question_answer

Give reasons:

(a) Shiwaliks are prone to landslides.

(b) Eastern coastal plains are more fertile.

Answer:

(a) Shiwaliks are formed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by the rivers. They contain gravel and alluvium and are weak in nature. Due to heavy rainfall in these areas, they are prone to landslides and soil erosion.

(b) Eastern coastal plains are more fertile, because rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri have built deltas along the coast, having fertile alluvial soil. Eastern coastal plains are also much broader than western coastal plains. They are more suitable for growing crops.