Question

Describe the formation of the Himalayas.

Answer 1

Hint: The Himalaya is a range of mountains in the Asian continent. This mountain range separates the plains of India from the Tibetan plateau. The highest peak of the world, Mount Everest is also located in the Himalayas.

Complete Step by Step Answer: After the collision between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate, the Himalayas and the Tibet plateau were formed. This process began about 50 million years ago. Our country was a large island abou 225 years ago and it was situated off the coast of Australia and it was separated from Asia by the Tethys Ocean. The Eurasian plate was partially buckled up above the Indian plate. Due to their high buoyancy and low density, neither plate could be subducted from each other. Because of this, the continental crust becomes thick due to faulting and folding by compressional forces. This process pushed up the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau. The mountain range of Himalaya is still rising around 1 cm per year because India is moving northwards into Asia. On the other hand, processes like weathering and erosion are lowering the Himalaya mountain range at the same rate. The mountain range of Himalaya was formed by tectonic forces. This immense range of mountains is sculpted by weathering and erosion. The Mountain range of Himalaya stretches over about an area of 2400 km.

Note: Himalayan mountain range is divided into four tectonic units namely Sub-Himalaya tectonic plate, Lesser-Himalaya tectonic plate, High-Himalaya tectonic plate and Indus Suture Zone tectonic plate.