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The Nilgiris along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable as compared to the Himalayas; but, still,  debris avalanches and landslides occur in these hills. Why?
1. Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
2. Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced in Nilgiris.
3. Nilgiris is mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semiconsolidated deposits.
4. Nilgiris receive heavy amount of rainfall over short periods.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  • a)
    1, 2 and 3 only
  • b)
    2, 3 and 4 only
  • c)
    1, 2 and 4 only
  • d)
    1 and 4 only
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The Nilgiris along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable a...
Explanation:

1. Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris:
The steep slopes and vertical cliffs in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris make the region more prone to debris avalanches and landslides. Steep slopes have a higher gravitational force acting on them, making it easier for the soil and rocks to be displaced. The presence of vertical cliffs and escarpments increases the likelihood of mass movements as they provide a weak point for the rocks and soil to break and slide down.

2. Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced in Nilgiris:
Mechanical weathering refers to the physical breakdown of rocks without any change in their chemical composition. Temperature changes and ranges play a significant role in causing mechanical weathering. In the Nilgiris, the diurnal temperature variations are quite high, with hot days and cold nights. These rapid temperature changes cause the rocks to expand and contract, leading to the weakening of their structure. As a result, the rocks become more susceptible to landslides and debris avalanches.

3. Nilgiris is mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semiconsolidated deposits:
The composition of the rocks in the Nilgiris also contributes to the occurrence of landslides and debris avalanches. Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition and compaction of sediments over time. These rocks are often less resistant to weathering and erosion compared to igneous or metamorphic rocks. Additionally, unconsolidated and semiconsolidated deposits, such as loose soil and sand, are more prone to mass movements. The presence of such rocks and deposits in the Nilgiris increases the likelihood of landslides and debris avalanches.

4. Nilgiris receive heavy amounts of rainfall over short periods:
The Nilgiris region experiences heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season. This intense precipitation over short periods saturates the soil and weakens the slopes. The excess water seeps into the ground and reduces the friction between soil particles, making it easier for landslides and debris avalanches to occur.

In conclusion, the occurrence of debris avalanches and landslides in the relatively tectonically stable Nilgiris can be attributed to the steep slopes, mechanical weathering due to temperature changes, the composition of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated deposits, and the heavy rainfall over short periods. These factors collectively contribute to the instability of the hills and increase the susceptibility to mass movements.
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The Nilgiris along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable a...
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Himalayas are mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semi-consolidated deposits whereas Nilgiris are made up of very hard rocks.
Rapid Movements
• In India, debris avalanches and landslides occur very frequently in the Himalayas because the Himalayas are tectonically active. They are mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semi-consolidated deposits. The slopes are very steep.
• Compared to the Himalayas, the Nilgiris bordering Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and the Western Ghats along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable and are mostly made up of very hard rocks; but, still, debris avalanches and landslides occur though not as frequently as in the Himalayas, in these hills because :
1. Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
2. Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced.
3. They receive heavy amount of rainfall over short period.
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The Nilgiris along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable as compared to the Himalayas; but, still, debris avalanches and landslides occur in these hills. Why?1. Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.2. Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced in Nilgiris.3. Nilgiris is mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semiconsolidated deposits.4. Nilgiris receive heavy amount of rainfall over short periods.Select the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)2, 3 and 4 onlyc)1, 2 and 4 onlyd)1 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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The Nilgiris along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable as compared to the Himalayas; but, still, debris avalanches and landslides occur in these hills. Why?1. Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.2. Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced in Nilgiris.3. Nilgiris is mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semiconsolidated deposits.4. Nilgiris receive heavy amount of rainfall over short periods.Select the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)2, 3 and 4 onlyc)1, 2 and 4 onlyd)1 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The Nilgiris along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable as compared to the Himalayas; but, still, debris avalanches and landslides occur in these hills. Why?1. Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.2. Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced in Nilgiris.3. Nilgiris is mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semiconsolidated deposits.4. Nilgiris receive heavy amount of rainfall over short periods.Select the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)2, 3 and 4 onlyc)1, 2 and 4 onlyd)1 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Nilgiris along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable as compared to the Himalayas; but, still, debris avalanches and landslides occur in these hills. Why?1. Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.2. Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced in Nilgiris.3. Nilgiris is mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semiconsolidated deposits.4. Nilgiris receive heavy amount of rainfall over short periods.Select the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)2, 3 and 4 onlyc)1, 2 and 4 onlyd)1 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for The Nilgiris along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable as compared to the Himalayas; but, still, debris avalanches and landslides occur in these hills. Why?1. Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.2. Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced in Nilgiris.3. Nilgiris is mostly made up of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated and semiconsolidated deposits.4. Nilgiris receive heavy amount of rainfall over short periods.Select the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)2, 3 and 4 onlyc)1, 2 and 4 onlyd)1 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
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