Northern plains are generally described as flat land with no variation...
No, I do not agree that the Northern Indian Plains have no variation in relief features. The river flowing down from the Himalayas deposit sediments in a belt known as bhabar which runs parallel to the slopes of the Siwaliks. On the south of this belt exists the wet, swampy and marshy region known as the terai region. This region was densely covered with forests and was rich in flora and fauna. However, the forests were later brought down for the expansion of agriculture.
Most of the northern plains are formed of the older alluvium soil which is known as the bhangar plains. They lie above the flood plains of the river and present terrace-like features.
Therefore, we can say the Northern Indian Plains have variation in relief features.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 9 courses
Northern plains are generally described as flat land with no variation...
Introduction:
The Northern plains are a vast region located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. While it is often believed that these plains are flat with no variations, this notion is not entirely accurate. In reality, the Northern plains exhibit a diverse landscape with a range of features and variations.
Diverse Topography:
Contrary to popular belief, the Northern plains are not uniformly flat. They encompass a wide range of topographical features, including valleys, hills, rivers, and floodplains. This diverse topography adds depth and variety to the region, making it far from monotonous.
Himalayan Foothills:
In the northernmost part of the Northern plains, the majestic Himalayan foothills form a prominent feature. These foothills are characterized by their undulating terrain and rising peaks, creating a beautiful and dramatic landscape. The foothills provide an important transition between the plains and the towering Himalayas.
Fluvial Systems:
One of the defining features of the Northern plains is its extensive fluvial system, comprising several major rivers such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna. These rivers have carved their way through the plains over thousands of years, resulting in the formation of river valleys and floodplains. These valleys and floodplains exhibit significant variations in elevation, thus contradicting the notion of a flat landscape.
Alluvial Deposits:
The Northern plains are predominantly composed of fertile alluvial soil, which has been deposited by the rivers over time. These alluvial deposits are not evenly distributed, leading to variations in the landscape. Some areas may have thicker alluvial layers, resulting in slightly higher elevations, while others may have thinner layers, creating relatively lower-lying regions.
Terai Region:
The Terai region, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, is another significant feature of the Northern plains. It is characterized by its marshy and swampy terrain, which is interspersed with small hills and ridges. This region is far from being flat and adds further diversity to the overall topography of the Northern plains.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the notion that the Northern plains are flat with no variations is not accurate. The region exhibits diverse topography, including the presence of Himalayan foothills, river valleys, floodplains, alluvial deposits, and the Terai region. These variations in the landscape make the Northern plains a visually appealing and geographically interesting area, contradicting the misconception of a monotonously flat land.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.