What is the most balanced hard-level summary of the three major parallel parts of the Himalayas?

Correct answer: Himadri high and northern, Himachal middle and valley-rich, Shiwalik outer and depositional

The direct answer is A. The Himalayas have three broad, parallel ranges arranged from north to south. Himadri, or the Great Himalaya, is the highest and lies toward the north. Himachal, or the Lesser Himalaya, is the middle range and contains many valleys and hill stations. Shiwalik, or the Outer Himalaya, is the southernmost and lowest range; it contains relatively unconsolidated sediments and is associated with depositional foothill features. A gives the most balanced comparison of position, height and structure. B is wrong because Himadri is not the outer range, Himachal is not a marine range, and Shiwalik is not called the Great Himalaya. C is wrong because the ranges differ clearly in height, location, rock structure and relief. D is wrong because these are mainland mountain ranges, not islands in the Bay of Bengal. Memory cue: north to south, think high Himadri, middle Himachal, outer Shiwalik.