How do the landscapes of the Andaman Islands differ from those of the Nicobar Islands?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a common origin as part of a great island arc formed by submerged mountain ranges, but their landscapes exhibit distinct characteristics.12
Andaman Islands
The terrain of the Andamans is consistently rough, defined by a succession of parallel, dome-shaped hill ranges running north to south that enclose narrow longitudinal valleys. Flat land is scarce, limited to a few specific valleys. The coasts are deeply indented with coral-fringed shores, creating numerous tidal creeks and safe harbors.13
Nicobar Islands
The Nicobar landscape is more diverse than that of the Andamans. While some islands like Great Nicobar are hilly and contain fast-flowing streams, others such as Car Nicobar feature flat, coral-covered surfaces. Unlike the Andamans, where flat land is confined to valleys, these coral-covered surfaces in the Nicobars often have offshore formations that restrict ship anchorage. Additionally, Great Nicobar is unique within the territory for possessing a significant amount of fresh surface water.14