Pak studies p 2

ABSTRACT
NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY AND

DRAINAGE
RASHME ADIL
TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN
STUDIES (2059/0448) BEACONHOUSE
MARGALLA ISLAMABAD [BMIB]
RASHME ADIL TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/0448) BMIB
NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE
IMPORTANT TERMS
Topography
It is the study and description of the surface features of land, which includes both natural
and artificial.
Avalanches
The huge masses of snow that move down the slopes.
Landslide
The movement of rocks and soil down the mountain slopes.
Perennial rivers
Rivers that flow throughout the year.
Drainage
Network of river and its tributaries.
Scree
Mass of small loose stones on the slope of a mountain.
Glacier
Tongue shaped mass of moving ice.
Snowfield
Plain area covered with permanent snow above snowline.
Snowline
Imaginary line on the mountain slope above which the snow does not melt
Rapids
River flowing in a series of steps.
Transhumance
Seasonal migration of people with their livestock in plain areas during winter months and returning
back to highlands in the summer months.
Cottage Industry
Handicraft industry where most of the work is done manually.
Example: carpet weaving, pottery making etc
Terraced Farming
Growing of trees on the slopes of the mountains which are cut in steps.
Topographical Features of Pakistan.

• The Northern Mountains
• The Western Mountains
• The Balochistan Plateau
• Potwar Plateau and Salt Ranges
• The Indus Plain
• Desert Areas.
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Northern mountains
The northern mountains comprise of three main mountain ranges which covers the north east and
north west Pakistan. The ranges include:
⮚ The Karakoram
⮚ The Himalayas
⮚ The Hindu Kush
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Relief of the Northern Mountains

• Comprises of Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush ranges.
• Have rugged landscape with steep slopes.
• Snowfields and a number of glaciers exist in upper valleys such as Siachin, Baifo, Baltoro
and Batura.
• They lie at high altitude; average height of these mountains ranges from 4000 to
6000metres.
• The ranges run east to west direction.
• Has some of the worlds famous and highest peaks, such as K2 (Karakoram), the 2nd highest
peak of the world, Nanga Parbat (Himalayan range), Tirich Mir (Hindukush)
• These ranges have deep narrow valleys and vertically sharp cliffs.
• The relief is characterized by steep, snowcapped, sharp jagged peaks.
• Karakoram Pass is the highest and Khunjerab pass provide link to China through
Karakoram Highway / Silk route.
• Thin soil cover in the slopes making farming difficult.
• Rich natural vegetation of Alpine and coniferous trees covers the slopes.
• Some of the important valleys of the region include Kaghan and Murree in the Himalayas,
Gilgit and Hunza in the Karakoram range, Swat and Chitral in Hindukush.
DRAINAGE
• Drainage is dominated by rivers, lakes and streams.
• River Indus is the main river, it is a perennial river.
• It starts from Lake Mansrover in Tibet and enters Pakistan from the northern mountains,
separating karakoram from the Himalayas.
• River Hunza, River Gilgit and River Shyok are important tributaries that provide drainage
to this area.
• While flowing atfast speed, they form many features such as waterfalls, rapids, streams
and springs.
• Glacial lakes such as Lake Saif ul Malook is an important feature in the region.
• Other lakes include Satpara lake.
Importance of Northern Mountains

• Snowcapped peaks melt during summer to drain water into river Indus and its tributaries
which irrigate vast Indus plain.
• Historical passes connect Pakistan to China and Afghanistan.
• A natural border to China and Central Asian Republics. A land route through
Karakoram highway has been opened to carry out trade.
• A source of valuable minerals, timber and fruits.
• Provides raw material to several industries e.g. furniture, chipboard and chemical
industries.
• Scenic beauty promotes tourism which is a major source of income to local people.
• Mountain peaks provide protection to Pakistan against the cold winds from Central Asia.
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ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
• Tourism is an important industry that employs a number of people in hotels, restaurants,
as guides, drivers etc.
• People work in cottage industry, carpet weaving, embroidery work, jewelry making,
pottery etc are some of the popular works.
• Fruit farming is done on large scale in the valleys where fruits such as apple, peaches,
grapes, apricots are grown.
• Terraced farming is done on the slopes. Crops like rice, wheat is grown on the slopes.
• Crops like wheat, maize, potatoes are grown on subsistence basis.
• Fruit processing and packaging industries are found.
• Lumbering is an important source of livelihood.
• Trade is carried out via Karakoram Pass.
• Livestock farming, keeping of goats and sheep for meat, milk is common.
• Coldwater fishing is common in the summer months.
• Rich in minerals and gemstones but mining is not carried out on a large scale.
Life Style of People at Northern Mountains

• Severe climate makes this region extremely inhospitable so population density is low.
• Transhumance or semi-nomadic is practiced and some people go to lowland areas during
winter season.
• Lifestyle is simple and harsh as there is scarcity of basic necessities such as electricity, gas
supply, clean water supply, medical facilities etc.
• During winter months, trade and transport becomes limited. Roads are blocked because of
heavy snow.
• Blizzards and snowstorms are common that reduce visibility increasing risk of accidents.
• People keep stockpile of emergency items, food items and wood.
• Average income is low due to limited economic activities.
• Landslides and avalanches further limit movement and development.
• In winter people are bound to stay at homes and adopt indoor activities e.g. carpet making,
so large scale industries are not present here.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
• Cutting down trees for firewood, space for road expansion, hotels etc. deforestation leads
to increased surface run off and soil erosion.it further leads to loss of wildlife habitat.
• Landslides and avalanches hinder in road development and maintenance.
• Construction of roads change the natural landscape.
• Increased tourism has led to littering on ground and in water bodies, polluting water and
land.
• Illegal hunting
• Water pollution contaminates the water and result in lack of safe clean drinking water for
the locals. This results in dysentery, cholera etc
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Western Mountains
RELIEF
● These mountains border the western territory of the country.
● Western mountains can be divided into sub ranges.
⮚ Safed Koh ranges
⮚ Waziristan hills
⮚ Suleiman ranges
⮚ Kirthar hills
• No glaciers and snowfields are present
• Rugged landscape, bare rocks and steep slopes
• These mountains move from north to south and their height decreases as they move
southwards.
• Low altitude ranging from 2000 to 4000metres.
• Have broad intermontane valleys such as Vale of Peshawar, Kohat and Bannu.
• Number of passes are present in the region. For example, Khyber Pass connecting
Peshawar and Afghanistan.
• The area is devoid of vegetation and consists mainly of dry vegetation.
• The area has limestone ridges
DRAINAGE
• River Kabul is main source of drainage.
• It is a perennial river and starts from Afghanistan.
• Rapids streams and springs are formed while the river flows in east west direction.
• Important tributaries include River Kurram, Gomal.
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COMPARISION BETWEEN NORTHERN AND WESTERN MOUNTAINS

• Northern mountains lie at a higher altitude as compared to the Western mountains.
• Northern mountains move in east west direction while the western mountains move from
north to south.
• Main river of the northern mountains is River Indus while Kabul is the main river of the
western mountains.
• Glaciers and snowfields are in the northern mountains while there is none in the western.
• Indus river flows from north to south while the Kabul flows in east west direction.
• Large number of glacial lakes are in the northern mountains which are absent in the
western.
• Both have rugged landscape, bare rocks and steep slopes.
• Both have perennial rivers.
• Northern mountains have rich scenic beauty while the western mountains are more famous
for cultural beauty such as Kalash, Chitral.
• Terraced farming is commonly carried out on the slopes of the northern mountains while
it is not done in the western.
• Northern mountains have v and u shaped deep narrow valleys while the western has
intermontane valleys.
• Transhumance is popular in the northern mountains while nomadic lifestyle is in the
western.
Baluchistan plateau
RELIEF
• Located on west side of Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges.
• Its Western boundary is marked by Iran, Northern by Afghanistan and southern
by Arabian sea.
• The altitude varies from 600 – 3000 metres.
• Landscape is covered with rugged mountains.
• Plateau is covered by a number of parallel hills and ranges such as Toba Kakar range,
Chagai hills.
• It has an uneven surface with dry barren landscape.
• Kharan desert lies in the west of Balochistan which is a rocky desert.
• I the south east, is the Lasbela Plain which is drained by river Hab and Porali.
• Has thin soil cover and does not support farming on large scale.
• There are a number of basins in the west which are locally known AS hamuns. These
hamuns are salt lakes. For example, Hamun e Mashkel.
• These hamuns turn into salt pans in the dry season.
• In the south is the Makran coast with a number of fishing ports namely Gwadar, Pasni,
Ormara.
DRAINAGE
• Has a unique drainage pattern.
• Very few perennial rivers such as Hab, Dasht are found, mostly are seasonal rivers which
fill up during the rainy season.
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• Some rivers join the Indus forming the western tributaries such as River Zhob and Kalachi.
• Some rivers fall into Arabian sea such as River Hab, Porali, Hingol and Dasht
• Some rivers flow westward and drain into inland depression such as Hamun -e- Mashkel.
• Inland drainage system is found in the western Balochistan where rivers have no access to
sea or ocean.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
• This plateau is rich in minerals resources such as Natural gas, Oil, Gold, Silver copper
& Coal.
• Strait of Hormuz provides the shortest route to CAS.
• Balochistan is known as the fruit basket of Pakistan where almonds, dates, apples, peaches
are grown on large scale.
• It is a major supplier of natural gas,
• People work in cottage industry, sandals, embroidery and mirror work
• Marine fishing is carried out at Makran coast.
• Cattle farming is done mostly on subsistence scale. Important livestock products include
wool, goat hair and skin which is exported too.
• Development of Gwadar will open new trade and economic activities for the locals.
• Farming is not done on large scale, crops like wheat, maize etc are grown on small-scale
through Karez irrigation.
• Lasbela plain supports cotton cultivation.
• Mining sector is not very well developed but forms a major source of income for many.
• Life Style of the People at Balochistan Plateau
• Nomadic lifestyle is common in most parts of the province.
• The plateau is backward in terms of progress and development.
• Sparse and scattered population due to rugged landscape and hot, dry climate, resulting in
limited workforce.
• Rocky terrain and thin soil make farming difficult, crops that require less water are grown.
• Road, rail and air network is not well developed, limiting movement and transport of goods
and raw material.
• Earthquake zone, resulting in limited investment.
• Tribal people hinder development in education and modernization.
Potwar Plateau
RELIEF
• The average height is about 300 to 600 meters.
• It is located in the Northern Punjab.
• Its northern boundary is formed by Kala Chitta ranges and Margalla Hills, south side by
salt ranges, eastern side by River Jhelum and western by River Indus.
• The plateau covers the districts of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Mianwali and Chakwal.
• The plateau is characterized by badland topography.
• Ravines, ridges, gullies and residual hills are the main features of the area. The gullies and
ravines are called khaderas.
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• River Soam, Korang, Harro are the main water bodies of the area.
• Kallar Kahar, Khabeki and Uchchali are main lakes of the area.
• Important mountain ranges Khairi Murat and Salt ranges.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
The following rivers and lakes form the drainage system of Potwar Plateau.
⮚ River Soan
⮚ River Korang
⮚ River Harro
-The following lakes form the inland drainage system.
⮚ Kaller Kahar
⮚ Khabeki
⮚ Uchali.
Salt Ranges
• Located to the south of Potwar Plateau.
• Its average height is about 750 – 900 meters.
• Salt Ranges cover most of the Jhelum, Kalabagh and Mianwali districts.
• The highest peak of the area is Sakesar (1527 m).
• It is characterized by bad land topography.
• Some beautiful lakes such as Kaller Kahar, Khabeki and Uchali are present which add to
the scenic beauty of the area.
• This area is rich in number of non-metallic minerals e.g. rock salt, limestone and gypsum.
• Settled life style is practiced.
• Farming depends on rainfall (Barani Farming) because rugged landscape does not allow
canal Irrigation. Wheat, maize, barley and gram are mainly cultivated as these require less
water.
Ridges
A ridge is a long and narrow hill.
Residual Hills
Isolated blocks of hard rock remaining after erosion of soft rocks.
Ravine
It is a narrow deep valley with steep sides.
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Q1. Study the photograph and describe features of the Salt range.
Ans: -
It has badland topography with dissected landscape.
Sharp jagged peaks with steep slopes.
Sparse vegetation with scrubs and scattered vegetation.
Rocks are exposed to weathering and erosion.
Bare, sandy slopes.
Q2. Name two minerals that can be obtained from the Salt range and suggest one use for
each.
Ans:
1.COAL
In the brick kiln industry
In thermal power stations
As domestic fuel
2. ROCKSALT
Used for cooking and preservation purposes.
Used in tanning, household cleaner
Used in water softening
Used in the making of soda ash, bicarbonate of soda.
3. GYPSUM
Used in the making of cement
Used in the manufacture of paints and fertilizers
Used in foot creams, shampoos and many other hair products.
Spread on saline soil for farming.
4. LIMESTONE
Used in making of cement
Used in the manufacture of bleaching powder, glass, soap, paper, paints.
Painted on tree barks to for termite control
Used in treating salinity.
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Q3. Explain ways in which the natural topography of the Salt range makes mineral
exploitation difficult.
Ans: -Badland topography make road construction difficult and expensive.
Steep slopes with rugged terrain make transportation of machinery difficult.
Uneven landscape makes digging expensive and difficult.
Indus Plain
The Indus Plain were formed by the alluvium laid down by the river Indus and its tributaries. The
source of the river is Lake Mansorawar in Tibet. It enters Pakistan from the Northern mountains,
flowing from east to west between loft mountains like the Karakoram and the Himalayas. It then
drains into the Arabian Sea through a braided channel in Punjab and a meandering channel in
Sindh. The river Indus is joined by a number of tributaries from the west and east. The western
tributaries are small and carry a lower volume of water e.g. River Kabul, Kurram and Gomal.
A number of eastern tributaries are major rivers which carry large volumes of water and sediments.
These rivers are the Jhelum, River Chenab, River Ravi, River Beas and Sutlej. The tributaries join
at Mithankot. From there, they flow as one stream as Panjnad before they join the Indus. From
there onwards, the Indus makes its way to the Arabian Sea as one river.
Tributaries of the River Indus
Indus plain is divided into two parts.
1. Upper Indus Plain

2. Lower Indus Plain
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Upper Indus Plain

● The area between Attock to Mithankot is called Upper Indus Plain.
● Located in the northern part of the Indus Plain.
● Nearly flat, undulating plain and sloping towards the south-west.
● It stretches over the whole Punjab Province approximately.
● River Indus and its major tributaries flow here.
● The average width of the Indus is 1.4 km till Kalabagh and 1.6 km near Sukkur.
● River Indus is in its middle course in the north and enters its lower course towards south.
● Both erosion and deposition take place.
● Meanders, Oxbow-lakes, Braided Channel and Levees are present in doab areas. ● Doabs and
Bars / Alluvial Terraces are formed between the rivers exist in this area.
● Piedmont Plain with alluvial fans to the north and west.
● Ideal for industries and agriculture with a network of perennial and link canals.
Landforms of Upper Indus Plain can be divided into four parts.

1. Active Flood Plain
Flat area.
Flooded every year.
Rich in alluvium.
Meanders, oxbow-lakes, braided channels and levees are present.
2. Old Flood Plain
Flat area.
Flooded every 7/8 years due to severe flood.
Old alluvium is deposited.
Meanders, oxbow-lakes, braided channels and levees are present.
Fit for agriculture.
3. Scarp
Steep slope.
Also known as BLUFF.
4. Alluvial Terraces / Bars.
Highland built by river deposition.
Flat area.
Away from river so safe from floods.
Fit for industry, houses and agriculture.
Piedmont Plains
Piedmont plains are located at the foothills of the Sulaiman, Kirthar and Himalayas
mountains. The most dominant features of the Piedmont plains are the Alluvial Fans or cones that
develop eastward from the Sulaiman and Kirthar mountains. The piedmont plains are mainly
agricultural.
Meander
River flowing in a series of bends and loops is known as a meander.
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Ox-Bow Lake
Cut off part of meander.
Levees
Raised part of a floodplain.
Braided Channel
A channel which flows into shallow interconnected channels divided by deposited material.
Doab
Area between two rivers called doab.
NAMES OF DOABS
1. BARI DOAB: Area between River Sutlej and River Ravi. Some of the districts included are
Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Shaiwal, Pakpattan etc
2. RECHNA DOAB: Area between River Ravi and River Chenab. Some of the areas included are
Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Jhang, Faisalabad and Toba-Tek-Singh.
3. CHAJ DOAB: Area between River Chenab and Jhelum. (Gujrat, Sargodha etc)
4. SINDH SAGAR DOAB: Area between River Jhelum and Indus.(Khushab, Mianwali, Leiah
and Muzaffargarh).
The raised part in a doab is known as a bar.

NAMES OF BARS/ALLUVIAL TERRACES
⮚ Kirana Bar in Chaj Doab.
⮚ Sandal Bar in Rechana Doab.
⮚ Ganji Bar in Bari Doab.
⮚ Nili Bar in between the old bed of River Beas and River Sutlej.
Lower Indus Plain

● The area between Mithankot to Thatta is called Lower Indus Plain.
● It is located in the southern part of the Indus Plain.
● Nearly flat, undulating plain and sloping towards south.
● It stretches over the whole Sindh Province approximately.
● River Indus flows alone.
● River Indus flows into the Arabian Sea south of Thatta.
● Width of the River Indus is 1.6 km.
● River Indus is in its lower course.
● Deposition is the main function of River Indus.
● Meanders, oxbow-lakes, braided channels and levees are present.
● Doabs and bars are not present.
● Cuestas which are limestone ridges are present.
● Piedmont Plain with alluvial fans to the west.
● Ideal for industries and agriculture with a network of canals.
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Cuesta
• It is a ridge of limestone with a steep slope and a gentle slope.
• The steep slope is called a scarp while the gentle slope of is known as the dip.
• Examples: Rohri cuesta and Ganjo Takar. Both are located in the lower Indus Plain.
USES
• These limestone ridges provide a firm foundation for the construction of barrages for
irrigation.
• They also add to the scenic beauty of the area.
• Provides raw material in the making of cement.
Indus / Tidal Delta

• When River Indus reaches near Arabian Sea its speed is reduced due to load (sand, clay)
and low gradient.
• It divides into many smaller and larger distributaries. River Indus forms delta called Indus
Delta and River Hub forms delta called Hub Delta.
• Mangroves are present which are breeding grounds for fish.
• Shallow and marshy, swampy land, presence of mangroves and constant exposure to waves
and tides does not support high population density in the region. The land is under constant
threat of cyclones, so population density is low as construction of houses, buildings, road
and rail network is difficult.
DESERTS
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The most important deserts in Pakistan are the following:

1. Thal Desert / Sindh Sagar Doab
2. The Thar Desert (Thar desert has three parts)
Cholistan
Nara
Tharparker
3. Kharan Desert
Features of Desert Areas

● Very hot in summer season and temperature remain above 40 C.
● Arid conditions prevail with little or no rain.
● Winters are mild.
● Dust Storms and hot dusty winds blow during May to September.
● Sand dunes are present, they are in different shapes like latitudinal, longitudinal and crescent
shaped dunes.
● Sand plains are present.
● Daily range of temperature is high due to cloudless sky.
● Nomadic lifestyle is common.
● Little agriculture due to shortage of water e.g. grams are cultivated.
● Little vegetation consists of thorny bushes and scattered vegetation.is a gene
● Mineral deposits such as coal, oil and gas fields are present in Thar desert.
● Camels are widely used for transportation.
● Rabi crops are cultivated i.e. wheat and gram.
● Handicraft industries related to hide and wool are popular.
● Density of population is very less due to harsh climate and poor facilities.
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The map shows the location of Desert areas in Pakistan.
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ABSTRACT

NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY AND

NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE

Topographical Features of Pakistan.

Relief of the Northern Mountains

Importance of Northern Mountains

Life Style of People at Northern Mountains

COMPARISION BETWEEN NORTHERN AND WESTERN MOUNTAINS

Tributaries of the River Indus

Indus plain is divided into two parts.

1. Upper Indus Plain

Upper Indus Plain

Landforms of Upper Indus Plain can be divided into four parts.

The raised part in a doab is known as a bar.

Lower Indus Plain

Indus / Tidal Delta

The most important deserts in Pakistan are the following:

Features of Desert Areas

The map shows the location of Desert areas in Pakistan.

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