Question 5 of 7intermediate🔍 AnalyzeLong Answer5 marks

Make a comparison of the island groups of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Correct Answer

The island groups of India are located in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, each with distinct characteristics.

The Bay of Bengal island group consists of about 572 islands/islets, situated between 6°N-14°N and 92°E-94°E. These are divided into Andaman (north) and Nicobar (south), separated by the Ten degree channel. They are believed to be an elevated portion of submarine mountains, with some volcanic islands. Barren island is India's only active volcano. Important peaks include Saddle peak (738 m) and Mount Thuiller (642 m).

The Arabian Sea islands include Lakshadweep and Minicoy, scattered between 8°N-12°N and 71°E-74°E, about 220 km-440 km off the Kerala coast. These islands are entirely built of coral deposits. There are approximately 36 islands, with only 11 inhabited. Minicoy is the largest at 453 sq. km. The group is divided by the Nine degree channel.

The key difference lies in their origin – Bay of Bengal islands are submarine mountains with volcanic features, while Arabian Sea islands are coral formations. The former is larger in number and has significant mountain peaks, whereas the latter has storm beaches with unconsolidated pebbles.

The Bay of Bengal islands receive convectional rainfall and have equatorial vegetation, with coral deposits along the coast.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 3(i)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The answer compares both island groups systematically using facts from the textbook. Key points of comparison include: location (coordinates and distance from coast), number of islands (572 vs 36), origin (submarine mountains vs coral deposits), division (Ten degree channel vs Nine degree channel), and physical features (mountain peaks vs storm beaches). The volcanic origin of some Bay of Bengal islands (Barren island) is a distinguishing feature, while coral formation is characteristic of Arabian Sea islands.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify location and extent of both island groups from the context

  2. Step 2: Note the number of islands in each group

  3. Step 3: Compare the origin - submarine mountains vs coral deposits

  4. Step 4: Compare the dividing channels - Ten degree vs Nine degree

  5. Step 5: Highlight unique features - volcanic origin and peaks vs storm beaches

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