Lakshadweep Chagos Ridge

Lakshadweep Chagos Ridge is an important linear volcanic ridge in the Indian Ocean. This 2,500 km long north-south aligned submarine ridge rises from a depth of 2000 to 2700 m in the Lakshadweep Sea and about 4000 m in the Arabian Sea. The Lakshadweep group of islands is situated at the northern edge of this ridge. The Lakshadweep Sea separates the ridge from the Malabar shelf. The eastern side of this ridge appears to be steeper than the western side. It has a number of gaps. The main gap, the Nine Degree Channel, separates the island of Minicoy from the northern group of islands. Five atolls and six large banks are situated on this extensive ridge. Lakshadweep Chagos section includes Diego Garcia. In this Chagos section the reefs are truly of coral origin. Addu Atoll lies at the northern-most point. This atoll forms the southernmost point of the Lakshadweep-Maldives belt which begins from the Kanara Coast in India.