Question map
Which of the following is/are coastal cities ? 1. Hamburg 2. Washington 3. Berlin 4. Cairo Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Explanation
A coastal city is typically defined by its direct adjacency to the sea or its function as a major seaport accessible to maritime traffic. Hamburg is a classic example of a major seaport located on the Elbe estuary, which, despite being inland, is classified as a coastal port-city due to its tidal nature and role as a gateway to the North Sea [3]. In contrast, Berlin is an inland city located on the River Spree, serving as a river port for barges rather than ocean-going vessels [3]. Washington D.C. is situated on the Potomac River, significantly inland from the Atlantic coast. Cairo is located on the Nile River, approximately 160 kilometers south of the Mediterranean coast. Therefore, among the options provided, only Hamburg is traditionally categorized as a coastal/port city in a geographical and economic context [3].
Sources
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 16: Fluvial Landforms and Cycle of Erosion > Difference between a River Basin, Watershed and Catchment Area > p. 209