What is eastern ghats?

The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of mountains along India's eastern coast. They run roughly parallel to the Bay of Bengal, traversing the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

  • Geography and Extent: The Eastern Ghats are not as continuous or high as the Western Ghats. They are eroded and broken by four major rivers: the Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, and Kaveri.

  • Geology: The rocks of the Eastern Ghats are primarily metamorphic, including gneiss and schists. They also contain quartzite and charnockite.

  • Biodiversity: The Eastern Ghats are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The vegetation varies depending on the altitude and rainfall, ranging from tropical dry evergreen forests to moist deciduous forests.

  • Climate: The climate of the Eastern Ghats is influenced by the monsoon winds. The region receives heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon season.

  • Tribal Population: The Eastern Ghats are inhabited by various tribal communities, who depend on the forests for their livelihood.

  • Hill Stations: Some popular hill stations located in the Eastern Ghats include Araku Valley, Horsley Hills and Yercaud.

  • Economic Significance: The Eastern Ghats are rich in mineral resources like iron ore, manganese, and bauxite. They also play a crucial role in water conservation and agriculture.