STUDIES IN GEOGRAPHY OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

The diverse physiography of Jammu and Kashmir state, situated in the western Himalayas, exhibits the shape of a terrace having three steps of increasing elevation from south to north. The lower step comprises sub-Himalayan Jammu, the middle Himalayan Kashmir and the upper trans Himalayan Ladakh. This varied surface configuration makes these regions quite distinct where Jammu is mostly hilly, Kashmir, a sizeable plain surrounded by mountains and Ladakh an area of towering landforms. By virtue of its latitudinal location the state lies within sub tropics but such conditions here are altered by varying altitude restricting sub tropical climate to southern parts of Jammu region. The northern parts of Jammu and Kashmir valley experience temperate climate. Ladakh is a cold highland desert. Consequently, each region is in possession of different environmental assets and constraints.

The book presents a concise and coherent account of geography of Jammu and Kashmir. It is based on research findings, intense fieldwork and decades of experience of the author in teaching and textbook writing. The book deals, briefly, with the political history of the Jammu and Kashmir state. It further traces the geological evolution of the state and also bares the position of each one of its three regions – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Full-length chapters on physical features and drainage unfold location, area, relief, rocks, minerals, drainage and natural vegetation of each region. Further presenting a clear understanding of the basics of physical environment, it presents the weather and climate at the regional and the sub-regional level. A chapter on geology includes stratigraphy of Jammu and Kashmir from the pre-Cambrian to the recent times.

This comprehensive book will be an essential source material for students, researchers, scholars and lay persons.

Contents
1 Jammu and Kashmir State: Its Founding and Fragmenting
2 Jammu and Kashmir and the Himalayas
3 The Sub-Himalayan Jammu: Physical Features and Drainage
4 The Himalayan Kashmir (I): Physical
5 The Himalayan Kashmir (II): Drainage
6 The Trans-Himalayan Ladakh: Physical Features and Drainage
7 Weather and Climate: A Systematic Study
8 Weather and Climate: Subtropical and Temperate Jammu
9 Weather and Climate: Temperate Kashmir
10 Weather and Climate: Cold Highland Ladakh
11 Jammu and Kashmir: Geology