Himalayan Ranges- Formation, Divisions, Ranges and Significance

The mighty Himalayan Mountains are a grand barrier that protects India against cold winds from Central Asia and foreign invasions from Central Asian rulers. The range divides the Tibetan Plateau in the North and the Alluvial Plains in the South. 

Formation of Himalayas

The Himalayan ranges were formed a million years ago as a result of a collision between two massive tectonic plates’ namely the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate. 

• Existence of Pangea and Panthalassa

The process began almost 250 million years ago. There was a supercontinent named Pangea that was surrounded by a huge water body named Panthalassa. 

• Breaking of Pangea

Around 150 million years ago, the Pangea content began to break into different parts. 

• Indo-Australian Tectonic Plate Shift towards the North

The Indo-Australian tectonic plates that consisted of the continents of Australia and India drifted towards the north due to the convection currents generated in the Mantle of the Earth. For millions of years, India drifted across the sea towards Eurasian plates. 

• Shrinkage of Tethys Sea and Formation of Folds

When the Indian plates approached Asia, the Tethya Sea area started shrinking, and the sediments in the seabed slowly got pushed upwards, leading to the formation of folds. When the plates containing India and Tibet collided, the lighter sedimentary rocks that made the subcontinent of India went against Tibet and forced it upwards. It led to the creation of the Himalayas. 

Division of Himalayas

Himalayas are divided into three divisions based on the latitudinal extent:

• Trans- Himalayas

The Northern area of the Himalayan ranges is termed the Trans-Himalayas. They stretch into the east-west direction up to 1000 km, and the elevation of the peak is around 3000 metres above sea level. The Trans- Himalayas consist of different ranges such as Ladakh, Zanskar, and Karakoram. 

• The Himalayan Mountain Ranges

The Himalayan mountain ranges are known by different names such as Himavan, Himadri, etc. On the Northwest, they are surrounded by the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush ranges, while on the South, they are covered by the Indo-Gangetic plains. 

The Himalayan mountain ranges are further classified into the greater Himalayas, the inner or middle Himalayas, and the Shiwalik/ outer Himalayas. 

• The Eastern Hills or Purvanchal

Towards the Dihang Gorge, the Himalayas take a rapid turn towards the South due to the Syntaxial Bend. It forms a series of low hills there, which are known as the Purvanchal, located in the eastern part of India. 

Regional Divisions of Himalayas

• Punjab Himalayas

It lies between Sutlej and the Indus River. The majority of this region is in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. The area is known for snow-covered mountains, high mountain passes, and deep gorges. 

• Kumaon Himalayas

The Kali and Sutlej Rivers surround the region. You can find significant peaks such as Trisul, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Badrinath in this region. The area is also known as Garhwal Himalayas in the west. It is loftier as compared to the Kashmir Himalayas. You will find major hill stations such as Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet here. 

• Nepal Himalayas

It stretches from the Kali River in the west to the Tista River in the eastern region. The majority of this area is in Nepal, and therefore, it is known as Nepal Himalayas. It has some tall peaks of the world such as Mount Everest, Dhaulgiri, and Kanchenjunga. The Valley of Kathmandu is also located here. 

• Assam Himalayas

The region lies between the Brahmaputra River and Tista. It covers the state of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India. It is lower in elevation as compared to the Nepal Himalayas. The highest peak in this region is the Namha Barwa, while other peaks are Kengto, Gyala Peri, and Nyegyi Kangsang. 

Three Broad Divisions of Himalayas

• Western Himalayas

These ranges spread over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand. It spans around 880 km between the Kali River in the east and Indus in the west. The area consists of three provinces, namely Kashmir Himalayas, Himachal Himalayas, and Kumaon Himalayas. The prominent peak in this region is Godwin Austin or K2. 

• Central Himalayas

They stretch in a region of 800 km between Kali River in the west and Tista River in the east. The prominent peaks in this region are Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, etc. 

• Eastern Himalayas

These ranges lie between the Brahmaputra River in the east and the Tista River in the west and spread at a distance of 720 km. The prominent peak in this region is Namcha Barwa. 

Significance of Himalayas

• Climatic Influence

The Himalayan ranges affect the climate of India significantly. Due to the high altitude, direction, and length, these ranges interrupt the summer rains coming from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal and trigger precipitation in the form of snow and rain. They prevent the Siberian cold winter winds from entering India. 

• Security

Himalayan ranges have been protecting our borders from external security threats in the form of intruders for ages. It serves as a defense barrier for our nation, and its role in our security can’t be overlooked. 

• Perennial Source of Water

A majority of the biggest rivers of India have their origin in the mountains of the Himalayan ranges. Significant rainfall and enormous snow- fields in the form of glaciers keep the rivers flowing in our country. 

• Forest Wealth

These ranges make a base for the rich forest that offers fuel wood and a wide array of raw materials for forest-based industries. They also act as a huge inventory of medicinal herbs and plants. The Himalayan ranges offer rich pasture for cattle rearing as well. 

• Agriculture

Though the Himalayan ranges don’t offer plains for agricultural activities, some of the slopes are terraced for cultivation. Rice is one of the main crops grown on the slopes, along with other crops such as maize, wheat, tobacco, potato, and ginger. Tea is also grown extensively on the hill slopes. The horticulture sector is also sustained by offering a wide array of fruits such as pears, grapes, apples, peaches, cherries, etc.