Snow line is a line above which no vegetation grows on high altitude mountains because of permanent snow cover. This snow line is higher for Eastern Himalayas compared to that of Western Himalayas. What are the reasons?
Consider the following statements
1. Eastern Himalayas are near to the Equator.
2. Western Himalayas are more continental in their location thus has lesser maritime influence.
3. Southwest monsoon winds have the moderating effect on the Western Himalayas.
Choose the correct code
1, 2 only.
1, 3 only.
2, 3 only.
All the above.
Explanation:
Snowline is a function of altitude and latitude. Higher is the latitude and altitude lower is thesnowline. Eastern Himalaya’s altitude as well as latitudinal location is lower compared toWestern Himalayas. Due to higher altitude as well as latitude the temperature is much lessin the Western Himalaya and as a consequence the snowline in the Western Himalaya is at alower altitude than in the Eastern Himalaya. Southwest monsoon winds bring more rainfallto Eastern Himalayas than compared to Western Himalayas. Thus monsoon winds can havemoderating effect on Eastern Himalayas and in turn increasing the altitude of snowline.Thus 3rd statement is wrong.
Snowline is a function of altitude and latitude. Higher is the latitude and altitude lower is thesnowline. Eastern Himalaya’s altitude as well as latitudinal location is lower compared toWestern Himalayas. Due to higher altitude as well as latitude the temperature is much lessin the Western Himalaya and as a consequence the snowline in the Western Himalaya is at alower altitude than in the Eastern Himalaya. Southwest monsoon winds bring more rainfallto Eastern Himalayas than compared to Western Himalayas. Thus monsoon winds can havemoderating effect on Eastern Himalayas and in turn increasing the altitude of snowline.Thus 3rd statement is wrong.