The Western Coastal Plain of India, also known as the Konkan Coast, is devoid of any significant delta formation due to several geological and oceanographic reasons:
*Reasons:*
1. *Steep Continental Shelf*: The Western Continental Shelf of India is relatively steep, with a sharp drop-off into the Arabian Sea. This limits the deposition of sediments and prevents the formation of deltas.
2. *High Energy Coastline*: The Western Coast experiences high-energy waves and strong currents, which prevent sediment accumulation and delta formation.
3. *Limited Sediment Supply*: The Western Ghats mountain range, which parallels the coast, traps most of the sediment carried by rivers, reducing the amount of sediment reaching the coast.
4. *Ocean Currents*: The Arabian Sea’s ocean currents, particularly the West India Coastal Current, flow northward, carrying sediments away from the coast.
5. *Tectonic Stability*: The Western Coastal Plain is a stable tectonic region, with minimal subsidence or uplift, reducing the likelihood of delta formation.
6. *River Characteristics*: Rivers along the Western Coast, such as the Tapti, Narmada, and Mandovi, have relatively small catchment areas and limited sediment loads.
*Contrast with Eastern Coastal Plain*:
The Eastern Coastal Plain, on the other hand, has several large deltas, such as the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, Mahanadi Delta, and Godavari Delta. This is due to:
1. *Gentle Continental Shelf*: The Eastern Continental Shelf is relatively gentle, allowing sediments to accumulate.
2. *Low Energy Coastline*: The Eastern Coast experiences lower energy waves and weaker currents.
3. *Abundant Sediment Supply*: The Eastern Ghats and surrounding mountains provide a significant sediment supply.
4. *Tectonic Activity*: The Eastern Coastal Plain has experienced subsidence and uplift, creating accommodation space for delta formation.
These factors combined create an environment conducive to delta formation on the Eastern Coastal Plain but not on the Western Coastal Plain.