PIN: AZORES, KAMENG RIVER

Location

It is a group of nine islands in the North Atlantic region.

West: Flores and Corvo

Centre: Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial 

East: São Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas islets 

Origin

The islands are of volcanic origin, with some volcanoes now inactive. They are part of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Language 

The official language in the Azores is Portuguese.

Geological

The archipelago sits atop the Azores Plateau and lies above the Azores Triple Junction, where three major tectonic plates (Eurasian, North American, and African) converge.

Tectonic Structure

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the tectonic structure, runs between the African-Eurasian Plate and the North American Plate, crossing the Azores Plateau.

Highest Peak

Mount Pico, located on Pico Island, is the highest point in the archipelago.

Climate

Oceanic subtropical climate, is characterized by mild temperatures year-round and moderate rainfall. Frost is non-existent in the Azores.

Fauna

The islands’ Laurel forests house a variety of species, including two endemic bird species: the Azores bullfinch (found in laurel forests) and Monteiro’s storm petrel.

Origin

It originates in the Tawang district, from a glacial lake below the snow-capped Gori Chen Mountain on the India-Tibet border.

Transboundary Status

Not a transboundary river

Flow

It flows through Bhalukpong Circle, West Kameng District (Arunachal Pradesh), and Sonitpur District (Assam)

River Type

Braided river in lower reaches

Major Tributary

Brahmaputra River

Confluence with Brahmaputra

Joins Brahmaputra at Tezpur, east of Kolia Bhomora Setu bridge, Assam

Boundaries

Forms boundaries between East and West Kameng Districts

Sanctuary Boundaries

Forms boundary between Sessa and Eaglenest sanctuaries (west) and Pakke Tiger Reserve (east) in Arunachal Pradesh

Hills

Dafla Hills to the east, Aka Hills to the west of Kameng River

Tributaries

Tippi, Tenga, Bichom, Dirang Chu

Historical Significance

Served as the border between Chutiya Kingdom and Kamata Kingdom (13th to early 16th century)

Post-16th Century Significance

After the Chutiya kingdom's annexation by Ahoms and Kamata's fall, it became the border between the Ahom kingdom and Baro-Bhuyan rule

Tribes Around Kameng River

Monpa, Aka (Hrusso), Sherdukpen, Nyishi, Adi (Galo), Tagin.

Fauna

The region has numerous endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, clouded leopard, and the vulnerable Indian giant squirrel.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Kameng is referred to as the "Jia Bharali" in Assam's higher reaches. The tributaries of the river include?

1. Tippi
2. Teesta
3. Tenga
4. Bichom 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2, and 3 only

(c) 1, 3, and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: c

Explanation:

It is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng district. It is called Jia Bhorelli in Assam. It is a lifeline for many and has its source in a glacial lake near the Nyegi Kangsang, one of the highest mountains in Arunachal Pradesh.

Major Tributaries: Tippi River, Tenga River, Bichom River, and Dirang Chu River.