Nine Degree Channel
The Nine Degree Channel is a channel in the Indian Ocean between the Laccadive Islands of Kalpeni and Suheli Par, and Maliku Atoll (Minicoy Island).[1] These two subgroups of islands, together with the Amindivi Subgroup, form the Indian Union Territory (UT) of Lakshadweep.[2]
The Channel is approximately 200 km wide with a depth of 2597 metres. The Investigator Bank is located in the southern region of the channel.
It is so named as it lies on the 9-degree line of Latitude, north of the equator.
Sea Lane of Strategic Importance[]
The 200 kilometres of the Nine Degree Channel separating Kalpeni and Suheli Par from Minicoy sees the passage of nearly all merchant shipping between Europe, the Middle-East and Western Asia with South-East Asia and the Far-East.
See also[]
- Geostrategic context
References[]
- ^ Prostar Sailing Directions 2005 India & Bay of Bengal Enroute, National Geospatial-intelligence Agency
- ^ An Act to alter the name of the Union territory of the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands
External links[]
Coordinates: 9°N 73°E / 9°N 73°E
- Landforms of Lakshadweep
- Channels of the Indian Ocean
- Straits of India
- India geography stubs