Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 150

Consider the following mountain ranges: [CDS 2002]1. Ladakh Range2. Karakoram3. Greater Himalayas4. Zanskar RangeWhat is the correct sequence of these from south to north?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the relative positions of the mountain ranges in relation to the Indian subcontinent.

Correct Answer: A) 3, 4, 1, 2.

Exam Relevance: CDS, UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Himalayan mountain system is a vast and complex network of ranges that extend from the Indian subcontinent to the Tibetan Plateau. The ranges are arranged in a series of parallel chains, each with its own distinct characteristics and geographical position. Understanding the sequence of these ranges from south to north is essential for geographical knowledge and for answering questions in competitive examinations.

The Greater Himalayas, also known as the Himadri or the Inner Himalayas, form the southernmost part of the Himalayan system. They are the highest and most continuous range, with peaks such as Mount Everest, K2, and Kanchenjunga. The Greater Himalayas are characterized by their high altitude and the presence of the world's highest peaks.

The Zanskar Range is located to the north of the Greater Himalayas. It is a lesser-known range that forms part of the western Himalayas. The Zanskar Range is known for its rugged terrain and the Zanskar River, which flows through the region. This range is situated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and is an important part of the Himalayan system.

The Ladakh Range is situated further north of the Zanskar Range. It is a high mountain range that forms part of the western Himalayas and is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Ladakh Range is known for its high-altitude deserts and the presence of several important passes, such as the Khardung La and the Chang La.

The Karakoram Range is the northernmost range in this sequence. It is a vast mountain range that extends from the Hindu Kush in the west to the Pamir Mountains in the northeast. The Karakoram is known for its high peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The Karakoram Range is located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Xinjiang region of China.

Understanding the geographical sequence of these ranges is crucial for answering questions related to the Himalayan region. The correct sequence from south to north is the Greater Himalayas, Zanskar Range, Ladakh Range, and Karakoram Range. This sequence reflects the natural progression of the Himalayan system from the southernmost to the northernmost ranges.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The sequence from south to north is Greater Himalayas (3), Zanskar Range (4), Ladakh Range (1), and Karakoram (2). This follows the correct geographical arrangement of these mountain ranges.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. It incorrectly places the Zanskar Range (4) after the Ladakh Range (1), which is not accurate as the Zanskar Range is located further north than the Ladakh Range.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. It incorrectly places the Karakoram (2) before the Greater Himalayas (3), which is not accurate as the Karakoram is the northernmost range.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. It incorrectly places the Greater Himalayas (3) after the Zanskar Range (4), which is not accurate as the Greater Himalayas are the southernmost range in this sequence.

Mnemonic: Himalayan Hierarchy: Greater, Zanskar, Ladakh, Karakoram

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