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.

• **Himalayan Divisions**: The Himalayas divide into three parallel ranges—Greater Himalayas (Himadri, continuous, snowbound, 6000m+ peaks), Lesser Himalayas (Himachal, 3700–4500m, includes hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie), and Outer Himalayas (Shiwaliks, 900–1200m, foothill range with duns/valleys).

• **Regional Himalayan Sections**: From west to east—Punjab/Kashmir Himalayas, Kumaon Himalayas, Nepal Himalayas, Assam/Eastern Himalayas. Each section has distinct geological and climatic features.

• **Peninsular Ranges**: Western Ghats (Sahyadris) run parallel to west coast, 1600km long, higher in south (Anaimudi 2695m); Eastern Ghats are discontinuous, lower, cut by rivers; Aravalli (oldest fold mountains in India, now highly eroded); Vindhyas and Satpuras form central highlands separating north and south India.

• **Glaciers**: Rivers of ice formed from compacted snow in high mountains. Glaciers erode valleys (U-shaped), transport debris (moraines), and are freshwater reservoirs. Retreating glaciers indicate climate change.