Physical Geography

Lakshadweep is an island archipelago located off the southwestern coast of India. In total, there are thirty-nine islands and islets that make up this archipelago. These islands are situated in the Arabian Sea, spanning over 78,000 square miles. This archipelago includes twelve atolls and three reefs. The name Lakshadweep means “one hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit and Malayalam. (Noble). Atolls are volcanic islands that have since eroded to form the shape of a ring.  Geologists have observed the islands to run along a north to south ridge, which is expected to be a continuation of the Aravalli Range (Earth). Lakshadweep appears to be the result of the same hotspot plate tectonics that created mountain range extending into Rajasthan, India.