All questions of Deserts for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Ladakh is in a rain-shadow region and so don't receive monsoon winds thereby summer is dry but whatever little precipitation occurs is in the form of snowfall during freezing winter months. ... the rainfall in ladakh is as low as 10 cm per year. this is because ladakh is in rain shadow area of himalayas.

There are 2 tribes that are known to the Sahara desert and their names are Tuareg tribe and Bedouin tribe. The Tuareg tribe are said to be tall, fair skinned and Berber-speaking nomadic people. The Bedouin tribe men call themselves people of the tent. These people are Arabs that are not known to be very high on the social Hierarchy as their jobs are mainly camel raisers, drivers and nomads.

Indus river flows in laddakh

The Chiru, also known as the Tibetan antelope, is an endangered species. Let's understand why:

Endangered Species:
An endangered species is a species of animal or plant that is in danger of becoming extinct. A species can become endangered for various reasons, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

Reasons for Endangerment of Chiru:
1. Habitat Loss: The Chiru inhabits the high-altitude grasslands and shrublands of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas. However, human activities such as mining, grazing, and infrastructure development have led to habitat loss and fragmentation, which threatens the survival of the Chiru.

2. Poaching: The Chiru is hunted for its soft and warm wool, which is known as shahtoosh. Shahtoosh shawls are highly valued and can fetch high prices in the black market. Poaching of Chiru for shahtoosh has led to a significant decline in their population.

3. Climate Change: Climate change is also a threat to the Chiru. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect the availability of food and water, which can impact the survival of the Chiru.

Conservation Efforts:
To conserve the Chiru, various conservation efforts have been undertaken. These include:

1. Habitat Protection: Protected areas have been established to conserve the habitat of the Chiru. These areas are managed to reduce human impacts and preserve the natural ecosystem.

2. Anti-Poaching Measures: Efforts are being made to reduce poaching of Chiru for shahtoosh. This includes stricter enforcement of laws, awareness campaigns, and alternative livelihood options for local communities.

3. Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts are being made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes promoting clean energy, sustainable land use practices, and adaptation measures.

Conclusion:
The Chiru is an endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. However, conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve this species for future generations.

Manali - Leh highway is a high-altitude road that connects Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and passes through some of the most stunning landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. The highway crosses a total of six mountain passes before reaching Leh.

1. Rohtang Pass: The first mountain pass that comes on the way is Rohtang Pass, located at an elevation of 3,978 meters above sea level. It is one of the most challenging passes on the highway, with steep and narrow roads.

2. Baralacha La: The second mountain pass is Baralacha La, located at an altitude of 4,890 meters. It is the highest pass on the highway and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Lachulung La: The third mountain pass is Lachulung La, located at an altitude of 5,065 meters. It is also one of the highest passes on the highway and is known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather.

4. Nakee La: The fourth mountain pass is Nakee La, located at an altitude of 4,739 meters. It is a steep pass with hairpin bends and offers breathtaking views of the valleys below.

5. Taglang La: The fifth mountain pass is Taglang La, located at an altitude of 5,328 meters. It is the second-highest pass on the highway and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

6. Chang La: The sixth and the final mountain pass is Chang La, located at an altitude of 5,360 meters. It is the third-highest pass on the highway and is known for its steep ascent and descent.

In conclusion, Manali - Leh highway crosses a total of six mountain passes, namely Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Lachulung La, Nakee La, Taglang La, and Chang La. These mountain passes offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are a major attraction for adventure enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Aziziya, sometimes spelled El Azizia, is a small town and it was the capital of the Jafara district in northwestern Libya, 41 kilometres southwest of the capital Tripoli. From 1918-22 it was the capital of the Tripolitanian Republic, the first formal republic in the Arab world. ..

The famous destination in Ladakh is Shey, which is known for its monastery. The Shey Monastery is one of the most ancient and significant monasteries in the region. It is located on the banks of the Indus River, about 15 km from Leh. Here are some details that highlight why the Shey Monastery is so famous:

History of Shey Monastery:
- Shey Monastery was built in the 17th century by King Deldan Namgyal as a summer palace for his family.
- The monastery was also used as a residence for the royal family until the 1830s.
- The monastery was partially destroyed in the 19th century during the Dogra invasion but was later renovated.

Architecture of Shey Monastery:
- The Shey Monastery is a beautiful structure, with a large gold-plated copper statue of Buddha Shakyamuni that is 39 feet high and placed inside the Dresthang Gonpa.
- The walls of the monastery are adorned with murals that depict the 16 Arhats (disciples of Buddha) and the life of Buddha.
- The monastery also has a large library that contains a collection of ancient manuscripts and texts.

Festivals at Shey Monastery:
- The Shey Monastery celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year.
- The most important festival is the annual Shey Doo Lhoo festival, which is celebrated in the first week of August.
- During this festival, the monastery is filled with colorful decorations, music, and dance performances.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Shey Monastery in Ladakh is famous for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant festivals. It is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Ladakh and is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

C

Ladakh is a region located in the northernmost part of India, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The word "La" in Ladakhi refers to a mountain pass.

Explanation:

• Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region that is surrounded by the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain ranges.
• The region is characterized by its rugged terrain, high mountain passes, and deep valleys.
• The word "La" in Ladakhi means mountain pass, and there are over 20 high-altitude passes in the region.
• These passes are an important feature of Ladakh, as they provide access to different parts of the region and are used for trade and transportation.
• Some of the popular mountain passes in Ladakh include Khardung La, Chang La, and Zoji La.
• Khardung La is the highest motorable pass in the world, and it connects Leh to the Nubra Valley.
• Chang La is the third-highest motorable pass in the world, and it connects Leh to Pangong Lake.
• Zoji La is a mountain pass that connects Srinagar to Leh, and it is considered to be one of the most dangerous passes in the world.

In conclusion, the word "La" in Ladakhi means mountain pass, and it is an important feature of the region, providing access to different parts of Ladakh.

Sahara is a vast desert covering large parts of many countries which include from East to West, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Chad, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Niger, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, and a small part of Eritrea.

Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya.

Explanation:
- The rain shadow effect occurs when there is a mountain range that blocks the passage of rain-bearing clouds, thereby creating a dry region on the leeward side.
- In the case of Ladakh, it lies on the northern side of the Himalayan mountain range, which acts as a barrier for the monsoon winds coming from the south.
- The monsoon winds carry moisture from the Indian Ocean and bring rainfall to the southern slopes of the Himalayas and the Indian subcontinent.
- As these winds rise and reach the southern slopes of the Himalayas, they cool down and release moisture, resulting in heavy rainfall in regions like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
- However, as the winds continue to move northwards and reach the northern side of the Himalayas, they have already lost most of their moisture content, resulting in a rain shadow effect.
- Ladakh, being located in the rain shadow region, experiences very little precipitation, making it a cold desert with arid and barren landscapes.
- The mountains of Ladakh, including the Zanskar Range and the Ladakh Range, block the incoming monsoon winds, preventing them from reaching the region and causing rainfall.
- The absence of rainfall and the high altitude of Ladakh contribute to its extreme cold and dry climate.
- Despite the lack of rainfall, Ladakh does receive some precipitation in the form of snow during the winter months, which is vital for sustaining its fragile ecosystem and supporting agriculture and livestock.

In conclusion, Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, which is why it experiences a cold desert climate with very little rainfall.

A)Leh