If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India ? 1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia. 2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils. 3. The pat

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Q: 139 (IAS/2010)
If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India ?
1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia.
2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils.
3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

question_subject: 

Geography

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,137,39,9,20,10,137

keywords: 

{'himalayan ranges': [0, 0, 1, 0], 'likely geographical impact': [0, 0, 1, 0], 'indo': [8, 1, 6, 20], 'monsoon': [1, 0, 2, 1], 'india': [8, 1, 7, 13], 'such extensive alluvial soils': [0, 0, 1, 0], 'siberia': [3, 0, 1, 3], 'gangetic plain': [1, 0, 1, 1]}

The Himalayas play a significant role in influencing the climate, soil formation and monsoon patterns in India.

Option 1 suggests that without the Himalayas, cold waves from Siberia would affect much of the country. This is correct because the Himalayas act as a barrier preventing the cold winds from Central Asia from entering India.

Option 2 suggests that the Indo-Gangetic plain wouldn`t have extensive alluvial soils. This is also correct. The Himalayas are the source of large perennial rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna that carry alluvial soil to the plains, enriching them. Without these mountains, the amount of alluvial soil deposited in the plains would significantly reduce.

Option 3 says the pattern of monsoon would be different. This is correct as the Himalayas play a critical role in attracting monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean and forcing them to shed their moisture over the Indian subcontinent, leading to rainfall.

Therefore, all the three statements are correct and this is why the correct answer is Option 4, which includes all three statements.