22 February 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

MAINS MODEL QUESTION: 22nd FEBRUARY 2025

Q1) What are the various types of glacial landforms formed in the Indian Himalayas? How do these features impact local ecosystems and human activities? (15 marks, 250 words)

• The Indian Himalayas, renowned for their majestic peaks and expansive glaciers, host a diverse array of glacial landforms shaped by millennia of geological processes. 
• These landforms, including moraines, cirques, U-shaped valleys, and glacial lakes, not only define the region’s topography but also play crucial roles in influencing local ecosystems and human livelihoods.

TYPES OF GLACIAL LANDFORMS IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYAS

1. Erosional Landforms
2. Cirques: They are bowl-shaped depressions carved out by glacier erosion at the head of a glacier. Example: The Hemkund Lake in Uttarakhand is a tarn nestled in a cirque at an altitude of about 4,300 meters.
3. Aretes: Arêtes are sharp and narrow ridges formed between two cirques or glacial valleys. Example: Zanskar Range in the Greater Himalayan range.
4. Horns: They are pyramid-shaped peaks formed by the erosion of multiple cirques around a single mountain summit. Example: Nanda Devi peak.
5. U-shaped Valleys (Glacial Troughs): Glaciers widen V-shaped valleys into U-shaped valleys through abrasion and plucking. Example: Gangotri Glacier valley, Liddar Valley in Kashmir.
6. Hanging Valley: It is a small valley left above the main valley floor when glaciers recede unevenly often creating waterfalls. Example: Siachen Glacier region in Ladakh has numerous hanging valleys contributing  meltwater to the Nubra River, Valleys above the main glacier in the  Kedarnath area.
7. Depositional Landforms
8. Moraines: Moraines are accumulations of glacial debris (till) deposited by moving glaciers. Types include terminal moraines, lateral moraines and medial moraines. Example: Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand contributes lateral moraines.
9. Drumlins: They are streamlined, elongated hills formed by the movement of glaciers over sediment. Examples: Rare in the Indian Himalayas but can be seen in some regions of PoK.
10. Eskers: They are long, winding ridges formed by sediment deposition from meltwater streams flowing beneath a glacier. Examples: Eskers are relatively rare but can be found in glacial regions of the Himalayas.
11. Outwash Plains: They are Broad, flat areas formed by the deposition of sediments from meltwater streams in front of a glacier. Examples: Found in front of retreating glaciers like those in the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges.
12. Kettle Lakes: They are formed by melting ice blocks left behind by retreating glaciers, creating depressions that fill with water. Example: Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso in Ladakh
13. Miscellaneous Landforms
14. Rock Glaciers: They are the masses of rock, ice, and snow that move down valleys similar to glaciers. Examples: Found in the cold desert regions of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
15. Glacial Erratics: It consists of large boulders transported and deposited by glaciers, often found far from their source. Examples: Scattered across various parts of the Indian Himalayas.

IMPACT OF GLACIAL LANDFORMS IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYAS

Impact on Ecosystems

1. Biodiversity and Habitat Modification: Glacial landforms like cirques, moraines, and U-shaped valleys create diverse habitats for specialized species adapted to cold and high-altitude environments. Hanging valleys can create unique ecological niches, supporting vegetation adapted to wetter conditions near waterfalls. For example, the Tarns and cirques support unique aquatic species, while moraines enrich soils and support alpine vegetation.
2. Water Resources and Hydrology: Glacial meltwater from landforms such as U-shaped valleys and glacial lakes feeds rivers and streams downstream, crucial for maintaining freshwater ecosystems. Drumlins affect local hydrology and soil erosion rates. Eskers may contain valuable mineral deposits and influence groundwater recharge patterns. For example, the Glacial lakes like Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim contribute to local hydrology and support downstream communities and agriculture.
3. Soil Formation and Fertility: Moraines deposited by glaciers enrich soil fertility, supporting agriculture in valleys downstream.
4. Niche Ecosystem: Cirques often become habitats for glacial lakes, which support unique ecosystems adapted to cold and harsh conditions. Arêtes can influence local microclimates and hydrology, affecting the distribution of vegetation. They may also pose barriers or corridors for wildlife movement.

Impact on Human Activities

1. Tourism and Recreation: Glacial landscapes attract tourists for trekking, mountaineering, and photography, contributing to local economies.
2. Research: Glacial landforms provide insights into the geological history of the region and effect of human activity in the local ecosystem.
3. Water Supply and Infrastructure: Glacial meltwater serves as a vital water source for agriculture, hydropower generation, and urban settlements downstream. Kettle lakes provide habitats for aquatic species and serve as watering holes for wildlife. They can also be sources of drinking water for local communities. For example, the Hydroelectric projects in Uttarakhand utilize glacial meltwater from U-shaped valleys to generate electricity, supporting regional development.
4. Cultural Heritage and Spiritual Importance: Glacial regions often hold cultural significance for indigenous communities and pilgrims, influencing local traditions and religious practices.
5. Economic Development and Livelihoods: Glacial landforms support economic activities such as agriculture, tourism, and hydroelectric power generation, driving regional development.
6. Natural Hazards: Glacial lakes formed by retreating glaciers pose risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), necessitating monitoring and risk mitigation efforts. For example, the Chorabari Lake near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand poses GLOF risks, requiring engineering interventions to safeguard downstream communities.

• The Indian Himalayas host diverse glacial landforms that significantly impact local ecosystems and human activities. While these landforms support unique biodiversity and provide essential water resources, they also pose risks such as glacial hazards and environmental degradation.  
• Sustainable management practices are essential to balance human needs with the preservation of fragile mountain ecosystems. By understanding and conserving these unique landscapes, India can navigate the dual challenges of environmental protection and socio-economic development in the Himalayan region.

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