Delhi ridge
Topic: Structure and Physiography of India: Himalayas, Plains, Peninsula, Coasts and Islands · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Structure and Physiography"; Class 11, Ch 3 "Drainage System"
Meaning
The Delhi ridge is the northernmost tip of the Aravalli range, and it reaches into Delhi. It marks the northwestern edge of the Peninsular plateau. It is a low line of old, hard rock rising above the flat alluvial plain. Together with the higher ground of Haryana, the Delhi area forms the water divide (high ground that sends rain to different river systems) between the Indus and Ganga systems. Rivers to the west drain towards the Arabian Sea, and rivers to the east drain to the Bay of Bengal.
Example
In Delhi, the ridge runs as a wooded rocky belt between the Yamuna plain and the rest of the city. It is the last surface sign of the Aravallis, which start far away in Gujarat.
Don't confuse with
- Shiwalik: these are young foothills of the Himalayas made of loose gravel. The Delhi ridge is part of the Aravallis, one of the world's oldest fold mountains (mountains formed when rock layers are pushed and bent).
Related concepts
- Peninsular Plateau
- Patland plateau
- Chambal ravines
- Central Highlands
- Aravalli Range
- Malwa plateau
- Vindhyan range
- Satpura range
- Maikal range
- Gir range