The Northern Plains
Situated south of the Shiwalik range, the expansive plains in northern India serve as a transitional zone bridging the Himalayas in the north and Peninsular India in the south. These plains are formed by the sedimentary deposits of major rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, along with their tributaries, covering an extensive area of 7 lakh sq. km. Stretching approximately 2400 km in length and 240-320 km in width, these plains benefit from fertile soil, abundant water resources, and favorable climatic conditions, making them highly conducive to agriculture.
Northern India is typically categorized into three main sections:
- The Punjab Plains – Located in the western part of the Northern Plains, this region is predominantly formed by the Indus and its tributaries, with a significant portion lying within Pakistan.
- The Ganga Plains – Extending between the Ghaggar and Teesta rivers, this vast expanse covers states such as Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
- The Brahmaputra Plains – Predominantly situated in Assam, this region is characterized by the Brahmaputra river and its associated tributaries.
Based on the variation in relief features, the Northern Plains can be further divided into four distinct regions:
- Bhabar – This narrow belt, stretching approximately 8 to 16 km in width, lies to the south of the Shiwalik slopes, where rivers deposit pebbles. Due to high porosity, streams often disappear within this Bhabar belt.
- Terai – South of the Bhabar, the Terai belt spans approximately 10 to 20 km in width. It features marshy and swampy conditions, as most streams and rivers resurface without well-defined channels. The Terai region boasts lush natural vegetation and diverse wildlife.
- Bhangar – Comprising the largest portion of the northern plains, Bhangar is formed by older alluvial deposits, positioned above the floodplains. It presents a terraced landscape and contains calcareous soil deposits known as Kankar.
- Khadar – The newer floodplain deposits constitute Khadar, enriched annually by fresh silt deposits during the rainy season. This fertile region is highly suitable for intensive agricultural practices.
Indian Geography
India is like a big puzzle with lots of different pieces. There are mountains in the north that reach way up high, while in the south, there are sunny beaches. In the west, there are dry, sandy deserts; in the east, there’s lush greenery as far as the eye can see.
This country sits between two big oceans, and its geography has shaped its history and culture. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at India’s geography. We’ll travel all around the country, learning about its different landscapes and what makes them special. So, get ready to discover the amazing places and stories that India’s geography has to offer!
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