Which is the oldest fold mountain range in India?
a) Western Ghats
b) Aravalli Range
c) Satpura Range
d) Vindhya Range
Answer: b) Aravalli Range
Explanation
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Aravalli Range: It is the oldest fold mountain range in India and one of the oldest mountain systems in the world. Formed during the Proterozoic era (billions of years ago), it has been severely eroded over time and is now classified as a relict or residual mountain range.
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Location: Stretches across northwestern India, passing through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and ending near Delhi.
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Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 meters) located on Mount Abu in Rajasthan.
Overview of Other Options
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a) Western Ghats: A continuous mountain range (also known as Sahyadri) running parallel to the western coast of India. Geologically, it is the faulted edge of the Deccan Plateau rather than a traditional fold mountain range.
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c) Satpura Range: A range of block mountains situated in central India, running parallel to the Vindhya range, between the Narmada and Tapti river valleys.
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d) Vindhya Range: A complex system of discontinuous mountain ridges and plateau escarpments in central India, primarily classified as block mountains.
