← All questionsGS1 · 2013 · Geography ·No Deltas on West-flowing Rivers
MAINS 2013
GS1
5 marks

There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why?

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4 min
100 words
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What the examiner wants

Explain why rivers from the Western Ghats form estuaries, not deltas.

WhyAnswer exactly what the question asks.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Short, steep courses: fast flow carries sediment straight to sea≈15 words
  2. 2Small catchments and hard rocks: low sediment load≈15 words
  3. 3Narrow coastal plain and strong tidal and wave action remove deposits≈15 words
  4. 4Examples: Sharavati, Mandovi, Zuari, Periyar, Netravati; contrast with east-flowing Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri≈15 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Characteristics of west-flowing riversSediment factorCoastal factorContrast with east coast

Where marks usually go

  • Using Narmada and Tapi as Western Ghat rivers
  • No contrast with east coast

Draw this

  • Sketch of peninsular India showing short west-flowing rivers vs long east-flowing rivers

Value addition

  • ExampleJog Falls on the Sharavati shows the steep gradient of west-flowing rivers.Karnataka
  • FactThe Mandovi-Zuari estuarine system forms Goa's natural harbours.Goa geography