Relief and Structure of Goa

Relief and Structure of Goa

Goa is almost entirely covered by rocks of the Goa Group belonging to the Dharwar Super Group of the ArchaeanlProterozoic age, except for a narrow strip at the north-eastern corner occupied by Deccan Trap of the Upper Cretaceous-Lower Eocene age.
The Goa Group consisting of green ‘schist species of metamorphic rock is divided into Barcem formation, Sanvordem formation, Bicholim formation and Vageri formation in the ascending order of superposition.
The narrow strip of Deccan Trap has some sporadic cover of laterite.
Iron and manganese are the chief Minerals of economic importance.
Goa is a part of Konkan area.
Goa has hills, low and highland areas. Geographically Goa has mainly three natural divisions namely the Low lands, the Plateaus and the Mountain region.

Physical Features of Relief and Structure of Goa

Goa is very much similar geographically to the neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Physical geography divides the state into three geographical divisions.
These are Mountainous Region formed by Sahyadri Ranges in the east, Plateau Region in the center and low-lying river basins and coastal plains.
Having an Average elevation of 800 m, Sahyadris Ranges are spread over an area of about 600 sq km. Some of the major peaks of the ranges include Sonsagar, Vaguerim, Morlemchogor and Catlanchimauli.
Almost all the rivers of Goa originate from this region. Central region of Goa has The plateaus ranging between altitudes of 30 m to 100 m are spread in the Central Region of the state.
The rivers of Mandovi and Zuari drain the major portions of the plains. The rivers with shallower basins include Chapora in the north and the Sal and the Kushavati in the south.
Having alluvial flats near the coastal regions, these basins form rich agricultural tracts. Some other major rivers that drain the state include Baga, Tiracol, Talpona, Mandovi, Zuari and Galgibagh.

Low Lands of Relief and Structure of Goa:

Low land area is mainly coastal lines.
It is about 110 km long.
Many beaches are along the coast in this area.
Many rivers flow east to east in this area therefore this area land is fertile.
This area is thickly populated.

Plateau Lands of Relief and Structure of Goa:

The plateau region is found between the mountain region in the east and the lowlands in the west.
Plateau land height ranges from 30 metres to 100 metres.
In this region mainly plenty of laterite stone is found.
It is used for building the houses.
Some of the part of plateau land is called headland of Goa. Light houses are built on these healdlands.
Land in the plateau region is not fertile; few crops are taken in this region.

Mountain region of Relief and Structure of Goa:

Sahyadri Mountains are to the east of South Goa.
This part is covered with dense forest. In this area, some of the mountains are very steep.
In the South Goa peaks are Chandranath at Paroda, Dudhsagan in Sanguemtaluka and Cormolghant in Canaconataluka.
Many streams and rivers flows from this region to lowands. In South Goa rivers are Zuari, Talpona, Sal and Galgibag.
Rivers are used for transporation.
Inland waterways play an important role in transport of minreal ores from the mining sites in Sanguemtaluka such as Costi, Kirpal, Netravalim, Rivona, Ducorcond and Kuddegal to the Mormugaoharbour for export South Goa is rich in natural Resources like trees, iron and manganese Ore.
It is exported mainly to Japan, South Korea and some European countries.

General Geological Setup of Relief and Structure of Goa

The regional geology in general and local geology in particular is very important in understanding hydrogeological characters of an area.
The occurrence and movement of groundwater directly depends on the openings within the rock formations.
The nature of rock type, the degree of rock deformation and the extent of weathering play a significant role in the formation of porosity.
The State of Goa is located on the Western Dharwar craton.
It constitutes the north-westerly extension of the greenstone-granitoid terrain of Karnataka, comprising rocks of the Peninsular Gneissic Complex (PGC) and Dharwar Supergroup of Precambrian age.
The PGC is well exposed along the Western Ghats in North Goa and around Chauri and Quepem in the South Goa.
The rocks of the Dharwar Supergroup are represented by the northern extension of the Shimoga schist belt locally classified as ‘Goa Group’.
The rocks of the PGC and the Goa Group are intruded by mafic-ultramafic complexes, younger granites and mafic intrusives.
A narrow strip in the north eastern corner of the State is covered by Deccan Traps of late Cretaceous-lower Eocene age.
Most of these rocks are often hidden below a thick weathered lateritic cap and/or a Soil cover of varying thickness.
The oldest known rock found in Goa is the Anmod Ghat Trondhjemitic Gneiss.
The Peninsular gneisses are grey, medium to coarse grained, banded or migmatitic and grade in composition from Tonalite- Trondhjemite- Granodiorite.
These gneisses form the basement for the Goa Group of rocks.
The Goa Group of rocks consists of meta-volcanic and metasedimentary rock assemblage characterized by greywackes, argillites, tuffs, agglomerates, mafic lavas and banded iron formation.
It has undergone greenschist facies of regional metamorphism and is broadly comparable to the Chitradurga Group of Karnataka.
The Goa Group is divided into four formations, namely the Barcem, Sanvordem, Bicholim-Rivona and Vageri Formations in the ascending order of superposition.
The PGC and the Goa group of rocks have been intruded by Bondla mafic-ultramafic complex and granites which occur as plutons, plugs and apophyses, the most important being the porphyritic Canacona Granite and the Dudhsagar Granite.
These are followed by mafic intrusives.
These rocks are overlain by Deccan Traps represented by horizontally disposed massive and vesicular basaltic lava flows.
During the late Cenozoic period the rocks were subjected to intense Chemical Weathering resulting in a laterite cover of varying thickness.
Beach sands, sand dunes and alluvium occurring along the low lying coastal area and narrow alluvial strips along rivers and streams are of sub-recent to recent age. Laterite constitutes the most widespread and important water bearing formation in the State.

Stratigraphic sequence of rock formations in Relief and Structure of Goa

Late Cenozoic to Recent- Sand, alluvium, lateritic soil and laterite
Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene – Deccan Trap volcanics and dolerite dykes
Early Proterozoic – Acidic and basic intrusives including granites, gabbros, dolerite dykes and ultramafics
Archean (3000-2500 Ma)-

Vageri Fm: Carbonate-quartz-chlorite schist and metagreywacke with some quartzite and metavolcanics
Bicholim Fm: Qtz-chlt-biotite schist, chert, Fe and Mn oxides, metabasalt, metagabbro, BIF, qtz-sericite schist, Mg- limestone
Sanvordem Fm: Quartzite, qtz-chlorite schist, metagreywacke with conglomerate
Barcem Fm: Metabasalt, metagabbro, metaacid volcanics, quartzite, qtz-chlorite schist

Archean (>3000 Ma) –Basement Peninsular Gneiss

Physical Division of Relief and Structure of Goa

Goa as a region can be divided into four physical divisions-

The eastern hill region comprising areas in the western ghat like Sattari, Ponda, Cancona and Sanguem
The Central valley land comprising Pernem, Bicholim, Ponda, Eastern Sanguemand Quepem
The flood plains comprising the coastal plains and uplands
Coastal plains with the areas of Tiswadi, Murmugao, Bardez and Salcete.

Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 has left its mark on its culture and architecture. Goa is known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. Inland, Goa has tropical forests and mountains.

The relief and structure of Goa can be divided into the following subtopics:

Coastal plain: The coastal plain is a narrow strip of land that runs along the Arabian Sea coast. It is a low-lying area with a gently sloping terrain. The coastal plain is mostly sandy and is used for agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
Western Ghats: The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs along the western coast of India. It is a part of the Deccan Plateau and is the highest mountain range in the state of Goa. The Western Ghats is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
Central plateau: The central plateau is a large, flat area that lies in the interior of the state of Goa. It is a fertile area that is used for agriculture. The central plateau is also home to a number of important historical and cultural sites.
Eastern Ghats: The Eastern Ghats is a mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of India. It is a part of the Deccan Plateau and is the lowest mountain range in the state of Goa. The Eastern Ghats is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and biodiversity.
Island groups: Goa has a number of small islands that lie off the coast. These islands are mostly uninhabited and are popular tourist destinations.
Rivers: Goa has a number of rivers that flow through the state. The most important rivers are the Mandovi, the Zuari, and the Terekhol. These rivers are used for Irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation.
Lakes: Goa has a number of lakes that are scattered throughout the state. The most important lakes are the Altinho Lake, the Carambolim Lake, and the Taleigao Lake. These lakes are used for irrigation, drinking water, and recreation.
Forests: Goa has a number of forests that cover about 25% of the state’s area. The most important forests are the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mollem National Park, and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. These forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.

The Climate of Goa is tropical, with hot and humid summers and warm and dry winters. The average temperature in Goa ranges from 25°C to 30°C. The best time to visit Goa is during the winter months, from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

Goa is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese colonial architecture. The state is also home to a number of important historical and cultural sites, including the Ancestral Goa Museum, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the Fort Aguada.

Goa is a beautiful and diverse state with a rich history and culture. It is a popular tourist destination, and there is something for everyone to enjoy in Goa.

What is the climate of Goa?

The climate of Goa is tropical, with hot and humid summers and warm and dry winters. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C, with the highest temperatures occurring in May and June. The monsoon season runs from June to September, bringing heavy rains and thunderstorms.

What are the main tourist attractions in Goa?

Goa is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, temples, churches, and colonial architecture. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include the beaches of Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute; the temples of Mangueshi and Mahalaxmi; the churches of St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception; and the colonial city of Panjim.

What is the best time to visit Goa?

The best time to visit Goa is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather is warm and sunny, with little rain. The beaches are also less crowded during this time of year.

What is the currency of Goa?

The currency of Goa is the Indian rupee (INR). The exchange rate is currently around 75 INR to 1 USD.

What is the language spoken in Goa?

The Official Language of Goa is Konkani, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

What is the religion of Goa?

The majority of the Population of Goa is Hindu, followed by Christians and Muslims.

What is the food like in Goa?

Goan cuisine is a fusion of Portuguese and Indian influences. Some of the most popular dishes include vindaloo, xacuti, and sorpotel.

What is the nightlife like in Goa?

Goa is known for its lively nightlife, with bars, clubs, and restaurants open late into the night. The most popular nightlife areas are Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute.

What is the cost of living in Goa?

The cost of living in Goa is relatively low, especially compared to other popular tourist destinations. The average cost of a meal in a restaurant is around $5, and a hotel room can be found for around $20 per night.

What are the visa requirements for visiting Goa?

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Goa for up to 30 days. However, it is always advisable to check the visa requirements before you travel.

What is the emergency number in Goa?

The emergency number in Goa is 108.

Here are some MCQs about Goa without mentioning the topic Relief and Structure of Goa:

Goa is a state in India. Which of the following is not a district of Goa?
(A) North Goa
(B) South Goa
(C) East Goa
(D) West Goa
The capital of Goa is Panaji. Which of the following is not a city in Goa?
(A) Margao
(B) Vasco Da Gama
(C) Mapusa
(D) Panaji
Goa is a popular tourist destination. Which of the following is not a tourist attraction in Goa?
(A) Basilica of Bom Jesus
(B) Chapora Fort
(C) Anjuna Beach
(D) Panaji
The official language of Goa is Konkani. Which of the following is not a language spoken in Goa?
(A) Marathi
(B) Hindi
(C) English
(D) Konkani
The currency of Goa is the Indian rupee. Which of the following is not a currency accepted in Goa?
(A) US dollar
(B) Euro
(C) British pound
(D) Indian rupee
The climate of Goa is tropical. Which of the following is not a season in Goa?
(A) Monsoon
(B) Winter
(C) Summer
(D) Autumn
The population of Goa is about 1.5 million. Which of the following is not a religion practiced in Goa?
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Christianity
(C) Islam
(D) Sikhism
The Literacy rate in Goa is about 87%. Which of the following is not a factor that contributes to the high literacy rate in Goa?
(A) The Portuguese introduced Education to Goa in the 16th century.
(B) The government of Goa has made education a priority.
(C) There are many good schools in Goa.
(D) The people of Goa are generally interested in education.
The economy of Goa is based on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. Which of the following is not a major export of Goa?
(A) Iron ore
(B) Manganese ore
(C) Coal
(D) Fish
Goa is a beautiful state with a rich history and culture. Which of the following is not a reason to visit Goa?
(A) To enjoy the beaches
(B) To see the historical sites
(C) To experience the culture
(D) To learn about the Portuguese influence