TAMILNADU : RELIEF AND STRUCTURE

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In Tamilnadu, coastal regions, are represented by many geomorphological features such as alluvial plains, cheniers, paleolagoonal plain and strandlines, coastal sand dunes, beaches, beach ridge and ridge plain, sand dune, sandy bar, mudflat etc. identified by many workers. Coastal geomorphology of the study area is represented by the depositional features like beaches, sand dune, tidal flats, sandy bars, mud flats, buried channels, water bodies, back waters, rivers and alluvial plains, sand dunes with different types of configurations.

Northern Tamilnadu Coast (Tiruvallur to Cuddalore):  The area between Pondicherry and Cuddalore are represented mainly by depositional nature like deltaic alluvial plains, cheniers, paleolagoonal plains and strandlines, coastal sand dunes and beaches. The southern part of the Palk Strait is shallow. It is fully occupied with sand banks, numerous shoals, sand spits and island. It is characterized by the flow of both flood currents and ebb currents acting in opposite direction. The principal rivers in this area are the River Koovam, Adaiyar, Palar, Cheiyar, Ponnaiyar, Gadilam, Uppanar and Vellar. The Koovam and Cheiyar along with some distributaries support a minor Irrigation system.

Rivers like Coleroon, Vellar, Uppanar, Gadilam and Ponnaiyar drain this area. Natural levees are found over bank in all these rivers. Abandoned channels formed by both cut-off and avulsion processes are found in different locations. The channel fill deposits in it contain clay and silty clay to a depth of 1 to 3 m with a layer of sand at the bottom.

Deltaic alluvial plain, Cheniers and intervening paleo-lagoonal plains and strandlines form about 90% of the area. Strandlines are prominently well-developed around Vellar and Coleroon river mouths. A maximum number of three strandlines are seen around Porto Novo extending upto 3 km inland. Coastal dunes are prominent in between Porto Novo and Cuddalore. Barchans have also been formed. The beach and strandlines plain are bordered in the west by chaniers with intervening paleo-lagoonal plain. Cheniers are well developed on both sides of Vellar and Coleroon extending upto 12 km inland.

The coastal lowlands of Vellar basin with an elevation upto 20 m from MSL (except Cuddalore sandstone uplands which rise upto 80m) exhibit a wide ranging feature from aeloian, fluvial, fluvio- marine origin. Biogenic and plantation forms are also observed. The shore zone part of the area consists of long sandy Holocence barrier beaches and strandlines interspersed with low beach cliff.

A lagoon occurring in the area at Pichavaram has been segmented into three smaller oval shaped lagoons. The lagoon is associated with mangrove swamps. Cuddalore sandstone upland is observed near its type area Cuddalore. The height raises upto 80 m.

The geomorphic setting of Pichavaram lagoon, with Coleroon in the south and Vellar in the north and connecting tidal channels between these two rivers with a lagoon, has favored the development of mangrove swamps.

Central Tamil nadu Coast (Cuddalore to Rameshwaram): In the Central Tamilnadu sector, prominent beach rocks along with cliffed coasts have been observed in the neighborhood of Mandapam. The coastal plain contains various coastal morpho-units like sand complexes, mud flats and backwaters. The southern side of the sector is fringed by a chain of islands numbering about 16 and shoals extending to a distance of 5 to 9 km offshore. Coastal dunes are widely distributed throughout the sector. Sandy ridges are noticed mainly in the northern part of Manamelkudi region where it is more abundant even in the land region. Mudflats are also noticed in the north of Manalmelkudi region, especially near Kodiyakkarai where a complex of series of mudflats distinctly observed. Generally, the beaches along the Palk Strait are sheltered at Thondi and Sethubavchattiram the gradient is gentle and the intertidal zones are wide.

The area between Cuddalore and Rameswaram are represented by both depositional and erosional nature like deltaic alluvial plains, cheniers, paleolagoonal plains and strandlines, coastal sand dunes, beaches, beach cliffs, paleo-barrier, paleo-tidal flats and mud flats, river mouth bars, abandoned river channels and natural levees. Pichavaram region represents on of the most beautiful mangrove formations. The Vennar, Vellar, Arasalar, Thirumalarajanar, Villar, Mullaiyar are some of the other distributaries supporting the minor irrigation system. Among these rivers Cauvery is the most dominant. The major distributary of the Cauvery is the broad and braided channel system of the Coleroon River.

The typical example for this is seen in Manalmelkudi. Here, a spit is developed due to anticlockwise moving current pattern on the northern 59 side and clockwise current pattern on the southern side. The coastline between Kodiayakkarai and Rajamadam indicates the seaward Migration. This swampy coastline is provided with two major creeks. Beach ridges have been recognized along the coast between Rajamadam and Devipattinam. Beach ridges have been recognized along the coast between Rajamadam and Devipattinam. Beach ridges are arranged in triangular pattern between Rajamadam and Nagapattinam coastal sector. The inland beach ridge is located about 32.5 km from coastline trending NE-SW direction. Later stages of beach ridges have changed their deposition to E-W and N-W directions. The beach ridge pattern has revealed that there is every possibility to believe that the ancient Cauvery River must have confluence near Vedaranniyam through Tiruthuraipoondi area. Coral terraces are observed around Mandapam region.

Southern Tamilnadu Coast (Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari):  Coastal geomorphology of the Southern sector is represented by depositional Landforms like strandlines, spits, beaches, sand dunes, mudflats and Erosional Landforms like marine terrace, wave cut platform and sea caves. There are eight series of beach ridges, in curvi- linear pattern between Mandapam and Valinokkam with two or three well developed sub-ridges. All these continuous ridges are in disposition parallel to each other and to the coastline. Swales of linear depressions with clay and silty clay deposits are commonly noticed between the beach ridges.

Almost all the strandlines in the study region are parallel 60 and cover and area of about 155.49 km2 . A longer (28km) and wider (2.5km) swale system divides the coastal region of Sippikulam-Punnakayal into two parts. In the coastal sector of Tirchendur-Kulasekerapatnam swales are converted into dry tanks. The swale system makes an exit from NavaladiKanyakumari coastal plains. The adjacent low lying area, as a part of swale zone, is used at present for salt production.

In Mandapam and Vedalai regions, prominent partially stablilsed inland longitudinal dunes of 15-30 m height and 75 m in length are seen uncovered by any vegetation. From Valinokkam-Sippikulam area, the partially stabilized sandy dunes are covered by vegetations like thorny bushes. In Tuticorin, Ovari and Karikoil areas, complex dune systems are seen.

Relief in Tamilnadu

Relief refers to the highest and lowest elevation points in an area. Mountains and ridges are typically the highest elevation points, while valleys and other low-lying areas are the lowest.

Highest peak in Tamilnadu is Doddabetta. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills at 2,637 metres (8,650 feet). There is a reserved forest area around the peak. It is 9 km from Ooty, on the Ooty-Kotagiri Road in the Nilgiris district of Tamil NaduIndia. It is a popular tourist attraction with road access to the summit. It is the fourth highest peak in South India next to Anamudi, Mannamalai and Meesapulimala. The peaks Hecuba (2375 m), Kattadadu (2418 m) and Kulkudi (2439 m) are the three closely linked summits in the west of the Doddabetta range near to Udagamandalam (Ooty).

Important valleys in Tamilnadu

  • Hiddden valley, Coonoor
  • Silent valley, kodaikanal
  • Bison valley, Bellikkal
  • Ketty valley (The valley is the last major valley en route to Ooty along the Ooty-Coonoor highway. However, due to the extensive development of the valley in the recent years, the Fauna present here has dwindled to a select few .)

 

 

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India is a land of diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the tropical rainforests of the south. The country’s geography is shaped by its three main mountain ranges: the Himalayas, the Eastern Ghats, and the Western Ghats.

The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world, and they form a natural barrier between India and China. The Eastern Ghats run parallel to the Bay of Bengal, while the Western Ghats run parallel to the Arabian Sea. Both mountain ranges are home to a variety of plant and animal life, and they play an important role in the country’s water supply.

The Central Plateau is a vast, dry region that covers much of central India. The plateau is home to a number of important cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The region is also known for its deserts, such as the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch.

The Coastal Plains are a narrow strip of land that runs along the country’s coastline. The plains are home to a number of important Ports, such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. The region is also known for its beaches, such as Goa’s beaches and Kerala’s backwaters.

India’s rivers are an important source of water for irrigation, drinking, and transportation. The country’s major rivers include the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Indus. The rivers are also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life.

India’s lakes are a popular tourist destination, and they are also an important source of water for irrigation and drinking. The country’s major lakes include the Dal Lake in Kashmir, the Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, and the Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh.

India has a number of Dams, which are used to control flooding, generate electricity, and provide water for irrigation. The country’s largest dam is the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River.

India’s soils are a mix of alluvial, black, red, and laterite soils. The alluvial soils are found in the river valleys, and they are the most fertile soils in the country. The black soils are found in the Deccan Plateau, and they are well-suited for growing Cotton. The red soils are found in the drier parts of the country, and they are good for growing Millets and pulses. The laterite soils are found in the tropical rainforests, and they are not very fertile.

India has a tropical monsoon Climate, which means that it has a hot, wet season and a cool, dry season. The monsoon rains are essential for agriculture, and they also help to recharge the country’s groundwater supplies.

India’s vegetation is a mix of tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, grasslands, and deserts. The tropical rainforests are found in the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, and they are home to a variety of plant and animal life. The deciduous forests are found in the northern plains, and they are home to a variety of trees, such as sal, teak, and bamboo. The grasslands are found in the central plateau, and they are home to a variety of animals, such as tigers, leopards, and elephants. The deserts are found in the northwestern part of the country, and they are home to a variety of animals, such as camels, snakes, and lizards.

India’s wildlife is a diverse mix of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and lions. The country is also home to a variety of birds, such as peacocks, parrots, and flamingos. India’s wildlife is protected by a number of laws, and there are a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries where animals can live in their natural habitat.

1. What is the relief of Tamil Nadu?

The relief of Tamil Nadu is characterized by its coastal plains, central plateau, and Western Ghats. The coastal plains are narrow and fertile, while the central plateau is more rugged and sparsely populated. The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs along the western edge of the state.

2. What is the structure of Tamil Nadu?

The structure of Tamil Nadu is a result of its Geological history. The state is located on the Indian Plate, which is a tectonic plate that is slowly moving northward. This movement has caused the Indian Plate to collide with the Eurasian Plate, which has resulted in the formation of the Himalayas. The Western Ghats are a result of this collision, while the coastal plains are a result of the erosion of the Himalayas.

3. What are the major landforms of Tamil Nadu?

The major landforms of Tamil Nadu are the coastal plains, the central plateau, and the Western Ghats. The coastal plains are narrow and fertile, while the central plateau is more rugged and sparsely populated. The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs along the western edge of the state.

4. What are the major rivers of Tamil Nadu?

The major rivers of Tamil Nadu are the Cauvery, the Vaigai, and the Tambraparni. The Cauvery is the longest river in the state, and it is a major source of irrigation and drinking water. The Vaigai is the second longest river in the state, and it is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for the city of Madurai. The Tambraparni is the third longest river in the state, and it is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for the city of Madurai.

5. What are the major climate zones of Tamil Nadu?

The major climate zones of Tamil Nadu are the tropical wet and dry climate, the tropical monsoon climate, and the tropical savanna climate. The tropical wet and dry climate is found in the northern part of the state, and it is characterized by a hot, dry season and a cool, wet season. The tropical monsoon climate is found in the central and southern parts of the state, and it is characterized by a hot, wet season and a cool, dry season. The tropical savanna climate is found in the eastern part of the state, and it is characterized by a hot, dry season and a short, wet season.

6. What are the major vegetation zones of Tamil Nadu?

The major vegetation zones of Tamil Nadu are the tropical rainforest, the tropical dry forest, and the tropical savanna. The tropical rainforest is found in the Western Ghats, and it is characterized by a dense canopy of trees and a variety of plant and animal life. The tropical dry forest is found in the central and southern parts of the state, and it is characterized by a mix of deciduous and Evergreen trees. The tropical savanna is found in the eastern part of the state, and it is characterized by a mix of Grasses and trees.

7. What are the major wildlife habitats of Tamil Nadu?

The major wildlife habitats of Tamil Nadu are the Western Ghats, the Nilgiri Hills, and the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs along the western edge of the state, and they are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards. The Nilgiri Hills are a mountain range that runs along the eastern edge of the state, and they are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary that is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.

8. What are the major environmental issues facing Tamil Nadu?

The major environmental issues facing Tamil Nadu are deforestation, pollution, and Climate Change. Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. Pollution is the contamination of the Environment with harmful substances, such as Air Pollution, Water Pollution, and land pollution. Climate change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate, which is caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels.

9. What are the major conservation efforts being made in Tamil Nadu?

The major conservation efforts being made in Tamil Nadu are the protection of forests, the reduction of pollution, and the mitigation of climate change. The protection of forests is the effort to prevent the clearing of forests for other uses. The reduction of pollution is the effort to reduce the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. The mitigation of climate change is the effort to reduce the effects of climate change.

  1. The highest peak in Tamil Nadu is:
    (A) Anai Mudi
    (B) Doda Betta
    (C) Mullai Periyar
    (D) Pachai Malai

  2. The longest river in Tamil Nadu is:
    (A) Cauvery
    (B) Vaigai
    (C) Palar
    (D) Tambraparni

  3. The capital of Tamil Nadu is:
    (A) Chennai
    (B) Madurai
    (C) Coimbatore
    (D) Tiruchirappalli

  4. The Official Language of Tamil Nadu is:
    (A) Tamil
    (B) Telugu
    (C) Kannada
    (D) Malayalam

  5. The Population-of-tamil-nadu/”>Population Of Tamil Nadu is:
    (A) 62 million
    (B) 72 million
    (C) 82 million
    (D) 92 million

  6. The Literacy rate in Tamil Nadu is:
    (A) 80%
    (B) 85%
    (C) 90%
    (D) 95%

  7. The main agricultural products of Tamil Nadu are:
    (A) Rice, sugarcane, cotton
    (B) Rice, wheat, maize
    (C) Rice, tea, coffee
    (D) Rice, millets, pulses

  8. The main industries of Tamil Nadu are:
    (A) Textiles, automobiles, electronics
    (B) Steel, chemicals, cement
    (C) Software, IT Services, pharmaceuticals
    (D) Tourism, handicrafts, handlooms

  9. The main tourist attractions of Tamil Nadu are:
    (A) The temples of Madurai, Thanjavur, and Chidambaram
    (B) The beaches of Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Kovalam
    (C) The mountains of Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Yercaud
    (D) The wildlife sanctuaries of Periyar, Mudumalai, and Bandipur

  10. The famous Tamil poet and saint is:
    (A) Thiruvalluvar
    (B) Kamban
    (C) Ilango Adigal
    (D) Subramania Bharati