Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland? (UPSC Prelims 2023)

Question

The correct answer is [D] Rann of Kutch.

Rann of Kutch (Option D – Correct): Located in Gujarat, the Rann of Kutch was once a shallow arm of the Arabian Sea. Over geological time, repeated falls in sea level combined with tectonic uplift and the deposition of silt by rivers (like the Indus and Luni) transformed the seabed into an extensive, low-lying salt marsh. During the monsoon, it gets flooded, and during the dry season, it turns into a vast salt crust.
Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Option A – Incorrect): Located in Odisha, this is a river deltaic ecosystem formed by the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. While it is a marshy wetland, its formation is primarily attributed to estuarine sediment deposition rather than \"repeated falls in sea level.\"
Marakkanam Salt Pans (Option B – Incorrect): Located in Tamil Nadu, these are primarily man-made or modified coastal lagoons used for salt extraction. They do not represent the large-scale geological phenomenon of sea-level recession described in the question.
Naupada Swamp (Option C – Incorrect): Located in Andhra Pradesh, this is a significant wetland and bird habitat, but it lacks the characteristic history of being an uplifted seabed resulting from major eustatic (sea-level) changes.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

Rann of Kutch The correct answer is [D] Rann of Kutch.

Rann of Kutch (Option D – Correct): Located in Gujarat, the Rann of Kutch was once a shallow arm of the Arabian Sea. Over geological time, repeated falls in sea level combined with tectonic uplift and the deposition of silt by rivers (like the Indus and Luni) transformed the seabed into an extensive, low-lying salt marsh. During the monsoon, it gets flooded, and during the dry season, it turns into a vast salt crust.
Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Option A – Incorrect): Located in Odisha, this is a river deltaic ecosystem formed by the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. While it is a marshy wetland, its formation is primarily attributed to estuarine sediment deposition rather than \"repeated falls in sea level.\"
Marakkanam Salt Pans (Option B – Incorrect): Located in Tamil Nadu, these are primarily man-made or modified coastal lagoons used for salt extraction. They do not represent the large-scale geological phenomenon of sea-level recession described in the question.
Naupada Swamp (Option C – Incorrect): Located in Andhra Pradesh, this is a significant wetland and bird habitat, but it lacks the characteristic history of being an uplifted seabed resulting from major eustatic (sea-level) changes.

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