Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is located at the nexus of where Indian subcontinent, the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and the tropical marine ecosystems meet.

One of the world’s richest regions from a marine biodiversity perspective. The biosphere reserve comprises 21 islands with estuaries, beaches, forests of the nearshore environment, sea grasses, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves.

Among the Gulf’s 3,600 plant and animal species are the globally endangered e.g. sea cow (Dugong dugon). Besides six mangrove species, endemic to Peninsular India are also endangered.

The mixture of rock debris and organic materials which develop on the earth’s surface. The major factors affecting the formation of soil are relief, parent material, climate, vegetation and other life-forms and time

Human activities also influence it to a large extent. Components of the soil are mineral particles, humus, water and air.

Orison A’ is the topmost zone, where organic materials have got incorporated with the mineral matter, nutrients and water, which are necessary for the growth of plants.

Horizon B’ is a transition zone between the horizon A’ and horizon C’, and contains matter derived from below as well as from above. It has some organic matter in it, although the mineral matter is noticeably weathered.

Horizon C’ is composed of the loose parent material. This layer is the first stage in the soil formation process and eventually forms the above two layers. This arrangement of layers is known as the soil profile.