What landforms make up Maharashtra’s Konkan coast and Deccan plateau?

Maharashtra’s landscape is defined by two distinct geographical regions: the Konkan coastal lowland and the Deccan plateau.

The Konkan Coast

The Konkan is a narrow coastal plain situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Its landforms include:12
* Lateritic Plateaus: The region is characterized by low-level, eroded lateritic plateaus.23
* Coastal Features: The coastline is marked by alternating headlands and bays, which often shelter crescent-shaped beaches.23
* Riverine Plains: The area is indented with flooded valleys (rias) that extend inland into narrow riverine plains.3
* Minor Hills: The relief is dominated by numerous minor hills and eroded remnant ranges of the Western Ghats.12

The Deccan Plateau

The Deccan plateau occupies a substantial portion of Maharashtra. Its landforms include:45
* Deccan Traps: Much of the plateau is covered by extensive lava outpourings known as traps, which have created characteristic steppelike slopes, uniform crest lines, and a tabletop appearance for many hills.1
* Mesa-like Formations: The plateau is noted for its fertile, mesa-like features.61
* River Valleys: The landscape is sculptured by wide, mature valleys carved by rivers such as the Krishna, Bhima, and Godavari.1
* Undulating Uplands: In areas such as Nagpur, the terrain transitions into undulating uplands underlain by ancient crystalline rocks.1