MasteryExams
Geography • Indian GeographyMedium

The 'Shivalik Hills', forming the outermost foothill range of the Himalayas, are composed primarily of:

A. Ancient crystalline granites and gneisses
B. Unconsolidated to semi-consolidated molasse deposits (detrital sediments)✓ Correct Answer
C. Volcanic basalt flows and tuff layers
D. Marine limestone and chalk deposits

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Shivaliks comprise poorly consolidated detrital sediments known as molasse, which were eroded from the rising Himalayas and deposited in long foreland basins. These soft formations make the hills highly vulnerable to landslides, soil erosion, and seismic activity. They represent the youngest geological subdivision of the Himalayan mountain system.

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