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Q. Analyze the geomorphological evolution of Haryana in the context of the upliftment of the Himalayas and the regression of the Tethys Sea. What are the major physiographic divisions resulting from this evolution? (GEOGRAPHY OPTIONAL SUBJECT)

Hint: Consider Aravalli remnant hills (Mewat region), Yamuna-Ghaggar interfluves, and older alluvial plains.

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Model Answer:

The geomorphological evolution of Haryana is intricately linked to two major geological phenomena: the upliftment of the Himalayas and the regression of the Tethys Sea. These events, occurring over millions of years during the Cenozoic Era, significantly shaped the topography, drainage, and physiographic characteristics of present-day Haryana.

Himalayan Uplift and Its Impact

The Himalayas were formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate around 50 million years ago. This tectonic convergence led to the upliftment of sedimentary rocks deposited in the ancient Tethys Sea, forming the massive Himalayan range. As the Himalayas rose, they exerted profound influence on the surrounding terrain, including the northwestern plains, where Haryana lies.

The uplift caused significant changes in river patterns and sedimentation processes. Rivers originating from the Himalayas began depositing large amounts of alluvium in the Indo-Gangetic foreland basin, leading to the development of the extensive alluvial plains of Haryana. The gradient created by the uplift also caused rivers like the Yamuna and Ghaggar to flow southward and southeastward, carving out drainage basins and influencing the geomorphology of the region.

Regression of the Tethys Sea

Before the rise of the Himalayas, much of the area was submerged under the Tethys Sea. With the Himalayan uplift, the sea gradually receded, a process known as regression. The exposed sea floor gave way to deposition of sediments transported by rivers from the rising Himalayas. The sedimentation process contributed to the development of the thick alluvial layers in Haryana. Additionally, the retreat of the Tethys Sea exposed Aravalli hill remnants and created isolated features such as intermontane basins and inland drainage systems.

Over time, climatic variations, fluvial actions, and aeolian processes further modified the surface, resulting in the landforms we see today.

Major Physiographic Divisions of Haryana

The geomorphological evolution has resulted in four major physiographic divisions in Haryana:

1. Shivalik Hills (Outer Himalayas):
   Located in the northeastern fringe of Haryana (Yamunanagar and Panchkula districts), these hills are composed of unconsolidated sandstone and conglomerates. They are a result of the youngest Himalayan uplift and are prone to erosion and landslides. The elevation here ranges from 300 to 1,200 meters.

2. Piedmont Plain (Bhabar and Terai Zone):
   Found at the foothills of the Shivaliks, this zone is formed by the deposition of coarse sediments from Himalayan rivers. It is characterized by a sloping terrain with seasonal streams called choes. This belt marks the transition between the hills and the alluvial plains.

3. Alluvial Plains:
   This is the most extensive physiographic division, covering central and eastern Haryana. It consists of recent alluvium deposited by rivers like the Yamuna and Ghaggar. The terrain is flat to gently undulating, highly fertile, and supports intensive agriculture. The soil profile here shows older alluvium (Bangar) and newer alluvium (Khadar).

4. Aravalli and Semi-Arid Region (Southwestern Haryana):
   The southern districts (e.g., Mahendragarh, Rewari) include remnants of the ancient Aravalli range. These areas are rocky and have poor soil fertility. The topography is undulating and arid, with sand dunes in places due to aeolian activity, indicating desertification from the Thar Desert influence.

Conclusion

The geomorphology of Haryana is the product of ancient marine regression and Himalayan orogeny. These geological processes have created a diverse physiographic landscape, ranging from hills and piedmonts to fertile plains and arid uplands. Understanding this evolution is crucial for planning sustainable land use, water resource management, and disaster mitigation in the region.