SM

Srishti MishraAIR 95· 2023

Question 16GS1GS1

Explain the various stages of the formation of the Great Himalayas. How Eastern Himalayas is different from Western Himalayas?

Open scan (p.41)

Main Body

The Great Himalayas were formed as a result of the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Stages of Formation:

1Continental drift of Indian subcontinent beneath Eurasian plate due to convection currents in mantle. [Diagram showing]: Eurasian Plate, Indo-Australasian Plate, Tectonic shift.
2Eventual collision of continental plates creating pressure from both sides.

(B) Compression and uplift of land due to equal density of plates.

[Diagram showing]: North-south compression showing highest modern fold lines, Lateral ridges zone in north-east India.

(C) Continued compression & rising height of mountains of rising height is continuing to meet Everest having highest elevation in earth.

Differences between Eastern & Western Himalayas:

1Climatic difference: Western Himalayas are higher in latitude and altitude - colder condition, greater snowfall, than eastern Himalayas.
2Prevalence of glaciers is higher in Western Himalayas and more vivere originates there:

eg: Ganga-Gangotri Young mountains due to Brahmaputre.

3Vegetation and Biodiversity:

Evergreen trees dominate in western Himalayas whereas Eastern has all form evergreen, deciduous, etc eg: Kazacherjinga NP, Sikkim.

4Greater diversity of animals in eastern Himalayas eg: Flying squirrel, Red Panda, etc.
5Random mountain present in western Himalayas, not eastern.

Thus, Himalayas may be one geographical feature but it is largely diverse within itself as well.

209 words13 paragraphs

Diagram

Plate tectonic diagram showing Eurasian Plate and Indo-Australian Plate collision with directional arrows indicating tectonic movement

  • Clear explanation of plate tectonics mechanism
  • Use of diagram to illustrate formation
  • Addresses convergence of plates
  • Explains compression and uplift mechanism
  • Begins to differentiate Eastern vs Western regions
  • Mentions Mount Everest as example
  • Provides specific examples of plants and animals
  • Names protected areas (Kazacherjinga NP)
  • Synthesizes differences into comprehensive conclusion

Topper

Srishti Mishra

AIR 952023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Mountain formation and geology

Salient features of World's Physical Geography - Himalayan formation

Stages of Himalayan formation and regional differences

Writing Stats

209

Total words

13

Paragraphs

academic

Tone