Geography of Mizoram

Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and lakes in Northeast India. As many as 21 major hills ranges or peaks of different heights run through the length and breadth of the state, with plains scattered here and there. The average height of the hills to the west of the state are about 1,000 metres (3,300 feet). These gradually rise up to 1,300 metres (4,300 feet) to the east. Some areas, however, have higher ranges which go up to a height of over 2,000 metres (6,600 feet).

Rivers

Lakes
  • The Palak lake, the biggest in Mizoram is situated in Saiha District which is part of southern Mizoram covering 30 hectares (74 acres). It is believed that the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood. The local people believe that a village which was submerged still remains intact deep under the waters.
  • The Tam Dil lake is a natural lake situated 85 km (53 mi) from Aizawl. Legend has it that a huge mustard plant once stood in this place. When the plant was cut down, jets of water sprayed from the plant and created a pool of water, thus the lake was named Ţamdil which means of 'Lake of Mustard Plant'. Today the lake is an important tourist attraction and a holiday resort.
  • Rih Dil is located in Burma, a few kilometres from the India-Burma border. It was believed that the departed souls pass through this lake before making their way to Pialral or heaven.

Waterfalls
Vantawng Falls

Mountain Range
  • Phawngpui Tlang also known as the Blue Mountain, situated in the south-eastern part of the state, is the highest peak in Mizoram at 2,210 metres (7,250 feet).
  • Hmuifang With an elevation of 1619 metres, the mountain is still covered with virgin forests reserved since the Mizo Chief's time.[7] Hmuifang is the way to Lunglei.
  • Reiek with an elevation of 1548 metres, overlooking Aizawl and offers view of the surrounding valleys and hills, on a clear day the plains of Bangladesh can be seen from the top of the hill. Reiek Hill is surrounded by thick lush green temperate trees and bushes.[8]
  • Lengteng with an elevation of 2141 [9]
  • Mawma with an elevation of 2050 metres
  • Surtlang with an elevation of 1967[10]
  • Lurhtlang with an elevation of 1935
  • Tan Tlang with an elevation of 1837
  • V.Partlang with an elevation of 1929 [11]
  • Chalhfilh Tlang with an elevation of 1865
  • Hrangturzotlang with an elevation of 1854
  • Zopui Tlang with an elevation of 1850
  • Tawizo with an elevation of 1837[12]
  • Mawmrang with an elevation of 1812
  • Purun Tlang with an elevation of 1756
  • Saireptlang with an elevation of 1555
  • Sakawrhmutuaitlang with an elevation of 1535
  • Thorang Tlang with an elevation of 1387.2
  • Durtlang with an elevation of 1384
  • Buia Hmun Tlang with an elevation of 1383
  • Laipui Tlang with an elevation of 1188
  • South Hlimen Tlang (Lalsavunga Park) with an elevation of 1179
  • Serkawn with an elevation of 1222 [13]

Geology and minerals
Hills of Mamit district

The folded structure of the Mizoram ranges are at the junction of two moving tectonic plates(Indian and Burmese Desi Kachar 1974). On 19 April 2011 there was a 4.3 earthquake about 10 km North of Kolasib and a 6.4 was recorded on 4 February 2011. Mizoram is in the highest zone 5 for earthquakes.[14]

The folded hilly or mountainous North South belts, with perpendicular faults, comprise sediments of the Surma (Middle Bhuban Formation), Barail and Tipam groups. There is Aluvium in river beds consisting of deposits of argillaceous and arenaceous sandstones, shale, siltstones and mudstones and greywacke. A 560m thick rock succession of the Middle Bhuban type exposed between Bawngkawn and Durtlang shows 7 normal and 7 reverse magneto strata (North and South pole reversals) showing its age to be around 20 Million years old.[15] The rock system is generally weak, unstable, weathered and prone to seismic and weather influence producing landslides. The soft, black to grey rock is used locally for building materials and for low trafficked road construction work. There are no useful minerals of economic significance apart from clays in the River Tlawng beds together with deposits of sand and gravels. Typical soils are sandy loam, clay loam that have been heavily leached due to the high slopes leaving it porous and lacking in minerals or humus.

A number of oil and gas exploration activities have taken place due to the geological condition with which Mizoram has been formed, leading to the possibilities and high expectation that reserves would be confirmed. France, Russia and Cyprus as well as several Indian companies have already signed a 12% oil and 10% gas royalty arrangement with proceeds going direct to Mizoram state on any production (April 2009)

References
  1. Pachuau, Rintluanga (1 January 2009). Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography. Northern Book Centre. p. 35. ISBN 978-81-7211-264-6. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  2. Prasad, Ram Narayan; Agarwal, Ashok Kumar (2003). Modernisation of the Mizo Society: Imperatives and Perspectives. Mittal Publications. p. 85. ISBN 978-81-7099-889-1. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  3. Lalhriatpuii (2010). Economic Participation of Women in Mizoram. Concept Publishing Company. p. 11. ISBN 978-81-8069-665-7. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  4. Rintluanga Pachuau (1 January 2009). Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography. Northern Book Centre. p. 39. ISBN 978-81-7211-264-6.
  5. "Main River of Mizoram". Mizoram.nic.in. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  6. "3.1.2 Tuirini watershed" (PDF). Shodhganga. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  7. "HMUIFANG TOURIST RESORT". Govt of Mizoram. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  8. "ANTHURIUM FESTIVAL 2010". Eastern Panorama. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  9. "Mountains of Mizoram". mizohican. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  10. "MOUNTAINS IN MIZORAM" (PDF). Shodhganga. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  11. "MOUNTAINS IN MIZORAM" (PDF). ide.go. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  12. "Mountain in Mizoram". mizoram.nic.in. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  13. Bhargava, Gopal (2005). Land and people of Indian states and union territories. p. 25. ISBN 9788178353753. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  14. "Quake measuring 4.3 on Richter scale jolts Mizoram - VIRTHLI". Archived from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  15. Geology - Researchers at Mizoram University release new data on geology
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