What coastal landforms occur around the Indian Ocean?

The Indian Ocean features a diverse array of coastal landforms shaped by tectonic activity, sedimentation, and biological processes. Common configurations include:

• Estuaries and Deltas: These are prevalent, particularly along the Bay of Bengal. Notable examples include the Hugli River complex and the massive Ganges River delta, which hosts the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. The Indus River delta in Pakistan is another significant feature, characterized by extensive mud flats.12
• Beaches and Dunes: The Indian subcontinent features the most extensive beach area in the region, covering more than half of its coastline.1
• Coral Reefs: Abundant throughout the tropics, these include fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls. Many islands, such as the Maldives, are formed by the accretion of reef material.13
• Salt Marshes and Tidal Flats: Found in areas like the Rann of Kachchh, these regions are subject to seasonal flooding.12
• Lagoons and Backwaters: These are common along the Malabar Coast and the eastern coastal plain, often formed by sediment deposition.2
• Cliffs and Rias: The Konkan coast is notable for its rias (flooded valleys) and alternating headlands and bays.12