UPSC General Studies Solved Paper - General Studies-2011

  • question_answer
    The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a 'U' turn in its course to flow into India. This TJ' turn is due to

    A)  uplift of folded Himalayan series

    B)  syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas

    C)  geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains

    D)  Both 'a' and 'b' above

    Correct Answer: B

    Solution :

    Exp. [b] Syntaxial bending is the primary cause for sudden 'U' turn of rivers. Indus and Brahmaputra rivers do a 'U' turn because of the bending of the Himalayan mountains. However, even uplift of folded mountains too is a cause for such sudden 'U' turn and some analysts favour this option too. But uplift of folded mountains occur throughout the Himalayan range. If this would have been the major cause, then rivers like Mahakali, Teesta too should have shown such 'U' turn. Thus, I believe that option  alone is the right option.


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