Q. Which of the following are the causes behind the debris avalanches and landslides in Western Ghats?
1.Due to vertical cliffs and escarpments.
2.Due to mechanical weathering.
3.Due to heavy amounts of rainfall.
Choose the correct answer from below given codes:

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D
Notes:

Explanation: Compared to the Himalayas, the Nilgiris bordering Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and the Western Ghats along the west coast are relatively tectonically stable and are mostly made up of very hard rocks.

  • But, still, debris avalanches and landslides occur though not as frequently as in the Himalayas, in these hills. Why?
  • Many slopes are steeper with almost vertical cliffs and escarpments in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
  • Mechanical weathering due to temperature changes and ranges is pronounced.
  • They receive heavy amounts of rainfall over short periods. So, there is almost direct rock fall quite frequently in these places along with landslides and debris avalanches.

Source: NCERT – Fundamental of Physical Geography

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