The Coastal Plains

2.1.5 The Coastal Plains

Description

Quick Overview

The Coastal Plains of India are narrow strips of land along the eastern and western coasts, characterized by unique geographical features and significant ecosystems.

Standard

The Coastal Plains encompass the narrow coastal strips along the western Arabian Sea and eastern Bay of Bengal. This section describes the divisions of the coastal plains, including the Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar coasts in the west, and the Northern Circar and Coromandel Coast in the east. Additionally, it highlights notable geographical features, such as large rivers that form extensive deltas, and the significance of ecosystems like Lake Chilika in Odisha.

Detailed

The Coastal Plains

The Coastal Plains of India refer to the narrow strips of land located along the country's eastern and western coastlines. The geographical layout consists predominantly of two coastal regions:

  1. Western Coastal Plains:
  2. This stretches from the Arabian Sea and is flanked by the Western Ghats.
  3. It is subdivided into three sections:
    • Konkan Coast: Located between Mumbai and Goa.
    • Kannad Plain: Found in the central region.
    • Malabar Coast: Located at the southern tip.
  4. Eastern Coastal Plains:
  5. This region borders the Bay of Bengal and is broader and more level compared to the western coast.
  6. It is divided into two key parts:
    • Northern Circar: The northern coastal region.
    • Coromandel Coast: The southern coast known for its rich delta formations.

These coastal plains are characterized by significant rivers, such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, that create extensive river deltas crucial for the region's agriculture and ecology. Noteworthy features like Lake Chilika illustrate the biodiversity and environmental importance of the coastal ecosystems, marking them as areas of both natural beauty and resources.

Key Concepts

  • Coastal Plains: The areas along the east and west coasts of India, featuring unique geographical divisions.

  • Deltas: Formed from sediment deposition at river mouths, critical for agriculture and ecology.

  • Lake Chilika: A vital ecosystem and the largest saltwater lake in India, contributing to biodiversity.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Konkan, Kannad, Malabar, three coastal sections, near and far.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine standing on the shores of the Konkan coast, waves splashing around you, as rivers from the Western Ghats flow into the sea, creating rich deltas that nourish the land.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • K-K-M for Western coastal sections: K for Konkan, K for Kannad, M for Malabar.

🎯 Super Acronyms

COAST

  • Coastal Open Areas Supporting Tides – helps remember what coastal plains offer.

Examples

  • The Konkan Coast, stretching from Mumbai to Goa, is known for its picturesque beaches and rich marine life.

  • Lake Chilika supports a myriad of avian species, highlighting the ecological importance of coastal wetlands.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Coastal Plains

    Definition:

    Narrow strips of land running along the eastern and western coasts of India.

  • Term: Delta

    Definition:

    Areas of rich sediment where rivers deposit nutrients when meeting the sea.

  • Term: Chilika Lake

    Definition:

    The largest saltwater lake in India, located on the eastern coast.

  • Term: Konkan Coast

    Definition:

    The northern part of the western coastal plains spanning from Mumbai to Goa.

  • Term: Coromandel Coast

    Definition:

    The southern part of the eastern coastal plains, known for extensive delta formations.