What type of coastal plain are the Western Coastal Plains of India classified as?

The correct answer is Submerged Coastal Plain.

Key Points

• The Western Coastal Plains of India are classified as submerged coastal plains, formed due to the submergence of landmass along the western coastline.
• This type of plain features narrow coastal strips with lagoons, estuaries, and backwaters commonly found in regions like Kerala.
• The submergence of land has resulted in characteristic landforms such as rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea forming estuaries, unlike the deltas formed in the eastern coastal plains.
• Prominent features of the Western Coastal Plains include the Konkan Coast (Maharashtra), the Malabar Coast (Kerala), and the Kannad Coast (Karnataka).
• The submerged nature of the plains makes them rich in aquatic biodiversity, supporting fisheries and other marine activities.

Additional Information

• Submerged Coastal Plain:
  • These plains are formed when coastal regions sink below sea level due to tectonic movements or rising sea levels.
  • Submerged plains often feature estuaries, lagoons, and submerged valleys.
  • Examples include the Western Coastal Plains of India and parts of the eastern United States coastline.
• Eastern Coastal Plains vs Western Coastal Plains:
  • Eastern Coastal Plains are emergent plains, characterized by wide deltas of rivers like the Ganga, Godavari, and Krishna.
  • Western Coastal Plains are submerged plains, with narrow coastal strips and estuaries formed by rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea.
• Estuaries:
  • An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the sea.
  • Estuaries are rich in biodiversity and serve as critical habitats for various aquatic species.
• Backwaters:
  • Backwaters are brackish lagoons or lakes lying parallel to the coast, formed due to the action of waves and tides.
  • Kerala is famous for its extensive network of backwaters, such as Vembanad Lake.