In Indian geography, the Andaman Islands are separated from the Nicobar Islands by which specific water channel?

Introduction / Context:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands form an important union territory of India located in the Bay of Bengal. Although they are administered as one territory, the Andaman group and the Nicobar group are separated by a specific stretch of sea known by its latitude. This question checks whether you remember the exact name of the channel that lies between these two island groups.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are dealing with Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands.
• The question asks for the name of the water channel separating them.
• Options include 11 degree channel, 10 degree channel, Palk Strait, and Gulf of Mannar.
• Only one of these water bodies actually lies between Andaman and Nicobar.

Concept / Approach:
The key is to recall the correct geographic terminology of Indian seas and straits. The 10 degree channel lies approximately along 10 degrees north latitude and separates Little Andaman in the Andaman group from Car Nicobar in the Nicobar group. Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar are both located between India and Sri Lanka, and the 11 degree channel is a different water body to the north of the Nicobar group. Recognizing these distinctions helps us select the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that we need the water body separating Andaman and Nicobar groups. Step 2: Recall that the 10 degree channel runs near 10 degrees north latitude between Little Andaman and Car Nicobar. Step 3: Note that Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar are related to the India and Sri Lanka region, not to Andaman versus Nicobar separation. Step 4: Remember that the 11 degree channel lies farther south of some Nicobar Islands but is not the main divider between Andaman and Nicobar groups. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the 10 degree channel.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to imagine an atlas map of the Bay of Bengal. You can visualize the Andaman Islands to the north, Nicobar Islands to the south, and between them a narrow stretch marked as 10 degree channel. Geography textbooks and competitive exam preparation materials consistently mention the 10 degree channel in connection with Andaman and Nicobar, which reinforces this choice as correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
11 degree channel: Exists but is associated with different island separation and not the primary divider between Andaman and Nicobar groups.
Palk Strait: Separates India from Sri Lanka, not Andaman from Nicobar.
Gulf of Mannar: Also lies between India and Sri Lanka, to the south of Tamil Nadu, unrelated to Andaman and Nicobar separation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse the 10 degree and 11 degree channels because both names sound similar, and both are in the Indian Ocean region. The safest tactic is to memorize a simple statement: the 10 degree channel separates Andaman and Nicobar, while Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar are connected with India and Sri Lanka. Writing short summary notes like this helps avoid last minute confusion in exams.

Final Answer:
The Andaman Islands are separated from the Nicobar Islands by the 10 degree channel.