Physical features of Lakshadweep Islands

Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India. The physical features of the Lakshadweep islands are characterized by their unique geographical and ecological traits. Here are some key aspects:

Formation of Island

1. Geographical Area

• Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea off the west coast of India.
• The Lakshadweep islands themselves are grouped into three main clusters: Laccadive, Amindivi, and Minicoy.
• The entire geographical area of the islands is approximately 32.62 km²
• The Lakshadweep islands dot the Arabian Sea, situated approximately 200 to 440 kilometers off the coast of Kerala, India’s southwestern state.

2. Topography

• Lakshadweep consists of 12 atolls, 3 reefs, and 5 submerged banks.
• The atolls have crescent-shaped banks with steep shores on the east and shallow lagoons on the west.
• Atolls, ring-shaped coral reefs that can enclose a lagoon and sometimes even islands or islets, dominate the landscape of these islands. These atolls enclose a lagoon either partially or completely.
• The elevation is very low, with most islands rising only a few meters above sea level.

3. Coral Reefs

• These islands boast extensive coral reefs, some of the most pristine in India.
• The reefs are diverse and support a wide variety of marine life, including many species of fish, mollusks, and other aquatic organisms.
• The reefs include reef flats, coralline shelves, coral heads, and live coral platforms.
• Sand cays and sand over reef areas are also part of the island landscape.

4. Maximum Height

• The highest point on these islands is only 6 meters above the mean sea level.
• Despite their low elevation, the natural beauty and biodiversity of Lakshadweep are remarkable.

5. Undersea Ridge

• Lakshadweep is part of the Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge, which is a vast undersea mountain range.
• This ridge extends from Lakshadweep to the Maldives and Chagos Archipelago.

6. Territorial Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

• Lakshadweep has territorial waters spanning 20,000 km² and an exclusive economic zone covering 400,000 km².
• The islands are the northernmost part of the Lakshadweep–Maldives–Chagos group of islands.

7. Inhabited Islands

• Out of the 36 islands, 10 are inhabited: Agatti, Amini, Androth, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan, and Minicoy.

8. Climate

• Lakshadweep experiences a tropical climate with a significant influence from the monsoons.
• The region has a warm climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.
• The monsoon season lasts from May to September, bringing heavy rainfall.

9. Flora and Fauna

• The islands have limited terrestrial flora due to their small size and isolation, but they are rich in coconut palms and coastal vegetation.
• The marine ecosystem is very diverse, with a significant presence of coral species, fish, and other marine animals.
• The lagoons and reefs support seagrass beds and other underwater vegetation.

10. Soil and Natural Resources

• The soil on the islands is predominantly sandy and infertile, making large-scale agriculture difficult.
• The primary natural resources are related to the marine environment, including fish and other sea life.

11. Water Bodies

• The lagoons and surrounding Arabian Sea are crucial water bodies for the islands.
• The lagoons provide a habitat for marine life and are important for the local fishing industry.

12. Human Settlement

• Only 10 of the 36 islands are inhabited, with a total population of around 64,000 people (according to the latest census).
• The inhabited islands are densely populated and have limited land available for expansion.

In summary, Lakshadweep’s unique geological features include coral atolls, submerged banks, and stunning underwater ecosystems. These islands are a true gem in the Indian Ocean!

Some interesting facts about the Lakshadweep Islands:

• Smallest Union Territory: Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India, both in terms of area and population.
• Unique Language and Culture: The main languages spoken in Lakshadweep are Malayalam, Mahl, and Jeseri. The culture is heavily influenced by Kerala due to historical and geographical proximity.
• Atoll Structure: Lakshadweep is known for its unique atoll structure. An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets that encircle a lagoon.
• Marine Biodiversity: The islands are home to some of the richest marine biodiversity in India, including numerous species of fish, corals, and other marine organisms. The oceans surrounding Lakshadweep are home to approximately 600 species of fish, 78 species of corals, and 82 species of seaweed.
• Ecotourism Destination: Due to its pristine beaches and clear waters, Lakshadweep is a sought-after destination for eco-tourism. The government regulates tourism to ensure the protection of its delicate ecosystem.
• Protected Areas: To conserve their unique ecosystems and biodiversity, authorities have designated several islands and their surrounding waters as protected areas. For example, the Pitti Island is a bird sanctuary.
• Monsoon Climate: The islands experience a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rains during the monsoon season from May to September. The dry season is from October to May.
• Clean Energy Initiatives: The islands are focusing on sustainability and have initiated projects to harness solar energy to reduce dependence on diesel-generated electricity.
• Low Elevation: Most of the islands have low elevations and do not rise more than five meters above sea level. This makes them vulnerable to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.
• Minicoy Island’s Boat-Building Tradition: The island of Minicoy is famous for its traditional boat-building skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)