Causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than Western Ghats:
- Geological Instability: Himalayas are young fold mountains with active tectonics; Western Ghats are old and stable.
- Seismic Activity: Himalayas lie in seismic zones IV & V; frequent earthquakes trigger landslides.
- Steep Slopes & High Relief: Steep gradients in Himalayas increase erosion and debris flow.
- Heavy Rainfall & Snowmelt: Intense monsoon and glacial melt increase soil saturation and slope failure.
- Unplanned Human Activity: Road construction, deforestation, and urbanisation in fragile zones worsen risks.
Conclusion:
Dynamic geomorphology and anthropogenic pressures make the Himalayas more prone to landslides.
