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Subject: Geographical Features

  • Earth’s magnetic North Pole is shifting toward Siberia

    Why in the News?

    Earth’s magnetic north pole, a critical point where the planet’s magnetic field lines converge, is in constant motion due to changes in the Earth’s molten core. Currently located in the Arctic Ocean above Canada, the magnetic north pole has been moving towards Siberia at an accelerated pace.

    What is the World Magnetic Model (WMM)?

    • The WMM is the standard model used for navigation, attitude, and heading referencing systems that rely on Earth’s geomagnetic field.
    • It is widely used in civilian applications, including navigation and heading systems, as well as in military operations.
    • The WMM provides accurate data on the Earth’s magnetic field and the location of the magnetic North Pole, combining measurements from ground stations and satellites.
    • Revisions and Updates:
      • A new version is updated every five years to address changes in the magnetic field.
      • The latest version, WMM2025, was released on December 17, 2024, and will remain valid until late 2029.
    • The WMM is jointly developed by the United States’ National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the United Kingdom’s Defence Geographic Centre (DGC), with technical support from NCEI and the British Geological Survey (BGS).
    • It serves both civilian and military purposes, ensuring accuracy in navigation systems, GPS applications, and other tools dependent on Earth’s magnetic field.

    Why is the Magnetic North Pole Moving?

    • The magnetic North Pole moves due to the dynamic flow of molten iron and other metals in Earth’s outer core, which generates the planet’s magnetic field.
    • These movements cause shifts in magnetic field lines, leading to the pole’s drift over time.
    • The pole was first identified in Canada in 1831 and has since moved over 400 km toward Russia.
    • Key Observations of Movement:
      • From 1990 to 2000, the pole drifted at a rapid rate of 55 km/year.
      • By 2015, this rate slowed to 35 km/year, but the drift remains unpredictable.
      • Currently, the pole is moving closer to Siberia, reflecting changes in Earth’s core dynamics.
    • Impact of Movement:
      • The drift affects navigation systems, aviation routes, and Earth’s magnetic shielding against harmful solar radiation.
      • Scientists monitor this movement using the WMM to ensure updated predictions and mitigate potential impacts on navigation and environmental protection.

  • In news: Pangsau Pass

    Why in the News?

    The Pangsau Pass International Festival returns to Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh, from January 20-22, 2025, celebrating India-Myanmar cultural ties and heritage after a four-year gap.

    In news: Pangsau Pass

    About Pangsau Pass

    • Pangsau Pass is a vital mountain pass located on the India-Myanmar border, connecting the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, with the Sagaing Region of Myanmar.
    • Situated in the Patkai Hills, it lies at an altitude of approximately 3,727 feet (1,136 meters) above sea level.
    • Often referred to as “Hell Pass” due to its challenging terrain and dense forests, it serves as both a geographical marvel and a historical landmark.

    Geographical Significance:

    • Strategic Location: Acts as a natural link between India and Myanmar, facilitating cross-border trade and cultural exchanges.
    • Scenic and Biodiverse: Attractions include the Lake of No Return, a mythical body of water in Myanmar associated with World War II legends.
    • Tourism Potential: The Pangsau Pass International Festival showcases the region’s tribal cultures, boosting local economies and promoting tourism.

    Historical/Political Significance

    • The pass was a crucial part of the Stillwell Road (Ledo Road), constructed during World War II to connect India to China through Myanmar.
    • It played a pivotal role in the China-Burma-India Theater, facilitating supply lines for Allied forces.
    • It serves as a gateway for implementing India’s Act East Policy, aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asia.
    • It facilitates cross-border trade and cultural exchanges, fostering economic and diplomatic relationships between India and Myanmar.
    • It enables communities on both sides of the border to engage under the Free Movement Regime (FMR) (now suspended), allowing visitors to travel up to 16 km into each other’s territories without visas or passports.

    PYQ:

    [2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:

    1. Deep gorges

    2. U-turn river courses

    3. Parallel mountain ranges

    4. Steep gradients causing land-sliding

    Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

    (c) 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • In news: Pangong Lake

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector.

    About Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso)

    • Its name is derived from the Tibetan term “Pangong Tso,” meaning “high grassland lake.” It is an endorheic (landlocked) lake with no outflow.
    • Location & Size:
      • Spans 134 km, divided between India (1/3) and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (2/3).
      • Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, covers 604 sq. km, and is 5 km wide at its broadest point.
    • Water & Climate:
      • Brackish water that completely freezes in winter.
      • The lake’s color shifts with sunlight and weather, displaying shades of blue, green, and red.
    • Wildlife: Acts as a breeding ground for Bar-Headed Geese, Brahmini Ducks, and Radix freshwater snails.
    • Strategic Importance: Located in the Chushul approach, a key route for potential Chinese offensives, and was a major site of conflict during the 1962 war.

    Political Features:In news: Pangong Lake

    • Border & Control: Lies on the Ladakh-China border, with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) passing through it.
    • Contested Terrain: The northern bank is a hotspot due to differing boundary perceptions; China has built roads highlighting the lake’s strategic value.
    • 1999 Incident: During Operation Vijay, China constructed a 5-km road inside Indian territory.
    • 2020 Standoff:
      • Began on May 5, 2020, following a clash in the Pangong Lake area.
      • Disengagement on the north and south banks concluded in 2021.
      • On October 21, 2024, India and China resolved the final friction points (Demchok, Depsang), ending a four-and-half-year border standoff.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the

    (a) East of Aksai Chin

    (b) East of Leh

    (c) North of Gilgit

    (d) North of Nubra Valley

  • Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) launched

    Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) launched

    Why in the News?

    PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project, the first project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers, conceptualized in 1980. The project would submerge over 10 per cent of the core area of the Panna Tiger Reserve.

    About the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP):

    About
    • Objective: Transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
      • Ken-Betwa Canal: Envisages a 221 km canal (including a 2-km tunnel) for water diversion.
      • Submergence area: Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.
    • It’s the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (1980).
    • Targeted completion within 8 years, as per the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
    Key Components
    • It will irrigate 10.62 lakh ha (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP) and provide drinking water to ~62 lakh people.
    • Power Generation: Aims for 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.

    Phases:

    1. Phase-I: Construction of Daudhan Dam, related tunnels, canal, and powerhouses.
    2. Phase-II: Building of Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.

    Daudhan Dam:

      • Foundation stone laid in December 2024 by PM Narendra Modi.
      • 2,031 m in length and 77 m in height, submerging ~9,000 ha across 10 villages.
    • Construction contract awarded to NCC Ltd.
    Geographical Features of Ken and Betwa River Ken River: Rises near Ahirgawan in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Bundelkhand, joins the Yamuna near Chilla village in UP.

    Betwa River: Originates in the Vindhya Range (near Hoshangabad, MP), also flows through Bundelkhand, and meets the Yamuna at Hamirpur (UP).

    • Both rivers traverse hilly and plateau regions of Bundelkhand, often facing drought-like conditions.
    • Both are highly seasonal; flows depend largely on monsoon rainfall.
    Significance
    • Water Scarcity Mitigation: Aims to alleviate drought-like conditions in Bundelkhand by ensuring year-round irrigation.
    • Enhanced Agriculture: 10.62 lakh ha of farmland to benefit, improving crop yields and farm income.
    • Drinking Water Supply: Targets ~62 lakh people in MP and UP, improving public health.
    • Energy Generation: A total of 130 MW (103 MW hydropower + 27 MW solar), boosting renewable energy capacity in rural areas.
    • Bundelkhand Development: Expected to spur socio-economic growth, reduce rural distress and migration, and aid industrial expansion.
    • Template for Future Projects: As the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan, its success could pave the way for additional river-linking schemes nationwide.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

  • Assessment of Water Resources of India, 2024 by CWC

    Why in the News?

    • The Central Water Commission (CWC) recently released its study titled ‘Assessment of Water Resources of India, 2024.
      • It estimated India’s average annual water availability from 1985 to 2023 at 2,115.95 billion cubic meters (BCM).

    Key Highlights of CWC’s ‘Assessment of Water Resources of India 2024’ Report:

    • Total Water Availability: India’s average annual water availability between 1985 and 2023 is estimated at 2,115.95 billion cubic meters (BCM).
    • Top 3 Basins in (annual water availability):
      • Brahmaputra Basin: 592.32 BCM
      • Ganga Basin: 581.75 BCM
      • Godavari Basin: 129.17 BCM
    • Bottom 3 Basins in (annual water availability):
      • Sabarmati Basin: 9.87 BCM
      • Pennar Basin: 10.42 BCM
      • Mahi Basin: 13.03 BCM
    • Comparison to Previous Assessment (2019):
      • The current figure of 2,115.95 BCM is higher than the 1,999.2 BCM estimated in 2019.
      • The increase is due to the inclusion of Bhutan’s contribution to the Brahmaputra basin and Nepal’s contribution to the Ganga basin.
    • Per Capita Water Availability:
      • Based on the 2019 study: 1,486 cubic meters for the year 2021.
      • For 2024, with the new data, the per capita availability is projected to be 1,513 cubic meters (based on a population of 1.398 billion).
      • Despite the increase, India remains under water stress (less than 1,700 cubic meters per capita).
    • Utilizable Water Resources:
      • The CWC estimates utilizable surface water at 690 BCM out of the total 1,999.2 BCM.
      • Smaller basins have a higher proportion of utilisable water compared to larger ones like the Brahmaputra sub-basin.

    About the Central Water Commission (CWC):

    • CWC was established in 1945 as the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission (CWINC) on the advice of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
    • Operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation.
    • A statutory advisory body for water resource development and management.
    • Headquarters: New Delhi.
    • Chairman serves as the Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.
    • Responsibilities include:
      • Control, conservation, and utilization of water resources.
      • Maintaining the National Register of Large Dams (NRLD).
      • Conducting hydrological surveys.
      • Handles surface water, while the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) manages groundwater resources.
    • Wings:
      • Designs and Research (D&R) Wing.
      • River Management (RM) Wing.
      • Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).

    2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.

    3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

  • Salt Chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea

    Salt Chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have identified unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor.

    Key facts about the Dead Sea:

    Details
    Location • Located between Jordan and Israel, with the eastern shore in Jordan and the western shore in Israel.
    • The southern half of the western shore belongs to Israel, and the northern half is in the West Bank.• Divided by Al-Lisan peninsula into two basins: the northern basin is deep (400 m), and the southern basin is shallow (< 3 m).
    Geographical Features • 430.5 meters below sea level, the Earth’s lowest land-based feature.
    • Length: 50 km, Width: 15 km at its widest point.
    • Surrounded by the Judaea hills (west) and Transjordanian plateaus (east).
    Salinity and Density • Salinity: 34.2%, almost ten times saltier than ordinary seawater, making it the fourth saltiest water body in the world.
    • Density: 1.240 kg/L, which allows people to float easily.
    Inlets and Outlets • Main inlet: Jordan River.
    • No outlet, water loss occurs primarily through evaporation.
    • High salinity and harsh climate result in no life except for algae and microorganisms.

     

    About the Salt Chimneys 

    • Salt chimneys are tall, chimney-like structures made of crystallized salt, recently discovered on the Dead Sea floor.
    • They are found by researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) during an underwater survey.
    • These chimneys range from 1 to over 7m in height.
    • Formation Process:
      • Groundwater from surrounding aquifers flows through old salt deposits around the Dead Sea basin, dissolving halite (salt) and carrying it as brine.
      • Despite being saline, the brine is less dense than the Dead Sea water due to its high salinity, causing it to rise as a plume from the lake bed.
      • When this brine contacts the colder Dead Sea water, it rapidly crystallizes, forming chimney structures that can grow several centimeters in height each day.

    Potential Role in Sinkhole Forecasting

    • Thousands of sinkholes have appeared near the Dead Sea in recent decades; understanding chimney formation may aid in preventing future collapses in vulnerable areas.
    • Researchers have linked the formation of salt chimneys to underground cavities, which are often the precursors to sinkholes.
    • The location of these chimneys may help predict areas at high risk for sinkhole formation, offering a way to monitor and mitigate potential hazards.

  • Barak River

    Why in the News?

    Police found dead bodies floating in the Barak River (inflicted due to Manipur Violence).

    About the Barak River:

    Details
    Geographical Location • Originates from Japvo mountain in Manipur hills at 3,015 m altitude.
    • Flows south, forming the border between Assam and Manipur up to Jirimat.
    • Flows for 524 km in India, and then enters Bangladesh as Surma and Kushiyara, later becoming Meghna River.• The river is navigable in parts, with National Waterway 6 (121 km).
    Physical Features • Length: 564 km in total, with 524 km in India.
    • Drainage area in India: 41,157 sq. km (1.38% of India’s total area).
    • Tributaries: Jiri, Dhaleswari, Singla, Longai, Sonai, and Katakhal.
    Flora and Fauna/Important Sites • Fauna: Home to over 2,000 species of fish and rare creatures like the Siamese crocodile, susu dolphin, smooth-coated otter, and black mugger crocodile.
    • Flora: Includes Varzea forest, Los llamjao, tidal forests (mangroves), Pats (flat-topped table mountains), and large tropical swamps.
    • Wetlands support farming and biodiversity.
    • Hydropower projects: Tipaimukh Dam, Tista Champamati, Dhansiri Barrages.
    • Affected by flooding and soil erosion, especially during monsoon.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following rivers:

    1. Barak

    2. Lohit

    3. Subansiri

    Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • What is DANA?

    Why in the News?

    The extreme conditions in eastern Spain which saw Valencia get a year’s worth of rain in just 8 hours can be blamed on an event locally known as Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA).

    What is DANA?

    • Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA), is commonly referred to as the “cold drop” in English.
    • It is a meteorological phenomenon in the western Mediterranean region that brings intense rainfall and flooding.
    • The term “DANA” was coined by Spanish meteorologists to specifically describe this weather phenomenon.

    Features and Location:

    • DANA occurs when cold air from the Polar Regions separates from the polar jet stream and descends over the warmer Mediterranean Sea.
    • The contrast between cold air aloft and warm, moist air near the surface causes atmospheric instability, leading to the rapid formation of cumulonimbus clouds and intense thunderstorms.
    • It primarily affects Spain and Portugal but can also impact Italy, France, and other areas around the Mediterranean Sea.
    • This occurs in autumn and spring, as temperature variations are more pronounced during these seasons.

    PYQ:

    [2014] The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of:

    (a) Equatorial climate

    (b) Mediterranean climate

    (c) Monsoon climate

    (d) All of the above climates

  • Cyclone Dana

    Why in the News?

    West Bengal and Odisha experienced heavy rainfall as Tropical Cyclone Dana is anticipated to make landfall later tonight.

    What are Cyclones?

    • Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical (Temperature-induced) and Temperate (extra-tropical) cyclones (airmass-induced).
    • Formation Conditions: Tropical cyclones originate in warm regions, requiring conditions such as
    1. Warm sea surface (> 27°C),
    2. Coriolis Force,
    3. Pre-existing low-pressure systems,
    4. Small vertical wind speed differences, and
    5. Upper air divergence.

    Characteristics of Tropical Cyclones:

    • They form over warm water bodies due to energy derived from the condensation of warm water within cumulonimbus clouds.
    • Wind rotation is influenced by the Coriolis force, resulting in anti-clockwise rotation in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
    • By 30° latitude, the diminished warmth halts cyclone activity.

    What is the “Landfall” of a Cyclone?

    • Landfall occurs when a tropical cyclone moves from the sea onto the land.
    • As per the IMD, a cyclone makes landfall when the centre of the storm, or its eye, crosses the coast.
    • Landfall should not be confused with a “direct hit”, where the eyewall (area of high winds) hits land but the eye of the cyclone remains offshore.
    • According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a cyclone’s strongest winds may still impact land even if the centre of the storm does not reach the coast.

    How long does a Cyclone Landfall last?

    • The duration of landfall typically lasts a few hours, depending on the wind speed and size of the storm.
    • For cyclone Dana, the landfall process is expected to last five to six hours with wind speeds around 125 km/h, impacting a wide region.
    • Cyclones usually weaken after landfall as they lose their moisture supply and experience increased surface friction.
    • While landfall is often the most destructive phase of a cyclone, it also signals the beginning of the cyclone’s dissipation.

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?

    (a) Sea Surface temperature are low

    (b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs

    (c) Coriolis force is too weak

    (d) Absence of land in those regions

  • Baku and South Caucasus Region

    South Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia)

    Why in the News?

    • The 29th COP to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will begin on November 11, 2024, in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
      • As global leaders gather near the Caspian Sea, the surrounding region of the South Caucasus faces significant climate challenges.

    Key Areas at Risk:

    (1) Regional/transboundary areas:

    • Northern Armenia and southern Georgia
    • North-west Azerbaijan and north-east Georgia (Alazani/Ganykh river basin)

    (2) Within countries:

    • Yerevan and Ararat Valley (Armenia)
    • Lake Sevan (Armenia)
    • Kura-Ara(k)s lowlands (Azerbaijan)
    • Baku and Absheron peninsula (Azerbaijan)
    • Adjara and the Black Sea coast (Georgia)
    • Tbilisi, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti regions (Georgia)

     

    About South Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia):

    Details
    Location South of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, bordered by Russia (north), Turkey and Iran (south), between the Black Sea (west) and Caspian Sea (east).
    Countries Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia; includes disputed territories like Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.
    Mountains Lesser Caucasus Mountains (up to 3,000m); includes the Zangezur Range, Meskheti Range, and Armenian Highlands.
    Seas Between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea; Absheron Peninsula (Azerbaijan) extends into Caspian Sea, rich in oil.
    Rivers and Lakes Major rivers: Kura River (Georgia & Azerbaijan) and Aras River (Armenia & Azerbaijan). Key lake: Lake Sevan (Armenia).
    Climate
    • Continental climate: hot summers and cold winters;
    • Subtropical climate along Georgia’s Black Sea coast;
    • Semi-arid to desert climate near Caspian Sea, especially Azerbaijan.
    Natural Resources Rich in oil and natural gas, particularly in Azerbaijan; critical hub for energy pipelines like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
    Geopolitical Importance Strategic transit route for energy resources to Europe; region of geopolitical tensions due to conflicts (Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia).

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Turkey is located between:

    (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea

    (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea

    (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea

    (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea