Coastal Region Archives

1. Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in se

Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

Bhitarkanika Mangroves

Marakkanam Salt Pans

Naupada Swamp

Rann of Kutch

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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The Rann of Kutch is a vast seasonal salt marsh region in Gujarat, India. Geologically, it is believed to have been an arm of the Arabian Sea that gradually silted up and uplifted, leading to the sea’s retreat. Subsequent relative sea level changes and sedimentation have resulted in the formation of the extensive, flat, often flooded (during monsoon) and dry (during winter/summer) marshland/salt flat landscape. This history best fits the description of an extensive marshland resulting from repeated falls in sea level over geological time.

– Repeated sea level falls or marine regressions expose former seabed.
– Rann of Kutch’s formation is linked to geological processes including sea level changes.
– Other options like mangroves, salt pans, or typical swamps don’t primarily exemplify formation via repeated sea level falls exposing vast areas.

The Rann of Kutch is divided into the Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch. It is known for its unique ecosystem, including the Indian wild ass sanctuary in the Little Rann.

2. At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch

At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at

Bhavnagar

Bheemunipatnam

Chandipur

Nagapattinam

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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The correct answer is C, which is Chandipur.

Chandipur beach in Odisha is famous for its unique phenomenon where the sea water recedes significantly (up to 1-5 kilometers, depending on the tide) during low tide, allowing visitors to literally walk on the seabed and observe marine life. The water then returns during high tide. This happens twice a day.

This phenomenon is a result of the high tidal range in the region. Among the given options, Chandipur is particularly well-known and marketed for this specific characteristic. While other locations like Bhavnagar in the Gulf of Khambhat also experience high tides and receding water, the description of walking ‘a few kilometers’ on the exposed seabed is most famously associated with Chandipur, often called the ‘hide-and-seek beach’. Bheemunipatnam and Nagapattinam on the eastern coast generally have lower tidal ranges compared to Chandipur or locations on the western coast like the Gulf of Khambhat.

3. Which of the following have coral reefs? 1. Andaman and Nicobar Isla

Which of the following have coral reefs?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 3 only

2 and 4 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The question asks which of the listed locations in India have coral reefs.
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are surrounded by extensive coral reefs, including fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and platform reefs. This is a major coral reef area in India.
2. Gulf of Kachchh: The Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat is home to coral reefs, notably within the Marine National Park.
3. Gulf of Mannar: The Gulf of Mannar, located between India and Sri Lanka, contains extensive coral reefs and is designated as a Marine National Park and Biosphere Reserve to protect its rich biodiversity, including corals.
4. Sunderbans: The Sunderbans, located in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, is primarily known for its vast mangrove forests and unique estuarine ecosystem. While some isolated patches or associated fauna might exist, it is not characterized by significant coral reefs like the other three locations. Coral reefs typically thrive in clear, warm, shallow waters with low sediment load, conditions not typical of the muddy, dynamic delta environment of the Sunderbans.

– India has significant coral reef areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kachchh, and Gulf of Mannar.
– The Sunderbans is primarily a mangrove ecosystem, not known for coral reefs.

Other areas with coral reefs in India include the Lakshadweep Islands (atolls) and some patches along the mainland coast. Coral reefs are important marine ecosystems providing habitats for diverse marine life and protecting coastlines. They are sensitive to environmental changes like climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices.

4. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the positions in

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the positions in the Bay of Bengal from North to South ?

Gulf of Mannar – Palk Strait – Palk Bay

Palk Strait – Gulf of Mannar – Palk Bay

Palk Strait – Palk Bay – Gulf of Mannar

Palk Bay – Palk Strait – Gulf of Mannar

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2019

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Looking at a map of the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka, Palk Bay is located to the north, between the northeastern part of Sri Lanka and the southeastern coast of India. Palk Strait connects Palk Bay to the Gulf of Mannar. The Gulf of Mannar is located to the south of Palk Strait, between the southeastern tip of India and the western coast of Sri Lanka. Thus, the order from North to South is Palk Bay, followed by Palk Strait, and then the Gulf of Mannar.

This question requires precise geographical knowledge of the water bodies located between India and Sri Lanka. Understanding their relative positions is key.

Palk Strait is relatively shallow. Adam’s Bridge (Rama Setu), a chain of limestone shoals, separates Palk Bay from the Gulf of Mannar. The Gulf of Mannar is recognized as a Marine Biosphere Reserve.

5. Which one of the following sites does not have coral reef formation?

Which one of the following sites does not have coral reef formation?

Gulf of Cambay/Khambhat

Gulf of Mannar

Lakshadweep

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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The correct answer is A) Gulf of Cambay/Khambhat.

Coral reefs require specific environmental conditions, including warm, clear, shallow saline water with adequate sunlight penetration.
– Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are well-known regions in India with significant coral reef formations.
– The Gulf of Mannar is part of a Marine National Park known for its rich marine biodiversity including coral reefs.
– Lakshadweep consists of atolls, which are ring-shaped coral reefs surrounding a lagoon.
– The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are surrounded by fringing and barrier reefs.
– The Gulf of Cambay (Khambhat) is an estuary formed by the confluence of major rivers like the Narmada, Tapti, Mahi, and Sabarmati. The large influx of fresh water and high sediment load from these rivers lead to turbid, brackish conditions which are generally unfavorable for the growth and survival of most coral species.

While some limited coral growth might occur in marginal conditions, extensive reef development is not found in the Gulf of Cambay due to the high freshwater input and turbidity. The other mentioned locations represent India’s four major coral reef areas.

6. Paradeep Port is located on the delta of river

Paradeep Port is located on the delta of river

Rihand

Ganga

Mahanadi

Baitarani

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

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Paradeep Port is located on the coast of Odisha, India, at the confluence of the Mahanadi river and the Bay of Bengal. The port is situated near the delta formed by the Mahanadi river system.

Major ports in India are often located at strategic points on the coastline, often near river mouths or in natural harbours, facilitating trade and connectivity.

The Mahanadi is a major river in East-Central India, flowing through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before draining into the Bay of Bengal. Its delta is a fertile region along the Odisha coast. Paradeep is one of the major ports on the eastern coast of India.

7. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I (Major Port)	List-II (Location)
A. Kolkata	1. Landlocked area
B. Mormugao	2. In the delta region
C. Visakhapatnam	3. On the riverside
D. Paradip	4. On the entrance of the estuary

A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2

A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2

A-2 B-4 C-1 D-3

A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2018

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A. Kolkata Port is located on the Hooghly River, a tributary of the Ganges, making it a riverine port. This matches with ‘On the riverside’ (3).
B. Mormugao Port is located in Goa at the entrance of the Zuari River estuary. This matches with ‘On the entrance of the estuary’ (4).
C. Visakhapatnam Port is often described as a protected or landlocked harbour, with the harbour basin partially enclosed by landforms. This matches with ‘Landlocked area’ (1).
D. Paradip Port is located in Odisha at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal, situated in the Mahanadi delta region. This matches with ‘In the delta region’ (2).
Thus, the correct match is A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.

Understanding the geographical location and characteristics of major Indian ports is crucial for geography and economic studies. Ports have distinct locations based on their natural setting (coast, river, estuary, delta) and infrastructure development.

Kolkata is India’s only major riverine port. Visakhapatnam is known for its natural harbour sheltered by the Dolphin’s Nose hill. Mormugao is a significant iron ore exporting port. Paradip is a deep-water port handling various cargo, including iron ore, coal, and petroleum.

8. Which of the following are the major coral reef areas of India ? 1. Gu

Which of the following are the major coral reef areas of India ?
1. Gulf of Kachchh
2. Gulf of Mannar
3. Lakshadweep
4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 3 only

2 and 4 only

1, 2 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2017

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The question asks to identify the major coral reef areas of India from the given options.

India has four major coral reef regions:
1. **Gulf of Kachchh:** Located on the west coast.
2. **Gulf of Mannar:** Located on the southeast coast, between India and Sri Lanka.
3. **Lakshadweep Islands:** An archipelago of coral islands in the Arabian Sea.
4. **Andaman and Nicobar Islands:** Located in the Bay of Bengal, known for extensive fringing and barrier reefs.
All four options provided are indeed major coral reef areas in India.

Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. They are found in warm, shallow, clear, sunny, and agitated waters. These ecosystems are among the most biologically diverse on Earth, providing habitat for a vast array of marine life and protecting coastlines from erosion. Threats to coral reefs include climate change (coral bleaching), pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and habitat destruction.

9. Which one of the following is not inhabited by corals?

Which one of the following is not inhabited by corals?

Gulf of Kutch

Lakshadweep

Sundarbans

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Geoscientist – 2022

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The Sundarbans, being a large mangrove area and delta region, are characterized by high sediment loads, variable salinity (brackish water influenced by freshwater rivers), and often turbid water conditions. These conditions are generally not suitable for the development and survival of extensive coral reefs.

Corals thrive in clear, warm, shallow marine waters with stable salinity and sufficient sunlight for the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living within their tissues. High sedimentation and variable salinity negatively impact coral health.

Gulf of Kutch, Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are all known regions in India that host significant coral reefs due to favorable marine conditions.

10. Which one of the following States/UTs has the largest area under Coral

Which one of the following States/UTs has the largest area under Coral Reefs in India ?

Gujarat

Tamil Nadu

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Lakshadweep

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

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The correct answer is C. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory holds the largest area under coral reefs in India.

– India has significant coral reef areas in four main regions: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, Gulf of Mannar, and Gulf of Kachchh.
– Among these, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago has the most extensive reef area due to its large geographical spread and favorable marine conditions for coral growth.

The reefs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are mainly fringing and barrier reefs around the numerous islands. Lakshadweep has atoll reefs. The Gulf of Mannar has fringing reefs around its islands, and the Gulf of Kachchh has fringing reefs and patch reefs.