The 8, 9, and 10 Degree Channels are significant landmarks in Indian Geography, each playing a unique role in dividing islands and marking maritime boundaries.
The Eight Degree Channel separates Minicoy Island from the Maldives islands, while the Nine Degree Channel divides Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep archipelago.
Further east, the Ten Degree Channel serves as the boundary between the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
These channels are not only geographically important but also hold strategic relevance in India’s maritime domain.
What are Channels?
A channel is a wide water path that flows between two pieces of land that are close to each other. It is different from a strait, which is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water.
According to National Geographic, a channel is the deepest part of a waterway that links two larger bodies of water.
Channels can form naturally, like when glaciers carve out deep paths between landmasses. People can also create channels by digging through shallow areas to make a passage for large ships. These water pathways, shaped by both nature and human effort, are important for connecting different island locations.
What are 8, 9, and 10 Degree Channels
- The 8, 9, and 10 Degree Channels are important water pathways in the Indian Ocean.
- The 8 Degree Channel separates Minicoy Island from the Maldives, while the 9 Degree Channel divides Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep archipelago.
- The 10 Degree Channel marks the boundary between the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
- These channels are named after their positions along the 8th, 9th, and 10th degrees of latitude north of the equator.
Key Facts about the 8, 9, and 10 Degree Channels
10 Degree Channel
- The Ten Degree Channel of Water is the boundary, dividing the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands within the Bay of Bengal. Collectively, these island groups constitute the Indian Union Territory (UT) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Stretching 150 kilometers from north to south and extending 10 kilometers from east to west, this water body maintains a minimum depth of 7.3 meters.
- Named after its location on the 10-degree line of Latitude, north of the equator, this geographical feature is commonly called the Ten-Degree Channel.
9 Degree Channel
- The Nine Degree Channel plays a crucial role by separating the island of Minicoy from the primary Lakshadweep archipelago.
- The Union Territory of Lakshadweep is formed by the amalgamation of Kalpeni and Suheli Par, as well as Maliku Atoll and Amindivi Subgroup.
- Covering a width of 200 kilometers and reaching a depth of 2597 meters, this channel is notable for the presence of the submerged Investigator Bank in its southern region.
- This water passage is strategically significant for nearly all merchant shipping activities connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Western Asia with Southeast Asia and the Far East.
- The channel lies on the 9-degree line of Latitude, north of the equator, showcasing its geographical significance in global maritime trade.
8 Degree Channel
- The Eight Degree Channel delineates the maritime boundary between India and the Maldives.
- Functioning as a natural divide, it separates the islands of Minicoy and the Maldives.
- Traditionally known as Maliku Kandu and Māmalē Kandu Divehi, this channel derives its name from its location on the 8-degree line of Latitude, north of the equator.
- This geographical feature holds significance for its role as a boundary and its cultural and navigational importance in the region.
8, 9, and 10 Degree Channel in a Nutshell
| Sl. No. | Channel | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eight Degree Channel | Between Minicoy and Maldives islands |
| 2 | Nine Degree Channel | Separating Minicoy from Lakshadweep archipelago |
| 3 | Ten Degree Channel | Between Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands |
Summary
In summary, the Eight Degree Channel separates Minicoy Island from the Maldives, while the Nine Degree Channel divides Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep archipelago. The Ten Degree Channel marks the boundary between the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. These channels are named after their positions along the eight, nine, and ten-degree lines of latitude, north of the equator, highlighting their importance in Indian Geography and the Indian Ocean region.
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