Consider the following statements and choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(1) The main boundary fault separates the Shivalik from the Lesser Himalayas.

(2) The Shivalik range is the newest mountain range of the Himalaya.

The correct answer is Both (1) and (2).

Key Points

• The Main Boundary Fault (MBF) is a major geological fault that separates the Shivalik Hills from the Lesser Himalayas, forming a distinct tectonic boundary.
• The Shivalik range, also known as the Outer Himalayas, is the youngest range of the Himalayan mountain system, formed during the late Cenozoic Era.
• The Shivalik Hills consist primarily of sedimentary rocks like conglomerates, sandstones, and shales, which were deposited by rivers and streams.
• The Lesser Himalayas, located to the north of the Shivalik Hills, are older and consist of metamorphic and igneous rocks.
• Both statements (1) and (2) are factually correct, making option 2 the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Shivalik Range:
  • Also known as the Outer Himalayas, the Shivalik range stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It is characterized by low-altitude hills, ranging between 600 to 1200 meters.
  • The range is rich in fossils, including those of mammals, indicating significant prehistoric activity.
• Main Boundary Fault (MBF):
  • The MBF is a tectonic fault that plays a crucial role in the geological structure of the Himalayas.
  • It marks the boundary between the Shivalik Hills (Outer Himalayas) and the Lesser Himalayas.
  • This fault zone is seismically active and contributes to earthquakes in the region.
• Lesser Himalayas:
  • Also known as the Middle Himalayas, they lie between the Shivalik range and the Great Himalayas.
  • The altitude of these ranges is higher, generally between 3500 to 4500 meters.
  • Major hill stations like Shimla and Mussoorie are located in this region.
• Formation of Himalayas:
  • The Himalayas were formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate around 50 million years ago.
  • The collision caused the upliftment of sedimentary rocks, leading to the formation of mountain ranges.
  • The Shivalik range is the youngest of the Himalayan ranges, reflecting its recent geological evolution.