Discuss how Himalayan rivers are different from peninsular rivers?
Rivers are the lifelines of a country as they provide the most valuable thing required for the survival “the water”. The rivers in India can be categorized into two different categories based on their origin: The Himalayan Rivers and the Peninsular Rivers.
Peninsular rivers Himalayan rivers
Himalayan rivers Vs Peninsular rivers
Himalayan Rivers | Peninsular Rivers |
These rivers originate from the Himalayan mountain ranges. | These rivers originate from the peninsular plateaus in India. |
They are longer and larger than the peninsular rivers. | They are comparatively smaller and shorter than the Himalayan Rivers. |
They have larger basins and catchment areas. | They have smaller basins and catchment areas. |
The bedrocks of these rivers are soft, sedimentary and easily erodible. | The bedrocks of these rivers are hard, and not easily erodible. |
They are perennial in nature, flow throughout the year. | They are seasonal and non-perennial so may not flow throughout the year. |
They are fed by the meltwater from glaciers and rains. | They are fed only by rains. |
They form V-shaped valleys. | They form U-shaped valleys. |
They form meanders. | They may not form meanders. |
They form big deltas at their mouths where they meet the sea. | They form small rivers and estuaries. |
They are antecedent rivers, i.e. they maintain their original course and pattern in spite of the changes in the rock topography. | They are consequent rivers, i.e. they flow in the direction of the slope. |
These rivers flow across the young fold mountains and are still in a youthful stage. | These rivers have been flowing in one of the oldest plateaus of the world and have reached maturity. |