Calcareous deposits in the Bhangar soil
Explanation
The Northern Plains of India are divided into four distinct regions based on variations in relief and soil characteristics: Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar, and Khadar. These divisions reflect the depositional history of the Himalayan rivers.
Detailed Analysis
- Bhangar: This region consists of older alluvium and forms the largest part of the Northern Plains. It lies above the floodplains of the rivers and presents a terrace-like feature. The soil in this region contains calcareous deposits (calcium carbonate nodules), which are locally known as 'Kankar'. Therefore, 'Kankar' is a specific characteristic of the Bhangar soil.
- Khadar: This refers to the newer, younger deposits of the floodplains. These deposits are renewed almost every year and are highly fertile, making them ideal for intensive agriculture. It does not contain Kankar nodules.
- Bhabar: This is a narrow belt (8–16 km wide) lying parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks. Rivers descending from the mountains deposit heavy materials like pebbles and rocks here. The streams often disappear in this porous belt.
- Terai: Located south of the Bhabar belt, this is a wet, swampy, and marshy region where the streams re-emerge. It was once thickly forested but has been largely cleared for agriculture.
Conclusion: New alluvial deposits refers to Khadar, Pebbles in the Bhabar belt refers to the Bhabar belt composition, and Fine silt in the Delta region refers to general deltaic features. Calcareous deposits in the Bhangar soil correctly identifies Kankar as the calcareous deposits found in the Bhangar region.
Key Takeaway: 'Kankar' refers to the nodules of impure calcium carbonate found in the Bhangar (old alluvium) belt of the Northern Plains.