What are the main differences between Himadri and Shiwaliks?
Difference between himadri and shivalik ranges-
Himadri range-
1. it is the northern most range of himalayas and also known as inner or greater himalayas.
2. the average height of the mountains is around 6000 meters from sea level.
3. this range is home to loftiest mountains.
4. a lot of glaciers are found in the himadri range and many rivers originate here.
5. it is the most continuous range and its core is made up of granite.
6. it includes peaks like k2, kanchenjunga, mt everest, nanga parbat etc
Shivalik range-
1. it is the outermost range of himalayas and also known as outer himalayas.
2. the average altitude is around 900-100 meters above sea level.
3. it is home to flat floored structural valleys called duns.
4. this range extends over width of 10-15kms.
5. it is made up of unconsolidated materials such as as silt, mud, soft rocks etc brought down by the rivers from greater himalayas and thus is prone to landslides.
6. example- dehradun
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What are the main differences between Himadri and Shiwaliks?
Introduction:
Himadri and Shiwaliks are two distinct geographical regions located in the northern part of India. They differ in terms of their location, elevation, geological features, and biodiversity. Let's delve into the main differences between these two regions.
Location:
- Himadri: Himadri refers to the high Himalayan region, also known as the Greater Himalayas. It stretches across several Indian states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Shiwaliks: Shiwaliks, also known as the Outer Himalayas or Sub-Himalayas, lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. It spans across the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Terai region of Nepal.
Elevation:
- Himadri: Himadri is characterized by its towering peaks and high elevation. It is home to some of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The average elevation ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 meters.
- Shiwaliks: Shiwaliks, being the foothills of the Himalayas, have a relatively lower elevation. The average height of the Shiwaliks ranges from 900 to 1,500 meters above sea level.
Geological Features:
- Himadri: Himadri is predominantly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is characterized by rugged terrain, deep valleys, steep slopes, and glaciated landscapes. It contains numerous snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and river sources.
- Shiwaliks: Shiwaliks consist mainly of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstones, shales, and conglomerates. The region is marked by gentle slopes, foothills, and alluvial plains formed by the deposition of sediments brought down by rivers originating in the higher Himalayas.
Biodiversity:
- Himadri: Himadri supports a diverse range of flora and fauna due to its varied climatic zones and altitudinal variation. It is home to several endangered species, including snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, and various species of alpine flora.
- Shiwaliks: Shiwaliks boast rich biodiversity with a mix of tropical, subtropical, and temperate vegetation. The region is known for its dense forests, wildlife reserves, and numerous bird species. Common wildlife includes elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and several species of birds.
Conclusion:
In summary, Himadri and Shiwaliks differ in terms of location, elevation, geological features, and biodiversity. While Himadri represents the high Himalayan region with towering peaks and glaciated landscapes, Shiwaliks form the foothills characterized by lower elevation, sedimentary rocks, and rich biodiversity. Understanding these differences helps in comprehending the unique characteristics and significance of each region.