Understanding the Ten Degree Channel Location

The Ten Degree Channel is a significant geographical feature located in the Bay of Bengal. It is a sea passage that separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands.

Identifying the Islands Separated by the Ten Degree Channel

The question asks specifically which two islands are separated by the Ten Degree Channel. Let's look at the options provided:

• North Andaman and Middle Andaman.
• South Andaman and Little Andaman.
• Little Andaman and Car Nicobar.
• Car Nicobar and Great Nicobar.

The Ten Degree Channel is named after the 10-degree line of latitude (10° N) that passes through it. This channel serves as a major divide between the two main island groups: the Andaman group to the north and the Nicobar group to the south.

Specifically, the Ten Degree Channel lies between the southernmost island of the Andaman group and the northernmost island of the Nicobar group.

• The southernmost island of the main Andaman group is Little Andaman.
• The northernmost island of the Nicobar group is Car Nicobar.

Therefore, the Ten Degree Channel is situated between Little Andaman Island and Car Nicobar Island.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine why the other options are not correct:

• North Andaman and Middle Andaman: These islands are part of the North and Middle Andaman administrative district and are separated by the Austin Strait, not the Ten Degree Channel.
• South Andaman and Little Andaman: These islands are separated by the Duncan Passage, not the Ten Degree Channel. South Andaman contains Port Blair, the capital.
• Car Nicobar and Great Nicobar: Car Nicobar is the northernmost large island of the Nicobar group. Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar group. While there are channels and passages within the Nicobar group, the main channel separating the Andaman and Nicobar groups is the Ten Degree Channel, which lies north of Car Nicobar.

Summary of Key Channels in Andaman and Nicobar

Here is a table summarizing the locations of some important channels in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago:

Based on this information, the Ten Degree Channel is located between Little Andaman and Car Nicobar.

Revision Table: Ten Degree Channel

Additional Information on Andaman and Nicobar Channels

Understanding the channels and passages is crucial for the geography of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These waterways are not just geographical features but also hold strategic importance.

• Duncan Passage: This channel separates Rutland Island (part of Great Andaman) to the north and Little Andaman to the south. It is wider than the Ten Degree Channel in some parts but serves a similar function in separating larger landmasses.
• Great Channel: Located further south, the Great Channel separates Great Nicobar from the Sumatra island of Indonesia. This channel is part of a major international shipping route.
• Strategic Importance: The location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the channels within and around them, are strategically important for India's maritime security and trade routes in the Indian Ocean region.

Knowing the specific islands or landmasses separated by these key channels helps in understanding the geography of this archipelago.