Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.
Landslides in the Himalayan region are primarily driven by its young, tectonically active, and geologically fragile nature. Frequent seismic activity, coupled with steep slopes and heavy monsoon precipitation, saturates and destabilises the fractured rocks and unconsolidated sediments. Rapid snowmelt also contributes to increased water infiltration. Anthropogenic factors like unscientific road construction, deforestation, and haphazard development in ecologically sensitive areas exacerbate these natural vulnerabilities.
Conversely, landslides in the Western Ghats are largely a consequence of intense, short-duration monsoon downpours on older, lateritic and highly weathered basaltic rock formations. These lateritic soils become saturated and lose cohesion, leading to shallow, rapid flow-slides. While less seismically active, widespread deforestation for plantations, unscientific agricultural practices on slopes, and unregulated quarrying significantly contribute to soil erosion and slope instability during heavy rainfall events.
The key distinction lies in the Himalayas' seismic vulnerability and young geology versus the Western Ghats' lateritic soil saturation and distinct land-use changes.
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Important Questions from GS1
How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of the balance of power?
How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?
The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?
What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?
What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?
