The northern most range of the Himalayan mountain is known as:
Great Himalaya
Understanding the Himalayan Mountain Ranges
The Himalayan mountain range is one of the youngest and most dynamic mountain systems in the world. It is composed of several parallel ranges that run from west to east. These ranges are often divided into three main longitudinal belts:
- The Great Himalaya (Himadri)
- The Lesser Himalaya (Himachal)
- The Outer Himalaya (Shiwalik)
These ranges are distinct based on their altitude, geological structure, and width.
Identifying the Northernmost Himalayan Range
To determine the northernmost range, we need to look at their relative positions from north to south:
- The Great Himalaya is the northernmost range. It is also the highest range, home to the world's tallest peaks.
- South of the Great Himalaya lies the Lesser Himalaya.
- Further south, at the foothills, is the Outer Himalaya.
Therefore, the range situated furthest to the north is the Great Himalaya.
Exploring the Great Himalaya (Himadri)
The Great Himalaya, also known as the Himadri, is the most continuous range. It has an average elevation exceeding 6,000 metres. It contains the highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna. The core of this part of the Himalayas is composed of granites and gneisses. It is perennially snow-bound, and a number of glaciers descend from this range.
Understanding Other Himalayan Ranges
Let's briefly look at the other options provided to understand why they are not the northernmost range:
- Lesser Himalaya (Himachal): This range lies to the south of the Great Himalaya. Its average altitude is between 3,700 and 4,500 metres. Famous ranges like the Pir Panjal range, the Dhaula Dhar, and the Mahabharat ranges are part of the Lesser Himalayas.
- Mahabharat ranges: As mentioned, the Mahabharat range is part of the Lesser Himalaya. Since the Lesser Himalaya is south of the Great Himalaya, the Mahabharat range is also south of the Great Himalaya.
- Outer Himalaya (Shiwalik): This is the southernmost range of the Himalayas. They extend over a width of 10-50 kilometres and have an altitude varying between 900 and 1,100 metres. They are composed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges.
Based on the geographical arrangement, the Great Himalaya is located to the north of the Lesser Himalaya and the Outer Himalaya.
Summary of Himalayan Ranges Position
| Range Name | Alternative Name | Relative Position | Average Altitude (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Himalaya | Himadri | Northernmost | > 6,000 m |
| Lesser Himalaya | Himachal | South of Great Himalaya | 3,700 - 4,500 m |
| Outer Himalaya | Shiwalik | Southernmost | 900 - 1,100 m |
Therefore, the northernmost range of the Himalayan mountain is known as the Great Himalaya.
Revision Table: Key Himalayan Ranges
| Feature | Great Himalaya (Himadri) | Lesser Himalaya (Himachal) | Outer Himalaya (Shiwalik) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Northernmost range | South of Great Himalaya | Southernmost range |
| Altitude | Highest (> 6000 m) | Medium (3700-4500 m) | Lowest (900-1100 m) |
| Notable Peaks/Ranges | Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga | Pir Panjal, Dhaula Dhar, Mahabharat Range | Composed of longitudinal valleys called Duns |
| Geology | Granites, Gneisses | Altered rocks | Unconsolidated sediments |
Additional Information on Himalayan Geography
Apart from the longitudinal divisions, the Himalayas can also be divided regionally from west to east. These divisions are demarcated by river valleys. Some of these regional divisions include:
- The Punjab Himalayas (between Indus and Satluj)
- The Kumaon Himalayas (between Satluj and Kali)
- The Nepal Himalayas (between Kali and Tista)
- The Assam Himalayas (between Tista and Dihang)
This regional classification helps in understanding the variations in relief and other characteristics across the vast stretch of the Himalayas.
Important Questions from Location(s)
- In India, rigid and stable elevated lands, denuded rocks and series of scarps are the features of which of the following?
- 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?
