Eastern Ghats
| Eastern Ghats | |
|---|---|
.JPG) | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Arma Konda, Andhra Pradesh |
| Elevation | 1,680 m (5,510 ft)[1][2] |
| Coordinates | 18°13′41″N 82°43′23″E / 18.22806°N 82.72306°E |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 1,750 km (1,090 mi) N–S |
| Width | 100–200 km (62–124 mi) E–W |
| Area | 75,000 km2 (29,000 sq mi) |
| Geography | |
 | |
| Country | India |
| Regions | Eastern and Southern India |
| States | |
| Biome | Tropical forests and Wetlands |
| Geology | |
| Rock types | |
The Eastern Ghats is a mountain range that stretches 1,750 km (1,090 mi) along the eastern coast of the Indian peninsula. Covering an area of 75,000 km2 (29,000 sq mi), it traverses the states of Odisha, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The range forms a discontinuous chain of mountains along the eastern edge of the Deccan Plateau, stretching from north of the Mahanadi River in Odisha to Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu at the southern end of the Indian peninsula. The Eastern Ghats meet with the Western Ghats at Nilgiris. The average elevation is around 600 m (2,000 ft) and Arma Konda is the highest peak in the mountains at 1,680 m (5,510 ft).
Geologic evidence indicates that the mountains were formed during the archeozoic era and became part of the Indian subcontinent post the break-up of the supercontinent of Rodinia and the formation of Gondwana. The mountains were formed through further metamorphism during the mi Proterozoic era. The northern section of the range has an elevation ranging from 900–1,400 m (3,000–4,600 ft) and lies mostly in Odisha. The middle section stretches up to the Penna River and consists of two parallel ranges with an average elevation of 520 m (1,710 ft). At the southern end, the range is made up of several smaller hills.
The Eastern Ghats forms a part of one of the major watersheds of India, consisting of many perennial river systems such as the Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi and Kaveri. Because of the higher elevation of the Deccan plateau on the west, most rivers originate from the Western Ghats and flow eastwards to cut across the range to the Bay of Bengal. As the mountains are discontinuous and have a lower elevation, they have a considerably lesser influence than the Western Ghats on the weather patterns in India. However, orography studies indicate that the range does play a role in bringing rainfall to the eastern coastal areas.
The weather is normally dry and humid with seasonal rainfall. There are nine different forest types found in the region including evergreen, deciduos and thorn forests. The Eastern Ghats region contains a large number of different species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to this region.
Etymology
[edit]The name Eastern Ghats derives from the word ghat and the cardinal direction in which it is located with respect to the Indian mainland. Ghat, a term used in the Indian subcontinent, depending on the context, could either refer to a range of stepped hills such as the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, or a series of steps leading down to a body of water or wharf.[3][4] As per linguist Thomas Burrow, the word Ghat was derived from similar words used in various Dravidian languages such as kattu (mountain side, ridge, or dam) in Tamil, katte (dam), gatta (mountain), and gattu (bank or shore) in Kannada, and katta (dam), and gatte (shore or embankment) in Telugu.[5]
Geology
[edit]_at_Tenneti_park_beach.JPG)
The Eastern Ghats are an ancient orogenic belt which started forming during the collision of crustal rocks during the archeozoic era. Geologic evidence indicates that these became part of the Indian subcontinent follwing the break-up of the super-continent of Rodinia and the creation of Gondwana. The mountains were formed over million of years through metamorphism, and erosion and are significantly older than the Western Ghats.[6][7] The rock layers were largely formed during the mid proterozoic era by the accumulation of silt, carbonates and basalt which later became khondalite and calcium silicate rocks. The major rock types found are charnockite, granite, khondalite, metamorphic, and quartzite.[7][8]
In the mesoproterozoic era, the range was compacted and re-aligned north-east. The structure includes multiple thrusts and strike-slip faults along its range.[9] The Eparchaean Unconformity of the Tirumala Hills is a major discontinuity of stratigraphic significance that represents an extensive period of erosion and non-deposition, which is evident from the steep natural slopes, and ravines.[10][11] Along the western edge, sedimentary rocks were deposited due to volcanic activity, which and later formed schist belts. The region consists of bauxite, iron ore and limestone reserves. The major soil types found are red, black, laterite, and alluvial.[7]
Geography
[edit]
The Eastern Ghats extend from north of the Mahanadi River and runs approximately 1,750 km (1,090 mi) to the Vaigai basin in the south of Indian peninsula.[12] It covers an area of 160,000 km2 (62,000 sq mi), traversing across the Indian states of Odisha (25%), Telengana (5%), Andhra Pradesh (40%), Karnataka (5%), and Tamil Nadu (25%).[13][14]: 24
Topography
[edit]The Eastern Ghats form a discontinuous chain of mountains with an average elevation of 600 m (2,000 ft) and runs parallel to the eastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal.[7][15] The Eastern coastal plains are the 100–130 km (62–81 mi) wide region between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.[16][17] The average width of the mountains range from 100–200 m (330–660 ft) with the mountains wider in the north and narrower in the south.[12][14]: 24 Arma Konda is the highest peak in the mountains at 1,680 m (5,510 ft).[15][18]
The range can be roughly divided into three separate sections. The northern section of the range lies majorly in Odisha and stretches from Similipal hills in the north to the Andhra Pradesh border. It has an elevation ranging from 900–1,400 m (3,000–4,600 ft) with the highest peak at Deomali (1672 m).[18][14]: 24 The central section lies in Telengana and Andhra Pradesh and stretches up to the Penna River. It consists of two parallel ranges with an average elevation of 520 m (1,710 ft) and is separated by a 160 km (99 mi) wide gorge through which the rivers Godavari and Krishna flow. The hills continue as Javadi and Shevaroy Hills, south of Chennai and meet with the Western Ghats at Nilgiris. The Biligiriranga and Malai Mahadeshwara Hills in Karnataka form a corridor linking the two mountain ranges. At the southern end, the range is made up of several smaller hills such as the Sirumalai.[15][18][14]: 24
Hydrology
[edit]
The Eastern Ghats form one of the major watersheds of India with major river systems such as Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna and Mahanadi cutting across the range.[7][18][19] Most rivers flow eastwards towards the Bay of Bengal owing to the steeper gradient moving from east to west.[20] The Eastern Ghats are the source for many small and medium rivers of the east coastal plains.[21]
| Riparian state | Rivers |
|---|---|
| Odisha | Baitarani, Brahmani, Budhabalanga, Nagavali, Rushikulya, Sabari Subarnarekha, Vamsadhara |
| Andhra Pradesh | Champavathi, Chitravathi,Gosthani, Gundlakamma, Kundu, Penna, Sarada, Sileru, Swarnamukhi, Tammileru |
| Tamil Nadu | Amaravathi, Palar, Ponnaiyar, Swetha, Thamirabharani, Varaha, Vaigai, Vellar |
The streams and rivers give rise to numerous waterfalls in the region. The region also consists of many wetlands and large coastal lagoons such as the Chilika, Kolleru and Pulicat lakes.[14]: 36 The rivers have been dammed for hydroelectric and irrigation purposes, with major reservoirs spread across the region.[22][23]
Climate
[edit]As the mountains are discontinuous and have a lower elevation, they have a considerably lesser influence than the Western Ghats on the weather patterns in India. However, orography studies indicate that the range does play a role in rainfall patterns along the coast. The range blocks winds at the low level which brings rainfall to the eastern coastal plains.[24] The Eastern Ghats region has a tropical climate and receives rainfall from the monsoon. It is hot in the summers with temperatures reaching 44 °C (111 °F) during summer with humidity levels of 65-75%. The northern region receives 120–150 cm (47–59 in) of rainfall and the lower regions receive 60–110 cm (24–43 in) of rain. The temperature is lowest in the winter month of January with an average of 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). The higher hill ranges are generally wetter and cooler with the lower parts remaining semi-arid and dry. The coastal regions experience tropical cyclones during the monsoon season.[18][14]: 28
Bio-diversity
[edit]Flora
[edit]There are nine forest types in the Eastern Ghats region, namely tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, riverine, southern dry deciduous, northern dry deciduous, dry savannah, thorn scrub, and dry evergreen forests.[12] The vegetation varies considerably with altitude with scrubs and dry forests at lower altitudes and deciduous, semi-evergreen forests, and evergreen forests at higher altitudes.[18] The region is home to more than 4500 species of angiosperms, which account for 13% of the flowering plant species in India.[18][7] About 166 species of flowering plants are endemic to the Eastern Ghats and more than ten new species have been discovered in the region since the early 2010s.[12] Major tree species include Indian rosewood, mahogany, and red sandalwood.[7]
Fauna
[edit]The endemic fauna of the Eastern Ghats include Jerdon's courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) and the grey slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus). Rare geckos live here as well, including the Indian golden gecko (Calodactylodes aureus), granite rock gecko (Hemidactylus graniticolus) and Yercaud slender gecko (Hemiphyllodactylus aurantiacus).[25] Other endemic reptiles include Sharma's skink (Eutropis nagarjuni) and snakes such as Gower's shieldtail snake (Rhinophis goweri), Shortt's shieldtail snake (Uropeltis shorttii) and the Nagarjun Sagar racer (Platyceps bholanathi).[citation needed]
Mammals
[edit]
Mammals found in the Easter Ghats include the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), Madras treeshrew (Anathana ellioti), common grey mongoose (Urva edwardsii), sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica), Indian bison (Bos gaurus), Indian boar (Sus scrofa cristatus), common muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), dhole (Cuon alpinus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis), Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus), tufted grey langur (Semnopithecus priam), Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus), bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata), rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis), smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), jungle cat (Felis chaus), cheetal (Axis axis), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and Indian mole-rat (Bandicota bengalensis).[26] There are about 400 tigers living in the Eastern Ghats.[citation needed]
Birds
[edit]A survey conducted by ATREE in the northern Eastern Ghats hill region identified more than 205 species of birds, including relatively rare ones like Brook's flycatcher (Cyornis poliogenys) and Jerdon's baza (Aviceda jerdoni). Threatened bird species like the Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) were also spotted in a couple of habitats.[27] Other bird species found in the Eastern Ghats include the Great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus), spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii), hoopoe (Upupa epops), spotted owlet (Athene brama), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), pied crested cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus), Oriental white ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), Indian pitta (Pitta brachyura), Indian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), jungle babbler (Turdoides striata), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala), black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), jungle myna (Acridotheres fuscus), Indian spotted eagle (Aquila hastata), Indian vulture (Gyps indicus)[28][29] and Malabar whistling thrush (Myophonus horsfieldii).
Amphibians
[edit]Up to 30 species of amphibians live in the Eastern Ghats, including Gunther's toad (Bufo hololius), pond frogs (Euphlyctis spp.), cricket frogs (Fejervarya spp.), bull frogs (Hoplobatrachus spp.), burrowing frogs (Sphaerotheca spp.), balloon frogs (Uperodon spp.), small-mouthed frogs (Microhyla spp.) and tree frogs (Polypedates spp.). Endemic species include the golden-backed frogs (Hylarana spp.), the bush frog (Raorchestes terebrans), the recently described caecilian Gegeneophis orientalis, and an Ichthyophis species that is known only from old records.[30][31]
Reptiles
[edit]Nearly 100 species of reptiles occur in the Eastern Ghats. Many endangered species are also present, including the mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Indian black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga), Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata), Indian tent turtle (Pangshura tentoria), Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) and Leith's softshell turtle (Nilssonia leithii), many of which are found in the northern rivers and riverine valley tracts.
Among the lizards present are Roux's forest calotes (Monilesaurus rouxii), Psammophilus and Sitana species, Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus), reticulated gecko (Hemidactylus reticulatus), rock geckoes Hemidactylus giganteus and Hemidactylus graniticolus, golden gecko (Calodactylodes aureus), slender gecko (Hemiphyllodactylus aurantiacus), rare ground geckoes Cyrtodactylus nebulosus and Cyrtodactylus collegalensis, the recently rediscovered Geckoella jeyporensis, Leschenault's snake-eye (Ophisops leschenaultii), blinking snake-eye (Ophisops minor), Ashwamedh's skink (Eutropis ashwamedhii), Beddome's skink (Eutropis beddomei), Nagarjun's skink (Eutropis nagarjuni) and Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis). Noteworthy lizards include endemic, fossorial species of leg-less skinks such as Sepsophis punctatus, Barkudia melanosticta and Barkudia insularis that are known only from the northern ranges and along the adjoining Eastern coastal plains in northern Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Among snakes present are the beaked worm snake (Grypotyphlops acutus), endemic shield-tailed snakes like Uropeltis ellioti and Uropeltis shorttii, the recently described Rhinophis goweri, the endangered Indian rock python (Python molurus), Forsten's cat snake (Boiga forsteni), yellow-green cat snake (Boiga flaviviridis), Srilankan flying snake (Chrysopelea taprobanica), Nagarjun Sagar racer (Coluber bholanathi), green keelback (Rhabdophis plumbicolor), Duméril's black-headed snake (Sibynophis subpunctatus) and Indian reed snake (Liopeltis calamaria). Apart from the Big Four Indian venomous snakes, endemic ones like Beddome's coral snake (Calliophis beddomei), Indian green Bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus gramineus), the rare King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and Banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus) are also known from parts of this region.[30][31]
Threats and conservation
[edit]A 2017 study indicated that the Eastern Ghats region has lost about 32,200 km2 (12,400 sq mi) forest cover between 1920 to 2015. Forests which occupied 43.5% of the land area reduced by nearly 16 percent.[14]: 119 An estimated 7.92 percent of the forest area converted for agriculture and 3.80 percent to grasslands from 1920 to 2015. As of 2018, only 3.53 percent of the total area was declared as protected areas.[13] The major threats included illegal logging, mining, grazing, agriculture, forest fires and tourism, poaching, and illegal tapping of forest resources which have resulted in deforestation and fragmentation of forests.[12][13] Various natural disasters such as heavy rainfalls, extreme temperature, environmental changes, competition due to invasive species have been threats to the biodiversity in the region. The absence of pollinators have also had an effect on the natural regeneration of vegetation.[12]
Till 1980, logging was a major contributor for the loss of forest cover with decrease in tree species such as teak, sal, red sanders, and sandalwood. Though laws in 1988 curtailed illegal logging, wood is still quarried by people for making charcoal, firewood, and construction.[14]: 91 Forest produce is a source of income for people living in the fringes of the ranges. Over harvesting of forest produce for fodder, traditional medicine, and domestic uses along with unscientific extraction methods and burning of forests have been threats.[14]: 92 The introduction of alien species either by deliberate or non deliberate means have resulted in competition to native species.[14]: 93 The construction of large dams across rivers in the region have submerged more than 2,300 km2 (890 sq mi) of forest cover.[14]: 94
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The Eastern Ghats region is rich in minerals and semi-precious stones. Illegal mining, poor mining processes, over exploitation, and unsafe disposal of debris have resulted in issues bio-degeneration of the areas.[14]: 98-99 Eight of the 29 forest fire prone districts are located in the region and, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh recorded the most forest fires in 2014. With more than 90% of these fires caused by humans, this has resulted in loss of forest cover.[14]: 101 Practices such as shifting cultivation, plantations, and illegal encroachments are the major agricultural contributors to deforestation.[14]: 103, 107 Increased urbanisation, and expansion of cities, construction of roads and railways, and tourism have led to encroachments into forest lands, and threats to bio-diversity in the region.[14]: 112, 114
The Government of India had enacted various policies over the years to address the environmental concerns, access to forest resources, and protection of wildlife.[14]: 140 Three national parks, two biosphere reserves, and 22 wildlife sanctuaries are present in the Eastern Ghats region. The protected areas include five tiger reserves under the Project Tiger, and an elephant reserve under the Project Elephant protection plans. About 13 eco-sensitive zones have been declared, jointly managed with the local communities.[14]: 144-146
See also
[edit]References
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- ^ Jaini, Padmanabh S. (2003). Jainism and Early Buddhism. Jain Publishing Company. p. 528. ISBN 978-0-8958-1956-7.
- ^ "Eastern Ghats: an ancient orogenic, older than the Western Ghats". Lakes of India. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
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- ^ Subrata Karmakar; Sankar Bose; Kaushik Das; Somnath Dasgupta (2009). "Proterozoic Eastern Ghats Belt, India – a witness of multiple orogenies and its lineage with ancient supercontinents" (PDF). Journal of the Virtual Explorer. 32. ISSN 1441-8142.
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- ^ a b c d e f Endemic Flowering Plants of Eastern Ghats (PDF) (Report). Botanical Survey of India. p. 2. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ a b c "Climate change, land-use change may enhance plant species loss in the Eastern Ghats". Mongabay. 26 February 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Eastern Ghats environmental outlook (PDF) (Report). Greens Alliance for Conservation of Eastern Ghats. March 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
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- ^ Population of India. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations. 1982. p. 2.
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- ^ Dhruv Sen Singh (2017). The Indian Rivers: Scientific and Socio-economic Aspects. Springer Science. p. 309. ISBN 978-9-8110-2984-4.
- ^ Shanavas P H; Sumesh A K; Haris P M (2016). Western Ghats - From Ecology To Economics. Educreation Publishing. pp. 27–29. ISBN 978-9-3852-4758-3.
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- ^ Samani, R.L.; Ayhad, A.P. (2002). "Siltation of Reservoirs-Koyna Hydroelectric Project-A Case Study". In S. P. Kaushish; B. S. K. Naidu (eds.). Silting Problems in Hydropower Plants. Bangkok: Central Board of Irrigation and Power. ISBN 978-90-5809-238-0.
- ^ Jayesh Phadtare (1 April 2018). "Role of Eastern Ghats Orography and Cold Pool in an Extreme Rainfall Event over Chennai on 1 December 2015". Monthly Weather Report. American Meteorological Society: 943–965.
- ^ Basundhara Chettri; S. Bhupathy (26 July 2010). "Three little known reptile species from the Araku Valley, Eastern Ghats with notes on their distribution" (PDF). Journal of Threatened Taxa. 2 (8): 1109–1103. doi:10.11609/JoTT.o2329.1109-13. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 November 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ No.1,2006.pdf The Eastern Ghats[dead link]. Archive of No.1,2006.pdf original site [dead link]
- ^ Ganguly, Nivedita (17 July 2015). "For joy of birdwatching". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
- ^ Endangered vultures sighted in Raichur. The Hindu (29 August 2012). Retrieved on 28 July 2013.
- ^ Critically endangered vulture found in Adilabad district. The Hindu (5 June 2013). Retrieved on 28 July 2013.
- ^ a b Srinivasulu, C., & Das, I. (2008). The herpetofauna of Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats, India: an annotated checklist, with remarks on nomenclature, taxonomy, habitat use, adaptive types and biogeography. Asiatic Herpetological Research, 11, 110-131.
- ^ a b Ganesh, S. R., & Arumugam, M. (2015). Species Richness of Montane Herpetofauna of Southern Eastern Ghats, India: A Historical Resume and a Descriptive Checklist. Russian Journal of Herpetology, 23(1), 7-24.
- ^ National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India (PDF). Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India (Report). November 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu notifies Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary as state's 17th wildlife sanctuary". The New Indian Express. 10 November 2022. Archived from the original on 25 August 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
