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{{Short description|none}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=January 2020}}
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[[File:Karnataka topo deu.png|thumb|300px|Topographic map of Karnataka. Western Ghats are parallel to the coast.]]
[[File:Karnataka topo deu.png|thumb|300px|Topographic map of Karnataka. Western Ghats are parallel to the coast.]]
The [[India]]n State of Karnataka is located 11°30' North and 18°30' North latitudes and [[74th meridian east|74° East]] and 78°30' East longitude. .It is situated on a tableland where the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Eastern Ghats]] converge into the complex, in the western part of the Deccan Peninsular region of India. The State is bounded by [[Maharashtra]] and [[Goa]] States in the north and northwest; by the [[Arabian Sea]] in the west; by [[Kerala]] in the south-west and [[Tamil Nadu]] in the south and south-east, [[Andhra Pradesh]] in the south-east and east and [[Telangana]] in the north-east. Karnataka extends to about 750&nbsp;km from north to south and about 400&nbsp;km from east to west.
The [[India]]n State of Karnataka is located between 11°30' North and 18°30' North latitudes and between [[74th meridian east|74° East]] and 78°30' East longitude.It is situated on a tableland where the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Eastern Ghats]] converge into the complex, in the western part of the Deccan Peninsular region of India. The State is bounded by [[Maharashtra]] and [[Goa]] States in the north and northwest; by the [[Lakshadweep Sea]] in the west; by [[Kerala]] in the south-west and [[Tamil Nadu]] in the south and south-east, [[Andhra Pradesh]] in the south-east and east and [[Telangana]] in the north-east. Karnataka extends to about {{cvt|850|km|mi}} from north to south and about {{cvt|450|km|mi}} from east to west.


Karnataka is situated in the [[Deccan Plateau]] and is bordered by the [[Arabian Sea]] to the west, [[Goa]] to the northwest, [[Maharashtra]] to the north, [[Andhra Pradesh]] to the southeast and east, [[Telangana]] to the east, [[Tamil Nadu]] to the south and southeast, and [[Kerala]] to the southwest. It is situated at the angle where the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Eastern Ghats]] of South India converge into the [[Nilgiris (mountains)|Nilgiri hills]]. The highest point in Karnataka is the [[Mullayanagiri]] hill in [[Chikkamagaluru district]] which has an altitude of {{convert|1929|m|ft|0}} above sea level.<ref name="mull">{{cite web|author=Bala Chauhan|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/Jan222006/sundayherald1423302006120.asp|title=The coffee-flavoured hills beckon|work=Online Webpage of the Deccan Herald, dated 2006-01-22|publisher=© 2005, The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd.|access-date=2007-05-04}}</ref>
Karnataka is situated in the [[Deccan Plateau]] and is bordered by the [[Arabian Sea]] to the west, [[Goa]] to the northwest, [[Maharashtra]] to the north, [[Andhra Pradesh]] to the southeast and east, [[Telangana]] to the east, [[Tamil Nadu]] to the south and southeast, and [[Kerala]] to the southwest. It is situated at the angle where the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Eastern Ghats]] of South India converge into the [[Nilgiris (mountains)|Nilgiri hills]]. The highest point in Karnataka is the [[Mullayanagiri]] hill in [[Chikkamagaluru district]] which has an altitude of {{convert|1929|m|ft|0}} above sea level.<ref name="mull">{{cite web|author=Bala Chauhan|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/Jan222006/sundayherald1423302006120.asp|title=The coffee-flavoured hills beckon|work=Online Webpage of the Deccan Herald, dated 2006-01-22|publisher=© 2005, The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd.|access-date=2007-05-04}}</ref>


==Physiography==
==Landforms of Karnataka==
The state has three principal physical zones;<ref name="georegions">{{cite web|url=http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/fishframeset.html|title=Environment Database - Fish|work=Online Webpage of the Department of Ecology and Environment|publisher=Government of Karnataka|access-date=2007-05-04}}</ref>
The state is divisible in to three distinct geomorphic zones:<ref name="georegions">{{cite web|url=http://parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in/fishframeset.html|title=Environment Database - Fish|work=Online Webpage of the Department of Ecology and Environment|publisher=Government of Karnataka|access-date=2007-05-04}}</ref>
* The coastal strip, called [[Kanara|Karavali]] and [[Tulu Nadu]], between the [[Western Ghats]] and the Arabian Sea, which is lowland, with moderate to high rainfall levels. This strip is around 320&nbsp;km in length and 48–64&nbsp;km wide.
* The coastal plains, called the [[Kanara|Karavali]] area lies between the [[Western Ghats]] and the Arabian Sea. The Karavali are lowlands, with moderate to high rainfall levels. This strip is around {{cvt|320|km|mi}} in length and {{convert|48|-|64|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide.
* The Western Ghats, called [[Malenadu]], a mountain range islands from the Arabian Sea, rising to about 900 m average height, and with moderate to high rainfall levels.
* The Western Ghats, called [[Malenadu]], is a mountain range running parallel to the Arabian Sea trending NNW-SSE, rising to about {{cvt|900|m|ft}} average height with some peaks over {{cvt|1000|m|ft}} above sea level. The mountain range is around {{cvt|40|km|mi}} wide and with moderate to high rainfall levels.
* The [[Deccan Plateau]], called [[Bayalu Seeme]], comprising the main inland region of the state, which is drier and verging on the semi-arid. The humidity in these plains or maidans never exceeds 50%.
* The [[Deccan Plateau]], called [[Bayalu Seeme]], comprising the main inland region of the state, with an average elevation of {{cvt|650|m|ft}} above sea level. The plateau is relatively dry and verging on the semi-arid. The plateau is scattered with narrow ridges, and hills of schistose rock and granitic boulders.


Karnataka has one of the highest average elevations of Indian states at 1,500 feet. The highest recorded temperature was 45.6&nbsp;°C (114.08&nbsp;°F) at [[Raichur]] on 23 May 1928. The lowest recorded temperature was 2.8&nbsp;°C (37.04&nbsp;°F) at [[Bidar]] on 16 December 1918.<ref>{{cite web | title=Karnataka Temperatures | work=Karnataka.com Website | url=http://www.karnataka.com/profile/temperature.shtml | access-date=20 July 2005}}</ref>
Karnataka has one of the highest average elevations of Indian states, at {{convert|1,500|ft|m}}. The highest recorded temperature was 45.6&nbsp;°C (114.08&nbsp;°F) at [[Raichur]]u on 23 May 1928. The lowest recorded temperature was 2.8&nbsp;°C (37.04&nbsp;°F) at [[Bidar]] on 16 December 1918.<ref>{{cite web | title=Karnataka Temperatures | work=Karnataka.com Website | url=http://www.karnataka.com/profile/temperature.shtml | access-date=20 July 2005 | archive-date=5 February 2005 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050205004605/http://www.karnataka.com/profile/temperature.shtml | url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Area and population==
==Area and population==
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==Mineral resource==
==Mineral resource==
Karnataka is rich in its mineral wealth which is distributed fairly evenly across the state. Karnataka's Geological Survey department started in 1880 is one of the oldest in the country. Rich deposits of asbestos, bauxite, chromite, dolomite, gold, iron ore, kaolin, limestone, magnesite, Manganese, ochre, quartz and silica sand are found in the state. Karnataka is also a major producer of felsite, moulding sand (63%) and fuchsite quartzite (57%) in the country.
Karnataka is rich in mineral wealth which is distributed fairly evenly across the state. Karnataka's Geological Survey department started in 1880 is one of the oldest in the country. Rich deposits of asbestos, bauxite, chromite, dolomite, gold, iron ore, kaolin, limestone, magnesite, Manganese, ochre, quartz, and silica sand are found in the state. Karnataka is also a major producer of felsite, molding sand (63%), and fuchsite quartzite (57%) in the country.


Karnataka has two major centers of gold mining in the state at Kolar and Raichur. These mines produce about 3000&nbsp;kg of gold per annum which accounts for almost 84% of the country's production. Karnataka has very rich deposits of high grade iron and manganese ores to the tune of 1,000 million tonnes. Most of the iron ores are concentrated around the Bellary-Hospet region. Karnataka with a granite rock spread of over 4200&nbsp;km² is also famous for its Ornamental Granites with different hues.
Karnataka has two major centers of gold mining in the state Kolar and Raichur. These mines produce about 3000&nbsp; kg of gold per annum which accounts for almost 84% of the country's production. Karnataka has very rich deposits of high-grade iron and manganese ores to the tune of 1,000 million tonnes. Most of the iron ores are concentrated around the Ballari-Hosapete region. Karnataka with a granite rock spread of over 4200&nbsp; km² is also famous for its Ornamental Granites with different hues.


==Geography==
==Geology ==
According to Radhakrishnan and Vaidyanadhan (1997), there are four main types of geological formations in Karnataka:<ref name="geology">Detailed description of the geology of Karnataka is provided by{{cite web|url=http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/paper/TR109/TR109_TVR.pdf|author=Ramachandra TV and Kamakshi G.|title=Bioresource Potential of Karnataka|work=Technical Report No. 109, November 2005|publisher=Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore|access-date=2007-05-05}}</ref>
According to Radhakrishnan and Vaidyanadhan (1997), there are four main types of geological formations in Karnataka:<ref name="geology">Detailed description of the geology of Karnataka is provided by{{cite web|url=http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/paper/TR109/TR109_TVR.pdf|author=Ramachandra TV and Kamakshi G.|title=Bioresource Potential of Karnataka|work=Technical Report No. 109, November 2005|publisher=Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore|access-date=2007-05-05}}</ref>
* ''The [[Archean]] complex made up of [[Dharwad]] [[schist]]s and granitic [[gneiss]]es'': These cover around 60% of the area of the state and consist of gneisses, granites and charnockite rocks. Some of the minerals found in this region are [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]], [[limestone]], [[gabbro]], [[quartzite]], [[pyroxenite]], [[manganese]] and [[iron ore]]s and [[metabasalt]].
* ''The [[Archean]] complex made up of [[Dharwad]] [[schist]]s and granitic [[gneiss]]es'': These cover around 60% of the area of the state and consist of gneisses, granites and charnockite rocks. Some of the minerals found in this region are [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]], [[limestone]], [[gabbro]], [[quartzite]], [[pyroxenite]], [[manganese]] and [[iron ore]]s and [[metabasalt]].
* ''The [[Proterozoic]] non-fossiliferous sedimentary formations of the Kaladgi and Bhima series'': The Kaladgi series has horizontal rocks consists of [[sandstone]], [[metabasalt]], [[limestone]], [[trapstone]] that run for 160&nbsp;km in the districts of [[Belgaum]], [[Raichur district|Raichur]], [[Dharwad]] and [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur]] districts. The Bhima series that is present on either side of the [[Bhima River]] consists of rocks containing [[sandstone]], [[limestone]] and [[shale]] and this is present in the [[Gulbarga]] and [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur]] districts.
* ''The [[Proterozoic]] non-fossiliferous sedimentary formations of the Kaladgi and Bhima series'': The Kaladgi series has horizontal rocks consists of [[sandstone]], [[metabasalt]], [[limestone]], [[trapstone]] that run for {{cvt|160|km|mi}} in the districts of [[Belgaum|Belagavi]], [[Raichur district|Raichuru]], [[Dharwad]] and [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Vijayapura]] districts. The Bhima series that is present on either side of the [[Bhima River]] consists of rocks containing [[sandstone]], [[limestone]] and [[shale]] and this is present in the [[Gulbarga|Kalaburagi]] and [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Vijayapura]] districts.
* ''The [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] trappean and intertrappean deposits'': This is a part of the [[Deccan traps]] which were formed by the accumulation of basaltic lava. This is made up of greyish to black [[augite]]-[[basalt]].
* ''The [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] trappean and intertrappean deposits'': This is a part of the [[Deccan traps]] which were formed by the accumulation of basaltic lava. This is made up of greyish to black [[augite]]-[[basalt]].
* ''The tertiary and recent laterites and alluvial deposits'': Laterite capping are found over the [[Deccan Traps]] and were formed after the cessation of volcanic activity in the early tertiary period. These are found in many districts in the [[Deccan plateau]] and also in the coast.
* ''The tertiary and recent laterites and alluvial deposits'': Laterite capping are found over the [[Deccan Traps]] and were formed after the cessation of volcanic activity in the early tertiary period. These are found in many districts in the [[Deccan plateau]] and also in the coast.


==Soil types==
==Soil types==
[[File:Karnataka soil map NBSS.png|thumb|Soil map]]
Eleven groups of soil orders are found in Karnataka. [[Entisol]]s, [[Inceptisols]], [[Mollisol]]s, [[Spodosol]]s, [[Alfisol]]s, [[Ultisol]]s, [[Oxisol]]s, [[Aridisol]]s, [[Vertisol]]s, [[Andisol]]s and [[Histosol]]s.<ref name="geology"/> Depending on the agricultural capability of the soil, the soil types are divided into six types., Red, [[Lateritic soil|lateritic]] (lateritic soil is found in bidar and kolar district), [[Vertisol|black]], alluvio-colluvial, forest and coastal soils.<ref name="legsoil">{{cite web|title=Traditional Soil Groups of Karnataka and their Geographic Distribution|url=http://raitamitra.kar.nic.in/agriprofile/table5.htm|author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= Govt. of Karnataka|work= Official Website of the Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Karnataka |access-date=2007-03-25}}</ref>
Eleven groups of soil orders are found in Karnataka. [[Entisol]]s, [[Inceptisols]], [[Mollisol]]s, [[Spodosol]]s, [[Alfisol]]s, [[Ultisol]]s, [[Oxisol]]s, [[Aridisol]]s, [[Vertisol]]s, [[Andisol]]s and [[Histosol]]s.<ref name="geology"/> Depending on the agricultural capability of the soil, the soil types are divided into six types., Red, [[Lateritic soil|lateritic]] (lateritic soil is found in bidar and kolar district), [[Vertisol|black]], alluvio-colluvial, forest and coastal soils.<ref name="legsoil">{{cite web|title=Traditional Soil Groups of Karnataka and their Geographic Distribution|url=http://raitamitra.kar.nic.in/agriprofile/table5.htm|author=National Informatics Centre|publisher=Govt. of Karnataka|work=Official Website of the Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Karnataka|access-date=2007-03-25|archive-date=6 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070506164529/http://raitamitra.kar.nic.in/agriprofile/table5.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The common types of soil groups found in Karnataka are:<ref name="legsoil" />
The common types of soil groups found in Karnataka are:<ref name="legsoil" />
* Red soils: Red gravelly loam soil, Red loam soil, Red gravelly clay soil, Red clay soil
* Red soils: Red gravelly loam soil, Red loam soil, Red gravelly clay soil, Red clay soil
* Black soil: gravelly soil, loose, black soil , basalt deposits
* Black soil: gravelly soil, loose, black soil, basalt deposits
* [[Lateritic soil]]s: Lateritic gravelly soil, Lateritic soil
* [[Lateritic soil]]s: Lateritic gravelly soil, Lateritic soil
* [[Vertisol|Black soils]]: Deep black soil, Medium deep black soil, Shallow black soil
* [[Vertisol|Black soils]]: Deep black soil, Medium deep black soil, Shallow black soil
* Alluvio-Colluvial Soils: Non-saline, saline and sodic
* Alluvio-Colluvial Soils: Non-saline, saline and sodic
* Forest soil: Brown forest soil
* Forest soil: Brown forest soil
* Coastal soil: Coastal laterite soil, Coastal alluvial soil
* Coastal soil:Coastal alluvial soil


==Water Resources==
==Water Resources==
{{see also |Category:Rivers of Karnataka|List of dams and reservoirs in Karnataka}}
{{see also |Category:Rivers of Karnataka|List of dams and reservoirs in Karnataka}}


With a surface water potential of about 102 kilometers, Karnataka accounts for about six percent of the country's surface water resources. Around 60% of this is provided by the west flowing rivers while the remaining comes from the east flowing rivers. There are seven river basins in all formed by the [[Godavari River|Godavari]], [[Kaveri River|Cauvery]], [[Krishna River|Krishna]], the west-flowing rivers, [[Penna River |North Pennar River]], [[South Pennar River|South Pennar]], and [[Palar River|Palar]].<ref>http://waterresources.kar.nic.in/river_systems.htm</ref>
With a surface water potential of about {{convert|102|km|mi|sp=us}}, Karnataka accounts for about six percent of the country's surface water resources. Around 60% of this is provided by the west flowing rivers while the remaining comes from the east flowing rivers. There are seven river basins in all formed by the [[Godavari River|Godavari]], [[Kaveri]], [[Krishna River|Krishna]], the west-flowing rivers, [[Penna River|Penna]], [[Ponnaiyar River|Ponniyar]], and [[Palar River|Palar]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://waterresources.kar.nic.in/river_systems.htm|title = River Systems of Karnataka}}</ref>


===Waterfalls in Karnataka===
===Waterfalls in Karnataka===
* [[Kalhatti Falls]]
* [[Kalhatti Falls]]
* [[Anashi Falls]]
* Anashi Falls
* [[Chakra River]]
* [[Chakra River]]
* [[Vibhooti Falls]]
* [[Vibhooti Falls]]
* [[Onake Abbi Falls]]
* Onake Abbi Falls
* [[Hanumangundi Falls]]
* [[Hanumangundi Falls]]
* [[Chelavara Falls]]
* [[Chelavara Falls]]
* [[Kadra Falls]]
* Kadra Falls
* [[Gootlu Falls]]
* Gootlu Falls
* [[Hidlumane Falls]]
* Hidlumane Falls
* [[Godchinamalaki Falls]]
* [[Godchinamalaki Falls]]
* [[Abbey Falls]]
* [[Abbey Falls]]
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* [[Barkana Falls]]
* [[Barkana Falls]]
* [[Chunchanakatte Falls]]
* [[Chunchanakatte Falls]]
* [[Devaragundi Falls]]
* Devaragundi Falls
* [[Gokak Falls]]
* [[Gokak Falls]]
* [[Hebbe Falls]]
* [[Hebbe Falls]]
* [[Irupu Falls]]
* [[Irupu Falls]]
* [[Jaladurga Falls]]
* Jaladurga Falls
* [[Jog Falls]]
* [[Jog Falls]]
* [[Kalhatti Falls]]
* [[Kalhatti Falls]]
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* [[Magod Falls]]
* [[Magod Falls]]
* [[Mallalli Falls]]
* [[Mallalli Falls]]
* [[Muthyalamaduvu Falls]]
* Muthyalamaduvu Falls
* [[Sathodi Falls]]
* [[Sathodi Falls]]
* [[Shivanasamudra Falls]]
* [[Shivanasamudra Falls]]
* [[Shivganga Falls]]
* [[Shivagange|Shivagange Falls]]
* [[Sirimane Falls]]
* [[Sirimane Falls]]
* [[Vajrapoha Falls]]
* [[Vajrapoha Falls]]
* [[Varapoha Falls]]
* [[Varapoha Falls]]
* [[Unchalli Falls]]
* [[Unchalli Falls]]
*[[Apsarakonda Falls]]


===East flowing rivers===
===East flowing rivers===
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* [[Ghataprabha River]]
* [[Ghataprabha River]]
* [[Hemavati River]]
* [[Hemavati River]]
* [[Hiranyakeshi River]]
* [[Hiranyakeshi river|Hiranyakeshi River]]
* [[Honnuhole River]]
* [[Honnuhole River]]
* [[Kabini River]]
* [[Kabini River]]
* [[Kaveri River]]
* [[Kaveri River]]
* [[Kagina River]]
* Kagina River
* [[Kedaka River]]
* [[Kedaka River]]
* [[Krishna River]]
* [[Krishna River]]
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12 West-flowing rivers, providing 60% of state's inland water resources.
12 West-flowing rivers, providing 60% of state's inland water resources.
* [[Gangavalli River]]
* [[Gangavalli River]]
* [[Aghanashini River]]
* [[River Aghanashini|Aghanashini River]]
* [[Kali River (Karnataka)|Kali River]]
* [[Kali River (Karnataka)|Kali River]]
* [[Kumaradhara River]]
* [[Kumaradhara River]]
* [[Mahadai River]]
* [[Mahadayi river|Mahadayi River]]
* [[Shambavi]]
* [[Shambhavi River]]
* [[Varahi River]]
* [[Varahi River]]
* [[Souparnika River]]
* [[Souparnika River]]
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* [[Netravati River]]
* [[Netravati River]]
* [[Gurupura River]]
* [[Gurupura River]]
* seethanadhi river
* [[Seetha River|Seetha river]]


=== Reservoirs ===
=== Reservoirs ===
*[[Lalbahadur shastri sagar]], [[Alamatti]].
*Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagara, [[Alamatti]].
*[[Basava Sagar Dam|Basava Sagar Reservoir]].
*[[Basava Sagar Dam|Basava Sagar Reservoir]].
*[[Navilu theerth Reservoir]].
*Navilu theertha Reservoir.
*[[Ghataprabha Reservoir]].
*Ghataprabha Reservoir.
*[[Dhupdal Reservoir]].
*Dhupdal Reservoir.
*[[Tungabhadra dam]], [[Hospete]].
*[[Tungabhadra Dam|Tungabhadra dam]], [[Hospete|Hosapete]].
*[[Linganamakki]].
*[[Linganamakki]].
*[[Bhadra reservoir]].
*[[Bhadra Dam]].
*[[Krishna Raja Sagara]].
*[[Krishna Raja Sagara]].
*[[Tippagondanahalli Reservoir]].
*[[Tippagondanahalli Reservoir]].
*[[Harangi dam]].
*[[Harangi dam]].
*[[Hemavathi Reservoir]].
*[[Hemavathi reservoir|Hemavathi Reservoir]].
*[[Karanja Reservoir]], [[Bidar]].
*Karanja Reservoir, [[Bidar]].
*[[Kabini Reservoir(Kapila Jalashaya) H.D kote]]
*[[Suvarnavathi Reservoir]]


=== Lakes ===
=== Lakes ===
*Lakes in Davangere ([[Shanti Sagara|Shanthisagara biggest lake in India]])
*[[Lakes in Bangalore|Lakes in Bengaluru]]
*[[Mysore City lakes|Mysuru City lakes]]
*[[Lakes in Bangalore]]
*[[Shanti Sagara|Shanthi Sagara]], [[Davanagere district|Davanagere]]
*[[Mysore city lakes]]
*[[Unkal lake]], [[Hubli]]
*[[Unkal lake]], [[Hubli|Hubballi]]
*[[Belgaum Fort Lake]]
*Belagavi Fort Lake
*[[Heggeri Lake]], [[Haveri]]
*Heggeri Lake, [[Haveri]]
* [[Hagari Jalashaya , Malavi]]
* Hagari Jalashaya, Malavi
* [[Sharanabasava lake , Kalaburagi]]
* Sharanabasava Lake, Kalaburagi
* sulekere lake ,davanagere


==Climate==
==Climate==
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* The post-monsoon season from October to December.
* The post-monsoon season from October to December.


The post-monsoon (period of retreating) and winter seasons are generally pleasant over the entire state. The months April and May are hot, very dry and generally uncomfortable. Weather tends to be oppressive during June due to high humidity and temperature. The next three months (July, August and September) are somewhat comfortable due to reduced day temperature although the humidity continue to be very high. The highest recorded temperature was {{convert|45.6|°C|°F|abbr=on|lk=on|0}} at [[Raichur]] on 23 May 1928. The lowest recorded temperature was {{convert|2.8|°C|°F|abbr=on|0}} C at [[Bidar]] on 16 December 1918.<ref>{{cite web | title=Karnataka Temperatures | work=Karnataka.com Website | url=http://www.karnataka.com/profile/temperature.shtml | access-date=20 July 2005 }}</ref>
The post-monsoon (period of retreating) and winter seasons are generally pleasant over the entire state. The months April and May are hot, very dry and generally uncomfortable. Weather tends to be oppressive during June due to high humidity and temperature. The next three months (July, August and September) are somewhat comfortable due to reduced day temperature although the humidity continue to be very high. The highest recorded temperature was {{convert|45.6|°C|°F|abbr=on|lk=on|0}} at [[Raichur district|Raichuru]] on 23 May 1928. The lowest recorded temperature was {{convert|2.8|°C|°F|abbr=on|0}} C at [[Bidar district|Bidar]] on 16 December 1918.<ref>{{cite web | title=Karnataka Temperatures | work=Karnataka.com Website | url=http://www.karnataka.com/profile/temperature.shtml | access-date=20 July 2005 | archive-date=5 February 2005 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050205004605/http://www.karnataka.com/profile/temperature.shtml | url-status=dead }}</ref>


Karnataka is divided into three meteorological zones:
Karnataka is divided into three meteorological zones:
* ''Coastal Karnataka'': This zone comprises the districts of [[Uttara Kannada]], [[Udupi]] and [[Dakshina Kannada]]. It is a region of heavy rainfall and receives an average rainfall of 3638.5&nbsp;mm per annum.<ref name="avgrain">Average Rainfall of the zones in Karnataka are mentioned by {{cite web|url=http://cwc.gov.in/Water_Data_Pocket_Book_2006/Table1.01final.pdf|title=Rainfall in different sub-divisions of the country during 1-1-2003 to 31-12-2003|work=Online Webpage of Central Water Commission|publisher=Government of India|access-date=2007-05-05}}</ref> far in excess of rest of state.<ref name="rain">{{cite news|author=Pushpa Narayan|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1268552.cms|title=October's rain highest in 49 yrs|work=Online Webpage of the Times of India, dated 2005-10-20|publisher=© 2007 Times Internet Limited.|access-date=2007-05-04|date=2005-10-20}}</ref>
* ''Coastal Karnataka'': This zone comprises the districts of [[Uttara Kannada]], [[Udupi district|Udupi]] and [[Dakshina Kannada]]. It is a region of heavy rainfall and receives an average rainfall of {{cvt|3638.5|mm|in}} per annum.<ref name="avgrain">Average Rainfall of the zones in Karnataka are mentioned by {{cite web|url=http://cwc.gov.in/Water_Data_Pocket_Book_2006/Table1.01final.pdf|title=Rainfall in different sub-divisions of the country during 1-1-2003 to 31-12-2003|work=Online Webpage of Central Water Commission|publisher=Government of India|access-date=2007-05-05}}</ref> far in excess of rest of state.<ref name="rain">{{cite news|author=Pushpa Narayan|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1268552.cms|title=October's rain highest in 49 yrs|work=Online Webpage of the Times of India, dated 2005-10-20|publisher=© 2007 Times Internet Limited.|access-date=2007-05-04|date=2005-10-20}}</ref>
* ''North Interior Karnataka'': This zone comprises the districts of [[Belgaum]], [[Bidar]], [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur]], [[Bagalkot]], [[Haveri]], [[Gadag]], [[Dharwad]], [[Gulbarga]], [[Koppal]], [[Bellary]] and [[Raichur]] Districts. This is an arid zone and receives only 711.5&nbsp;mm of average rainfall per annum.<ref name="avgrain" />
* ''North Interior Karnataka'': This zone comprises the districts of [[Belagavi district|Belagavi]], [[Bidar district|Bidar]], [[Vijayapura district|Vijayapura]], [[Bagalkot district|Bagalkote]], [[Haveri district|Haveri]], [[Gadag district|Gadaga]], [[Dharwad district|Dharwad]], [[Kalaburagi district|Kalaburagi]], [[Koppal district|Koppala]], [[Ballari district|Ballari]], [[Raichur district|Raichuru]], [[Yadgir district|Yadagiri]] and [[Vijayanagara district|Vijayanagara]]. This is an arid zone and receives only {{cvt|711.5|mm|in}} of average rainfall per annum.<ref name="avgrain" />
* ''South Interior Karnataka'': The rest of the districts of Karnataka falls into this zone. This zone receives 1064.8&nbsp;mm of average rainfall per annum.<ref name="avgrain" />
* ''South Interior Karnataka'': The rest of the districts of [[Bengaluru Urban district|Bengaluru Urban]], [[Bengaluru Rural District|Bengaluru Rural]], [[Ramanagara district|Ramanagara]], [[Kolar district|Kolar]], [[Chikkaballapura district|Chikkaballapura]], [[Mandya district|Mandya]], [[Mysore district|Mysuru]], [[Chamarajanagar district|Chamarajanagara]], [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]], [[Tumakuru district|Tumakuru]], [[Hassan district|Hassana]], [[Chitradurga district|Chitradurga]], [[Davanagere district|Davanagere]], [[Chikkamagaluru district|Chikkamagaluru]] and [[Shimoga district|Shivamogga]]. This zone receives {{cvt|1064.8|mm|in}} of average rainfall per annum.<ref name="avgrain" />
<!--Meteorologically, the State can be divided into three divisions namely (a) Coastal Karnataka ([[Dakshina Kannada]] and [[Uttara Kannada]] Districts), (b) North Interior Karnataka (Belgaum Bidar, [[Bijapur district|Bijapur]], [[Dharwad]], [[Gulbarga]] and [[Raichur]] Districts) and (c) South Interior Karnataka (the remaining Districts of [[Bangalore Rural]], [[Bangalore]], [[Bellary]], [[Chikmagalur]], [[Chitradurga]], [[Kodagu]], [[Hassan]], [[Kolar]], [[Mysore]], [[Mandya]], [[Shimoga]] and [[Tumkur]] Districts).
<!--Meteorologically, the State can be divided into three divisions namely (a) Coastal Karnataka ([[Dakshina Kannada]] and [[Uttara Kannada]] Districts), (b) North Interior Karnataka (Belgaum Bidar, [[Bijapur district|Bijapur]], [[Dharwad]], [[Gulbarga]] and [[Raichur]] Districts) and (c) South Interior Karnataka (the remaining Districts of [[Bangalore Rural]], [[Bangalore]], [[Bellary]], [[Chikmagalur]], [[Chitradurga]], [[Kodagu]], [[Hassan]], [[Kolar, Karnataka|]], [[Mysore]], [[Mandya]], [[Shimoga]] and [[Tumkur]] Districts).


The State experiences three distinct climates. The year starts with a spell of winter in January and February followed by about four months of summer until June. The months April and May are especially hot and dry. June is marked by hot weather and a rise in humidity.
The State experiences three distinct climates. The year starts with a spell of winter in January and February followed by about four months of summer until June. The months April and May are especially hot and dry. June is marked by hot weather and a rise in humidity.
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==Rainfall==
==Rainfall==
{{main|Rainfall in Karnataka}}
{{main|Rainfall in Karnataka}}
The [[southwest monsoon]] accounts for almost 80% of the rainfall that the state receives. The annual rainfall across the state ranges from low 50&nbsp;cm to copious 350&nbsp;cm. The districts of Bijapur, Raichur, Bellary and Southern half of Gulbarga experience the lowest rainfall ranging from 50 to 60&nbsp;cm while the west coastal region and [[Malenadu]] enjoy the highest rainfall.<!--Rainfall in the winter season (January to February) is less than one per cent of the annual total in the hot weather season (March to May) about 70% and in the post-monsoon season about 12%.-->
The [[southwest monsoon]] accounts for almost 80% of the rainfall that the state receives. The annual rainfall across the state ranges from low {{cvt|50|cm|in}} to copious {{cvt|350|cm|in}}. The districts of Vijapura, Raichuru, Ballari, Yadagiri and Southern half of Kalaburagi experience the lowest rainfall ranging from 50 to {{cvt|60|cm|in}} while the west coastal region and [[Malenadu]] enjoy the highest rainfall.<!--Rainfall in the winter season (January to February) is less than one per cent of the annual total in the hot weather season (March to May) about 70% and in the post-monsoon season about 12%.-->


The following were the top 5 places that peaked in rainfall statistics [2010-2017] <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf|title=Rainfall Statistics for Kokalli (Ajjimane)|website=DES Karnataka}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/RAINFALL%202010.pdf|title=Rainfall Statistics for Amagaon|website=DES Karnataka}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20rainfall%20%202011.pdf|title=Rainfall Statistics for Mundrote|website=DES Karnataka}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%202013.pdf|title=Rainfall Statistics for Agumbe and Hulikal|website=DES karnataka}}</ref>
The following were the top 5 places that peaked in rainfall statistics [2010-2017] <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf|title=Rainfall Statistics for Kokalli (Ajjimane)|website=DES Karnataka|access-date=24 February 2019|archive-date=11 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311130816/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/RAINFALL%202010.pdf|title=Rainfall Statistics for Amagavi|website=DES Karnataka|access-date=24 February 2019|archive-date=17 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030241/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/RAINFALL%202010.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20rainfall%20%202011.pdf|title=Rainfall Statistics for Mundrote|website=DES Karnataka}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%202013.pdf|title=Rainfall Statistics for Agumbe and Hulikal|website=DES karnataka}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
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|-
|-
|1
|1
|[[Amagaon]]
|[[Amagaon|Amagavi]]
|[[Belgaum district]]
|[[Belagavi district]]
|[[Khanapur]]
|[[Khanapur]]a
|2010
|2010
|10,068
|10,068
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|2
|2
|Mundrote
|Mundrote
|[[Kodagu district]]/[[Coorg District]]
|[[Kodagu district]]
|[[Madikeri]]
|[[Madikeri]]
|2011
|2011
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|3
|3
|[[Hulikal]]
|[[Hulikal]]
|[[Shimoga district]]
|[[Shivamogga district]]
|[[Hosanagara]]
|[[Hosanagara]]
|2013
|2013
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|4
|4
|[[Agumbe]]
|[[Agumbe]]
|[[Shimoga district]]
|[[Shivamogga district]]
|[[Thirthahalli]]
|[[Thirthahalli]]
|2013
|2013
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|5
|5
|Kokalli/Kakalli
|Kokalli/Kakalli
|[[Uttara Kannada]]
|[[Uttara Kannada district]]
|[[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]]
|[[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]]
|2014
|2014
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==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* ''Ground Water Quality in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Karnataka''. Dr. Oinam Jayalakshmi Devi & Dr. S.L. Belagali. [http://www.rubypressco.com Ruby Press & Co]. New Delhi. (2013). {{ISBN|978-93-82395-11-9}}
* ''Ground Water Quality in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Karnataka''. Dr. Oinam Jayalakshmi Devi & Dr. S.L. Belagali. [http://www.rubypressco.com Ruby Press & Co] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019131146/http://www.rubypressco.com/ |date=19 October 2013 }}. New Delhi. (2013). {{ISBN|978-93-82395-11-9}}


{{Geography of India by state or territory}}
{{Geography of India}}
{{Karnataka topics}}
{{Karnataka topics}}



Revision as of 12:45, 9 December 2024

Topographic map of Karnataka. Western Ghats are parallel to the coast.

The Indian State of Karnataka is located between 11°30' North and 18°30' North latitudes and between 74° East and 78°30' East longitude.It is situated on a tableland where the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats converge into the complex, in the western part of the Deccan Peninsular region of India. The State is bounded by Maharashtra and Goa States in the north and northwest; by the Lakshadweep Sea in the west; by Kerala in the south-west and Tamil Nadu in the south and south-east, Andhra Pradesh in the south-east and east and Telangana in the north-east. Karnataka extends to about 850 km (530 mi) from north to south and about 450 km (280 mi) from east to west.

Karnataka is situated in the Deccan Plateau and is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Andhra Pradesh to the southeast and east, Telangana to the east, Tamil Nadu to the south and southeast, and Kerala to the southwest. It is situated at the angle where the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats of South India converge into the Nilgiri hills. The highest point in Karnataka is the Mullayanagiri hill in Chikkamagaluru district which has an altitude of 1,929 metres (6,329 ft) above sea level.[1]

Physiography

The state is divisible in to three distinct geomorphic zones:[2]

  • The coastal plains, called the Karavali area lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The Karavali are lowlands, with moderate to high rainfall levels. This strip is around 320 km (200 mi) in length and 48–64 km (30–40 mi) wide.
  • The Western Ghats, called Malenadu, is a mountain range running parallel to the Arabian Sea trending NNW-SSE, rising to about 900 m (3,000 ft) average height with some peaks over 1,000 m (3,300 ft) above sea level. The mountain range is around 40 km (25 mi) wide and with moderate to high rainfall levels.
  • The Deccan Plateau, called Bayalu Seeme, comprising the main inland region of the state, with an average elevation of 650 m (2,130 ft) above sea level. The plateau is relatively dry and verging on the semi-arid. The plateau is scattered with narrow ridges, and hills of schistose rock and granitic boulders.

Karnataka has one of the highest average elevations of Indian states, at 1,500 feet (460 m). The highest recorded temperature was 45.6 °C (114.08 °F) at Raichuru on 23 May 1928. The lowest recorded temperature was 2.8 °C (37.04 °F) at Bidar on 16 December 1918.[3]

Area and population

Karnataka has a total land area of 191,791 km² and accounts for 5.83% of the total area of the country (measured at 3,288,000 km²). This puts it in seventh place in terms of size. With a population of 6,11,30,704, it occupies eighth place in terms of population. The population density which stands at 319 persons per km² is lower than the all-India average of 382.

Mineral resource

Karnataka is rich in mineral wealth which is distributed fairly evenly across the state. Karnataka's Geological Survey department started in 1880 is one of the oldest in the country. Rich deposits of asbestos, bauxite, chromite, dolomite, gold, iron ore, kaolin, limestone, magnesite, Manganese, ochre, quartz, and silica sand are found in the state. Karnataka is also a major producer of felsite, molding sand (63%), and fuchsite quartzite (57%) in the country.

Karnataka has two major centers of gold mining in the state Kolar and Raichur. These mines produce about 3000  kg of gold per annum which accounts for almost 84% of the country's production. Karnataka has very rich deposits of high-grade iron and manganese ores to the tune of 1,000 million tonnes. Most of the iron ores are concentrated around the Ballari-Hosapete region. Karnataka with a granite rock spread of over 4200  km² is also famous for its Ornamental Granites with different hues.

Geology

According to Radhakrishnan and Vaidyanadhan (1997), there are four main types of geological formations in Karnataka:[4]

Soil types

Soil map

Eleven groups of soil orders are found in Karnataka. Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols, Spodosols, Alfisols, Ultisols, Oxisols, Aridisols, Vertisols, Andisols and Histosols.[4] Depending on the agricultural capability of the soil, the soil types are divided into six types., Red, lateritic (lateritic soil is found in bidar and kolar district), black, alluvio-colluvial, forest and coastal soils.[5] The common types of soil groups found in Karnataka are:[5]

  • Red soils: Red gravelly loam soil, Red loam soil, Red gravelly clay soil, Red clay soil
  • Black soil: gravelly soil, loose, black soil, basalt deposits
  • Lateritic soils: Lateritic gravelly soil, Lateritic soil
  • Black soils: Deep black soil, Medium deep black soil, Shallow black soil
  • Alluvio-Colluvial Soils: Non-saline, saline and sodic
  • Forest soil: Brown forest soil
  • Coastal soil:Coastal alluvial soil

Water Resources

With a surface water potential of about 102 kilometers (63 mi), Karnataka accounts for about six percent of the country's surface water resources. Around 60% of this is provided by the west flowing rivers while the remaining comes from the east flowing rivers. There are seven river basins in all formed by the Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, the west-flowing rivers, Penna, Ponniyar, and Palar.[6]

Waterfalls in Karnataka

East flowing rivers

30 East-flowing rivers.

West flowing rivers

12 West-flowing rivers, providing 60% of state's inland water resources.

Reservoirs

Lakes

Climate

Karnataka has the following four seasons in the year:

  • The winter season from January to February
  • The summer season from March to May
  • The monsoon season from June to September
  • The post-monsoon season from October to December.

The post-monsoon (period of retreating) and winter seasons are generally pleasant over the entire state. The months April and May are hot, very dry and generally uncomfortable. Weather tends to be oppressive during June due to high humidity and temperature. The next three months (July, August and September) are somewhat comfortable due to reduced day temperature although the humidity continue to be very high. The highest recorded temperature was 45.6 °C (114 °F) at Raichuru on 23 May 1928. The lowest recorded temperature was 2.8 °C (37 °F) C at Bidar on 16 December 1918.[7]

Karnataka is divided into three meteorological zones:

Rainfall

The southwest monsoon accounts for almost 80% of the rainfall that the state receives. The annual rainfall across the state ranges from low 50 cm (20 in) to copious 350 cm (140 in). The districts of Vijapura, Raichuru, Ballari, Yadagiri and Southern half of Kalaburagi experience the lowest rainfall ranging from 50 to 60 cm (24 in) while the west coastal region and Malenadu enjoy the highest rainfall.

The following were the top 5 places that peaked in rainfall statistics [2010-2017] [10][11][12][13]

Rank Hobli/Village District Taluk Year Rainfall in mm Elevation in metres
1 Amagavi Belagavi district Khanapura 2010 10,068 785
2 Mundrote Kodagu district Madikeri 2011 9,974 585
3 Hulikal Shivamogga district Hosanagara 2013 9,383 614
4 Agumbe Shivamogga district Thirthahalli 2013 8,770 643
5 Kokalli/Kakalli Uttara Kannada district Sirsi 2014 8,746 780

Forests

About 38724 km² (or 20% of Karnataka's geographic) are covered by forests. The forests are classified as reserved (28,611 km²) protected (3,932 km²), unclosed (5,748 km²), village (124 km²) and private (309 km²) forests. The percentage of forests area to Geographical area in the State is less than the all-India average of about 23%, and 33% prescribed in the National Forest Policy. The area under protected forests in the neighboring States is as follows: Andhra Pradesh 62,000 km² (9% of the total area of the country), Maharashtra 54,000 km² (8%), Tamil Nadu 22,000 km² (3%) and Kerala 11,000 km² (2%).

Karnataka is known for its valuable timbers from the evergreen forests in the Western Ghat region, notably Teak and Rosewood, the richly ornate panels of which adorn the beautiful chambers of the Two Houses of Karnataka Legislature.

References

  1. ^ Bala Chauhan. "The coffee-flavoured hills beckon". Online Webpage of the Deccan Herald, dated 2006-01-22. © 2005, The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd. Retrieved 4 May 2007.
  2. ^ "Environment Database - Fish". Online Webpage of the Department of Ecology and Environment. Government of Karnataka. Retrieved 4 May 2007.
  3. ^ "Karnataka Temperatures". Karnataka.com Website. Archived from the original on 5 February 2005. Retrieved 20 July 2005.
  4. ^ a b Detailed description of the geology of Karnataka is provided byRamachandra TV and Kamakshi G. "Bioresource Potential of Karnataka" (PDF). Technical Report No. 109, November 2005. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
  5. ^ a b National Informatics Centre. "Traditional Soil Groups of Karnataka and their Geographic Distribution". Official Website of the Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Karnataka. Govt. of Karnataka. Archived from the original on 6 May 2007. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
  6. ^ "River Systems of Karnataka".
  7. ^ "Karnataka Temperatures". Karnataka.com Website. Archived from the original on 5 February 2005. Retrieved 20 July 2005.
  8. ^ a b c Average Rainfall of the zones in Karnataka are mentioned by "Rainfall in different sub-divisions of the country during 1-1-2003 to 31-12-2003" (PDF). Online Webpage of Central Water Commission. Government of India. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
  9. ^ Pushpa Narayan (20 October 2005). "October's rain highest in 49 yrs". Online Webpage of the Times of India, dated 2005-10-20. © 2007 Times Internet Limited. Retrieved 4 May 2007.
  10. ^ "Rainfall Statistics for Kokalli (Ajjimane)" (PDF). DES Karnataka. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 March 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  11. ^ "Rainfall Statistics for Amagavi" (PDF). DES Karnataka. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  12. ^ "Rainfall Statistics for Mundrote" (PDF). DES Karnataka.
  13. ^ "Rainfall Statistics for Agumbe and Hulikal" (PDF). DES karnataka.

Further reading