UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 48 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Himalayan Gorges U Turns Landslides
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeStatement
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 landsliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?
Show answer
Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Analysis
The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the ongoing collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
Their youthful stage is reflected in rugged relief, active uplift, unstable slopes and deeply cut river valleys.
Statement by statement
1. Deep gorges — Correct
Deep gorges are common in the Himalayas.
Antecedent rivers like the Indus, Satluj and Brahmaputra continued to cut down vertically as the mountains rose, forming deep valleys and gorges.
2. U-turn river courses — Correct
Several Himalayan rivers show sharp bends or U-turn courses.
For example, the Brahmaputra takes a sharp bend near Namcha Barwa before entering India.
3. Parallel mountain ranges — Correct
The Himalayas consist of nearly parallel ranges.
These include the Himadri, Himachal and Shiwalik ranges, formed due to successive folding during mountain-building.
4. Steep gradients causing landsliding — Correct
The Himalayas have steep slopes, unstable rocks and active tectonic movements.
This makes the region highly prone to landslides, especially during earthquakes and heavy rainfall.
Extra UPSC info
* The Himalayas are young fold mountains, while the Aravallis are old fold mountains.
* Young fold mountains have high peaks, steep slopes, deep valleys and frequent seismic activity.
* Old fold mountains are lower, more eroded and have rounded peaks.
* The Himalayas are still rising due to the continuing convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
* The Himalayan region falls in a high seismic risk zone.
* Major Himalayan divisions are Greater Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas and Shiwaliks.
How to crack it
Deep gorges, U-turn river courses, parallel ranges and landslide-prone steep slopes all show that the Himalayas are young and tectonically active fold mountains.