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Cheat Sheet: Indian Coastal Plains and Islands | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Indian Coastal Plains: Overview

  • Narrow coastal strips along the Arabian Sea (West Coast) and Bay of Bengal (East Coast).
  • Formed due to the submergence of the land and depositional activity of rivers and the sea.
  • Divided into Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains.

Western Coastal Plains

  • Stretch from Gujarat to Kerala.
  • Narrow and submerged coast, leading to natural harbours (e.g., Mumbai, Kochi).
  • Backwaters and estuaries common, especially in Kerala.

Sub-divisions
Cheat Sheet: Indian Coastal Plains and Islands | Geography for UPSC CSE

Eastern Coastal Plains

  • Extend from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
  • Wider, formed by deltaic deposits of major rivers: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
  • Less indented → few harbours.

Sub-divisions

Cheat Sheet: Indian Coastal Plains and Islands | Geography for UPSC CSE

Comparison Table

Cheat Sheet: Indian Coastal Plains and Islands | Geography for UPSC CSE

Indian Islands

1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal)

  • Andaman (north) and Nicobar (south) – separated by 10° Channel.
  • Volcanic origin – Barren Island is the only active volcano in India.
  • Strategic location: Close to Malacca Strait.
  • Rich in biodiversity and tribal cultures.

2. Lakshadweep Islands (Arabian Sea)

  • Coral atolls and reefs → Atoll formation.
  • Smallest Union Territory; capital: Kavaratti.
  • Largely flat; formed from coral polyps.

Strategic Importance

  • Security: Surveillance and naval presence.
  • Ecology: Coral reefs and mangroves support biodiversity.
  • Economy: Fishing, tourism, potential for port-based development.
The document Cheat Sheet: Indian Coastal Plains and Islands | Geography for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Geography for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Cheat Sheet: Indian Coastal Plains and Islands - Geography for UPSC CSE

1. What are the main features of the Western Coastal Plains of India?
Ans. The Western Coastal Plains are characterized by their narrow and relatively flat terrain, stretching from Gujarat to Karnataka. They are divided into three segments: the Gujarat Coast, the Konkan Coast, and the Malabar Coast. This region is known for its rich biodiversity, significant fishing industry, and important ports like Mumbai and Kochi. The plains also experience a tropical monsoon climate, leading to lush vegetation and fertile soil conducive for agriculture.
2. How do the Eastern Coastal Plains differ from the Western Coastal Plains?
Ans. The Eastern Coastal Plains are generally broader and have a more extensive deltaic region compared to the Western Coastal Plains. They extend from West Bengal down to Tamil Nadu and include prominent deltas formed by rivers such as the Ganges, Godavari, and Krishna. The Eastern Coastal Plains are more prone to cyclonic storms, and their economy is significantly supported by agriculture, aquaculture, and several major ports like Chennai and Visakhapatnam.
3. What is the strategic importance of the Indian Islands?
Ans. The Indian Islands, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, hold significant strategic importance due to their location in the Bay of Bengal and proximity to key shipping routes. They serve as a vital military base for India's naval operations and play a crucial role in maintaining maritime security. Additionally, these islands have rich biodiversity and potential for tourism, which contributes to the economy.
4. Can you provide a comparison table of the Western and Eastern Coastal Plains?
Ans. A comparison table typically includes aspects such as geographical location, width, economic activities, climate, and major ports. For example: | Feature | Western Coastal Plains | Eastern Coastal Plains | |----------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------| | Geographical Location | Gujarat to Karnataka | West Bengal to Tamil Nadu | | Width | Narrow | Broad | | Economic Activities | Fishing, tourism, ports | Agriculture, aquaculture, ports | | Climate | Tropical monsoon | Tropical monsoon | | Major Ports | Mumbai, Kochi | Chennai, Visakhapatnam |
5. What role do the Indian Coastal Plains play in the country's economy?
Ans. The Indian Coastal Plains are crucial for the country’s economy as they host major ports facilitating international trade and commerce. They support a diverse range of economic activities including fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The fertile lands along these plains contribute to significant agricultural output, while the coastal areas provide resources such as seafood and minerals. Moreover, the tourism sector thrives due to the scenic beauty and cultural heritage found along the coasts.
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