Island Groups of India: Notes

Islands are areas of land that are not connected to a continent and are surrounded by water on all sides. Islands can be found in all bodies of water, from streams and rivers to lakes, seas and oceans.

• CONTINENTAL ISLANDS are part of the same land that makes up the continents. They are formed by the flooding of valleys close to the coast. The valleys fill with seawater and the tops of the hills become islands.
• OCEANIC ISLANDS are formed when a volcano erupts deep under the ocean and pushes the ocean floor upwards into a mountain.
• CORAL ISLANDS are low islands formed in warm waters by tiny sea creatures called Corals and are built over long period of time.
• Artificial islands are man-made islands which are built using natural materials like rock or sand and artificial materials like concrete or recycled waste.

Largest & Smallest

Greenland in North America is the world’s largest island, while Bishop Rock in the British Isles is the smallest island.

• Very tiny islands are referred to as cays, keys or islets.
• Islands found in rivers or lakes are called Eyots (or Ait).
• A group of islands is often called an archipelago.
• Desert islands are islands that have no human inhabitants.

What flora and fauna can be found on islands

Islands are home to unique and rare species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on Earth. These species have evolved naturally for over thousands of years and have unique bearance.

Why are islands in danger?

Climate change and rising sea levels often cause flooding on islands. The sea water may also pollute fresh water sources on islands. This may also damage the coral reefs, plants and animals on the islands.

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