Explanation: The Aravalli Range is a significant geographical feature in western India, stretching from the southwest in Gujarat to the northeast in Rajasthan and Haryana. This range is not a continuous mountain range but rather a series of hills and ridges that form a natural boundary between the desert regions of Rajasthan and the fertile plains of Gujarat and Haryana.
The height of the Aravalli Range varies significantly along its length. At its southwestern end in Gujarat, the hills are relatively high, with some peaks reaching over 1,000 meters. As the range extends northeastward, the height of the hills progressively decreases. By the time the range reaches the northeastern part near South Delhi, the hills are much lower, with many areas being barely noticeable as hills.
This pattern of decreasing height is due to several geological and tectonic factors. The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, formed over 1.8 billion years ago. Over time, the range has been subjected to extensive erosion, which has worn down the hills, especially in the northeastern part. The southwestern part of the range has been relatively more protected from erosion, leading to the higher elevations observed there.
Understanding the height variation of the Aravalli Range is crucial for several reasons. It influences the climate, vegetation, and human settlement patterns along the range. The higher elevations in the southwest provide a cooler climate and more rainfall, supporting diverse flora and fauna. In contrast, the lower elevations in the northeast are drier and more arid, leading to different ecological conditions.
In summary, the height of the Aravalli Range decreases progressively from the southwest to the northeast, a fact that is important for comprehending the geographical and ecological diversity of western India. This knowledge is particularly relevant for students preparing for competitive examinations in geography and Indian studies.