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22(a) Bringout the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats.



The Himalayas are one of the youngest tertiary fold mountains in the world. They are created by convergent boundary interaction between the Indian and Eurasian plate and is still rirising in height (i.e. the mountain building process is still in progress).

Landslides are mass movement of matter, material, soil, rocks and vegetation due to earthquake, floods and water flow.

Tectonic movement has increased the incidence of earthquake which inturn increases the chances of landslides.  In contrast, Western Ghats are not under such threat. They lie in the stable deccan shield.

The steep slopes and high height of Himalayas increase the chances of landslides.  In comparison, Western Ghats are eroded, denuded, aged, mature and worn out by exogenic forces. Moreover, they are far less in height.

The perinial rivers of Himalayas carry huge amount of silt and debris . Melting of glaciers increase the water flow even during summer. These factors too increase the incidence of landslides. Western Ghats are not under any such influence.

Intense stress caused by anthropogenic activities such as construction of dams and roads and houses too have increased the frequency of landslides. Himalayas lying in border has seen more roads constructed because of defense considerations. Also, the untapped hydroelectric potenital has encouraged the government to look for more projects.

Thus, the pristine and unique nature of Himalayas, steep and high mountain ranges, and infrastructure projects have caused frequent landslides compared to Western Ghats.

Comments

  1. Thankyou! answer is so comprehensive and helpful :)

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