Previous Year Question
Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
Andaman and Nicobar
Nicobar and Sumatra
Maldives and Lakshadweep
Sumatra and Java
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman group of islands from the Nicobar group of islands.
It is situated close to 10° north latitude; hence, it is called the Ten Degree Channel.
The Andaman group lies to its north, while the Nicobar group lies to its south.
More specifically, it lies between Little Andaman in the north and Car Nicobar in the south.
According to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the channel is approximately 150 km wide.
It forms part of the important maritime routes connecting the Bay of Bengal with the Andaman Sea.
Examination of the Options
(a) Andaman and Nicobar—Correct: The two island groups are separated by the Ten Degree Channel.
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra—Incorrect: The Great Channel or Six Degree Channel lies between Great Nicobar and Sumatra.
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep—Incorrect: The Eight Degree Channel lies between Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep and the Maldives. The Nine Degree Channel separates Minicoy from the remaining islands of Lakshadweep.
(d) Sumatra and Java—Incorrect: The Sunda Strait separates these two Indonesian islands.