[CHAPTER NO 03] Physiography

3.1 Introduction

The study area soon valley  is in the north west of Khushab

District, Punjab, Pakistan. Its largest settlement is the town of Naushera. The valley

extends from the village of Padhrar to Sakesar, the highest peak in the Salt Range.

The valley is 35 miles (56 km) long and has an average width of 9 miles (14 km). It

covers a 300-square-mile (780 km2) area.

3.2 Relief

Central salt range area has moderate relief.Sakesar is the highest peak in the

area.While eastern salt range has high relief. The peak of Mount Sakesar is at 5,010

feet (1,530 m) above sea level.It was once the summer headquarters

(now Attock), Mianwali and Shahpur (now Sargodha). It is the only mountain in this

part of the Punjab which receives snowfall in winter.

3.3 Population

There are total 31 villages in the area. Main villages are khura, Uchhala,

Jabbah, Kufri, Mardwal, Chitta, Surrakhi, Anga Sirhal, Uchali, Sodhi Bala, Sodhi Zaren,

Dhaka. These are present at a distance of 290 km from Islamabad and at a distance

of 300 km from Lahore and at distance of 120 km from Sargodha.

3.4 Drainage

The dsrainage is mostly dendritic to parallel and generally controlled by

structure. These run along the conjugate shear fractures that strikes N 60 W, N 40 E,

to N 50 E.

3.5 Soil/ Alluvium

The area consists of sedentary soil / residual soil that occurs at the hill tops

and is formed due to in-situ weathering. Transported soils are also present in the

area in valleys. These are the soils that are transported through different agents

such as streams and provide leveled soil patches for cultivation of different crops

Alluvium is filled in the synclinal depressions, which is carried and deposited

physically by water. This alluvium is the main source for cultivation.

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[CHAPTER NO 03] Physiography

Fig 3.1: General Physiography of the study area showing relief, soil/alluvium.

Fig 3.2: General relief in study area(sakesar limestone)

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[CHAPTER NO 03] Physiography

Fig 3.3. Papulation in study area in naushehra

Fig 3.4: Alluvium in study area

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[CHAPTER NO 03] Physiography

3.6 Vegetation

The area is vegetated and contains many types of crops for both summer and

also in winter seasons. The vegetation of salt range comprises both legumes and

non-legumes. Legumes have capacity to capture nitrogen from the soil atmosphere,

this allows crops to maintain productivity with out depletion of soil nitrogen and

sometimes can grow under situations where soil nitrogen levels are very low and

where growth for other plants would not be possible.

Fig 3.5: Vegetation in study area in khura,naushehra

3.7 Water and Lakes.

Lake Uchhali is a picturesque salt water lake in the southern Salt

Range overlooked by mount Sakaser, the highest mountain in the Salt Range. Its

brackish water means that its waters are lifeless. Lake Khabikki is also a salt water

lake in the southern Salt Range. It is one kilometer wide and two kilometres long.

Khabikki is also the name of a neighbouring village. These lakes attract thousands of

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[CHAPTER NO 03] Physiography

migratory birds each year including rare white-headed ducks (Oxyura leucocephala)

from Central Asia.

Fig 3.6 : Jhalar lake in study area

Fig3.7: Uchali lake in study area

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[CHAPTER NO 03] Physiography

3.8 Weathering

There are different styles of weathering present in our study area depending

upon the lithology and relief. Karren structure (solution weathering in Sakesar

Limestone), spheriodal weathering in Kamlial.

3.9 Field Crops

The field crops of the study area include Wheat, Chickpea and Lentil etc.

3.10 River

The main river flow in the Eastern Salt Range is the Jhelum River, and all the

other nalas flowing in the area falls in it.

3.11 Rainfall

The average yearly rainfall is 70-80mm for salt range. The area lie within the

limits of monsoons and receive maximum rainfall in July and August. In December ,

January and February there is little rainfall month of April, November and October

are almost show the dryer season of that area

3.12 Temperature

May - June Summers Min 15 to 22 C Max 28 to 38. Nov - Feb winters Min -3 to -

4 C Max 6 to 22 C.The climate of area is almost semi-humid and sub-tropical with

hot to moderate summers and severe winters.

Due to highest altitudes and presence of Sakesar peak , temp is usually less in

summers as compare to adjoining plain areas and exceeds 44 c . During winter temp

usually between 0 to 23 c.

3.13 Terraces

A terrace is a step-like landform that borders a shoreline or a land scape.

Terraces are remanents of former channel of stream that now has succeeded in

cutting its way down to lower level. It is topographic surface that marks former

valley floor levels.Terraces are common in the study area.

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[CHAPTER NO 03] Physiography

3.14 Saddle

Saddle is a supportive structure for a rider or other load, fastened to an animal's

back by a girth. In geology it is used due to its resemblance with the geomorphic

feature. Saddles are common in the study area.

3.15 People

The main tribe of the area is the Awan of ancient repute. This tribe came in

this area with Qutab Shah and settled in the Soon valley. The other sub branches and

small tribes are Shehal, Ardaal, Mirwal, Adriyal, Shenaal in Kufri, Latifal, Jurwal,

Radhnal, Sheraal in Naushehra, Pirkal in Jallay wali, Majhial in Mardwal, Bazral,

Chhatal,Ghadhyal,Phatal,Yakial, Maswal in Ugalisharif, Phatwal and Bhojo khail,

Sheral, Mianwaddal in Anga ,Janial, Sherwal,Rhamtal in Uchali Rehan of Dera Kasan

Wala near Kathwai. Bulkiyal, Noorkhanal, Sher Shahal in Khabbaki and so on. In the

valley Awan's are known by their clans. In old time the head of clan in each village

was known as Raees, and the head of a tribe was known as Raees-Azam.

3.16 Transportation.

Soon Valley is accessible through public transport from Islamabad (M2

Balkasar Interchange), Lahore (M2 Kalar Kahar Intrechange), Sargodha , Khushab

and Mianwali . It is about 2 and half hours from Khushab, from Islamabad side you

enter in valley by jaba road through Talagang.

3.17 Locations

SoonSakesar is a wonderland located in the heart of Pakistan and has unique

geographical features that exists very rare in the world which are its closed

drainage patterns that lead to the formation of Uchhali, Khabeki and Jahlar Lakes.

SoonSakesar valley was called as Koh-e-Jodh in ancient times and is the most

beautiful part of Salt Range. It is a valley of Lakes and springs, Lush green fertile

fields, Versatile mountains, Amazing landscape, Dense mixed forests, Sanctuaries of

wildlife, Brave peoples of high traditions.

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