General Classification of Himalayas: Himalayas

Basics

• What is it?: Series of several parallel ranges.
• Topography
  • Ranges are separated by deep valleys that create a dissected topography.
  • The southern slope has a steep gradient and the northern slope is gentler.
• Syntaxial Bends of Himalayas 
  • Himalayas extend east to west from the Indus Gorge in the west to the Brahmaputra Gorge in the east.
  • The Himalayan range takes a sharp southward bend at these gorges. These bends are called the syntaxial bends of Himalayas.

Classification of Himalayan Ranges

1. Greater Himalayas
   • • Other Name: Inner Himalaya, Central Himalaya, or Himadri.
     • Average Elevation: 6100 m above sea level
     • Average Width: 25 km
     • Feature
       • Loftiest continuous ranges and isocline in structure.
       • The folds in this range are asymmetrical with a steep southward slope and gentle northward slope giving a ‘hogback topography’.
       • Terminates abruptly at the syntaxial bends. One in the Nanga Parbat in the northwest and the other in the Namcha Barwa in the northeast.
       • Height increases from west to centre and decreases from centre to east.
       • Width is higher in the west and lower in the east.
       • Passes in the Region
     • Peak: This range has the highest peak, Mt. Everest.
     • Glaciers:  Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Zemu.

1. • •  Karewas
       • Present in between the trans Himalayas and great himalayas.
       • The fertile soil of lacustrine origin is called Karewas.
       • It supports saffron cultivation.
2. Lesser or Middle Himalayas 
   • Location:
     • In between the Shiwaliks in the south and the Greater Himalayas in the north.
     • Runs almost parallel to both ranges.
   • Other Name: Himachal or Lower Himalayas.
   • Width: 60-80 km 
   • Length: 2400 km 
   • Elevations: 3,500 to 4,500 m above sea level.
   • Features
     • Noncontinuous and dissected by rivers.
     • Lower Himalayas have steep, bare southern slopes (steep slopes prevent soil formation) and more gentle, forest-covered northern slopes.
   • Division 
     • In Uttarakhand, the Middle Himalayas are marked by the Mussoorie and the Nag Tibba ranges.
     • The Mahabharat Lekh, in southern Nepal, is a continuation of the Mussoorie Range
     • East of the Kosi River, the Sapta Kosi, Sikkim, Bhutan, Miri, Abor, and Mishmi hills represent the lower Himalayas.
   • Major Hill Stations: Shimla, Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Nainital, Almora, and Darjeeling.
   • Division of the Range  Based on Rivers.
     • Pir Panjal Range: Extend from the Jhelum River to the upper Beas River.
     • Dhauladhar Range: Between Chenab River and Ravi River.
     • Mussoorie Range: Between Sutlej and Alakananda Rivers.
     • Kumaon Range: Between  Alakananda and Kali rivers
     • Mahabharat Range: Between Kali and Koney rivers.
     • Miri Range: Between Kameng and Subansiri rivers
     • Abor Range: Between Subansiri and Dihang rivers.
   • Important Valley
     • Kashmir Valley: Between the Pir Panjal and the Zanskar Range
     • Kangra Valley: Extends from the foot of the Dhauladhar Range to the south of Beas.
     • Kulu Valley: It is a transverse valley in the upper course of the river Ravi.
3. Shiwalik Range
   • Other Name: Also known as the Outer Himalayas.
   • Formation: Formed during the Pliocene – Pleistocene period.
   • Disaster Risk: They are highly prone to landslides.
   • Location: Located in between the Great Plains and the Lesser Himalayas.
   • Elevation: 600 to 1500 metres.
   • Width: The width of the Shiwaliks varies from 50 km in Himachal Pradesh to less than 15 km in Arunachal Pradesh.
   • Distance and Direction: Runs for a distance of 2,400 km in west to east direction.
   • Features
     • The southern slopes are steep while the northern slopes are gentle.
     • They are an almost unbroken chain of low hills except for a gap of 80-90 km which is occupied by the valley of the Tista River and the Raidak River.
     • These are the youngest parts of the Himalayas.
   • Geographical Feature: Duns are a part of Shiwalik. For example, Dehradun in Uttarakhand.