Geography of Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir UT is one of the most geographically varying regions in India, located in the northernmost part of the India. It is well known for its stunning beauty landscapes, beautiful mountain , ranging from snow-covered mountains to fertile valleys and plateaus.
1. Location and Boundaries
Jammu and Kashmir lies in the northern part of india. It shares borders with pakistan, it alao shares border with neighbor states such as Himachal Pradesh and Punjab .
The UT of Jammu and kashmir is divided into the region two Jammu (comprises of 10 Districts and Kashmir (10 Districts)
2. Physiographic Divisions
The region can be divided into two main physical divisions:
a) Jammu Region
Jammu region is located in the southern part of the UT. Jammu region consists of plains like jammu, samba, kathua , and other hilly Districts like Rajouri poonch , kistwar, reasi, and others. Jammu hills is part of shiwalik mountain which is also known by the name Manak parbat.
Rivers in Jammu
Main rivers of Jammu is Chenab and Tawi , tawi is important because jammu district is located on its banks, and river chenab follow through jammu.
b) Kashmir Valley
Kashmir valley is fertile are lies between the Pir Panjal in southern and western side and Greater Himalayas in eastern side. It for its scenic beauty and charming mountains , lakes, rivers and gardens.
Major features: Dal Lake, Jhelum River
3. Mountain Ranges
Jammu and Kashmir is surroun by himalayan mountain ranges:
Pir Panjal Range in west and greater himaloyan range , These ranges influence climate, vegetation, and settlement patterns in kashmir. Greater Himalayas range acts as a barrier , which protects it from cold winds coming from Siberia. Also it slow down the western disturbance , causes orographic rainfall.
4. Climate
The climate varies widely due to altitude differences: it has a moderate type of climate with chilling winters. While on the other hand Jammu has Subtropical (hot summers, and winters mild. While on the other hand kashmie has Temperate (cold winters with snowfall)
5. Rivers and Lakes
The J&k is rich in water resources:
Major rivers of J&k - Jhelum River which is lifeline of kashmir and Chenab River which is lifeline of jammu.
Famous lakes in kashmir Dal Lake, Wular Lake major tourist attraction, wular is the largest fresh water lake of kashmir as well as india.
6. Natural Vegetation
Vegetation varies with altitude and climate.
Subtropical forests are found in jammu region and Coniferous forests in Kashmir (pine, deodar etc.
7. Soils and Ariculture
Kashmir valley has alluvial soil which supports crops like rice and saffron. Also kashmir is the leading producer of apples in country. Walnuts etc. Jammu with hot summers supports maize and wheat also , mangoes .
8. Importance of Geography
The geography of Jammu and Kashmir , its climate plays an important role in: Agriculture and horticulture, economy, etc.
