The Coastal Plains of India
The coastal plains of India are divided into two main regions based on their geomorphological characteristics and geographical location:
The Western Coastal Plains
General Characteristics:
- Nature: Submerged Coastal Plain
- Width: Generally narrow, with some variation along its length.
- Geological History: The submergence of land along the western coast has created a narrow strip ideal for port development.
Geographical Extent:
- Northern Boundary: Gujarat Coast
- Southern Boundary: Kerala Coast
Divisions of the Western Coastal Plains:
- Kachchh and Kathiawar Coast (Gujarat): Characterized by arid conditions and salt flats.
- Konkan Coast (Maharashtra): Known for its scenic beauty and significant ports.
- Goan Coast (Goa): Famous for its beaches and tourism.
- Malabar Coast (Karnataka and Kerala): Known for its backwaters and verdant landscape.
Key Features:
- Ports and Harbors: The narrowness and submergence of the western coastal plain make it suitable for natural harbors and ports. Important ports include:
- Kandla: Major port in Gujarat.
- Mumbai (Mazagaon and JLN Port): Major financial and shipping hub.
- Marmagao: Significant port in Goa.
- Mangalore: Important port in Karnataka.
- Cochin: Major port in Kerala.
- Unique Features:
- Kayals: Backwaters of the Malabar Coast, such as Punnamada Kayal in Kerala, are renowned for their beauty and are used for activities like inland navigation and fishing.
- Nehru Trophy Vallamkali: Annual boat race held in the Punnamada Kayal.
- Hydrology: Rivers flowing into the western coast do not form deltas due to the narrow and steep nature of the coastal plains.
The Eastern Coastal Plains
General Characteristics:
- Nature: Emergent Coastal Plain
- Width: Broader compared to the western coastal plains.
- Geological History: The eastern coast is characterized by the emergence of land from the sea.
Geographical Extent:
- Northern Boundary: West Bengal
- Southern Boundary: Tamil Nadu
Key Features:
- Deltas: The broadness of the eastern coastal plains allows for the formation of large deltas due to the rivers flowing eastward into the Bay of Bengal. Major deltas include:
- Mahanadi Delta
- Godavari Delta
- Krishna Delta
- Kaveri Delta
- Ports and Harbors: The broadness of the continental shelf and the emergent nature of the coast result in fewer natural harbors and ports compared to the western coast. Important ports include:
- Kolkata: Major port in West Bengal.
Chennai: Significant port in Tamil Nadu.- Hydrology: Rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal create well-developed deltas. The continental shelf extends up to 500 km into the sea, which affects the development of ports and harbors.
