Identifying India's Physiographic Features: Rigid, Stable, Elevated Lands
The question asks to identify the physiographic division of India that is characterized by rigid and stable elevated lands, denuded rocks, and a series of scarps. Let's examine the options provided based on their known geological structure and features.
- Northern mountains: This region consists primarily of the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains. They are known for their rugged topography, high peaks, and being geologically active and relatively unstable compared to older landmasses. They do not fit the description of "rigid and stable elevated lands" in the context of ancient landforms.
- Peninsular plateau: This is one of the oldest and most stable landmasses in India. It is composed of hard crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. It is an elevated plateau region with a general elevation, though varying. Due to long periods of erosion, the rocks are often denuded (worn away). The plateau is bounded by prominent scarps (steep slopes) on many sides, such as the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. This description aligns perfectly with the features mentioned in the question.
- Northern plains: These plains are formed by the deposition of alluvium brought by rivers like the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. They are flat, low-lying, and fertile areas. They are not elevated lands, nor are they characterized by denuded rocks or scarps.
- Coastal plains: These are narrow strips of land along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. They are generally flat and low in elevation, formed by river deposits and wave action. While they are coastal, they do not constitute large elevated landmasses characterized by extensive denuded rocks and series of scarps as the primary features of the entire region.
Comparing the characteristics of each option with the description given in the question, the Peninsular plateau stands out as the region that fits the criteria of being rigid, stable, elevated land with features of denuded rocks and series of scarps.
A comparison table helps illustrate the differences:
| Feature | Northern mountains | Peninsular plateau | Northern plains | Coastal plains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geological Nature | Young, folded, less stable | Old, rigid, stable block | Depositional, flat | Depositional, flat/gently sloping |
| Elevation | Very high peaks, rugged | Elevated plateau (moderate height) | Low-lying | Low-lying |
| Rock Features | Folded sedimentary/metamorphic | Crystalline, igneous, metamorphic; often denuded | Alluvial deposits | Alluvial/coastal deposits |
| Landforms | Peaks, valleys, glaciers | Plateau, hills, scarps, river basins | Flat plains, river features | Flat plains, beaches, dunes |
| Scarps | Not characteristic main feature | Prominent (e.g., Western/Eastern Ghats) | Absent | Generally absent (except transitional) |
Therefore, the features of rigid and stable elevated lands, denuded rocks, and series of scarps are characteristic of the Peninsular plateau of India.
Revision Table: India's Physiographic Divisions
| Physiographic Division | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| The Himalayan Mountains | Young fold mountains, highest peaks, rugged relief, glaciated, tectonic activity. |
| The Northern Plains | Flat, fertile land, formed by river deposits (alluvium), densely populated. |
| The Peninsular Plateau | Oldest and most stable landmass, elevated plateau, composed of hard rocks, characterized by scarps, denuded hills. |
| The Indian Desert | Arid region, sand dunes, low rainfall, sparse vegetation. |
| The Coastal Plains | Narrow strips along coasts, flat, fertile in parts, lagoons, deltas. |
| The Islands | Lakshadweep (coral), Andaman & Nicobar (volcanic/tectonic). |
Additional Information: Peninsular Plateau Details
The Peninsular Plateau is roughly triangular in shape and covers a large area of India. It is bounded by the Western Ghats in the west, the Eastern Ghats in the east, and the Aravalli Range in the northwest. The average elevation of the plateau varies from 600 to 900 meters. It is a remnant of the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland, which explains its geological stability and age. The rocks found here are some of the oldest on Earth. The 'denuded rocks' feature is a result of millions of years of erosion by wind and water. The 'series of scarps' are essentially the steep edges of the plateau, notably the Western Ghats which form a continuous scarp along the western edge and the relatively dissected Eastern Ghats along the eastern edge.
Important Questions from Location(s)
Which one among the following is the northernmost geographical location?
- If you want to observe moraines, eskers and outwash plains, which one of the following Union Territories you may have to visit?
Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
The North-south and East-west Road Corridors of India cross each other at which of the following cities?
Which one of the following is the narrow belt parallel to the Shiwalik foothills where streams and rivers coming from the mountains deposit heavy materials of rocks and boulders?
