Question

GSMediumPrelims 2011Indian Geography

The Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to -

Explanation

The "U" turn made by the Brahmaputra River in its course to flow into India is primarily due to the geological phenomenon known as "syntaxial bending" of the geologically young Himalayas.

Syntaxial bending refers to the bending or folding of rock layers that occurs as a result of the collision and convergence of tectonic plates. In the case of the Brahmaputra River, the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate has resulted in the uplift of the Himalayas and the bending of the river's course.

The Brahmaputra River flows from Tibet into India, and as it encounters the geologically young Himalayas, it undergoes a sharp bend in its course, forming the characteristic "U" shape.