Siwalick is a term used to describe a geological formation in India and Pakistan. The word is pronounced as /sɪˈwɔːlɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word is derived from the name of the Siwalik Hills, which is where the formation is located. The word is frequently misspelled as "Shiwalik" or "Shivalik". However, the correct spelling is "Siwalick". It is important to maintain proper spelling to avoid confusion and maintain accurate communication in geological research and discussions.
Siwalick is an adjective that refers to a geographical feature or a geological formation. It specifically pertains to the Siwalik Hills, also known as the Outer Himalayas, which are located at the southern base of the Himalayas in northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The term "Siwalick" is also used as a noun to describe the rocks and sediments found in this region.
The Siwalick Hills are characterized by a series of parallel ridges and valleys that run parallel to the main axis of the Himalayas. These hills are composed of a variety of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, shale, and conglomerate, dating back to the Miocene and Pliocene epochs. The Siwalick formation is known for its rich fossil record, which includes remains of prehistoric animals like elephants, horses, and primates, offering valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the region.
The term "Siwalick" is commonly used in the fields of geology, paleontology, and physical geography to describe similar formations or deposits found in other parts of the world that bear resemblance to the Siwalik Hills. These deposits often contain significant fossil records and play a crucial role in studying the geological history and paleoenvironments of the areas in which they occur.
In summary, Siwalick refers to the geological formations, rocks, and sediments that make up the Siwalik Hills in the southern base of the Himalayas, known for their rich fossil record and significance in understanding the region's past.
A name applied to a range of minor mountains skirting the southern base of the Himalayas.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Siwalick" is derived from the Siwalik Hills, a mountain range located in South Asia, specifically in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. The term "Siwalik" comes from the Sanskrit word "śivalikā", which means "Shivering" or "Quivering". This name is believed to be attributed to the seismic activity in the region, as it experiences numerous earthquakes, shaking the land.