Question

Mention any two characteristics features of the Himalayas.

Answer 1

The Himalayas are known for the following features:

1. Height: At 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level, Mount Everest leads the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range. The peaks here average almost 6000 meters in height. They experience heavy snowfall during the winter months due to their high altitude. As a result, glaciers are formed, which is crucial for the surrounding areas' water supply.
2. Glaciers and River Source: Some of the world's largest glaciers, including the Siachen and Gangotri Glaciers, are found in the Himalayas. The Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra rivers, among many other significant rivers, rely heavily on the countless glaciers found in the Himalayas for their freshwater supply. This is one of the reasons why there is water in the rivers that come from the Himalayas all year round.
3. Importance to regional climate: In the north, the Himalayas form a towering barrier shaped like an arc. Their influence on the monsoon season and the formation of distinct weather patterns in the surrounding areas has a noteworthy effect on the regional climate. During the monsoon season, they cause heavy rainfall on the southern slopes of the Himalayas by blocking the monsoon winds that bring rain from the southern oceans. Rainfall is necessary for the growth of vegetation and crops.
4. Biodiversity: A vast array of rare and endangered species, including the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and red panda, can be found in the Himalayas.
5. Cultural significance: The Himalayas hold great religious and cultural significance, as evidenced by the presence of numerous significant locations such as Mount Kailash and the temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath. In addition, there are a lot of Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. There are numerous significant pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas.