PLATE TECTONIC AND PHYSICAL FEATURES OF INDIA (BHARAT)

PLATE TECTONIC AND PHYSICAL FEATURES OF INDIA (BHARAT)

Tectonic Plates:- The Earth's base 

Tectonic plates are large, rigid slabs of the Earth's lithosphere (the outermost solid layer of the planet) that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates are in constant motion, sliding over the more fluid asthenosphere (the layer of the Earth's mantle beneath the lithosphere) below them.

Types of Tectonic Plates:-

There are three main types of tectonic plates:

1. Continental Plates: These plates are composed of continental crust and are generally thicker and less dense than oceanic plates. Examples include the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

2. Oceanic Plates: These plates are composed of oceanic crust and are generally thinner and more dense than continental plates. Examples include the Pacific Plate and the Indian Plate.

3. Mixed Plates: These plates are composed of both continental and oceanic crust. Examples include the Arabian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.

Plate Boundaries:-

Tectonic plates interact with each other at their boundaries, which can be classified into three main types:

1. Divergent Boundaries: These boundaries occur where two plates are moving apart from each other, resulting in the creation of new crust. Examples include mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

2. Convergent Boundaries: These boundaries occur where two plates are moving towards each other, resulting in subduction (one plate is forced beneath another) or collision (the plates collide and crumple). Examples include subduction zones and mountain ranges.

3. Transform Boundaries: These boundaries occur where two plates are sliding past each other horizontally, without creating or destroying crust. Examples include fault lines and transform faults.

Understanding tectonic plates and their interactions is essential for understanding geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and the creation of mountain ranges.

Physical Features of India

India, the seventh-largest country in the world, boasts a diverse range of physical features that have been shaped by its unique geological history. These features include majestic mountains, expansive plains, arid deserts, elevated plateaus, and a long coastline with numerous islands.

1. The Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayas are the crown jewel of India's physical features. This majestic mountain range stretches for approximately 2,500 km, with widths varying from 400 km in Kashmir to 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh. 

The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges:

- Great or Inner Himalayas (Himadri): The highest and most rugged range, with iconic peaks like Mount Everest and K2.

- Middle Himalayas (Himachal): A lower range with elevations between 3,500 and 5,000 meters.

- Outer Himalayas (Shiwaliks): The foothills of the Himalayas, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,100 meters.

The above divisions of Himalayas are as per the contents provided for the students of Secondary level.The authentic and Universally accepted divisions of Himalayas are explained below:-

The Himalayas are a majestic mountain range that stretches for over 2,500 kilometers across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. The Himalayas are divided into several ranges, each with its unique characteristics, geography, and climate. Here are the details of the five main ranges of the Himalayas:

The Great Himalayas or Himadri

- Location: The Great Himalayas are the northernmost range of the Himalayas, stretching from the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east.

- Elevation: This range includes some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest (8,848 meters), K2 (8,611 meters), and Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters).

- Geology: The Great Himalayas are formed from granite, gneiss, and schist rocks, which are some of the oldest and most resistant rocks in the Himalayas.

- Climate: The climate in the Great Himalayas is harsh and cold, with heavy snowfall and limited vegetation.

The Lesser Himalayas or Himachal

- Location: The Lesser Himalayas are located south of the Great Himalayas and stretch from the Jammu and Kashmir region in the west to the Arunachal Pradesh region in the east.

- Elevation: The peaks in this range are lower than those in the Great Himalayas, with average elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 meters.

- Geology: The Lesser Himalayas are formed from sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, including limestone, sandstone, and shale.

- Climate: The climate in the Lesser Himalayas is milder than in the Great Himalayas, with more vegetation and a wider range of flora and fauna.

The Outer Himalayas or Siwalik Range

- Location: The Outer Himalayas are located south of the Lesser Himalayas and stretch from the Jammu and Kashmir region in the west to the Arunachal Pradesh region in the east.

- Elevation: The peaks in this range are relatively low, with average elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters.

- Geology: The Outer Himalayas are formed from sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, shale, and conglomerate.

- Climate: The climate in the Outer Himalayas is subtropical, with high temperatures and high levels of rainfall.

The Trans-Himalayas

- Location: The Trans-Himalayas are located north of the Great Himalayas and stretch from the Ladakh region in the west to the Tibet Autonomous Region in the east.

- Elevation: The peaks in this range are relatively high, with average elevations ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 meters.

- Geology: The Trans-Himalayas are formed from volcanic and sedimentary rocks, including granite, basalt, and sandstone.

- Climate: The climate in the Trans-Himalayas is harsh and cold, with limited vegetation and a short growing season.

The Eastern Himalayas

- Location: The Eastern Himalayas are located in the eastern part of the Himalayan range, stretching from the Arunachal Pradesh region in the west to the Myanmar border in the east.

- Elevation: The peaks in this range are relatively high, with average elevations ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 meters.

- Geology: The Eastern Himalayas are formed from metamorphic and igneous rocks, including gneiss, schist, and granite.

- Climate: The climate in the Eastern Himalayas is subtropical, with high temperatures and high levels of rainfall.

The Himalayas are further divided into four sections:

- Punjab Himalayas: Located between the Indus and Satluj rivers.

- Kumaon Himalayas: Situated between the Satluj and Kali rivers.

- Nepal Himalayas: Positioned between the Kali and Tista rivers.

- Assam Himalayas (Eastern Himalayas): Located between the Tista and Dibang (Tsangpo) rivers.

2. The Northern Plains:-

The Northern Plains, also known as the Indo-Gangetic Plains, cover an area of approximately 7 lakh sq. km. These plains stretch for 240 km, with widths ranging from 240 km to 320 km. The Northern Plains are formed by the deposition of sediments brought by rivers flowing from the Himalayas.

The Northern Plains are divided into four regions:

- Bhabar: A narrow belt of pebbles and boulders adjacent to the foothills of Shiwaliks.

- Bangar: An older alluvial plain that rises above the level of the floodplains.

- Khadar: A newer and younger alluvial plain deposited by rivers flowing down the plain.

- Tarai: A region adjacent to Bhabar, composed of newer alluvium and thickly forested.

3. The Peninsular Plateau

The Peninsular Plateau is a tableland formed due to the breaking and drifting of the Gondwanaland. This plateau consists of two broad divisions:

- Central Highlands: A plateau region with elevations ranging from 300 to 900 meters.

- Deccan Plateau: A triangular mass of plateau, bounded by the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.

The eastward extensions of the Peninsular Plateau are locally known as:

- Bundelkhand: A region in central India, known for its rocky terrain.

- Baghelkhand: A region in eastern Madhya Pradesh, characterized by a mix of hills and plains.

The Chhota Nagpur Plateau marks the further eastward extension, drained by the Damodar River.

4. The Indian Desert:-

The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is an undulating sandy plain covered with sand dunes. This desert is located in the western part of India, covering parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab.

The Luni River is the only major river that flows in this region. The Indian Desert is characterized by:

- Crescent-shaped dunes: Also known as barchans, these dunes are formed by wind action.

- Arid climate:The desert region experiences very little rainfall, resulting in a harsh climate.

5. The Coastal Plains:-

The Coastal Plains are narrow strips of land flanking the Peninsular Plateau. These plains are divided into two main sections:

- Western Coastal Plains: A narrow strip of land along the Arabian Sea, divided into:

    - Konkan: A region in western Maharashtra, known for its scenic coastline.

    - Kannada Plain: A region in western Karnataka, characterized by a mix of hills and plains.

    - Malabar Coast: A region in northern Kerala, known for its scenic coastline and spice plantations.

- Eastern Coastal Plains: A narrow strip of land along the Bay of Bengal, divided into:

    - Northern Circar: A region in northern Andhra Pradesh, characterized by a mix of hills and plains.

    -Coromandel Coast:A region in southern Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu, known for its scenic coastline and cultural heritage.

6. The Islands:-

India has two major island groups:

- Lakshadweep Islands:Located in the Arabian Sea, this island group is known for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Located in the Bay of Bengal, this island group is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The Andaman Island consists of 204 small islands, with India's only active volcano, Barren Island.

Key Features of India's Physical Geography

- Diverse landscape: India's physical features range from the majestic Himalayas to the arid Thar Desert.

- Varied climate: India's climate varies from tropical to temperate, with different regions experiencing different seasons.

- Abundant water resources: India has numerous rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which support a wide range of flora and fauna.

Importance of India's Physical Features:-

- Agriculture: India's physical features support a wide range of agricultural activities, from rice cultivation in the Ganges Delta to wheat cultivation in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

- Industry:India's physical features provide a range of natural resources, including minerals, fossil fuels, and timber.

- Tourism:India's physical features attract millions of tourists every year, from the scenic beaches of Goa to the majestic mountains of the Himalayas.

Conclusion:-

India's physical features are a key part of its identity and play a crucial role in shaping its climate, economy, and culture. Understanding India's physical features is essential for appreciating its diversity and complexity.

Key Terms-

- Plate tectonics: The theory that the Earth's crust is divided into plates that move and interact.

- Gondwanaland:A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago and included modern-day India, Africa, and Australia.

- Monsoon-A seasonal wind pattern that brings rainfall to India and other parts of Asia.