Q6.Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats.

The Himalayas experience significantly more frequent landslides than the Western Ghats due to a confluence of distinct geological, topographical, climatic, and anthropogenic factors.

Geological and Tectonic Factors

• Himalayas: Young, tectonically active fold mountains; unstable, fractured rocks; high seismicity from plate collision.
• Western Ghats: Older, stable block mountains; minimal tectonic activity.

Topographical and Lithological Factors

• Himalayas: Extremely steep slopes, high relief, deep valleys; fragile, unconsolidated sediments, highly jointed rocks.
• Western Ghats: Gentler slopes, resistant igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Climatic and Hydrological Factors

• Himalayas: Intense rainfall, cloudbursts, snow/glacial melt causing high water saturation and pore pressure.
• Western Ghats: Heavy monsoon rainfall, but less extreme hydrological events.

Anthropogenic Factors and Seismic Activity

• Himalayas: High seismic activity triggers landslides; unplanned infrastructure, deforestation, tourism destabilize slopes.
• Western Ghats: Seismically stable; comparatively less intense human pressure.

This unique interplay of active tectonics, rugged terrain, fragile geology, extreme climate, and human interventions makes the Himalayas far more susceptible to landslides.