Explain the geomorphic evolution of the Western Ghats and their significance in biodiversity conservation.
Introduction
Western Ghats are escarpment mountains along the western coast of India along Arabian sea. They extend from Maharashtra (Hill Nilgiris) and called as 'Sahyadris'.
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Main Body
Geomorphic evolution:
(i) Part of Archean shield which formed part of Gondwanaland.
(ii) Breakaway from Gondwanaland around 160 mya in cretaceous period.
(iii) Reunion hotspot updated with the doleray traps.
(iv) The escarpment are formed on breaking of landmarks with subsidence of Arabian Sea coast.
(v) Tilting towards southeast as isostatic rebounding.
Biodiversity conservation:
(i) Rainfall due to windward side effect to the SW monsoon, that sustains tropical evergreen vegetation.
(ii) Protected areas along the Sahyadris – more than 50 as it being 'biodiversity hotspot'.
(iii) Merging terrestrial ecosystems interaction e.g. along estuaries, backwaters, Kasturvirangan: A Gadgil committee, team highlighted the need to protect them with ecologically zones.
Diagram
Map of Western Ghats showing Gondwana, Arabian sea, and escarpment formation with directional arrows indicating geological processes
- Good coverage of geomorphic evolution with plate tectonics (Gondwanaland breakaway, Reunion hotspot)
- Linked evolution to biodiversity significance
- Mentioned specific examples (Kasturvirangan Committee)
- Clear structure with numbered points
- Addressed both components of question
Rohin Kumar
Salient features of World's Physical Geography
Important Geophysical Phenomena
Geomorphic evolution and biodiversity
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