Himalayan Ranges MCQs Quiz | Class 9

Overview of the Himalayan Ranges

The Himalayas, geologically young and structurally folded mountains, stretch over the northern borders of India. These mountain ranges run in a west-east direction from the Indus to the Brahmaputra. They form an arc covering a distance of about 2,400 Km. The width varies from 400 Km in Kashmir to 150 Km in Arunachal Pradesh.

Longitudinal Divisions

The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges in their longitudinal extent:

1. The Great or Inner Himalayas (Himadri): This is the northernmost range. It is the most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 meters. It contains all the prominent Himalayan peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The core of this part of Himalayas is composed of granite.
2. The Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): Lying south of the Himadri, this forms the most rugged mountain system. The altitude varies between 3,700 and 4,500 meters and the average width is of 50 Km. The Pir Panjal range forms the longest and the most important range. This region is well known for its hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, and Ranikhet.
3. The Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas): This is the outermost range of the Himalayas. They extend over a width of 10-50 Km and have an altitude varying between 900 and 1100 meters. These ranges are composed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges located farther north.

Regional Divisions

The Himalayas are also divided on the basis of regions from west to east:

Key Terminology

• Duns: The longitudinal valley lying between lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks are known as Duns. Examples: Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, and Patli Dun.
• Purvachal: The Eastern hills and mountains running through the north-eastern states are mostly composed of strong sandstones which are sedimentary rocks.