Questions and Answers Chapter 3: “Drainage System” NCERT Class 11 Geography
Objective Questions
- Which river is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’?
– (A) Ganga
– (B) Kosi
– (C) Brahmaputra
– (D) Yamuna
– Answer: (B) Kosi
- Which of the following rivers is a tributary of the Ganga?
– (A) Narmada
– (B) Godavari
– (C) Yamuna
– (D) Tapi
– Answer: (C) Yamuna
- The river Indus originates in:
– (A) Tibet
– (B) Nepal
– (C) Bhutan
– (D) India
– Answer: (A) Tibet
- Which of the following is not a peninsular river?
– (A) Krishna
– (B) Mahanadi
– (C) Ganga
– (D) Godavari
– Answer: (C) Ganga
- Which river is known as the ‘Dakshin Ganga’?
– (A) Godavari
– (B) Krishna
– (C) Cauvery
– (D) Narmada
– Answer: (A) Godavari
Short Answer Questions
- Define a drainage basin.
– Answer: A drainage basin is an area of land where all precipitation collects and drains off into a common outlet, such as a river or a bay. It includes both the streams and rivers that convey the water as well as the land surfaces from which water drains into those channels.
- What is meant by a river system?
– Answer: A river system consists of a main river and all of its tributaries. It includes the network of streams and rivers that drain into a single larger river and eventually into the ocean.
- Differentiate between the Himalayan rivers and the Peninsular rivers.
– Answer:
– Himalayan rivers are perennial, meaning they have water throughout the year, primarily fed by snowmelt from the Himalayas and monsoon rains. Examples include the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.
– Peninsular rivers are mostly seasonal, relying heavily on rainfall. They often have smaller basins and less water volume compared to the Himalayan rivers. Examples include the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
- Explain the term ‘river regime.’
– Answer: River regime refers to the pattern of the flow of water in a river over a year. It shows the seasonal variations in the discharge of a river, influenced by climatic conditions and the nature of the river basin.
- What are the major differences between the east-flowing and west-flowing rivers in Peninsular India?
– Answer:
– East-flowing rivers, like the Godavari and Krishna, generally flow towards the Bay of Bengal, forming deltas at their mouths.
– West-flowing rivers, such as the Narmada and Tapi, flow towards the Arabian Sea and form estuaries instead of deltas.
Long Answer Questions
- Discuss the characteristics of the Himalayan drainage system.
– Answer: The Himalayan drainage system includes some of the major river systems of the Indian subcontinent, such as the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. These rivers are characterized by their large basins, perennial flow, and the significant volume of water they carry due to the melting of glaciers and heavy rainfall. They originate in the high Himalayas, cutting through mountains, forming deep gorges, and have a large number of tributaries. These rivers also support a vast and fertile plain, making them crucial for agriculture and human settlements.
- Explain the significance of the Peninsular drainage system.
– Answer: The Peninsular drainage system consists of several important rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. These rivers are primarily rain-fed and have a seasonal flow. They flow over the hard, rocky terrain of the Peninsular plateau and have well-defined valleys. The Peninsular rivers are crucial for irrigation, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply in the region. Despite their smaller basins compared to the Himalayan rivers, they play a vital role in the agricultural and economic activities of Peninsular India.
- Describe the river systems of the Indus and the Ganga.
– Answer:
– The Indus River system originates in Tibet and flows through India and Pakistan. It has several tributaries such as the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, which together form the Punjab region. The Indus is crucial for the agriculture and livelihood of millions in both India and Pakistan.
– The Ganga River system is one of the largest in India, originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas. It flows southeast across northern India and empties into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga has numerous tributaries, including the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi. It is not only significant for agriculture but also holds immense cultural and religious importance for millions of people.
- Analyze the impact of human activities on the drainage systems of India.
– Answer: Human activities have significantly impacted the drainage systems of India. Deforestation and urbanization have led to increased runoff and reduced groundwater recharge, causing rivers to dry up or flood more frequently. Industrial and agricultural pollution has contaminated many rivers, affecting water quality and aquatic life. Large-scale irrigation projects and dam constructions have altered the natural flow of rivers, disrupting ecosystems and displacing communities. Efforts to manage and conserve water resources, such as river cleaning initiatives and sustainable water management practices, are crucial to mitigate these impacts.
- What are the challenges faced by the river management authorities in India?
– Answer: River management authorities in India face several challenges, including:
– Pollution control: Managing industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste discharge into rivers.
– Flood management: Controlling and mitigating the impact of floods, which are frequent due to monsoon rains and glacial melt.
– Water allocation: Ensuring equitable distribution of water among different states and sectors, especially during droughts.
– Maintaining ecological balance: Preserving riverine ecosystems and biodiversity amidst developmental pressures.
– Infrastructure maintenance: Managing aging infrastructure such as dams, canals, and levees.
– Public awareness and participation: Engaging local communities in sustainable water management practices and conservation efforts.
Feel free to ask if you need more detailed explanations or additional questions on this topic.