UPSC Prelims 2012·GS1·geography·geomorphology

When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: 1. Deep gorges 2. U-turn river courses 3. Parallel mountain ranges 4. Steep gradients causing land-sliding Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

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  1. A1 and 2 only
  2. B1, 2 and 4 only
  3. C3 and 4 only
  4. D1, 2, 3 and 4Correct

Explanation

The correct answer is D because all four features are characteristic markers of the Himalayas ongoing tectonic activity and geological youth. 1. Deep Gorges: These are formed because the rivers are older than the mountains. As the Himalayas uplifted, the rivers cut down through them at a rapid rate, creating deep V shaped valleys which indicate recent and active mountain building. 2. U turn River Courses: Rivers like the Brahmaputra take sharp turns, known as syntaxial bends, around the eastern and western extremities of the Himalayas. This occurs because the mountain range is still folding and bending due to the northward movement of the Indian Plate. 3. Parallel Mountain Ranges: The Himalayas consist of three distinct parallel ranges, the Himadri, Himachal, and Shiwaliks. This structural arrangement is a classic feature of fold mountains formed by the compression of the earth's crust. 4. Steep Gradients causing Land sliding: Since the Himalayas are young and still rising, they are composed of unstable sedimentary rocks and have very steep slopes. The high relief combined with tectonic instability makes them highly prone to landslides, unlike the older, stable plateaus of central or southern India.
geography: When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: 1. Deep gorges 2. U-turn river courses 3. Parallel mountain ra

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