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Difficulty: MediumPhysiography and Relief Features of India

Consider the following statements regarding the physiographic characteristics of the Indian coastal plains:

1. The Western Coastal Plain is narrower than the Eastern Coastal Plain and features submerged coastal conditions favorable for the development of natural ports.
2. Backwaters, locally known as 'Kayals', are distinct physiographic features found along the Malabar Coast of the Western Coastal Plain.
3. The Eastern Coastal Plain is predominantly a submerged coast that lacks significant deltaic landforms.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Western Coastal Plain is a narrow, submerged plain providing natural harbor conditions and features backwaters ('Kayals') in Kerala, whereas the Eastern Coastal Plain is wider, emergent, and marked by large prograding river deltas.
The Western Coastal Plain is a narrow, submerged coastline created by faulting, which makes it ideal for natural ports and harbors. The Malabar section of this plain in Kerala is famous for its unique backwaters known locally as 'Kayals'. In contrast, the Eastern Coastal Plain is an emergent, broader coastal plain where major rivers (Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) form extensive deltas before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Western Coastal Plain structure.
Statement 1 is true. The Western Coastal Plain is a submerged coast (except for the Malabar section in parts), making it narrow and providing deep natural indentation for ports like Mumbai and Marmagao.
Geological faulting and subsidence led to the submergence of the western margin.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding Malabar Coast features.
Statement 2 is true. The backwaters or lagoonal lakes in Kerala along the Malabar Coast are called 'Kayals' (e.g., Vembanad Lake).
Kayals are key physiographic features used for inland navigation, fishing, and tourism in the Malabar region.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding Eastern Coastal Plain structure.
Statement 3 is false. The Eastern Coastal Plain is an emergent coast (isostatic uplift/sedimentation) characterized by broad continental shelves and extensive deltas formed by the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.
Emergent coastal dynamics combined with east-flowing rivers foster wide deltaic deposition rather than lack of deltas.

Key Concept

Physiographic and structural differences between the Western and Eastern Coastal Plains of India
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Topics

Physiography and Relief Features of India

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