Tertiary System - India's Major Rock Groups - Geography Notes
The Tertiary Period of geologic time is defined by a series of rocks that occurs above the Cretaceous and below the Quaternary. These rocks date back to the Cenozoic epoch, around 60 million years ago. Around the same town, the Himalayan uplift occurred. The Karewas of Kashmir, the Bhangra and Khadar of the Gangetic plains, and other important rock systems are only a few examples. This article will explain to you about the Tertiary System which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.
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Table of Contents |
Tertiary System
- The Cenozoic period is represented by the Tertiary rock system.
- The tertiary period began around 66 million years ago.
- In this age, the Gondwana continent was finally broken apart, and the Tethys sea was lifted in the Himalayas.
- The most significant rocks of this system may be found in India's northern plains, in Kashmir's karewas, and in the Great Plains' Bhangar, and Khadar.
- This time is represented by the terraces of the Jhelum Narmada, Taptii, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and other rivers.
- This system's rocks may be found along the coasts of Kachchh, Kathiawar, Konkan, Malabar, Nilgiri, and the Eastern Ghats.
- Volcanic activity connected with the Deccan Traps has also been recorded. (Oligocene and Miocene epochs)
- The rocks of this epoch have revealed a wealth of petroleum and coal deposits.
- The Tertiary Succession covers the whole Bengal and Ganges delta, as well as the East coast and the Andaman Islands.
- They may also be found in the Salt Range, Potwar Plateau, Jammu and Punjab's outer Himalayan areas, Assam, Sind, and Baluchistan.
- The Karewas of Kashmir, the Bhangar and Khadar of the Gangetic plains, and other important rock systems.
- Crude petroleum can be found in tertiary sedimentary rocks.
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| Archean System | Gondwana System |
| Dharwar System | Cretaceous System |
| Cuddapah System | Quaternary System |
Cenozoic period
- The Cenozoic is the current geological epoch of Earth, covering the last 66 million years of its existence.
- The dominance of animals, birds, and flowering plants, as well as a cooling and drying environment and the current structure of continents, describe it.
- It is the most recent of three geological epochs since the emergence of complex life, with the Mesozoic and Paleozoic epochs preceding it.
- There are three phases in the Cenozoic Era:
- Paleogene (65.5 to 23.02 million years ago)
- Neogene (23.03 to 2.6 million years ago)
- Quaternary (2.6 million years ago to now)
- The Cenozoic is also known as the Age of Mammals because mammals dominated both hemispheres - eutherians (placentals) in the northern hemisphere and metatherians (marsupials, now mostly limited to Australia) in the southern.
- The demise of numerous species allowed mammals and birds to significantly diversify, resulting in a world dominated by giant animals and birds.
- During this time period, the continents also shifted into their current places.
Conclusion
Tertiary refers to the geologic era from 66 million to 2.6 million years ago, however it is no longer used. These rocks date from roughly 60 million years ago, during the Cenozoic period. The Himalayan uplift happened in the same town. The rocks of this system may be found along the Kachchh, Kathiawar, Konkan, Malabar, Nilgiri, and Eastern Ghats.
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| Geography Notes | Physical Geography |
| India’s Major Rock Groups | Indian Drainage Systems |
| India's Divisions Based on Geological Structure and Geomorphic Processes | India's Physiographic Divisions |
| Geomorphology | Climatology |
FAQs
Question: What is the Tertiary System in geology?
Answer: The Tertiary System refers to a geological time period within the Cenozoic Era that spans from 66 million to about 2.6 million years ago. It is marked by significant evolutionary developments, including the rise of mammals and flowering plants. The Tertiary is divided into two epochs: the Paleocene to the Eocene and the Oligocene to the Miocene, which saw massive environmental changes influencing life forms.
Question: How are India’s major rock groups classified in terms of their geological significance?
Answer: India’s major rock groups include the Archaean rocks, the Proterozoic, the Paleozoic, the Mesozoic, and the Cenozoic. These groups are classified based on their age and characteristics. The Archaean and Proterozoic rocks, found in the Peninsular region, are the oldest. The Cenozoic rocks are predominantly found in the Himalayas and are younger, formed during the Tertiary period.
Question: What role does the Tertiary period play in the formation of India's landscape?
Answer: The Tertiary period played a crucial role in shaping India’s current landscape. The Himalayas were primarily formed during this time due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. Tertiary rocks are rich in fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and have been central to India’s geological history, contributing to its soil fertility and mineral resources.
Question: What are the major rock groups in India, and how are they distributed?
Answer: India’s major rock groups include the Archaean, the Vindhyan, the Gondwana, and the Deccan Traps. The Archaean rocks are found in the Peninsular Plateau, while the Gondwana rocks are primarily located in the eastern and central parts of India. The Deccan Traps are spread across the western region, particularly in Maharashtra. These rock groups vary in age and composition and have distinct geological histories.
Question: How do Tertiary rocks influence the climate and agriculture in India?
Answer: Tertiary rocks, especially those found in the Himalayan region, influence India’s climate by affecting the monsoon pattern and rainfall distribution. The fertile soils derived from these rocks are crucial for agriculture, especially in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, where crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane are grown extensively due to the presence of rich alluvial deposits.
MCQs
1. Which of the following geological periods is associated with the formation of the Himalayas?
A) Jurassic
B) Permian
C) Tertiary
D) Cretaceous
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: The formation of the Himalayas occurred during the Tertiary period due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, which started around 50 million years ago.
2. Which of the following rock groups are the oldest in India?
A) Gondwana
B) Deccan Traps
C) Archaean
D) Vindhyan
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: The Archaean rocks are the oldest in India, found mainly in the Peninsular Plateau, and date back to more than 2.5 billion years ago.
3. Which of the following regions in India is primarily composed of Tertiary rocks?
A) Deccan Plateau
B) Indo-Gangetic Plain
C) Himalayas
D) Vindhya Range
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: The Himalayas are predominantly composed of Tertiary rocks, which were formed due to the ongoing tectonic movements of the Indian Plate during the Tertiary period.
4. The Gondwana rocks of India are known for which of the following?
A) Presence of ancient coal deposits
B) Formation of major mountain ranges
C) High seismic activity
D) Volcanic activity
Answer: (A) See the Explanation
Explanation: Gondwana rocks are rich in coal deposits, particularly in regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. These rocks were formed during the Paleozoic era and have been vital for India’s coal industry.
5. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Deccan Traps?
A) Limestone formation
B) Volcanic basaltic rocks
C) Sandstone deposits
D) Fossil-rich layers
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Explanation: The Deccan Traps are known for their vast stretches of volcanic basaltic rocks, formed due to massive volcanic eruptions during the end of the Cretaceous period.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Discuss the importance of the Tertiary system in shaping the geological features of India. How did the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates during the Tertiary period influence the landscape?
Answer: The Tertiary system holds great significance in the geological history of India, as it marked a period of intense tectonic activity. The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate during this period led to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. This tectonic upheaval also triggered a series of changes in the region’s climate and ecosystem, influencing the flora and fauna. The Tertiary period contributed to the formation of important rock systems like the Himalayan and the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which are rich in resources and fertile soil. The major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra also formed during this time, contributing to the agricultural success of the region.
Q2: Examine the distribution of rock groups in India and their economic significance. How do these geological formations contribute to India’s natural resources?
Answer: India’s rock formations are varied, ranging from the ancient Archaean rocks in the Peninsular Plateau to the younger Tertiary rocks in the Himalayas. The Archaean rocks are rich in minerals, including iron ore and mica, which are important for India’s industrial sector. The Gondwana rocks, containing vast coal reserves, are crucial for power generation. The Deccan Traps, with their volcanic basaltic rocks, are a source of building materials and precious stones. Tertiary formations contribute to fertile alluvial soils and are associated with fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Overall, these rock groups provide raw materials essential for the country’s economic development.
Q3: Analyze the role of Tertiary rocks in agriculture and climate in India. What are the challenges faced due to the presence of these rocks?
Answer: Tertiary rocks, particularly those found in the Himalayas and Indo-Gangetic Plain, have significantly contributed to India’s agriculture by enriching the soil with alluvial deposits, making it fertile. The presence of Tertiary rocks has influenced the monsoon climate in India, which is essential for crop cultivation. However, challenges like soil erosion in the hilly regions, land degradation, and the impact of seismic activity in Tertiary-rich areas pose risks to agriculture. The Himalayan region, for example, faces frequent landslides that affect crop yield and infrastructure.
Previous Year Questions on Tertiary System
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2022:
Question: The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate resulted in which of the following geological features in India?
A) Vindhyan Hills
B) Deccan Plateau
C) Himalayan Mountain Range
D) Aravalli Range
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate during the Tertiary period led to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range, which continues to shape the region's geography.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):
Question: "Discuss the role of Tertiary geological formations in shaping the physical and economic geography of India. How do they influence natural resources and agriculture?"
Answer: Tertiary geological formations play a critical role in shaping India's physical landscape, from the Himalayan ranges to fertile plains. These formations have influenced the distribution of natural resources, including minerals and fossil fuels. The Tertiary period’s tectonic activity also led to the creation of fertile agricultural lands in regions like the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which are crucial for India’s agriculture. These formations also pose challenges, such as seismic hazards and soil erosion, affecting both agriculture and infrastructure in certain regions.
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