Formation of Western Ghats

Understanding the formation of Western Ghats is important for UPSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams.

Where Are the Western Ghats Located?

The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India from Gujarat to Kerala. They extend for about 1,600 km and pass through states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa.

The Western Ghats are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their rich biodiversity.

Geological Background Behind the Formation of Western Ghats

To understand the formation of Western Ghats, we must go back nearly 150 million years.

1. Breakup of Gondwana Land

India was once part of a supercontinent called Gondwana. Around 150–130 million years ago, Gondwana began to break apart.

When the Indian plate separated from Madagascar, a major geological event occurred along the western margin of the Indian plateau.

This led to faulting and vertical movements of land blocks.

2. Faulting and Block Formation

The formation of Western Ghats is linked to faulting along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau.

During the separation:

• The western coastal land sank (subsidence).
• The eastern part remained stable.
• The edge facing the Arabian Sea became steep.

This created a high escarpment — which we now call the Western Ghats.

Because of this faulting process, the Western Ghats are often described as fault escarpments or block mountains.

3. Role of Deccan Volcanism

Another major factor in the formation of Western Ghats was volcanic activity.

Around 66 million years ago, massive volcanic eruptions formed the Deccan Traps. Lava spread over large parts of western and central India.

This lava solidified and formed basaltic rock layers. The Western Ghats are mainly composed of these basalt rocks.

Thus, the Western Ghats are connected with:

• Faulting
• Vertical uplift
• Volcanic activity

Are Western Ghats Fold Mountains?

No.

The formation of Western Ghats did not happen due to folding of rock layers like the Himalayas.

Instead:

• The Himalayas → Formed by collision (fold mountains)
• The Western Ghats → Formed due to faulting and uplift

This is a very important exam distinction.

Why Are Western Ghats Called Block Mountains?

The formation of Western Ghats involved vertical movement of large crustal blocks.

When faulting occurred:

• One block remained uplifted.
• The adjacent coastal region subsided.

This uplifted block formed the Western Ghats.

Hence, they are described as block mountains.

However, some geographers also call them a fault escarpment rather than a typical block mountain.

Importance of the Formation of Western Ghats

The way the Western Ghats were formed affects:

• Monsoon rainfall distribution
• River drainage patterns
• Biodiversity
• Soil types

The steep western slope forces monsoon winds to rise, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side.

This is why the western side receives heavy rainfall while the eastern side remains comparatively dry.

Conclusion

The formation of Western Ghats is the result of continental breakup, faulting, uplift, and volcanic activity. They are not fold mountains but are associated with block formation and fault escarpment processes.