Question 14 from UPSC CSE 2020 - GEOGRAPHY

Question

Siachen Glacier is situated to the

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. North of Nubra Valley

Strategy: The approach focuses on the immediate geography of Ladakh. Siachen Glacier is located in the northernmost part of India. Nubra Valley is recognized as the access point for Indian troops moving towards the glacier and is directly south of Siachen. This places Siachen 'north of Nubra Valley,' allowing for precise location identification and the elimination of geographically distant options.

Key Info: Siachen Glacier is situated in the eastern Karakoram Range within the Himalayas, part of the Indian union territory of Ladakh. It is known as the world's second-longest non-polar glacier, extending approximately 76 kilometers.

The glacier lies immediately north of the Nubra Valley, which serves as the Indian Army's primary approach route. The Nubra Valley is formed by the Nubra River, a tributary of the Shyok River, both integral to the Indus basin.

Geographically, the Saltoro Ridge, under Indian control, lies to the north and northwest of Siachen Glacier, separating it from Pakistan-administered territories. Aksai Chin, controlled by China, is far to the east, while Gilgit is to the west beyond Pakistan-occupied areas, and Leh is significantly south. The Karakoram Pass is located northeast of the Nubra-Siachen complex.

The Siachen region holds significant strategic importance for India due to its proximity to the tri-junction of India, China (Xinjiang region), and Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan).

Answer

Option A: East of Aksai Chin

Answer

Option B: East of Leh

Answer

Option C: North of Gilgit