Meghalaya Plateau: Physiography, Geology, Climate, Biodiversity and Importance
Introduction
The Meghalaya Plateau is one of the most distinctive physiographic regions of Northeast India. It covers almost the entire state of Meghalaya and extends eastward into the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. Geologically and physiographically, it represents an important extension of the ancient Peninsular Indian landmass into the northeastern part of the country.
The hard crystalline rocks forming the core of the Meghalaya Plateau are regarded as an extension of the Deccan Plateau. The ancient crystalline basement is believed to continue beneath the plains of eastern India and Bangladesh before reappearing above the surface in Northeast India as the Meghalaya Plateau and Karbi Plateau (Mikir Hills).
The Meghalaya Plateau is particularly important because of its distinctive mountains, dissected uplands, escarpments, valleys, forests, waterfalls, limestone formations and extremely high rainfall. It is also one of India's major biodiversity-rich regions.
Meghalaya Plateau at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Northeast India |
| Major State Covered | Meghalaya |
| Extension | Karbi Anglong, Assam |
| Major Divisions | Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills |
| Highest Peak | Shillong Peak |
| Elevation of Shillong Peak | About 1,961 m |
| Important Geological Rocks | Precambrian gneissic complex, Shillong Group, Gondwana rocks, Sylhet Trap and Cretaceous-Tertiary sediments |
| Major River Influence | Barak-Surma plain and surrounding drainage systems |
| Climate | Monsoon-dominated |
| Special Feature | Extremely high rainfall |
| Major National Parks | Nokrek and Balpakram |
| Important Forest Products | Timber, bamboo, cane, medicinal plants and broomstick |
Location of the Meghalaya Plateau
The Meghalaya Plateau is situated in the northeastern part of India. It encompasses the major upland regions of Meghalaya and extends into the Karbi Anglong region of Assam.
The plateau is separated from the surrounding lowlands by prominent escarpments and deeply dissected terrain. Its southern margin has a particularly steep descent toward the Barak-Surma Plain, giving the plateau a distinctive structural and physiographic character.
The Meghalaya Plateau therefore forms an important geographical link between the Peninsular Indian shield and the hill systems of Northeast India.
Physiography of the Meghalaya Plateau
The physiography of the Meghalaya Plateau is characterized by highly dissected and irregular terrain, particularly along its western and northern margins. In contrast, the southern side has a more regular and steep escarpment descending toward the Barak-Surma Plain.
The plateau can broadly be divided into three major physiographic regions:
Garo Hills
Khasi Hills
Jaintia Hills
The Karbi Plateau or Mikir Hills forms an important eastern extension and is geographically associated with the Meghalaya Plateau system.
1. Garo Hills
The Garo Hills form the western portion of the Meghalaya Plateau. They are characterized by an extensively dissected landscape containing hills, ridges, valleys and numerous streams.
The Garo Hills cover an area of approximately 7,769.9 square kilometres, with an average elevation generally around or below 900 metres.
A prominent east-west range occurs in the southern part of the Garo Hills, known as the Tura Range or Kylas Range. The range rises above 1,100 metres and reaches its highest elevation at Mount Nokrek, which rises to approximately 1,529 metres.
The Garo Hills are also important for:
Forest resources
Biodiversity
Agriculture
Horticulture
Wildlife conservation
Watershed protection
2. Khasi Hills
To the east of the Garo Hills lie the Khasi Hills, which form the highest and most elevated part of the Meghalaya Plateau.
The Khasi Hills have an average elevation of approximately 1,066 metres. A central upland region covering about 1,250 square kilometres reaches elevations of around 1,400 metres.
An important east-west mountain range known as the Shillong Range occurs in this region.
Shillong Peak
Shillong Peak, rising to approximately 1,961 metres, is the highest point of Meghalaya and overlooks the city of Shillong.
The Khasi Hills are particularly famous for their:
High elevations
Deep valleys
Waterfalls
Dense forests
Limestone landscapes
Heavy rainfall
Rich biodiversity
3. Jaintia Hills
The Jaintia Hills form the easternmost part of the Meghalaya Plateau. The region includes the Jaintia Hills area of Meghalaya and extends toward the Hamren subdivision of Karbi Anglong district in Assam.
The plateau gradually slopes downward from the Khasi Hills toward the east. Elevations decline from around 1,200 metres to approximately 500 metres, with an average elevation of about 900 metres.
The Jaintia Hills cover approximately 3,790 square kilometres.
The region is characterized by:
Hills and valleys
Limestone formations
Forests
Rivers and streams
Agricultural landscapes
Caves and karst features
The Kapili River is an important river associated with the eastern part of this plateau region.
Karbi Plateau or Mikir Hills
The Karbi Plateau, also known as the Mikir Hills, is an important eastern extension of the Meghalaya Plateau.
It is described as the easternmost part of the northeastward projection of the ancient Gondwanaland and lies almost detached from the Meghalaya Plateau.
The Karbi Plateau is located mainly in Karbi Anglong district of Assam and forms an important physiographic unit of the Assam-Meghalaya hill region.
Its geographical relationship with the Meghalaya Plateau makes it significant for understanding the geological structure of Northeast India.
Geological Structure of the Meghalaya Plateau
The geology of the Meghalaya Plateau is highly complex. The region contains rocks ranging from the ancient Precambrian gneissic complex to comparatively young Recent alluvium.
The major geological formations described for the plateau include:
Precambrian Gneissic Complex
Shillong Group of Rocks
Lower Gondwana Rocks
Sylhet Trap
Cretaceous-Tertiary Sediments
Recent and Older Alluvium
This geological diversity has played an important role in shaping the plateau's relief, drainage, soils, mineral resources and landscapes.
Precambrian Gneissic Complex
The Precambrian gneissic complex forms the ancient crystalline basement of the Meghalaya Plateau.
It includes:
Para-gneisses
Orthogneisses
Migmatites
These ancient rocks are exposed particularly across the central, eastern and northern parts of the plateau.
The rocks are also intruded by basic and ultrabasic intrusives as well as late-tectonic granite plutons.
Shillong Group of Rocks
The Shillong Group forms another important geological unit of the plateau.
It consists mainly of quartzites and occurs in association with the older crystalline rocks.
The interaction between the different rock formations has contributed to the development of the rugged and dissected relief of Meghalaya.
Lower Gondwana Rocks
The Lower Gondwana rocks, dating from the Permo-Carboniferous period, occur particularly in the western part of the Garo Hills.
They include:
Pebble beds
Sandstones
Carbonaceous shale
These formations provide evidence of the ancient geological history of the region.
Sylhet Trap
The Sylhet Trap is associated with the Middle Jurassic period.
It consists mainly of:
Basalt
Rhyolite
Acid tuffs
The formation occurs in a relatively narrow east-west belt along the southern margin of the Khasi Hills.
Cretaceous-Tertiary Sediments
The southern portion of the Meghalaya Plateau contains extensive Cretaceous-Tertiary sedimentary formations.
These include:
Khasi Group
Jaintia Group
Garo Group
The Khasi Group is predominantly associated with arenaceous formations, while the Jaintia Group has important calcareous formations.
The younger Garo Group includes formations such as:
Simsang
Bagmara
Chengapara
Alluvial Deposits
Younger geological deposits are also found in different parts of Meghalaya.
The Dupi Tila Group, dating from the Mid-Pliocene period, occurs in parts of the Garo Hills and south of the Khasi Hills.
Older alluvium occurs in isolated patches along the southern and western margins, while Recent Alluvium is mainly found along river valleys.
Climate of the Meghalaya Plateau
The climate of Meghalaya is strongly influenced by the Southwest Monsoon and seasonal wind systems.
The major seasons can be broadly divided into:
Spring — March to April
Summer and Monsoon — May to September
Autumn — October to November
Winter — December to February
The climate varies considerably with altitude.
The higher areas of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills generally experience a pleasant and relatively cool climate, while the lower areas of the Garo Hills are warmer and more humid.
According to the source material, the maximum temperature reaches approximately 34°C at Tura and parts of West Garo Hills, while Shillong records a maximum of around 28°C.
Rainfall in Meghalaya
One of the most remarkable geographical characteristics of Meghalaya is its extremely high rainfall.
The state is directly influenced by the southwest monsoon, and some locations receive exceptionally large amounts of annual precipitation.
The source describes annual rainfall reaching approximately 12,000 mm in some areas, making Meghalaya famous as one of the wettest regions on Earth.
Heavy rainfall has a major influence on:
River formation
Soil erosion
Weathering
Forest growth
Agriculture
Waterfalls
Valley formation
Biodiversity
The combination of steep slopes and intense monsoon rainfall has also contributed to the formation of deeply dissected valleys and spectacular waterfalls.
Biodiversity of the Meghalaya Plateau
The Meghalaya Plateau is one of the biodiversity-rich regions of Northeast India.
The source material reports approximately 8,510 square kilometres of forest area, with forest resources managed through different institutional arrangements, including the state government, district councils and private ownership.
Important forest species include:
Sal
Teak
Titachap
Gomari
Bol
Pine
Birch
Makri-Sal
The forests also provide a wide range of products, including:
Timber
Bamboo
Reed
Broomstick
Cane
Medicinal plants
Herbs
Cinnamon
Thatch grass
Orchids and Other Plants
The forests of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills support a variety of beautiful flowering plants.
Azaleas and rhododendrons occur naturally in the hill forests, while numerous species of orchids add to the region's botanical diversity.
The combination of high rainfall, varied elevation, forest cover and diverse geological conditions creates favourable habitats for a wide range of plant species.
Wildlife of Meghalaya
The Meghalaya Plateau supports a diverse range of wildlife.
Animals reported from the region include:
Elephants
Tigers
Bears
Wild boars
Leopards
Golden cats
Leopard cats
Jungle cats
Deer
Binturongs
Slow lorises
Capped langurs
Golden langurs
Hoolock gibbons
Flying squirrels
Giant squirrels
The region also supports many species of birds, including:
Hornbills
Partridges
Pheasants
Teals
Snipes
Geese
Ducks
Quails
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
The rich biodiversity of Meghalaya is protected through a network of protected areas.
Important protected areas include:
Nokrek National Park
Located in the Garo Hills, Nokrek National Park is an important biodiversity region and forms part of the rich forest ecosystem of western Meghalaya.
Balpakram National Park
Balpakram National Park is another important protected area in the Garo Hills and is famous for its distinctive landscapes and biodiversity.
Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Khasi Hills region, Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary protects important forest and wildlife habitats.
Siju Wildlife Sanctuary
Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Garo Hills and is associated with important forest and cave ecosystems.
The source specifically identifies Nokrek and Balpakram as national parks and Nongkhyllem and Siju as wildlife sanctuaries.
Importance of the Meghalaya Plateau
The Meghalaya Plateau is important from several geographical perspectives.
1. Geological Importance
The plateau contains ancient crystalline rocks as well as younger sedimentary formations, providing valuable evidence of the geological evolution of Northeast India.
2. Physiographic Importance
Its distinctive combination of uplands, hills, escarpments and deeply dissected valleys creates a unique physical landscape.
3. Climatic Importance
The plateau receives exceptionally high monsoon rainfall, making Meghalaya one of the world's most notable high-rainfall regions.
4. Ecological Importance
Its forests, wetlands, caves and mountain ecosystems support exceptionally rich biodiversity.
5. Economic Importance
Forest resources, agriculture, horticulture, tourism and other natural resources contribute significantly to the regional economy.
6. Tourism Importance
The plateau's mountains, waterfalls, caves, forests and dramatic landscapes make Meghalaya one of the most attractive destinations in Northeast India.
Meghalaya Plateau and Northeast India
The Meghalaya Plateau is a particularly important physiographic unit for understanding the physical geography of Northeast India.
Its geological structure differs significantly from many of the younger fold mountains and sedimentary hill systems surrounding it. The plateau represents an ancient crystalline block surrounded by younger geological formations and plains.
The contrast between the plateau and the surrounding lowlands has produced distinctive:
Escarpments
River valleys
Waterfalls
Caves
Plateaus
Forest ecosystems
Agricultural landscapes
Conclusion
The Meghalaya Plateau is one of the most remarkable physiographic and geological regions of Northeast India. It represents an important extension of the ancient Peninsular Indian landmass and encompasses the major uplands of Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, with an eastern connection to the Karbi Plateau of Assam.
Its ancient crystalline basement, Gondwana formations, Sylhet Trap, Cretaceous-Tertiary sediments and younger alluvial deposits reveal a complex geological history.
The plateau's exceptional rainfall, varied elevation and rugged relief have created extensive forests, spectacular waterfalls, deep valleys and extraordinary biodiversity. Its protected areas, including Nokrek and Balpakram National Parks, further demonstrate its ecological significance.
For students and researchers studying Indian geography, physical geography, Northeast India, geology and physiography, the Meghalaya Plateau provides an excellent example of the relationship between geology, relief, climate, drainage, vegetation and biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Meghalaya Plateau
What is the Meghalaya Plateau?
The Meghalaya Plateau is an ancient upland region of Northeast India covering most of Meghalaya and extending toward Karbi Anglong in Assam.
Is the Meghalaya Plateau a part of the Deccan Plateau?
The source describes the Meghalaya Plateau as an extension of the ancient Peninsular/Deccan Plateau system. It represents an exposed crystalline block in Northeast India.
What are the main divisions of the Meghalaya Plateau?
The major physiographic divisions are the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
Which is the highest peak of Meghalaya?
Shillong Peak, at approximately 1,961 metres, is identified in the source as the highest point of Meghalaya.
What is the highest part of the Meghalaya Plateau?
The Khasi Hills, particularly the central upland around the Shillong Range, form the highest part of the Meghalaya Plateau.
What is Mount Nokrek famous for?
Mount Nokrek, rising to approximately 1,529 metres, is the highest point of the Garo Hills and is associated with the Nokrek landscape.
Why does Meghalaya receive so much rainfall?
The region is strongly influenced by the Southwest Monsoon, while its topography and elevated hill ranges contribute to the concentration of rainfall.
What are the major geological formations of Meghalaya?
The major formations include the Precambrian gneissic complex, Shillong Group, Lower Gondwana rocks, Sylhet Trap, Cretaceous-Tertiary sediments and alluvial deposits.
Which national parks are found in Meghalaya?
The source identifies Nokrek National Park and Balpakram National Park as major national parks of Meghalaya.
Why is the Meghalaya Plateau important?
It is important for its geology, physiography, exceptionally high rainfall, forests, biodiversity, natural resources and tourism potential.
Suggested Articles
Physiography of Northeast India
Geography of Meghalaya
Garo Hills of Meghalaya
Khasi Hills of Meghalaya
Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya
Karbi Anglong Plateau
Geology of Northeast India
Physiographic Divisions of India
Climate of Northeast India
Biodiversity of Northeast India
National Parks of Northeast India
Tourism in Meghalaya