5

Question 5

Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

AOptions

A
A) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
B
B) Marakkanam Salt Pans
C
C) Naupada Swamp
D
D) Rann of Kutch

BSolution

The Rann of Kutch, located in Gujarat, is widely recognized as the best example of an extensive marshland formed by repeated falls in sea level and tectonic activity. Historically, the Rann was an arm of the Arabian Sea. Geological evidence suggests that due to uplifting of the seabed and repeated regressions (falls) of sea level over geological time, combined with sediment deposition by rivers, it transformed into the vast salt marsh it is today. During monsoons, it gets inundated, appearing like a shallow sea, and dries up in other seasons, forming a salt desert. This dynamic process of sea-level fluctuations and land emergence best fits the description.

Other options: Bhitarkanika Mangroves are known for their dense mangrove forests. Marakkanam Salt Pans are primarily human-made salt production facilities. Naupada Swamp is a coastal wetland, but not as extensively or historically linked to repeated sea-level falls on the scale of the Rann of Kutch.

Diagram for Q5

CStrategy

For questions describing unique geographical phenomena, try to link the description to well-known examples. Visualizing the location and understanding the geological history of prominent Indian geographical features can be very helpful. Look for keywords like 'extensive marshland' and 'repeated falls in sea level' and match them with the most appropriate and famous example.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under the 'Physical Geography of India' section of the UPSC Prelims syllabus, focusing on specific landforms and their geological origins.

EQuestion Analysis

Easy to Medium. The Rann of Kutch is a very prominent geographical feature with a well-known formation history that fits the description.