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Question

Which river system is known for forming gorges in the Himalayan region?

The correct answer is
Brahmaputra

Understanding Himalayan River Gorges

Gorges are deep, narrow valleys with steep sides, often formed by rivers cutting through resistant rock over long periods. The Himalayan region, with its immense height and steep gradients, is a prime location for significant river erosion and gorge formation. We need to identify which river system among the options is famous for creating these features in this specific mountain range.

River Systems and Gorge Formation in the Himalayas

Let's analyze the given river systems:

  • Godavari River: This river flows primarily through the Deccan Plateau in central India. While it has valleys, it is not associated with forming major gorges within the Himalayan mountain system.
  • Tapti River: The Tapti River is another major river in peninsular India, flowing westwards towards the Arabian Sea. Like the Godavari, its course lies south of the Himalayas and it doesn't form gorges there.
  • Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra originates in the Tibetan Plateau as the Yarlung Tsangpo and flows eastwards into India. In its upper course, especially in Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh (India), it cuts through the Himalayas, forming some of the world's deepest gorges, including the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. Its powerful flow and the steep topography of the Himalayas enable significant gorge formation.
  • Penner River: This river flows through the southern part of India and is not located in or near the Himalayan region. Therefore, it does not form gorges there.

Conclusion on Himalayan Gorge Formation

Based on the geographical courses and characteristics of these rivers, the Brahmaputra river system is distinctively known for carving deep gorges within the Himalayan region due to its powerful erosional activity in the high-altitude, steep terrain.

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Important Questions from Drainage System of India

  1. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: 

    1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 

    2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. 

    3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  2. Consider the following rivers: 

    (1) Barak 

    (2) Lohit 

    (3) Subansiri 

    Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

  3. Consider the following pairs:  

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

  4. Which of the following rivers originates in the Western Ghats?
  5. What is the total length of the Mahanadi river?
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