Satpura Mountains - origin, composition, structure and subdivisions (Maikal, Mahadeo, Gawligarh)

Summary

This video explores the Satpura mountain ranges, a series of hills stretching 900 km across central India. It explains the geological formation of the ranges, highlighting their origin as block mountains from tectonic activity and their erosion over time. The video details the main subranges, including Mahad Hills, Mel Hills, Guigard Range, and Rajpipla Hills, and describes the rivers, forests, and wildlife found in these regions. Key protected areas like Satpura National Park, Pench National Park, and Kha National Park are also discussed. The video provides insights into the diverse climate, ecology, and mineral richness of the Satpura ranges, making it a comprehensive guide for geography enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ The Satpura mountain ranges run approximately 900 km east to west across central India.
• 🗻 The name 'Satpura' means 'seven folds' or 'seven mountains', referring to its seven subranges.
• 📍 Satpura mountains run parallel to the Vindhya ranges and together they divide northern plains and southern plateau regions of India.
• ⏳ Satpura mountains were formed around 1.8 billion years ago due to the collision between the North and South Indian blocks.
• 🪨 The ranges are block mountains, created by tectonic faulting, and are flanked by the Narmada Rift Valley (north) and Tapi Rift Valley (south).
• 🌲 Major subranges include Mahad Hills (central), Mel Range (east), and Rajpipla Hills (west), each with distinct geology and forests.
• 💧 Important rivers originating or flowing through the Satpuras include Narmada, Tapi, Son, and Maikal rivers.
• ☀️ Western Satpura has a dry deciduous climate due to less rainfall, while the eastern part receives more rainfall, supporting moist deciduous forests.
• 🐅 Several protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries are located in the Satpuras, including Satpura National Park, Kanha National Park, Pench National Park, and Melghat Tiger Reserve.
• 🏞️ Key peaks include Mount Dhupad in Mahad Hills (tallest peak) and Amarkantak, with the eastern Mel Range rich in bauxite and dense forests.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the name 'Satpura'?

The name 'Satpura' means 'seven folds' or 'seven mountains,' implying that the Satpura Hills are formed of seven sub-ranges.

Where are the Satpura Mountain Ranges located and in which direction do they run?

The Satpura Mountain Ranges are located in central India and run for approximately 900 kilometers from east to west.

How do the Satpura and Vindhya ranges influence the geography of India?

The Satpura and Vindhya ranges divide the Indian subcontinent into two parts: the northern region with the Indo-Gangetic plains and the southern region formed by the Deccan Plateau.

How were the Satpura Mountains formed?

The Satpura Mountains were formed around 1.8 billion years ago due to the collision between the North Indian and South Indian blocks. They are considered block mountains formed by faulting caused by tectonic plate movements.

What is the difference between the formation of the Satpura Mountains and the Himalayas?

The Satpura Mountains formed due to the collision of Indian tectonic blocks 1.8 billion years ago, whereas the Himalayas formed much later, around 80–50 million years ago, due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

What are the major sub-ranges of the Satpura Mountains?

The major sub-ranges include the Mahad Hills, Mikal (or Mel) Hills, Maikala Hills, and Rajpipla Hills. Each sub-range has unique geological and ecological features.

Which rivers originate from the Satpura Mountain ranges?

Rivers originating from the Satpura ranges include the Narmada River, Tapti River, Son River, and various tributaries of the Maikhala and Maikala ranges.

What type of forests are found in the Satpura Mountains?

The Satpura Mountains generally have deciduous forests. The eastern part receives higher rainfall, leading to moist deciduous forests, while the western part has drier deciduous forests due to lower rainfall.

Which protected areas and national parks are located in the Satpura ranges?

Important protected areas include Satpura National Park, Pench National Park, Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kanha National Park. These regions are home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and other wildlife.

What is the tallest peak in the Satpura range?

Mount Dhupad in the Mahad Hills of Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh, is the tallest peak in the Satpura range.

Why is the eastern part of the Satpura Mountains more ecologically rich than the western part?

The eastern Satpura receives more rainfall due to the convergence of the Arabian Sea Monsoon branch and the Bay of Bengal Monsoon branch, resulting in dense moist deciduous forests and rich biodiversity.

What is the geological significance of the Satpura ranges being 'block mountains'?

Being block mountains means the Satpura ranges formed due to faulting of tectonic plates, where sections of the Earth's crust moved downward. This created rift valleys such as the Narmada and Tapti valleys flanking the ranges.