Difference between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
Introduction
The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats are two mountain ranges situated in India. Though both these ranges serve to contribute significantly to the country’s ecology and economy, they differ significantly in their geography, flora and fauna, and climate.
Geography
The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri range, run parallel to the Arabian Sea along the western coast of India. The range is approximately 1,600 km long, and its highest peak is Anamudi in Kerala, which stands at an elevation of 2,695 m. The Western Ghats contain several important rivers including the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which are significant sources of water for irrigating agricultural lands.
On the other hand, the Eastern Ghats, stretching over 1,750 km along the eastern coast of India, connect with the Western Ghats at the Nilgiri Hills in the southern part of the country. The Eastern Ghats’ highest peak is Mahendragiri, which lies at 1,501 m in Odisha state. Compared to the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are less densely populated by humans, frequently covering dense forests and plateaus.
Flora and Fauna
The Western Ghats are home to a variety of wildlife and flora. They contain several tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and shrublands, which provide habitats for several endangered species, such as Bengal tiger, lion-tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, and many birds and butterflies. Additionally, the Western Ghats have several endemic plant species like the Nilgiri tahr and the shola forests.
The Eastern Ghats, although not as famous as the Western Ghats, offer excellent opportunities for nature enthusiasts. They are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The forests in the Eastern Ghats are dominated by the deciduous teak and sal trees, along with a variation of bamboo species. The fauna in this region includes a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians like the critically endangered Malabar pit viper and Indian pangolin.
Climate
As both these mountain ranges are situated close to the equator, the climate remains similar throughout the year, with only minor variations. The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall, primarily due to the southwest monsoon, which results in dense forests and rivers. However, the Eastern Ghats are more prone to droughts as they receive less rainfall than their western counterparts.
Conclusion
Overall, the Western and Eastern Ghats have significant ecological and economic importance to India. The Western Ghats are the more densely populated of the two and contain several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Meanwhile, the Eastern Ghats are often neglected, keeping them as ideal tourist destinations, and offer several adventure trails with low traffic, making exploring the region easy and natural. While both mountain ranges have their unique features, they are a wonder to explore for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Table difference between western ghat and eastern ghat
Unfortunately, as an AI language model, I cannot provide visual/graphical outputs. However, I can provide you with an HTML table template that you can fill out with the differences between the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
Here is the HTML table code:
“`
| Feature | Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Along the western coast of India | Along the eastern coast of India |
| Length | 1,600 km | 1,750 km |
| Highest peak | Anamudi (2,695 m) | Mahendragiri (1,501 m) |
| Biodiversity | Hotspot of biodiversity; home to many endemic species | Diverse flora and fauna, but not as rich as the Western Ghats |
| Human population | More densely populated; home to major cities | Less populated; more rural |
| Impact on climate | Deforestation and land-use change have led to decreased monsoon rainfall and increased drought | Less affected by deforestation and land-use change; impact on climate not as severe as in Western Ghats |
“`
Feel free to modify the table content according to your research or preference.