Question

Answer in detail:

Explain the correlation between the Himalayas and mass movements. Give examples wherever necessary.

Answer 1

1. Mass movements occur in hilly, mountainous, or plateau areas. The steeper the slope more the occurrences of a mass movement.
2. The Himalayas have the greatest relief, high potential energy, high seismic activity, steep slopes, strong weathering, great snowfall, etc.
3. Due to slope, gradient, massive rockslides, debris flow takes place.
4. The steep gradient of precipitation and temperature produce mass movement that loads glacier surface and chokes, rivers with sediments.
5. For example, in the Kosi river basin of the Himalayas of central Nepal, because of deep weathering, high seismic activity, river undercutting, deforestation, and heavy precipitation, especially during the summer months, mass movements are most frequent in highly jointed, sheared, intensely folded and fault rocks.
6. Thus, in short, in the Himalayan region, due to the steep slope, melting of glaciers, precipitation, seismic activity, mass movement takes place on a larger scale.