Structurally, the Meghalaya region is a part of
Deccan Plateau
Understanding the Structural Connection of the Meghalaya Region
The question asks about the geological structure that the Meghalaya region is a part of. Understanding the major physiographic divisions of India is key to answering this question.
India is broadly divided into several physiographic units, including the Himalayas, the Great Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.
The Meghalaya region, located in Northeast India, is geographically separated from the main Peninsular Plateau by the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains. However, structurally and geologically, it shares characteristics with the Peninsular Plateau.
Analyzing the Options for Meghalaya's Structure
Let's examine the given options:
- Shiwalik Range: The Shiwalik Range is the outermost and youngest range of the Himalayas, located much further north and west of Meghalaya. Structurally, it is distinct from the Meghalaya region.
- Deccan Plateau: The Deccan Plateau is the large plateau that covers most of peninsular India. Geologically, the rocks and structure of the Meghalaya region are similar to those of the Deccan Plateau. The plains that separate Meghalaya from the main Deccan Plateau are formed by alluvial deposits laid down by rivers.
- Greater Himalaya: The Greater Himalaya (also known as Himadri) is the innermost and highest range of the Himalayas, located far to the north of Meghalaya. Structurally and geographically, it is entirely different from the Meghalaya region.
- Aravalli Range: The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world, located in northwestern India (primarily Rajasthan). It is geographically and structurally unrelated to the Meghalaya region.
The Meghalaya Plateau as part of the Deccan Plateau
Despite being separated by the Rajmahal-Garo Gap (formed by the Malda Fault), the Meghalaya Plateau (which includes the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills) is considered an extension of the Peninsular Plateau, specifically the Deccan Plateau. Evidence from geology and rock types supports this connection. The uplift of the Meghalaya Plateau occurred much later than the main Peninsular block, and faulting led to its separation.
Therefore, structurally, the Meghalaya region is part of the larger Deccan Plateau geological province.
| Region | Structural Affiliation | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Meghalaya Region | Deccan Plateau (extension) | Northeast India |
| Shiwalik Range | Himalayan System | Northern India (Outer Himalayas) |
| Greater Himalaya | Himalayan System | Northern India (Inner Himalayas) |
| Aravalli Range | Peninsular India (Ancient Fold Mountains) | Northwestern India |
Based on geological structure, the Meghalaya region is an outlying part of the Deccan Plateau.
Revision Table: Key Indian Physiographic Divisions
| Division | Key Characteristics | Examples/Sub-parts |
|---|---|---|
| The Himalayan Mountains | Young fold mountains, tectonically active, highest peaks | Greater Himalaya, Lesser Himalaya, Shiwaliks |
| The Northern Plains | Flat alluvial plains, fertile, formed by Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra rivers | Punjab Plains, Ganga Plains, Brahmaputra Plains |
| The Peninsular Plateau | Oldest landmass, stable block, composed of old crystalline, igneous & metamorphic rocks | Deccan Plateau, Central Highlands, Chota Nagpur Plateau, Meghalaya Plateau |
| The Indian Desert | Arid & semi-arid region, sand dunes, sparse vegetation | Thar Desert |
| The Coastal Plains | Narrow plains along coasts, depositional features | Western Coastal Plain, Eastern Coastal Plain |
| The Islands | Coral islands (L'dweep), Volcanic islands (Andaman & Nicobar) | Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
Additional Information on Meghalaya and Deccan Plateau Connection
The separation of the Meghalaya Plateau from the main block of the Peninsular Plateau (Deccan Plateau) is attributed to faulting and subsequent subsidence, which created the Malda Fault and the resulting Rajmahal-Garo Gap. This gap was then filled by sediments from the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, forming the present-day plains of Bangladesh and Bengal. Despite this geographical separation, geological studies of the rock composition and structure confirm their shared origins as part of the ancient Gondwana landmass, making Meghalaya structurally a part of the Deccan Plateau.
The Meghalaya Plateau itself is further subdivided into the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills. These hills are not part of the Himalayan mountain system, which is a much younger and geologically distinct formation.
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_______is the oldest mountain range in the Indian subcontinent.
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The swampy belt of the northern Indian plains is known as ________
The northern most range of the Himalayan mountain is known as:
