Following statements are related to Peninsular India.1. The peninsula...
- The Peninsular Plateau of India is composed of the Igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- Igneous rocks are formed by the cooling of magma inside the Earth. There are two types:
(i) Intrusive igneous rocks crystallize below Earth's surface, and the slow cooling that occurs there allows large crystals to form. Examples - diorite, gabbro, granite, pegmatite, and peridotite.
(ii) Extrusive igneous rocks erupt onto the surface, where they cool quickly to form small crystals. Some cool so quickly that they form an amorphous glass. Examples - andesite, basalt, dacite, obsidian, pumice, rhyolite, scoria, and tuff.
- Sedimentary rocks are formed by the process of weathering and cementation or precipitation of minerals on the Earth's surface. Examples - conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, limestone, dolomite, and shale
- Metamorphic rocks are formed when rocks are subjected to high heat, high-pressure changes inside the Earth. Examples - marble, gneiss, phyllite, schist, and slate. The Indian Peninsular was a part of Gondwana land.
- The Peninsular plateau is the oldest landmass as it was formed due to the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land. The plateau consists of two broad divisions: The Central Highlands and The Deccan Plateau.
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Following statements are related to Peninsular India.1. The peninsula...
Peninsular India: Composition and Features
Composition of the Peninsular Plateau
- Statement 1: The peninsular plateau is composed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- This statement is correct. The peninsular plateau, also known as the Deccan Plateau, is largely made up of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- The plateau is formed by extensive volcanic activity that took place millions of years ago. The lava flows and volcanic ash settled over the region, solidified, and formed the hard rocks that make up the plateau.
Gar, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills
- Statement 2: The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills form a part of the peninsular block.
- This statement is correct. The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills are located in the northeastern part of the Indian peninsula and are part of the peninsular block.
- These hills are predominantly composed of sedimentary rocks and are known for their scenic beauty, dense forests, and wildlife.
Age and Stability of the Peninsular Plateau
- Statement 3: The peninsular plateau is the oldest and most stable landmass in India, devoid of earthquake or volcanic activity.
- This statement is incorrect. The peninsular plateau is indeed the oldest landmass in India, but it is not entirely devoid of earthquake or volcanic activity.
- While the plateau is considered stable compared to other regions in India, it has experienced seismic activity in the past. The Indian plate, on which the plateau is situated, is still tectonically active, leading to occasional earthquakes.
- Additionally, the peninsular region has witnessed volcanic activity in the past. The Western Ghats, a mountain range in the peninsular plateau, is a result of volcanic activity. The Deccan Traps, a large volcanic province in the plateau, are evidence of ancient volcanic eruptions.
Conclusion
- Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 and 2 only.
- The peninsular plateau is composed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills are part of the peninsular block.
- However, the peninsular plateau is not devoid of earthquake or volcanic activity, making statement 3 incorrect.
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