysis
The Himalayan region experiences landslides primarily due to:
- Tectonic Activity: Frequent earthquakes and seismic instability weaken slopes.
- Young Geology: Unconsolidated sedimentary rocks and fragile formations.
- Heavy Rainfall: Intense monsoon precipitation saturates slopes, increasing pore water pressure.
- Glacial Retreat: Creates unstable slopes and increases debris flow.
- Deforestation: Reduces vegetation cover, diminishing slope stability.
In contrast, the Western Ghats landslides are largely triggered by:
- Monsoon Rainfall: Extremely high rainfall, often exceeding 2000mm annually, is the dominant factor.
- Steep Slopes: The region is characterized by steep, dissected slopes.
- Lateritic Soil: Weathered, iron-rich lateritic soils are prone to saturation and failure.
- Basaltic Rock: Jointed basaltic rocks are susceptible to weathering and erosion.
- Human Activities: Tea, coffee, and spice plantations, along with road construction, contribute to slope destabilization.
| Feature | Himalayas | Western Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Dominant Cause | Tectonic Activity & Rainfall | Intense Rainfall |
| Geology | Young, Sedimentary & Metamorphic | Old, Basaltic |
| Soil Type | Varied, often unconsolidated | Lateritic |
| Anthropogenic Impact | Deforestation, Infrastructure | Plantations, Road Construction |
While rainfall is a common factor, the intensity and geological context dictate the nature and frequency of landslides in each region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, landslides in the Himalayas are more closely linked to tectonic forces and the region’s young geological age, while those in the Western Ghats are primarily driven by intense monsoon rainfall acting on weathered basaltic terrain. Effective landslide mitigation strategies must therefore be tailored to the specific geological and climatic conditions of each region, incorporating robust slope stabilization techniques and sustainable land-use practices.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.