A mountain is a landform that rises dramatically above its surroundings, with steep slopes, a small peak area, and significant local relief. Mountains are often thought to be larger than hills. Mountains are classified into numerous types based on their height, their period of origin and their mode of origin. Low Mountains, rough mountains, rugged mountains, and high mountains are examples of mountains classified on the basis of height. This article will explain to you about Classification of Mountains on the Basis of Height which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

What is a Mountain?

• Any natural elevation of the earth's surface is referred to as a mountain.
• The mountains could have a narrow peak and a large base. It is much higher than the surrounding areas. Some mountains tower above the clouds.
• The climate becomes cooler as you ascend.
• Some mountains have ice rivers that are permanently frozen. They are known as glaciers.
• Some mountains are hidden beneath the water and cannot be seen.
• Mountain places have fewer population because of the tough climate.
• Because the hills are steep, there is less ground suitable for agricultural.
• Mountains can be grouped in a straight line known as a range.
• Many mountain systems are composed of hundreds of kilometers of parallel ranges. The Himalayas, Alps, and Andes are Asian, European, and South American mountain ranges, respectively.

Classification of Mountains on the Basis of Height

Low Mountains

• Low mountains are mountains that range between 700 to 1000 metres.
• Mt. Chimneytop in Tennessee, US is an example of a low mountain.

Rough Mountains

• Rough mountains range between 1000 to 1500 metres.
• Mount Donna Buang, Australia is an excellent example of rough mountains.

Rugged Mountains

• Rugged mountains generally differ from 1500 to 2000 metres.
• Agastya Mala in India is an example of a rugged mountain.

High Mountains

• As the name suggests, the high mountains are generally above 2000m.
• Kanchenjunga is a typical high mountain located in India.

Significance of Mountains

• Mountains are particularly valuable for their biodiversity, clean water, research, cultural variety, recreation, landscape, and spiritual benefits.
• Mountains have an important role in supplying renewable energy to downstream cities and remote mountain communities, particularly through hydropower, solar electricity, wind power, and biogas.
• Mountains are known as natural "water towers" because they serve as crucial headwaters for many rivers and other sources of freshwater.
• This freshwater comes from melting snow, which creates streamflow that eventually ends up in streams, rivers, lakes, and seas. This meltwater can also be used to rehydrate aquifers.
• They help in preventing the speed of wind.
• Air and clouds in the air are pushed up the mountain slopes by the wind.
• Warm, moist air masses moving up and over a mountain swell as the air pressure holding them in expands.
• Mountain destinations draw tourists for a variety of reasons, including the climate, clean air, unique landscapes and fauna, visual beauty, local culture, history, and heritage, and the chance to experience snow and participate in snow-based or nature-related activities and sports.

Conclusion

Mountains, in general, make up one-fifth of the world's landscape and provide homes to at least one-tenth of the world's people. The heights of mountains are generally given as heights above sea level. Higher mountains often influence weather patterns, creating rain shadows or acting as barriers to storm systems. Different height zones have varying flora and fauna, leading to rich biodiversity at different elevations. The height often determines the feasibility of human settlements, with very high mountains typically being sparsely populated.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is considered a "low mountain" in terms of height?

A) Mount Donna Buang
B) Kanchenjunga
C) Mount Chimneytop
D) Agastya Mala

2. Which of the following mountains is classified as a "rugged mountain"?

A) Agastya Mala
B) Mount Donna Buang
C) Kanchenjunga
D) Mount Chimneytop

3. The Himalayas are an example of which type of mountains?

A) Low Mountains
B) High Mountains
C) Rough Mountains
D) Rugged Mountains

4. What is the average height range for "rough mountains"?

A) 700 to 1000 meters
B) 1000 to 1500 meters
C) 1500 to 2000 meters
D) Above 2000 meters

5. Which of the following factors is most directly influenced by the height of a mountain?

A) Soil composition
B) Population density
C) Climate and weather patterns
D) Agricultural practices

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the relationship between mountain height and the impact on regional climate and weather patterns.

Answer: The height of mountains significantly affects regional climate and weather conditions. Higher mountains have cooler temperatures, with temperatures dropping by approximately 6.5°C for every kilometer in elevation gain. Mountains also influence precipitation patterns, as moist air is forced upwards, cooling and condensing into rain on the windward side, while the leeward side may experience a rain shadow effect. Mountains play a crucial role in shaping local climates and determining the biodiversity of ecosystems, with higher altitudes supporting unique flora and fauna adapted to colder climates.

Q2: How do the classification of mountains based on height help in geographical studies and understanding ecosystems?

Answer: The classification of mountains based on height helps geographers and ecologists understand the characteristics of different mountain ranges. By grouping mountains into categories like low, rough, rugged, and high, it becomes easier to study their climatic influences, ecosystems, and the types of vegetation and animals that can survive at different altitudes. Higher mountains, for example, have specialized ecosystems due to the harsh conditions, while lower mountains may support more diverse agricultural practices. The classification aids in predicting weather patterns, managing natural resources, and conserving biodiversity.

Q3: Discuss the socio-economic impact of mountain ranges on human settlements and agriculture.

Answer: Mountain ranges often pose challenges for human settlement and agriculture due to their steep slopes and difficult terrain. However, they also provide essential resources such as water (via glaciers and snowmelt), forests, and minerals. People living in mountainous regions often adapt by practicing terrace farming and using mountain passes for trade routes. The socio-economic impact of mountains can be significant, as these regions may be sparsely populated, yet they contribute to national economies through tourism, agriculture, and natural resource extraction. Additionally, mountains can act as barriers to the movement of people and goods, impacting regional development.

Previous Year Questions on Mountain Classification

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following mountains is classified as a "high mountain"?

A) Mount Chimneytop
B) Kanchenjunga
C) Mount Donna Buang
D) Agastya Mala

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Kanchenjunga, located in India, is classified as a high mountain, as its elevation is above 2000 meters.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: How does the classification of mountains based on height influence human activities and environmental management?

Answer: The classification of mountains based on height plays a significant role in understanding the environmental and socio-economic impacts of mountain ranges. It helps in determining the types of agricultural practices, settlement patterns, and natural resource utilization in different regions. For instance, high mountains like the Himalayas provide critical water resources and act as natural barriers, while low and rugged mountains may have more accessible areas for human habitation. Understanding these classifications aids in managing mountain ecosystems, ensuring sustainable development, and addressing challenges like climate change and biodiversity conservation.