Geography of Arunachal Pradesh#Climatic conditions
{{Short description|None}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox place geography
|name=Arunachal Pradesh
|image=Arunachal Pradesh topo map.png
|region=Northeast India
|km area=83,743{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 1, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 24}}
|percent water=1.91
|borders=Bhutan, China, Burma, Assam, Nagaland
|highest point=Kangto, {{Convert|7060|m|ft}}
|lowest point=~{{Convert|50|m|ft}}{{Sfnp|AP State Action Plan|2011|pp=12}}
|natural resources=Hydro-power
Forest cover: 79.63% (2019){{sfnp|ISFR Vol 1, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 24}}
- Very Dense Forest = 25%
- Mod. Dense Forest = 36%
- Open Forest = 18%
}}
File:Boleng AirView1.jpg, Siang district]]
Arunachal Pradesh is primarily a hilly tract nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in northeast India. It is spread over an area of {{convert|83743|sqkm|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|others=Hosted by: G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development. Sponsored by: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt of India|title=Arunachal Pradesh: Physiography, At a glance|url=http://gbpihedenvis.nic.in/Arunachal_glance.html|access-date=2021-06-23|website=gbpihedenvis.nic.in|publisher=ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology}} 98% of the geographical area is land out of which 80% is forest cover;{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 1, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 24}} 2% is water.{{sfnp|Space Applications Centre, ISRO|2009|loc=pg. 19}} River systems in the region, including those from the higher Himalayas and Patkoi and Arakan Ranges, eventually drain into the Brahmaputra River.{{Sfn|Sharma|Shukla|1992|p=6–7}}
Elevation ranges from mountains that are above {{Convert|7000|m|feet}},{{Sfn|Singh|2005|p=5}} to the towns in the plains with an elevation of less than {{Convert|300|m|feet}}.{{sfnp|State Profile of Arunachal Pradesh, Branch MSME Itanagar|2013|loc=pg. 41}} Arunachal shares international borders with Bhutan, Tibet (China) and Burma (Myanmar). Internally, Arunachal borders the states of Assam and Nagaland. Arunachal is called the "orchid state of India"{{Cite web|date=26 June 2018|title=4 Reasons Why Arunachal Pradesh is a Natural Wonderland|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/68025/4-reasons-arunachal-pradesh-natural-wonderland|access-date=2021-06-23|website=Outlook India Traveller|language=en|quote=We may as well call Arunachal a flowery paradise. Arunachal is also called Orchid State of India}}{{Cite web|date=2020-12-03|title=Launching IUCN Red-listing Process for Orchids in Arunachal Pradesh, India|url=https://www.iucn.org/news/india/202012/launching-iucn-red-listing-process-orchids-arunachal-pradesh-india|access-date=2021-06-23|website=IUCN|language=en|quote=The biodiversity rich North-East States in India are endowed with over 870 species in 159 genera constituting over 73% of the total Orchid species reported from India. Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number of orchid species (around 622 species) reported from the state. Arunachal Pradesh has also been termed as ‘Orchid Paradise of India’ because of the maximum concentration of orchid species (about 40% of the country) in the State.}} and "dawn-lit mountain/Land of Dawn/Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains".{{Cite book|last=Bolingbroke-Kent|first=Antonia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AvIZDQAAQBAJ|title=Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains|date=2017-06-15|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-4711-5657-1|language=en}}{{sfnp|Arunachal Pradesh: Human Development Report|2005|loc=pg. 3}}
Area and borders
Arunachal Pradesh is located in northeast India, bordering Bhutan, Tibet (China) and Myanmar internationally.{{Cite web|title=Border Area Development Programme in Arunachal Pradesh|url=http://arunachalplan.gov.in/html/docs/7_Status_of_BADP.pdf|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Department of Planning, Government of Arunachal Pradesh|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731123355/http://arunachalplan.gov.in/html/docs/7_Status_of_BADP.pdf|url-status=dead}} The border with Bhutan is {{convert|160|km|abbr=on}}, the China border is {{convert|1080|km|abbr=on}}, and the Myanmar border is {{convert|440|km|abbr=on}}. Internal borders includes the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border {{convert|804.1|km|abbr=on}},{{Cite web|title=Boundaries of Assam. Inter-State Border Areas.|url=https://dbpd.assam.gov.in/portlets/boundaries-of-assam|access-date=31 July 2021|website=Directorate Of Border Protection And Development, Border Protection And Development, Government Of Assam|quote=Length of Inter-state Boundary (Source–SOI) ... [...] Assam-Arunachal Pradesh – 804.1 Km}} while the border with Nagaland is {{convert|55|km|abbr=on}}.
The territory covers {{convert|83743|sqkm|abbr=on}}. 98% of the geographical area is land.{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 1, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 24}} Most of this land state is hilly terrain, with flat land covering about {{convert|4450|sqkm|abbr=on}}. Water covers 2% of the area.{{sfnp|Space Applications Centre, ISRO|2009|loc=pg. 19}} It is the 14th largest among the states and union territories of India by area.{{cite web|title=Area of Indian states|url=http://www.ap.gov.in/Other_Docs/COMPARATIVE_STATISTICS_(STATES).pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126011218/http://www.ap.gov.in/Other_Docs/COMPARATIVE_STATISTICS_(STATES).pdf|archive-date=26 November 2013|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|page=598}}
Physical geography
= Topography and relief =
Relief range varies between plains that are a few hundred meters in height and mountains above {{Convert|7000|m|feet}}.{{Sfn|Sharma|Shukla|1992|p=6-7}} The elevation of the towns of Naharlagun, Pasighat and Tezu in the south are 290 m, 155 m and 210 m respectively,{{sfnp|State Profile of Arunachal Pradesh, Branch MSME Itanagar|2013|loc=pg. 41}} while Kangto, Nyegi Kangsang and the Gorichen group of mountains are some of the highest peaks in this region of the Himalayas.{{Sfn|Sharma|Shukla|1992|p=7}} The southern borders of Arunachal Pradesh are encompassed by the Shivalik ranges which merge into plains.{{Sfn|Sharma|Shukla|1992|p=6-7}} The hills and mountains have associated features such as valleys and intermontane plateaus, that is plateaus between mountains.{{Sfn|Sharma|Shukla|1992|p=6-7}}
{{OSM Location map
| coord = {{coord|28.072|94.504}}
| zoom = 7
| width = 650
| height = 300
| float = right
| caption = Passes and mountains in Arunachal, or on or close to its borders.{{Cite map |author = OpenStreetMap contributors |author-link = OpenStreetMap |date = 4 July 2021 |map = Arunachal Pradesh |map-url = https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=7/27.411/93.208 |title = OpenStreetMap |access-date = 4 July 2021}}{{cite web |title=State Map of Arunachal Pradesh (1:750000; 2 centimeters= 15 kilometers) |url=https://surveyofindia.gov.in/files/Arunachal_Pradesh.pdf |publisher=Survey of India, Government of India |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421225911/http://surveyofindia.gov.in/files/Arunachal_Pradesh_1.pdf |archive-date=21 April 2015 |date=2013 |quote=Published under Dr Swarna Subba Rao, Surveyor General of India}}{{cite web |author1=Frank Ludlow |author1-link=Frank Ludlow |title=Eastern Himalaya 1940 |url=https://www.claudearpi.net/maps |website=claudearpi.net |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112005243/https://www.claudearpi.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1940-Eastern-Himalaya-by-Ludlow-from-HJ-v12-s.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2021 |quote=Map prepared by Frank Ludlow during his visit to NEFA}}*{{Citation|last=U.S. Army Map Service|title=NG 46-2 Towang. Tile of the Map India and Pakistan 1:250,000. Series U502|date=1955|url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Map_India_and_Pakistan_1-250,000_Tile_NG_46-2_Towang.jpg|access-date=2021-07-06|author-link=U.S. Army Map Service}}
- {{Citation|last=U.S. Army Map Service|title=NH 46-15 Kyimdong Dzong12. Tile of the Map India and Pakistan 1:250,000. Series U502|date=1955|url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Map_India_and_Pakistan_1-250,000_Tile_NH_46-15_Kyimdong_Dzong.jpg|access-date=2021-07-05}}
- {{Citation|last=U.S. Army Map Service|title=NH 46-12 Namcha Barwa. Tile of the Map China 1:250,000. Series L500|date=1954|url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Txu-oclc-10552568-nh46-12.jpg|access-date=2021-07-05}}
- {{Citation|last=U.S. Army Map Service|title=NH 47-9 Su-Tun. Tile of the Map China 1:250,000. Series L500|date=1954|url=http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/china/txu-oclc-10552568-nh47-9.jpg|access-date=2021-07-05}}
- {{Citation|last=U.S. Army Map Service|title=NH 47-13 Li-Ma. Tile of the Map China 1:250,000. Series L500|date=1954|url=http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/china/txu-oclc-10552568-nh47-13.jpg|access-date=2021-07-05}}
- {{Citation|last=U.S. Army Map Service|title=NG 47-1 Putao. Tile of the Map Burma 1:250,000. Series U542|date=1955|url=http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/burma/txu-oclc-6924198-ng47-1.jpg|access-date=2021-07-05}}
- {{Citation|last=U.S. Army Map Service|title=NG 46-8 Sibsagar. Tile of the Map Burma 1:250,000. Series U542|date=1955|url=https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/burma/txu-oclc-6924198-ng46-8.jpg|access-date=2021-07-06}}
Legend：
5px{{color|blue|1}}: Gori Chen
5px{{color|blue|3}}: Bum La Pass
5px{{color|blue|4}}: Yonggyap La
5px{{color|blue|5}}: Nyegyi Kansang
5px{{color|blue|6}}: Diphu Pass
5px{{color|blue|7}}: Sela Pass
5px{{color|blue|8}}: Dzo La
5px{{color|blue|9}}: Chubumbu La
5px{{color|blue|10}}: Gyoa La
5px{{color|blue|11}}: Lo La
5px{{color|blue|12}}: Shagam La
5px{{color|blue|13}}: Tama La
5px{{color|blue|14}}: Tapgyu La
5px{{color|blue|15}}: Chupung La
5px{{color|blue|16}}: Kashong La
5px{{color|blue|17}}: Andra La
5px{{color|blue|18}}: Zhabu La
5px{{color|blue|19}}: Kaya La
5px{{color|blue|20}}: Pangsau Pass
5px{{color|blue|21}}: Kumjawng Pass
5px{{color|blue|22}}: Chaukan Pass
5px{{color|blue|23}}: Hpungan Pass
5px{{color|blue|24}}: Dafla Range High Point
5px{{color|blue|25}}: Dapha Bum
5px{{color|blue|26}}: Pakhain Range High Point
5px{{color|blue|27}}: Tulung La
5px{{color|blue|28}}: Chumo
5px{{color|blue|29}}: Lusha Pass
5px{{color|blue|30}}: Kangri Karpo La
5px{{color|blue|31}}: Adjamkho La
5px{{color|blue|32}}: Tsang Khang La
5px{{color|blue|33}}: Glei Dakhru
5px{{color|blue|34}}: Mayodia Pass
5px{{color|blue|35}}: Kepang La
5px{{color|blue|36}}: Siang Pass
5px{{color|blue|37}}: Aguia La
5px{{color|blue|38}}: Hadigra Dakhru
5px{{color|blue|39}}: Milakatong La
5px{{color|blue|40}}: Chera La
5px{{color|blue|41}}: Tse La
5px{{color|blue|42}}: Poshing La
5px{{color|blue|43}}: Shoka La
5px{{color|blue|44}}: Tunga La
5px{{color|blue|45}}: Vorjing Peak
5px{{color|blue|46}}: Lamdo La
5px{{color|blue|47}}: Tsangdhar
| fullscreen-option =
| label-sizeD = 10
| label-colorD = blue
| mark-sizeD = 5
| label = 1
| mark-coord = {{coord|27.79515|92.387707}}
| label-pos = top
| mark-title = Gori Chen
| mark-image =
| mark-description = Gori Chen
| label-size = 9
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|27.865|92.5325}}
| mark-title1 = Kangto
| mark-description1 = Kangto
| label1 = 2
| label-pos1 = bottom
| label-size1 = 9
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|27.7232796|91.8915823}}
| mark-title2 = Bum La
| mark-description2 = Bum La
| label2 = 3
| label-pos2 = left
| label-size2 = 9
| mark-coord3 = {{coord| 29.2155392|95.7042680}}
| mark-title3 = Yonggyap La
| mark-description3 = Yonggyap La
| label3 = 4
| label-pos3 = right
| label-size3 = 9
| mark-coord4 = {{coord|27.936667|92.666667}}
| mark-title4 = Nyegyi Kansang
| mark-description4 = Nyegyi Kansang
| label4 = 5
| label-pos4 = right
| label-size4 = 9
| mark-coord5 = {{coord|28.15|97.333333}}
| mark-title5 = Diphu Pass
| mark-description5 = Diphu Pass
| label5 = 6
| label-pos5 = right
| label-size5 = 9
| mark-coord6 = {{coord|27.504808|92.104698}}
| mark-title6 = Sela Pass
| mark-description6 = Sela Pass
| label6 = 7
| label-pos6 = right
| label-size6 = 9
| mark-coord7 = {{coord|28.6886973|93.5009888}}
| mark-title7 = Dzo La
| mark-description7 = Dzo La
| label7 = 8
| label-pos7 = left
| label-size7 = 9
| mark-coord8 = {{coord| 28.6793846|93.6624820}}
| mark-title8 = Chubumbu La
| mark-description8 = Chubumbu La
| label8 = 9
| label-pos8 = top
| label-size8 = 9
| mark-coord9 = {{coord| 28.7193768|93.7768052}}
| mark-title9 = Gyoa La
| mark-description9 = Gyoa La
| label9 = 10
| label-pos9 = top
| label-size9 = 9
| mark-coord10 = {{coord| 28.7497379|93.8176587}}
| mark-title10 = Lo La
| mark-description10 = Lo La
| label10 = 11
| label-pos10 = bottom
| label-size10 = 9
| mark-coord11 = {{coord|28.5905124|93.2462130}}
| mark-title11 = Shagam La
| mark-description11 = Shagam La
| label11= 12
| label-pos11 = right
| label-size11 = 9
| mark-coord12 = {{coord|28.5602022|93.2146506}}
| mark-title12 = Tama La
| mark-description12 = Tama La
| label12= 13
| label-pos12 = left
| label-size12 = 9
| mark-coord13 = {{coord|28.5022976|93.1808365}}
| mark-title13 = Tapgyu La
| mark-description13 = Tapgyu La
| label13= 14
| label-pos13 = right
| label-size13 = 9
| mark-coord14 = {{coord|28.3139044|93.0667345}}
| mark-title14 = Chupung La
| mark-description14 = Chupung La
| label14= 15
| label-pos14 = right
| label-size14 = 9
| mark-coord15 = {{coord|28.2985556|93.0191791}}
| mark-title15 = Kashong La
| mark-description15 = Kashong La
| label15= 16
| label-pos15 = top
| label-size15 = 9
| mark-coord16 = {{coord|29.1856604|95.5647377}}
| mark-title16 = Andra La
| mark-description16 = Andra La
| label16= 17
| label-pos16 = bottom
| label-size16 = 9
| mark-coord17 = {{coord|29.1918097|95.4404433}}
| mark-title17 = Zhabu La
| mark-description17 = Zhabu La
| label17=18
| label-pos17 = top
| label-size17 = 9
| mark-coord18 = {{coord|28.8069256|96.5797805}}
| mark-title18 = Kaya la
| mark-description18 = Kaya la
| label18=19
| label-pos18 = left
| label-size18 = 9
| mark-coord19 = {{coord|27.2476893|96.1544252}}
| mark-title19 = Pangsau Pass
| mark-description19 = Pangsau Pass
| label19=20
| label-pos19 = top
| label-size19 = 9
| mark-coord20 = {{coord|27.8011130|97.1425208}}
| mark-title20 = Kumjawng Pass
| mark-description20 =Kumjawng Pass
| label20=21
| label-pos20 = top
| label-size20 = 9
| mark-coord21 = {{coord|27.1178629|97.1746370}}
| mark-title21 = Chaukan Pass
| mark-description21 =Chaukan Pass
| label21=22
| label-pos21 = right
| label-size21 = 9
| mark-coord22 = {{coord|27.4690910|96.9289169}}
| mark-title22 = Hpungan Pass
| mark-description22 =Hpungan Pass
| label22=23
| label-pos22 = left
| label-size22 = 9
| mark-coord23 = {{coord|27.5544165|93.3298928}}
| mark-title23 = Dafla Range High Point
| mark-description23 =Dafla Range High Point
| label23=24
| label-pos23 = right
| label-size23 = 9
| mark-coord24 = {{coord|27.6608317|96.6824904}}
| mark-title24 = Dapha Bum
| mark-description24 =Dapha Bum
| label24=25
| label-pos24 = right
| label-size24 = 9
| mark-coord25 = {{coord|26.816|95.523}}
| mark-title25 = Pakhain Range High Point
| mark-description25 =Pakhain Range High Point
| label25=26
| label-pos25 = top
| label-size25= 9
| mark-coord26 = {{coord|27.8858164|92.2689598}}
| mark-title26 = Tulung La
| mark-description26 =Tulung La
| label26=27
| label-pos26 = left
| label-size26= 9
| mark-coord27 = {{coord|27.909963|92.62562}}
| mark-title27 = Chumo
| mark-description27 =Chumo
| label27=28
| label-pos27 = bottom
| label-size27= 9
| mark-coord28 = {{coord|29.3033160|94.6535682}}
| mark-title28 = Lusha Pass
| mark-description28 =Lusha Pass
| label28=29
| label-pos28 = left
| label-size28= 9
| mark-coord29 = {{coord|29.1053062|95.2214729}}
| mark-title29 = Kangri Karpo La
| mark-description29 =Kangri Karpo La
| label29=30
| label-pos29 = bottom
| label-size29= 9
| mark-coord30 = {{coord|29.3428280|96.1388682}}
| mark-title30 = Adjamkho La
| mark-description30 =Adjamkho La
| label30=31
| label-pos30 = right
| label-size30= 9
| mark-coord31 = {{coord|29.1703746|96.3183402}}
| mark-title31 = Tsang Khang La
| mark-description31 =Tsang Khang La
| label31=32
| label-pos31 = top
| label-size31= 9
| mark-coord32 = {{coord|28.4927375|96.8393970}}
| mark-title32 = Glai-takru Pass
| mark-description32 =Glai-takru Pass
| label32=33
| label-pos32 = right
| label-size32= 9
| mark-coord33 = {{coord|26.89746643|92.16775821}}
| mark-title33 = 275m
| mark-description33 =275m
| label33=275m
| label-pos33 = right
| label-size33= 9
| mark-size33 = 0
| label-color33 = black
| mark-coord34 = {{coord|26.95956248|92.30313136}}
| mark-title34 = 580m
| mark-description34 =580m
| label34=580m
| label-pos34 = right
| label-size34= 9
| mark-size34 = 0
| label-color34 = black
| mark-coord35 = {{coord|28.233611|95.91}}
| mark-title35 = Mayodia Pass
| mark-description35 =Mayodia Pass
| label35=34
| label-pos35 = right
| label-size35= 9
| mark-coord36 = {{coord|29.1530720|94.9780626}}
| mark-title36 = Kepang La
| mark-description36 =Kepang La
| label36=35
| label-pos36 = bottom
| label-size36= 9
| mark-coord37 = {{coord|29.1307154|95.0988277}}
| mark-title37 = Siang Pass
| mark-description37 =Siang Pass
| label37=36
| label-pos37 = top
| label-size37= 9
| mark-coord38 = {{coord|29.1865451|96.3021881}}
| mark-title38 = Aguia La
| mark-description38 =Aguia La
| label38=37
| label-pos38 = right
| label-size38= 9
| mark-coord39 = {{coord|28.5582125|96.7567124}}
| mark-title39 = Hadigra Dakhru
| mark-description39 =Hadigra Dakhru
| label39=38
| label-pos39 = right
| label-size39= 9
| mark-coord40 = {{coord|27.6969291|91.9584630}}
| mark-title40 = Milakatong La
| mark-description40 =Milakatong La
| label40=39
| label-pos40 = bottom
| label-size40= 9
| mark-coord41 = {{coord|27.676600|92.228122}}
| mark-title41 = Chera La
| mark-description41 =Chera La
| label41=40
| label-pos41 = top
| label-size41= 9
| mark-coord42 = {{coord|27.653750|92.367444}}
| mark-title42 = Tse La
| mark-description42 =Tse La
| label42=41
| label-pos42 = right
| label-size42= 9
| mark-coord43 = {{coord|27.551083|92.372592}}
| mark-title43 = Poshing La
| mark-description43 =Poshing La
| label43=42
| label-pos43 = right
| label-size43= 9
| mark-coord44 = {{coord|29.1279214|94.2617033}}
| mark-title44 = Shoka La
| mark-description44 =Shoka La
| label44=43
| label-pos44 = left
| label-size44= 9
| mark-coord45 = {{coord|28.9672122|94.2316807}}
| mark-title45 = Tunga Pass
| mark-description45 =Tunga Pass
| label45=44
| label-pos45 = left
| label-size45= 9
| mark-coord46 = {{coord|28.5254541|94.1004861}}
| mark-title46 = Vorjing Peak
| mark-description46 =Vorjing Peak
| label46=45
| label-pos46 = left
| label-size46= 9
| mark-coord47 = {{coord|29.2347497|94.5502820}}
| mark-title47 = Lamdo La
| mark-description47 =Lamdo La, Lamba La
| label47=46
| label-pos47 = left
| label-size47= 9
| mark-coord48 = {{coord|27.8070063|91.6435675}}
| mark-title48 = Tsangdhar
| mark-description48 =Tsangdhar
| label48=47
| label-pos48 = left
| label-size48= 9
}}
File:Sunrise in the Himalayas (11096205714).jpg group]]
Parts of the Lohit district, Changlang district and Tirap district are covered by the Patkai hills. The hills extend towards Nagaland, and form a natural boundary between India and Burma.{{Cite book|date=1980|orig-year=|editor-last=Choudhury|editor-first=S. Dutta|title=Tirap District, Arunachal Pradesh, Gazetteer of India.|url=https://www.arunachalpradesh.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tirap-District-Gazetteer.pdf|access-date=1 August 2021|website=Government of Arunachal Pradesh|publisher=R.N. Bagchi, Director of Information and Public Relations, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Shillong|pages=3, 226|isbn=9788190658713}}{{Cite web|date=April 2017|title=North East India: People, History and Culture|url=https://ncert.nic.in/pdf/publication/otherpublications/tinei101.pdf|access-date=1 August 2021|website=National Council of Educational Research and Training|page=10}}
Namcha Barwa Himal range extends into India up to Siyom River.{{Cite journal|last=Carter|first=H. Adams|date=1985|title=Classification of the Himalaya|url=https://c498469.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/1985/109_carter_himalaya_aaj1985.pdf|journal=American Alpine Journal|pages=111|access-date=1 August 2021}}
Major hills found in this region include:{{Sfn|Sharma|Shukla|1992|p=6}}
- Aka Hills
- Daphla Hills
- Miri Hills
- Abor Hills
- Mishmi Hills
- Patkai Hills
{{OSM Location map
| coord = {{coord|28.072|94.504}}
| zoom = 7
| width = 650
| height = 300
| float = center
| caption = Hills{{Cite journal|date=2020-02-01|title=A composite rupture model for the great 1950 Assam earthquake across the cusp of the East Himalayan Syntaxis|journal=Earth and Planetary Science Letters|language=en|volume=531|at=Figure 1, 2 and 3|doi=10.1016/j.epsl.2019.115928|issn=0012-821X|last1=Coudurier-Curveur|first1=A.|last2=Tapponnier|first2=P.|last3=Okal|first3=E.|last4=Van Der Woerd|first4=J.|last5=Kali|first5=E.|last6=Choudhury|first6=S.|last7=Baruah|first7=S.|last8=Etchebes|first8=M.|last9=Karakaş|first9=Ç.|bibcode=2020E&PSL.53115928C|s2cid=210142365|doi-access=free|hdl=10356/136999|hdl-access=free}}Páll-Gergely, Barna & Fehér, Zoltán & Hunyadi, András & Asami, Takahiro. (2015). Revision of the genus Pseudopomatias and its relatives (Gastropoda: Cyclophoroidea: Pupinidae). pp. 8. Zootaxa. 3937. 1-49. 10.11646/zootaxa.3937.1.1. and altitudes of selected towns in the state.{{sfnp|State Profile of Arunachal Pradesh, Branch MSME Itanagar|2013|loc=pg. 41}}
| fullscreen-option = no
| label-sizeD = 10
| label-colorD = blue
| mark-sizeD = 5
| label = Mishmi Hills
| mark-coord = {{coord|28.7327|95.9742}}
| label-pos = right
| mark-size = 0
| mark-title = Mishmi Hills
| mark-image =
| mark-description = Mishmi Hills
| label-size = 14
|label-color = green
|label-angle = 45
| label1 = Arbor Hills
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|28.5423|94.8457}}
| label-pos1 = right
| mark-size1 = 0
| mark-title1 = Arbor Hills
| mark-image1 =
| mark-description1 = Arbor Hills
| label-size1 = 14
|label-color1 = green
|label-angle1 = 25
| label2 = Miri Hills
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|28.4356|94.0479}}
| label-pos2 = right
| mark-size2 = 0
| mark-title2 = Miri Hills
| mark-image2 =
| mark-description2 = Miri Hills
| label-size2 = 14
|label-color2 = green
|label-angle2 = 25
| label3 = Dafla Hills
| mark-coord3 = {{coord|27.8007|93.0302}}
| label-pos3 = right
| mark-size3 = 0
| mark-title3 = Dafla Hills
| mark-image3 =
| mark-description3 = Dafla Hills
| label-size3 = 14
|label-color3 = green
|label-angle3 = 25
| label4 = Patkai Bum
| mark-coord4 = {{coord|27.2094|95.8464}}
| label-pos4 = right
| mark-size4 = 0
| mark-title4 = Patkai Bum
| mark-image4 =
| mark-description4 = Patkai Bum
| label-size4 = 14
|label-color4 = green
|label-angle4 = -20
| label5 = Naga Hills
| mark-coord5 = {{coord|26.9146|95.0060}}
| label-pos5 = right
| mark-size5 = 0
| mark-title5 = Naga Hills
| mark-image5 =
| mark-description5 = Naga Hills
| label-size5 = 12
|label-color5 = green
|label-angle5 = -20
| mark-coord6 = {{coord|27.5879186|91.8637330}}
| mark-title6 = Tawang
| mark-description6 =Tawang
| mark-size6 = 0
| labela6=Tawang
| labelb6=3025m
| label-pos6 = top
| label-size6= 9
| label-color6 = grey
| label-angle6 = 0
| label-offset-y6=10
| mark-coord7 = {{coord|27.566389|93.831389}}
| mark-title7 = Ziro
| mark-description7 =Ziro
| mark-size7 = 0
| labela7=Ziro
| labelb7=1572m
| label-pos7 = top
| label-size7= 9
| label-color7 = grey
| label-angle7 = 0
| label-offset-y7=10
| mark-coord8 = {{coord|27.35|93.045556}}
| mark-title8 = Seppa
| mark-description8 =Seppa
| mark-size8 = 0
| labela8=Seppa
| labelb8=363m
| label-pos8 = top
| label-size8= 9
| label-color8 = grey
| label-angle8 = 0
| label-offset-y8=10
| mark-coord9 = {{coord|27.103029|93.700848}}
| mark-title9 = Naharlagun
| mark-description9 =Naharlagun
| mark-size9 = 0
| labela9=Naharlagun
| labelb9=290m
| label-pos9 = top
| label-size9= 9
| label-color9 =grey
| label-angle9 = 0
| label-offset-y9=10
| mark-coord10 = {{coord|27.916667|93.35}}
| mark-title10 = Koloriang
| mark-description10 =Koloriang
| mark-size10 = 0
| labela10=Koloriang
| labelb10=1004m
| label-pos10 = top
| label-size10= 9
| label-color10 = grey
| label-angle10 = 0
| label-offset-y10=10
| mark-coord11 = {{coord|27.986111|94.220833}}
| mark-title11 = Daporijo
| mark-description11 =Daporijo
| mark-size11 = 0
| labela11=Daporijo
| labelb11=500m
| label-pos11 = top
| label-size11= 9
| label-color11 = grey
| label-angle11 = 0
| label-offset-y11=10
| mark-coord12 = {{coord|28.17|94.77}}
| mark-title12 = Aalo
| mark-description12 =Aalo
| mark-size12 = 0
| labela12=Aalo
| labelb12=300m
| label-pos12 = top
| label-size12= 9
| label-color12 = grey
| label-angle12 = 0
| label-offset-y12=10
| mark-coord13 = {{coord|28.07|95.33}}
| mark-title13 = Pasighat
| mark-description13 =Pasighat
| mark-size13 = 0
| labela13=Pasighat
| labelb13=155m
| label-pos13 = top
| label-size13= 9
| label-color13 = grey
| label-angle13 = 0
| label-offset-y13=10
| mark-coord14 = {{coord|28.61037|95.047531}}
| mark-title14 = Yingkiong
| mark-description14 =Yingkiong
| mark-size14 = 0
| labela14=Yingkiong
| labelb14=500m
| label-pos14 = top
| label-size14= 9
| label-color14 = grey
| label-angle14 = 0
| label-offset-y14=10
| mark-coord15 = {{coord|28.798056|95.903611}}
| mark-title15 = Anini
| mark-description15 =Anini
| mark-size15 = 0
| labela15=Anini
| labelb15=1968m
| label-pos15 = top
| label-size15= 9
| label-color15 = grey
| label-angle15 = 0
| label-offset-y15=10
| mark-coord16 = {{coord|28.142778|95.842778}}
| mark-title16 =Roing
| mark-description16 =Roing
| mark-size16 = 0
| labela16=Roing
| labelb16=390m
| label-pos16 = top
| label-size16= 9
| label-color16 = grey
| label-angle16 = 0
| label-offset-y16=10
| mark-coord17 = {{coord|27.92|96.17}}
| mark-title17 = Tezu
| mark-description17 =Tezu
| mark-size17 = 0
| labela17=Tezu
| labelb17=210m
| label-pos17 = top
| label-size17= 9
| label-color17 = grey
| label-angle17 = 0
| label-offset-y17=10
| mark-coord18 = {{coord|28.062885|96.548023}}
| mark-title18 = Hayuliang
| mark-description18 =Hayuliang
| mark-size18 = 0
| labela18=Hayuliang
| labelb18=750m
| label-pos18 = top
| label-size18= 9
| label-color18 = grey
| label-angle18 = 0
| label-offset-y18=10
| mark-coord19 = {{coord|27.12|95.71}}
| mark-title19 = Changlang
| mark-description19 =Changlang
| mark-size19= 0
| labela19=Changlang
| labelb19=580m
| label-pos19 = top
| label-size19= 9
| label-color19 = grey
| label-angle19 = 0
| label-offset-y19=10
| mark-coord20 = {{coord|27.02|95.57}}
| mark-title20 = Khonsa
| mark-description20 =Khonsa
| mark-size20 = 0
| labela20=Khonsa
| labelb20=1278m
| label-pos20 = top
| label-size20= 9
| label-color20 = grey
| label-angle20 = 0
| label-offset-y20=20
| mark-coord21 = {{coord|27.25|92.4}}
| mark-title21 = Bomdila
| mark-description21 =Bomdila
| mark-size21 = 0
| labela21=Bomdila
| labelb21=2415m
| label-pos21 = top
| label-size21= 9
| label-color21 = grey
| label-angle21 = 0
| label-offset-y21=20
}}
= Drainage and river systems =
Water/wetland cover is {{Convert|154609|ha|km2}} or 1.91% of the total area.{{sfnp|Space Applications Centre, ISRO|2009|loc=pg. 19}} Out of this, 86% of wetlands are rivers.{{sfnp|Space Applications Centre, ISRO|2009|loc=pg. 19}} Lohit district and Dibang Valley district have the highest number of wetlands in the state.{{sfnp|Space Applications Centre, ISRO|2009|loc=pg. 19}} File:Lohit river, Arunachal Pradesh, India.jpg]]
The major river systems are (from west to east clockwise):{{Sfn|Singh|2005|p=6}}{{Sfn|Sharma|Shukla|1992|p=8–10}}
All of these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and numerous rivers and rivulets and eventually flow into Siang/Brahmaputra. Abrasion by the rivers which flow through the mountains has created a broad valley, which is a major feature of the geography of the state.
File:River Siyom, Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh.jpg]]
Other rivers include Tawang Chu, Dikrong, Ranga, Kamala/Kamla, Kamplang, Siyum, Dihing/ Noadihing and Tirap.{{Sfn|Singh|Abujam|Das|2019|p=1}} File:Arunachal rivers and basins.jpg
File:Kameng River Basin.png|Kameng River Basin
File:Subansiri River Basin.jpg|Subansiri River basin
File:Dibang River Basin.png|Dibang River basin
File:Lohit River Basin.png|Lohit River basin
Biodiversity
= Eco-regions and forest types =
Arunachal consists of a number of eco-regions. At the lowest elevations, at Arunachal Pradesh's border with Assam, are the Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests. Much of the state, including the Himalayan foothills and the Patkai hills, are home to Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests. Towards the northern border with Tibet, with increasing elevation, come a mixture of Eastern and Northeastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests followed by Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
File:Ecoregion IM0401.png|Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests
File:Ecoregion IM0501.png|Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests
File:Ecoregion PA0514.png|Northeastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests
File:Ecoregion IM0105.svg|Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests
File:Ecoregion PA1003.png|Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows
Climatically, the forests can be categorised as Tropical forests, subtropical forests, temperate forest, subalpine coniferous forest, alpine and secondary forests.{{Cite journal|last1=Bharali|first1=Sanjeeb|last2=Khan|first2=Mohamed Latif|date=2011|title=Climate change and its impact on biodiversity; some management options for mitigation in Arunachal Pradesh|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24079121|journal=Current Science|volume=101|issue=7|pages=855–860|jstor=24079121|issn=0011-3891}}{{cite web|title=Arunachal Pradesh Geography|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/arunachal-pradesh/geography.html|work=mapsofindia.com|accessdate=16 May 2015}} At the lowest elevations, densely forested areas are seen with the trees ranging from seasonal tropical forest to broadleaf and semi-alpine coniferous forests. Alpine shrubs and meadows follow, ultimately leading to ice-clad peaks.
The Forest Research Institute of India's India State of Forest Report 2019 lists area under different forest types in the state.{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 18}} The major forest types as a percentage of the forest cover area are:
- East Himalayan Sub-Tropical Wet Hill Forest = 24.35%{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 18}}
- East Himalayan Wet Temperate Forest = 22.92%{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 18}}
- East Himalayan Sub-Alpine Birch/Fir Forest = 13.46%{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 18}}
- Alpine Pastures = 6.73%{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 18}}
- Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial Semi-Evergreen Forest = 6.60%{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 18}}
- Others = Remaining{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 18}}
Forest cover varies from 54% in Tawang district to 92% in Papum Pare district.{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 15}} There are 110 species of trees.{{sfnp|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019|loc=pg. 18}}
Protected areas include the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park, and 11 wildlife sanctuaries and reserves including elephant reserves, tiger reserves and an orchid sanctuary,{{efn|D'Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kameng Elephant Reserve, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakke Tiger Reserve, Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and Sessa Orchid Sanctuary}} covering about 12% of the geographical area of the state.{{Cite web|last=Rina|first=Tongam|date=31 December 2019|title=Arunachal registers decline in forest cover for second year in a row|url=https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2019/12/31/arunachal-registers-decline-in-forest-cover-for-second-year-in-a-row/|access-date=2021-07-05|website=The Arunachal Times}}
= Flora and fauna =
Flora and fauna in the state includes over 4000 species of flowering plants,{{sfnp|Zoological Survey of India|2006|loc=pg. 6}} 600 bird species, 200 fish species,{{Sfn|Singh|Abujam|Das|2019|p=2}} 42 amphibian species, 85 terrestrial mammals and a wide number of insects, butterflies and reptiles.{{cite web|title=Arunachal Pradesh at a Glance|url=http://arunachalpradesh.gov.in/rural/html/glance.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102013421/http://arunachalpradesh.gov.in:80/rural/html/glance.htm|archive-date=2 January 2017|work=arunachalpradesh.gov.in|accessdate=16 May 2015}} Orchids, fern, bamboo, cane, rhododendrons, oak, hedychiums, and various medicinal plants form a diverse range of the state's green cover. Among the crops grow are rice,nigros , maize, millet, wheat, pulses, sugarcane, ginger, and oilseeds. Arunachal is also ideal for horticulture and fruit orchards. Its major industries are rice mills, fruit preservation and processing units, and handloom handicrafts Apart from them, the forests of Arunachal are also home to a large number of people belonging to the different tribes. These tribal people, aloof from urbanization, dwell in these forests where the various forest-based products form a part of their livelihood. Right from the south of the state where the altitude is low we get to see a variety of trees like teak, sal, gutjan, more.
File:Strobilanthus, Namdapha.jpg|The Strobilanthus flower at the Namdapha National Park
File:Austen's Brown Hornbill.jpg|Hornbills at the Namdapha National Park
File:Male Azure saphire in Arunachal Pradesh AJTJ.jpg|Male azure sapphire
File:Renanthera imschootiana Rolfe, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1891 200 (1891) (40297843010).jpg|Renanthera imschootiana
File:Eaglenest-forests.jpg|View of Eaglenest forest canopy
Climatic conditions
File:Sela lake,Arunachal Pradesh.jpg
As per the Köppen–Geiger climate classification system, the most prevalent climate types in the state are humid subtropical climate and monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate.{{Cite web|title=Climate Arunachal Pradesh: Temperature, climate graph|url=https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/arunachal-pradesh-783/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=en.climate-data.org}} Other climates include subtropical highland climate, monsoon-influenced warm-summer humid continental climate and monsoon-influenced subarctic climate.
The regions in the lower belts of the state experience hot and humid climates, with a maximum temperature in the foothills reaching up to 40 °C (during the summer). The average temperature in this region in winter ranges from 15° to 21 °C while that during the monsoon season remains between 22° and 30 °C.{{Sfn|Mizuno|Tenpa|2015|p=3}}{{Cite web|title=Par Monthly Climate Averages, Arunachal Pradesh, IN|url=https://www.worldweatheronline.com/par-weather/arunachal-pradesh/in.aspx|access-date=2021-06-23|website=WorldWeatherOnline.com}}{{Cite web|title=Arunachal Pradesh|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/search/search.php3?query=Arunachal+Pradesh|access-date=2021-06-23|website=Weatherbase}}
Arunachal Pradesh experiences heavy rainfall during May to September. The average rainfall recorded in Arunachal Pradesh is 300 centimeters, varying between 80 centimeters and 450 centimeters.{{Sfn|Sharma|Shukla|1992|p=12}}
Human geography
= Demographics =
{{Main|Demographics of Arunachal Pradesh}}
= Administrative divisions =
{{Main|List of districts of Arunachal Pradesh|List of constituencies of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly}}
{{Arunachal Pradesh districts}}
See also
References
;Notes
{{notelist}}
;References
{{Reflist}}
Bibliography
;Books
- {{Cite book|last1=Sharma|first1=N.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4LZN5ewzQ8AC|title=Geography and Development of Hill Areas: A Case Study of Arunachal Pradesh|last2=Shukla|first2=Surya Pal|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=1992|isbn=9788170993834|via=Google Books}}
- {{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Ravi S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lMFaIKNBcwgC|title=Paths of Development in Arunachal Pradesh|publisher=Northern Book Centre|year=2005|isbn=9788172111830}}
- {{Cite book|last1=Mizuno|first1=Kazuharu|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K_bLCQAAQBAJ|title=Himalayan Nature and Tibetan Buddhist Culture in Arunachal Pradesh, India: A Study of Monpa|last2=Tenpa|first2=Lobsang|publisher=Springer|year=2015|isbn=9784431554929|via=Google Books}}
- {{Cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Achom Darshan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w4dqDwAAQBAJ|title=Biodiversity of Fishes in Arunachal Himalaya|last2=Abujam|first2=Santoshkumar|last3=Das|first3=D.N.|publisher=Academic Press, Elsevier|year=2019|isbn=978-0-12-815837-1}}
;Government
- {{Citation|title=India State of Forest Report 2019|url=https://fsi.nic.in/isfr19/vol1/chapter2.pdf|volume=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308032232/https://fsi.nic.in/isfr19/vol1/chapter2.pdf|edition=16|publisher=Forest Survey of India. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Government of India.|isbn=9788194101802|ref={{sfnref|ISFR Vol 1, Forest Survey of India|2019}}|archive-date=8 March 2021}}
- {{Citation|title=India State of Forest Report 2019|volume=2|edition=16|publisher=Forest Survey of India. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Government of India.|isbn=9788194101802|ref={{sfnref|ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India|2019}}|url=https://fsi.nic.in/isfr-volume-ii?pgID=isfr-volume-ii|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134335/https://fsi.nic.in/isfr19/vol2/isfr-2019-vol-ii-arunachal-pradesh.pdf|archive-date=4 July 2021|chapter=11.2 Arunachal Pradesh|chapter-url=https://fsi.nic.in/isfr19/vol2/isfr-2019-vol-ii-arunachal-pradesh.pdf}}
- {{Citation|title=National Wetland Atlas: Arunachal Pradesh|url=https://vedas.sac.gov.in/vedas/downloads/atlas/Wetlands/NWIA_ArunachalPradesh_Atlas.pdf|pages=98|postscript=. (This is a PDF Size:59.00MB)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728225903/http://www.moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/NWIA_ArunachalPradesh_Atlas.pdf|publisher=SAC/RESA/AFEG/NWIA/ATLAS/06/2009, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad, India|ref={{sfnref|Space Applications Centre, ISRO|2009}}|archive-date=28 July 2013}}
- {{Cite book|last=|url=http://faunaofindia.nic.in/PDFVolumes/sfs/054/index.pdf|title=Fauna of Arunachal Pradesh Part-1|work=State Fauna Series 13|publisher=Published by the Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata|year=2006|isbn=81-8171-086-X|editor-last=Director (Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata)|ref={{sfnref|Zoological Survey of India|2006}}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620204459/http://faunaofindia.nic.in/PDFVolumes/sfs/054/index.pdf|archive-date=20 June 2017}}
- {{Citation|title=Arunachal Pradesh State Action Plan on Climate Change. Consortium: INRM, IIMA, IISc.|date=March 2011|url=http://www.apclimatechange.in/Publication/publish_doc/Arunachal-Pradesh-SAPCC_-_AUGUST-2017.pdf|ref={{sfnref|AP State Action Plan|2011}}}}
- {{Citation|title=State Profile of Arunachal Pradesh|date=2013–2014|url=http://dcmsme.gov.in/old/dips/state_wise_dips/STATE_PROFILE_OF_ARUNACHAL__PRADESH,_2015_14316.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731100602/http://dcmsme.gov.in/old/dips/state_wise_dips/STATE_PROFILE_OF_ARUNACHAL__PRADESH,_2015_14316.pdf|others=Branch MSME-Development Institute. Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.|publisher=Development Commissioner. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Government of India.|ref={{sfnref|State Profile of Arunachal Pradesh, Branch MSME Itanagar|2013}}|archive-date=31 July 2021}}
- {{Citation|title=Arunachal Pradesh: Human Development Report 2005|url=http://niti.gov.in/planningcommission.gov.in/docs/plans/stateplan/sdr_pdf/shdr_ap05.pdf|others=Prepared by Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. Planning Commission, NITI Aayog.|publisher=Department of Planning, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.|ref={{sfnref|Arunachal Pradesh: Human Development Report|2005}}}}
{{Commons category|Geography of Arunachal Pradesh}}
{{Arunachal Pradesh}}
{{Northeast India}}
{{Geography of India by state or territory}}
{{Geography of India}}