Which region is known as the cold desert of India?
a) Jaisalmer
b) Spiti
c) Ladakh
d) Ran of Kutch
Answer: c) Ladakh
Explanation
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Ladakh Cold Desert: Situated in the Trans-Himalayan region at high altitudes (3,000 m to over 6,000 m above sea level), Ladakh is the principal high-altitude cold desert of India.
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Rain Shadow Region: It lies in the rain shadow zone of the Great Himalayas, which block moisture-laden Southwest Monsoon clouds. Consequently, it receives extremely low precipitation (less than 10 cm annually).
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Key Features: Marked by sub-zero winter temperatures, sparse vegetation, high solar radiation, and gravelly soil.
Overview of Other Options
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a) Jaisalmer: Located in Rajasthan, situated in the heart of the hot Thar Desert.
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b) Spiti: A high-altitude cold desert valley in Himachal Pradesh; while also a cold desert area, Ladakh is the primary macro-geographic region designated as India’s main cold desert.
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d) Rann of Kutch: A vast seasonal salt marsh in Gujarat, popularly known as the White Desert.
