Correct option is C
Ans. (c)
The Aravalli Range was formed when the Indian Plate was separated from the Eurasian Plate by an ancient ocean, known as the Tethys Ocean. The Aravalli Range is considered one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, dating back to the Proterozoic Eon (around 1.5 to 2 billion years ago). These mountains are the remnants of a collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate during the early stages of Earth's tectonic evolution.
Information Booster
1. Formation of Aravalli Range: Resulted from tectonic plate collisions, specifically the convergence of the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate.
2. Age of Aravalli: Estimated to be around 1.5 to 2 billion years old, making it one of the oldest geological formations in India.
3. Geological Significance: Composed of ancient rocks, including quartzite, marble, and granite, which have undergone significant weathering and erosion.
4. Tethys Ocean: The Aravalli's formation is linked to the closing of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which existed between the Indian and Eurasian Plates.
5. Present-Day Role: The range provides critical mineral resources and has ecological importance for Rajasthan.
6. Erosion and Degradation: Over millions of years, the Aravallis have eroded into low hills and ridges.
Additional Knowledge
· Somali Plate: Located near Africa, unrelated to the Aravalli formation.
· Sunda Plate: Part of Southeast Asia, has no connection with Aravalli geology.
· Arabian Plate: Associated with the Indian Ocean region, not involved in the formation of Aravallis.
· Eurasian Plate: Played a key role in India's geological evolution, especially in the formation of the Himalayas and the ancient Aravallis.
Key Points:
· The Aravallis are often referred to as "relic mountains" because they are remnants of ancient orogeny.
· They stretch across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, with Mount Abu as the highest peak.
· Their mineral wealth includes marble, zinc, and lead.