Physical Landscape

PHYSICAL DIMENSION
It is already mentioned that geography of Canacona is very rich and diversified. Canacona is one of those rare places on the world map, where the Sea and the forest meet at one place (Palolem). Canacona taluka is characterized by hilly topography, indented Coastline headlands, beaches, islands and wetlands.


RELIEF
Geographers are more interested in understanding the physiography or physical landscape of any area because the growth of population, growth of urban centers, density and distribution of population and many other components are directly dependent with it. Broadly Canacona taluka can be divided into three physiographic divisions.
1. The Coast
2. The Ghats
3. The Wetlands
2.4.1 THE COAST
The Coast of Canacona lies to the south of river Sal and to the north of river Kalinadi. The Coast of Canacona is not smooth like the Coast of Salcete. The Coast of Canacona is full of bays and headlands. Rama’s bay, Canacona bay, Kolam bay are the most prominent bays of Canacona, whereas Cape Rama has the most developed cliff. The height of Canacona varies from sea level to 646 meters mean above sea level. In the north the highest elevation is 448 meters, which is known as east peak, whereas in the south the highest elevation is to the east of Loliem which 172 meters. The most elevated part of Canacona is located at the center with 646 meters that is very popular as Canacona peak, found behind Karmal Ghat section.

In the Arabian Sea contour of 10 meters depth is found much close to the cliff of Cape Rama whereas the same contour is 3 km away at Agonda and 4 kilometers away from Palolem. The 20 meters depth is uniformly found at 9 km along the Coast of Canacona. The highest high tide that occurs in Canacona is 1.58 meters and the lowest is 0.82 meters.

2.4.2 THE GHATS
The Westernghats are undoubtedly the most important physiographic division of India. Canacona happens to be a part of this ecosystem. The Westernghats section of Canacona is hilly and is covered by very dense jungle and it houses numerous species of plants and animals. The Westernghats section of Canacona has a wildlife sanctuary known as Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary that covers 89.5 sq. km of area.

2.4.3 THE WETLANDS
This is another important integral part of Canacona. Wetlands of Canacona are found in Galgibag, Talpona, Agonda and around Chaudi i.e. around Railway station and in front of New Kadama Bus Stand. They are considered to be ecologically very productive. During winter season these wetlands attract a large number of migratory birds.