Question

Write a short note on Coastal Plains of India.

Answer 1

Coastal Plain (Plains along the Sea Coast):

The Peninsular Plateau is surrounded by coastal plains from Kachchh in the west to Odisha in the east. These coastal plains are divided into

• West coast plain and
• East coast plain.

West Coast Plain:

1. The west coast plain is spread from Gujarat in the west to Kerala in south.
2. The entire plain is in the form of a narrow belt except in Gujarat.
3. This plain is very undulating.
4. In north, it is known as Konkan Coast, while it is known as Malabar Coast from Goa to the southern end of the plain.
5. Most of the rivers of the West Coast Plain have formed creeks and estuaries at their mouths.
6. Many natural harbours (ports) such as Mumbai, Marmagao, etc. are situated on this coast.
7. Also, backwaters have developed along the southern coast of Kerala. These are known as ‘Kayak in local language.

East Coast Plain:

1. East coast plain is much broader than the west coast plain.
2. Large amount of alluvial deposit is found in the deltas of river Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari and Mahanadi.
3. The northern part of this plain is known as Northern Circle.
4. The southern part of East Coast Plain which covers Tamil Nadu coast is known Coromandel Coast.