Which region of the Northern Plains is made of older alluvium?

The correct answer is Bhangar.

Key Points

• Bhangar is the older alluvium found in the Northern Plains of India.
• It is characterized by its slightly elevated terraces compared to the newer alluvium, known as Khadar.
• The soil in the Bhangar region is generally less fertile due to the presence of lime nodules, locally called kankar.
• This region is usually found farther away from river courses and is more stable as compared to the younger Khadar regions.
• Bhangar plays a crucial role in agriculture but often requires more effort to improve soil fertility compared to Khadar.

Additional Information

• Khadar: The newer alluvium deposited by rivers during floods, forming fertile plains ideal for agriculture.
• Bhabar: A narrow belt of coarse gravel and pebbles situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, where rivers disappear due to high porosity.
• Terai: A marshy region located south of the Bhabar belt, where rivers re-emerge, supporting dense vegetation and rich biodiversity.
• Alluvium: Sediments deposited by rivers, categorized into older (Bhangar) and newer (Khadar) based on their time of deposition and fertility.
• The Northern Plains of India are formed by the deposition of sediments brought by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems.