Why in the News?
• A rare natural phenomenon turned the coastlines of Hormuz Island into a blood red landscape, drawing global attention
About Hormuz Island
• Location: Iran, on the Strait of Hormuz
• Lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
• Situated about 8 km off the Iranian coast
• Area: 41.9 sq km
• A hilly island with distinctive geomorphology
Geological Features
• Composed mainly of sedimentary rocks and volcanic ash
• Dominant red colour due to high iron oxide content
• Presence of hematite mineral gives the soil its deep red hue
• Ocean waves turn pink when they wash over iron rich sands
Soil and Climate
• Experiences low precipitation
• Soil and water are saline in nature
• Landscape is largely barren
Unique Identity
• Known as Rainbow Island due to multi coloured soil
• Sand and soil colours include red, gold, silver, and white
Human Settlement and Livelihood
• Hormuz village is the only permanent settlement
• Fishing is the primary source of livelihood
• Inhabited mainly by the Bandari ethnic group
| What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (2017)
(a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase. (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened. (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India. |
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