Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 207

The Western Coastal plains are ..... km wide.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical features and the typical width of coastal plains.

Correct Answer: B) 60-80 KM.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Western Coastal plains are a significant geographical feature of India, located along the western coast of the country. These plains are characterized by their relatively narrow width, which ranges from 60 to 80 kilometers. This width is considerably narrower compared to the Eastern Coastal plains, which are much broader and extend over a larger area.

The Western Coastal plains are part of the larger Western Ghats region, which is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India. The plains are formed by the alluvial deposits from the rivers that flow into the Arabian Sea. These rivers, such as the Narmada, Tapti, and Mahi, have contributed to the formation of the coastal plains over time through sediment deposition.

The width of the Western Coastal plains is influenced by several factors, including the geological processes that have shaped the region over millions of years. The plains are generally narrow due to the proximity of the Western Ghats, which rise abruptly from the coastal plains. This topography creates a distinct landscape with a narrow strip of land between the mountains and the sea.

Understanding the width of the Western Coastal plains is important for various geographical and environmental studies. It helps in assessing the impact of coastal erosion, the potential for agricultural development, and the overall ecological balance of the region. The plains are also significant for their biodiversity, supporting a variety of flora and fauna that are adapted to the coastal environment.

It is important to note that while the width of the Western Coastal plains is generally 60 to 80 kilometers, there can be variations in specific areas due to local geological and environmental factors. However, the overall average width remains within this range, making option B the correct answer.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option suggests a width of 40-70 km, which is narrower than the actual width of the Western Coastal plains. The plains are generally wider than this range, making this option incorrect.
  • Option B: This option correctly identifies the width of the Western Coastal plains as 60-80 km. This range accurately reflects the geographical feature's dimensions, making it the correct answer.
  • Option C: This option suggests a width of 90-120 km, which is broader than the actual width of the Western Coastal plains. The plains are narrower than this range, making this option incorrect.
  • Option D: This option suggests a width of 120-180 km, which is significantly broader than the actual width of the Western Coastal plains. The plains are much narrower than this range, making this option incorrect.

Mnemonic: WCP: Wider than Narrow, but not too Broad (60-80 km)

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