Mountains & Glaciers

Overview

Mountains and glaciers form a critical component of physical geography in the UPSSSC PET syllabus. This topic tests your understanding of India's diverse mountain systems—particularly the Himalayas and peninsular ranges—alongside major world mountain ranges and significant glaciers globally. Questions typically focus on location, formation processes, highest peaks, associated glaciers, and their geographical significance.

For the exam, expect 2–4 direct questions covering mountain ranges (fold vs block mountains), peak locations, glacier names, and basic physiographic features. Candidates must be familiar with the Himalayan divisions (Greater, Lesser, Outer), key passes, major peninsular ranges (Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Vindhyas, Satpuras), and world mountain systems (Rockies, Andes, Alps). Glacier-related questions focus on major Indian and world glaciers, their locations, and basic glacier terminology.

Master the spatial distribution—know which ranges lie in which states/countries, understand the difference between young fold mountains and old block mountains, and memorize at least 5–6 major peaks and glaciers with precise locations. This foundational knowledge connects to climate, rivers, and biodiversity topics elsewhere in the syllabus.

Key Concepts

• **Fold Mountains vs Block Mountains**: Fold mountains (Himalayas, Rockies, Andes, Alps) form from tectonic plate collision causing sediment folding; they are young, tall, and seismically active. Block mountains (Aravalli, Satpura, Vindhyas) are remnants of ancient ranges, formed by faulting and erosion; they are low, stable, and composed of hard crystalline rocks.