Question 14 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Geography

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Rann of Kutch

Strategy: Focus on identifying the key geomorphological clue--'repeated falls in sea level'--which is most relevant to current day vast marshlands. Recalling major locations, the Rann of Kutch stands out as a seasonal marsh that was once a shallow arm of the sea, now cut off due to tectonic and sea level changes. None of the other options exhibit this large-scale geomorphological transition from sea to marshland, allowing direct selection.

Key Info: The Rann of Kutch is a vast area of salt marshes located primarily in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, extending into the Sindh province of Pakistan. This region is a unique geographical feature formed by repeated marine transgressions and regressions, including drastic falls in sea level and tectonic uplift. Historically, the Rann was a shallow extension of the Arabian Sea, but ongoing geological events--such as sediment deposition by major rivers (Indus and its distributaries) and tectonic shifts--gradually separated it from the open sea. This led to the creation of extensive marshes characterized by seasonal flooding during the monsoon and desiccation in the dry months, leaving a saline crust.

The Rann is renowned for its significant ecological diversity and is home to the Indian Wild Ass (in the Little Rann), flamingos, and other migratory birds. It also has socio-cultural significance for the local Kutchi communities.

### Other Options

- Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha) are formed primarily due to riverine delta processes and not geological sea-level regressions.
- Marakkanam Salt Pans (Tamil Nadu) are man-made salt pans, not extensive natural marshlands formed by former sea incursions.
- Naupada Swamp (Andhra Pradesh) is a coastal wetland but not the result of repeated sea regression on the scale or geomorphological history of the Rann of Kutch.

The Rann's landscape is a textbook example of a marshland created by the interplay of sea-level fall, tectonic activity, and sedimentation--making it one of India's most distinctive physiographic regions.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Bhitarkanika Mangroves

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Marakkanam Salt Pans

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Naupada Swamp