Geography of Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu is a state in the southern part of India.
• It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, Kerala to the west, Andhra Pradesh to the north, and Karnataka to the northwest.
• The southernmost point of India, Indira Point, is located in Tamil Nadu, specifically on the Nicobar Islands, which are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Geographical Regions

• Tamil Nadu can be divided into several geographical regions: the Coastal Plains, the Eastern Ghats, the Central Plateau, and the Western Ghats.

Coastal Plains

• The Coastal Plains run along the Bay of Bengal.
• They are generally flat and fertile, suitable for agriculture.
• The plains are wider in the deltas of major rivers like the Cauvery, the Palar, the Thenpennaiyar, and the Vaigai.
• The coastline is about 1,076 km long.

Eastern Ghats

• The Eastern Ghats run through the state in a northeast to southwest direction.
• They are not as continuous or as high as the Western Ghats.
• The hills are broken by the rivers that flow from west to east into the Bay of Bengal.
• Notable hill ranges include the Javadi Hills, the Shevaroy Hills, the Kalrayan Hills, and the Pachaimalai Hills.
• The Eastern Ghats are characterized by deciduous forests and scrublands.

Central Plateau

• The Central Plateau lies between the Eastern and Western Ghats.
• It is a relatively dry region, often called the rain shadow region, as it receives less rainfall.
• The plateau is rocky and undulating.
• It is suitable for dry farming and grazing.

Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats form the western boundary of Tamil Nadu.
• They are higher and more continuous than the Eastern Ghats.
• The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot, with rich evergreen forests.
• Anaimalai, Palani Hills, Cardamom Hills, and Nilgiri Hills are major ranges.
• Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, is located in the Anaimalai Hills, on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• The Nilgiri Hills are a popular hill station area, known for tea and coffee plantations.

Rivers

• Tamil Nadu is drained by several major rivers.
• The Cauvery (Kaveri) is the most important river.
• It rises in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• The Cauvery delta is a fertile agricultural region, known as the "rice bowl" of Tamil Nadu.
• Other major rivers include the Palar, the Thenpennaiyar, the Vaigai, and the Thamirabarani.
• Many of these rivers are rain-fed, so their water levels fluctuate depending on the monsoon season.
• The Vaigai flows through the southern part of the state and is important for irrigation in that region.
• The Thamirabarani is a perennial river, originating in the Western Ghats and flowing into the Gulf of Mannar

Climate

• Tamil Nadu has a tropical climate.
• The state experiences hot summers, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C in the plains.
• The monsoon season brings rainfall from both the southwest and northeast monsoons.
• The southwest monsoon (June to September) brings rain to the western parts of the state.
• The northeast monsoon (October to December) brings rain to the entire state, and is particularly important for the coastal regions.
• The average annual rainfall varies across the state, with the Western Ghats receiving the highest rainfall.
• The central and southern parts of the state receive less rainfall.

Soil Types

• The soils in Tamil Nadu vary depending on the region.
• Alluvial soils are found in the coastal plains and river deltas.
• These are fertile and suitable for agriculture.
• Black soils are found in parts of the central plateau.
• These are suitable for cotton cultivation.
• Red soils are common in many parts of the state.
• Laterite soils are found in some hilly areas.

Natural Vegetation

• The natural vegetation in Tamil Nadu varies according to rainfall and altitude.
• Evergreen forests are found in the Western Ghats, where rainfall is high.
• Deciduous forests are found in the Eastern Ghats and parts of the central plateau.
• Scrublands and thorn forests are found in the drier regions.
• Mangrove forests are found along the coast, especially in the deltas of major rivers.

Minerals and Resources

• Tamil Nadu is rich in mineral resources.
• Lignite is found in Neyveli.
• Limestone, magnesite, and granite are also important mineral resources
• The state has some oil and natural gas reserves.

Biodiversity

• Tamil Nadu is rich in biodiversity.
• The state has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
• These protect a variety of flora and fauna.
• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It protects a diverse range of ecosystems.
• The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is known for its coral reefs and marine life.

Coastal Features

• The coastline of Tamil Nadu includes sandy beaches, estuaries, and lagoons.
• Marina Beach in Chennai is one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
• The Palk Strait separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka.
• The Gulf of Mannar is known for its pearl fisheries and coral reefs.

Geographic Significance

• The geographical features of Tamil Nadu have a significant impact on its economy, agriculture, and culture.
• The fertile coastal plains and river deltas support intensive agriculture, especially rice cultivation.
• The Western Ghats are important for water resources and hydroelectric power generation.
• The hills are popular tourist destinations.
• The long coastline supports fishing and maritime trade.

Impact of Monsoons

• The monsoons play a crucial role in the state's water availability and agricultural productivity.
• The failure of monsoons can lead to drought and water scarcity.
• The northeast monsoon is particularly important for replenishing reservoirs and groundwater.
• Flooding can also occur during periods of heavy rainfall.

Major Cities

• Chennai (formerly Madras) is the capital city.
• It is a major industrial, commercial, and cultural center.
• Other major cities include Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem.
• These cities are important centers for trade, industry, and education.

Agriculture

• Agriculture is a major occupation in Tamil Nadu.
• Rice, sugarcane, cotton, and groundnuts are important crops.
• Tea and coffee are grown in the hill regions.
• The state is also a major producer of flowers and vegetables.

Natural Hazards

• Tamil Nadu is prone to natural hazards.
• Cyclones can cause damage to coastal areas.
• Floods can occur during the monsoon season.
• Droughts can occur when the monsoons fail.
• Earthquakes are relatively rare, but the state is located in a seismic zone.