Describe the fundamental reasons behind the phenomena of sinking islands in the coastal areas of India. Consider its potential effects on island communities in particular as well as the country at large. (Answer in 250 words)
Landslides in the Western Ghats and the Himalayas differ in various aspects, primarily due to differences in geology, climate, vegetation, and human activities. Here are some key differences: Geology and Topography Western Ghats: Composed primarily of ancient Precambrian rocks, including granites anRead more
Landslides in the Western Ghats and the Himalayas differ in various aspects, primarily due to differences in geology, climate, vegetation, and human activities. Here are some key differences:
Geology and Topography
Western Ghats:
- Composed primarily of ancient Precambrian rocks, including granites and gneisses.
- The terrain is characterized by gently undulating hills with steep escarpments.
- Weathering processes in the tropical climate result in deep lateritic soils, which are prone to landslides.
Himalayas:
- Comprised of relatively younger sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
- The topography is highly rugged with sharp peaks and deep valleys.
- Tectonic activity is more prevalent, leading to frequent earthquakes which can trigger landslides.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Western Ghats:
- Receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September).
- High-intensity rainfall over short periods often triggers landslides, especially in areas with deforested or disturbed soils.
Himalayas:
- Experiences both summer monsoon rains and winter snowfall.
- Landslides can be triggered by heavy monsoon rains, snowmelt, or glacial movements.
- Permafrost and freeze-thaw cycles also contribute to slope instability.
Vegetation and Land Use
Western Ghats:
- Dense tropical and subtropical forests cover much of the region.
- Deforestation for agriculture, plantations, and development increases landslide risk.
- Well-vegetated slopes tend to be more stable, but disturbances can rapidly change this.
Himalayas:
- Vegetation varies from tropical forests at lower altitudes to alpine meadows and bare rock at higher elevations.
- Deforestation, road construction, and unplanned urbanization contribute to increased landslide risk.
- Steeper slopes with less vegetation are more susceptible to landslides.
Human Activities and Impact
Western Ghats:
- Extensive agriculture, especially on terraced slopes, can destabilize the soil.
- Construction of roads, dams, and other infrastructure often leads to increased landslide incidents.
- Quarrying and mining activities also contribute to slope instability.
Himalayas:
- Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in fragile mountain areas increase landslide risk.
- Hydroelectric projects, road construction, and unregulated tourism can disturb the natural stability of slopes.
- Overgrazing and deforestation by local communities exacerbate the problem.
Frequency and Magnitude
Western Ghats:
- Landslides are typically smaller in scale but can be frequent during the monsoon season.
- The impact is often localized but can be devastating for local communities.
Himalayas:
- Landslides can be large and catastrophic, often affecting extensive areas.
- The frequency is influenced by both climatic factors and tectonic activity.
Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective landslide mitigation and management strategies tailored to each region’s unique characteristics.
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India has a fragile network of over 1,382 islands. However, several of these islands are under natural and anthropogenic threat. In fact, one such island, the bio-diverse and uninhabited Parali I in the Lakshadweep archipelago, has entirely disappeared from the map. Reasons behind the phenomenon ofRead more
India has a fragile network of over 1,382 islands. However, several of these islands are under natural and anthropogenic threat. In fact, one such island, the bio-diverse and uninhabited Parali I in the Lakshadweep archipelago, has entirely disappeared from the map.
Reasons behind the phenomenon of sinking/shrinking islands in India’s coastal regions:
Implications for the nation:
Implications for island communities:
In this context, measures such as large scale mangroves plantation, adopting green technologies, early warning systems, etc. can go a long way in replicating the story of hope from Tamil Nadu: the Vaan island in the Gulf of Mannar, which was brought back to life.
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