How are the Eastern Ghats different from Odisha’s coastal plains?

The Eastern Ghats and the coastal plains of Odisha are distinct natural divisions with significant differences in geology, elevation, and climate:

• Geology and Relief: The Eastern Ghats are a range of ancient, discontinuous hills that run roughly parallel to the coast, reaching elevations of about 3,600 feet (1,100 meters). In contrast, the coastal plains are low-lying, nearly straight stretches of land formed by alluvial deposits and marine sediments from rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal.12
• Elevation: While the Eastern Ghats represent elevated, rugged terrain, the coastal plains are lowlands that merge with the hills at an elevation of approximately 250 feet (76 meters).2
• Climate: The Eastern Ghats generally receive heavier precipitation compared to the coastal areas. The region south of Chilka Lake in the coastal plains is notably the driest part of the state, receiving less than 50 inches (1,300 mm) of annual rainfall.3
• Land Use: The coastal plains are characterized by fertile soils that support intensive agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, and are the center of the state's industrial and transportation networks.2