Characteristics of Himalayas

Other Features of the Himalayas 

Doons

These 'doons' were originally temporary lakes formed due to the blockade of the river water coming down from above during the uplift of the Himalayas. These lakes dried up as the rivers carved out their own courses. Boulders and debris filled the lakes, transforming them into valleys. These flat valleys are located between the Himachal and Shiwalik mountain ranges. Dehra Dun, Patti, and Kota are all located in valleys with flat bottoms.

Bhabhar Areas

These are porous, gravel-ridden plains at the foot of the Himalayas, where Himalayan streams flow. These streams are only visible during the rainy season. In other seasons they get lost in the ground due to the high porosity of the surface. 

Terai

It's an unusual landscape, with marshy underground seepage. Water from the Bhabhar areas seeps down into the soil and appears suddenly when the flat plains begin. As a result, it creates a swampy area. The Terai region is ill-drained and densely forested. These forests are home to many wild animals, including elephants, tigers, rhinoceros, and deer. Terai areas are more common in the east than in the west because the Eastern Himalayas receive more rainfall than the Western Himalayas. The Terai areas have now been drained, cultivated, and developed for the production of sugarcane, wheat, tea, and other crops.

Khadar and Bhangar

The new alluvium brought down by the rivers in low lying zones, which are liable to inundation during flooding and rainy
season is known as Khadar. The older alluvium in riverbeds in the form of terraces found above the flood plain level is known as Bhangar.