Question.
Discuss the significant difference between the Himalayan and the Peninsular rivers.
( Chapter - 3 Drainage, Cass 9 NCERT Contemporary India -I )
Answer.
Following are the significant differences between the Himalayan and Peninsular rivers-
Place of Origin:
Most of the Himalayan rivers originate in Himalayan glaciers like river Ganga in Gangotri glacier and Yamuna in Yamunotri glacier while peninsular rivers do not originate from any glacier; They originate either in the Central Highlands or in the Western Ghats such as the Narmada River originating in the Amarkantak Hills and the Godavari River originating in the Western Ghats.
Nature:
Himalayan rivers are perennial in nature as water flows throughout the year whereas peninsular rivers are seasonal in nature and water flows only during the rainy season.
Drainage Pattern:
Most of the Himalayan rivers form a dendritic pattern while most of the peninsular rivers form radial and rectangular patterns.
River Length:
Himalayan rivers are large in length like the Brahmaputra river is about 2900 km while the peninsular river length is less Godavari river is the largest river in peninsular India which is only 1500 km.
Drainage basin;
Himalayan rivers form larger drainage basins as compared to peninsular rivers.
age:
Himalayan rivers are younger in age than peninsular rivers.
valley:
Himalayan rivers carve out deep gorges and V-shaped basins while peninsular rivers carve out broad and shallow basins.
Meanders:
Himalayan rivers make meanders in their course while peninsular rivers do not make meanders.
Silt:
The Himalayan rivers bring huge amounts of silt whereas the peninsular rivers are deficient in silt.
Delta:
The Himalayan rivers form a large delta at their mouth while the peninsular rivers form either a small delta or an estuary at their mouth.
Flood plain:
Himalayan rivers form flood plains in their course while most of the peninsular rivers do not form flood plains in their course.
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