Drainage Systems in India
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Questions and Answers

What are the two major rivers originating from the Himalayas?

The Indus and the Brahmaputra.

What geological features do the Himalayan rivers create as they cut through the mountains?

They create gorges.

What kind of geological activity do the Himalayan rivers perform in their upper courses?

Intensive erosional activity.

Which river has the largest drainage basin in India?

<p>The Ganga River.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Indus River begin its journey?

<p>It rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarowar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What features do the Himalayan rivers form in their middle and lower courses?

<p>Meanders, oxbow lakes, and deltas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a river system?

<p>A river along with its tributaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a water divide and can you provide an example?

<p>A water divide is a boundary that separates two drainage areas. An example is the Western Ghats, which separates the Indus and Ganga river systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which river basin is considered the largest in India?

<p>The Ganga River basin is the largest river basin in India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do the rivers Indus and Ganga have their origins?

<p>The Indus River originates in Tibet, while the Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two headstreams of the Ganga, and where do they meet?

<p>The two headstreams of the Ganga are the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda, and they meet at Devprayag to form the Ganga.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some economic benefits derived from rivers and lakes?

<p>Rivers and lakes provide water for irrigation, fishing, transportation, and tourism, contributing to local economies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which states do the Mahanadi and Godavari rivers flow through?

<p>The Mahanadi flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha, while the Godavari flows through Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Godavari River among the peninsular rivers?

<p>The Godavari is the largest peninsular river in India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the Narmada River?

<p>The Narmada River is about 1,500 km long.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Kaveri River drain?

<p>The Kaveri drains into the Bay of Bengal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the notable features of the Narmada River?

<p>The Narmada River is known for its Marble Rocks and the Dhuadhar Falls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long is the Mahanadi River?

<p>The Mahanadi River is approximately 860 km long.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which states are included in the drainage basin of the Godavari?

<p>The drainage basin of the Godavari includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'Dakshin Ganga' in relation to the Godavari?

<p>The Godavari is known as 'Dakshin Ganga' due to its length and the area it covers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of estuaries do the Narmada and Tapi Rivers create?

<p>The Narmada and Tapi Rivers flow westward and create estuaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two tributaries of the Godavari River.

<p>Two tributaries of the Godavari River are the Wardha and the Wainganga.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of lake is the Sambhar lake in Rajasthan?

<p>The Sambhar lake is a saltwater lake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of most freshwater lakes in India?

<p>Most freshwater lakes in India are of glacial origin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one reason for the formation of the Wular lake.

<p>The Wular lake is formed as a result of tectonic activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's surface is covered with saltwater?

<p>71 percent of the world's surface is covered with saltwater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some recreational activities enjoyed at lakes in Kashmir?

<p>Tourists enjoy boating, swimming, and water games at lakes in Kashmir.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two lakes are mentioned as important in addition to the Wular lake?

<p>The Dal lake and Loktak lake are mentioned as important lakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant plan was launched in 1985 for river cleaning in India?

<p>The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was launched in 1985.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has hydel power generation contributed to lake formation?

<p>Damming rivers for hydel power generation has led to the formation of artificial lakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List any two smaller rivers flowing towards the east in India.

<p>The Damoder and the Baitarni are two smaller rivers flowing towards the east.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'glacial origin' imply about the lakes in the Himalayan region?

<p>Lakes of glacial origin imply they were formed by glaciers that melted and filled basins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Ganga river's tributaries, such as the Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi?

<p>They cause annual flooding, which damages life and property but also enriches the soil for agriculture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the slope of the plains from Ambala to the Sunderban.

<p>The plains have a gradual slope of just one metre for every 6 km over a distance of nearly 1800 km.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Namami Gange Programme and its main objectives?

<p>It is an Integrated Conservation Mission aimed at pollution abatement and the conservation of the Ganga river.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Brahmaputra river originate and how does its course differ from that of the Indus?

<p>It rises in Tibet near Mansarowar lake and flows eastward, mostly outside India, unlike the Indus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name some tributaries that join the Brahmaputra after it enters India.

<p>The Dibang, the Lohit, and several other tributaries join the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternate name for the Brahmaputra river in Tibet and Bangladesh?

<p>In Tibet, it is called Tsang Po, and in Bangladesh, it is known as Jamuna.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the rivers rising in semi-arid areas, like the Chambal, Betwa, and Son, compare to those from the Himalayas?

<p>They have shorter courses and generally carry less water than rivers originating from the Himalayas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the Ganga river system on agriculture in northern plains?

<p>The Ganga river system enriches the soil through annual flooding, benefiting agricultural practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the geographical journey of the Brahmaputra from its source to Assam.

<p>It flows eastward in Tibet, takes a U-turn at Namcha Barwa, enters India in Arunachal Pradesh, and becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Himalayan Rivers: Origin and Gorges

The Indus and Brahmaputra rivers originate in the north of the Himalayas and carve deep valleys known as gorges.

Major Himalayan Rivers

The Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra are major rivers of the Himalayan region, known for their long courses and numerous tributaries.

River System

A river system includes the main river and its tributaries, all working together to drain an area.

Erosion in Himalayan River Upper Courses

Strong erosion in the upper course of Himalayan rivers leads to a large amount of silt and sand being carried downstream.

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Depositional Features in Himalayan Rivers

As Himalayan rivers flow, they form meanders, oxbow lakes, and other features from deposition in the middle and lower courses.

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The Indus River System: Origin and Tributaries

The Indus originates in Tibet, flows westward, and forms a gorge in Ladakh, where it is joined by tributaries like the Zaskar and Shyok.

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Largest Drainage Basin

The Amazon River has the largest drainage basin in the world.

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Ganga River

The Ganga River originates in the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas and flows eastwards across northern India before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is responsible for supporting a vast population, sustaining agriculture, and influencing the culture and economy of India.

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Ganga River System

The Ganga River system consists of the main Ganga river and its numerous tributaries that feed into it. These tributaries contribute to the flow of water in the Ganga and play a crucial role in the river's ecosystem.

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Tributaries of the Ganga

The tributaries of the Ganga River are smaller rivers that flow into it. They can be categorized as those originating from the Himalayas (northern tributaries) and those originating from the peninsular uplands (southern tributaries).

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Northern Tributaries of the Ganga

The Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi are major tributaries of the Ganga River that originate in the Nepal Himalayas. They bring a significant amount of water to the Ganga, leading to flooding during monsoon season.

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Southern Tributaries of the Ganga

The Chambal, Betwa, and Son are important tributaries originating from the peninsular uplands and flowing into the Ganga River. These tributaries carry less water than their Himalayan counterparts.

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Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet, flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas, and enters India in Arunachal Pradesh. It eventually joins the Ganga River in Bangladesh, forming a massive river system known as the Meghna River.

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Namami Gange Programme

A program launched by the Indian government for the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River. It aims to achieve the goals of pollution abatement, conservation, and revival of the river.

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River Meandering

The process of a river curving and winding its path across the landscape. Meanders are formed due to the river's force and the erosive power of water.

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Water Divide

The point where the land slopes down to a lower elevation. This can be a line separating two different river systems or a gradual slope across a landscape.

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Godavari River

A large river system in India that flows eastward and drains into the Bay of Bengal.

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Mahanadi River

A large river system in India that flows eastward and drains into the Bay of Bengal.

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Narmada River

A large river system in India that mainly flows westward and drains into the Arabian Sea. It is formed due to a large geological fault line.

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Drainage Basin

The area of land where rivers and their tributaries collect water.

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Estuary

A geographical feature formed at the mouth of a river where it meets the sea. It is characterized by a wide estuary and branching channels.

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Delta

A geographical feature formed at the mouth of a river where it meets the sea. It is characterized by a fan-shaped deposit of silt and sediment.

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Godavari Basin

A large region in India where the Godavari River and its tributaries flow.

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Mahanadi Basin

A large region in India where the Mahanadi River and its tributaries flow.

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Narmada Basin

A large region in India where the Narmada River and its tributaries flow.

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Faulting

A process where the Earth's crust breaks and shifts, creating depressions or valleys.

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What is a lake?

A large body of water surrounded by land, often formed by natural processes like glacial erosion or tectonic activity.

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How are natural and artificial lakes different?

Natural lakes are formed without human intervention, like by geological processes. Artificial lakes are created by humans, often by damming a river for hydroelectricity.

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What is the Sambhar Lake known for?

The Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, India, is a saltwater lake known for salt production.

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Where are most freshwater lakes in India located?

Most freshwater lakes in India are found in the Himalayan region, formed by glaciers eroding the land and filling the basins with melted snow.

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What is unique about the Wular Lake in India?

The Wular lake in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is the largest freshwater lake in India and was formed due to tectonic activity.

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For what is the Dal Lake in Kashmir famous?

The Dal Lake in Kashmir is known for its houseboats and shikaras, which attract tourists.

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What is a benefit of creating artificial lakes?

Creating artificial lakes by damming rivers can provide hydroelectric power, a source of clean energy.

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What is an example of an artificial lake created for hydropower?

The Guru Gobind Sagar lake in India is an example of an artificial lake created by damming a river for hydroelectric power.

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What is the Ganga Action Plan (GAP)?

The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was launched in 1985 to clean the Ganga River, thus initiating the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).

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What is the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)?

The NRCP aims to conserve and clean rivers across India, building upon the success of the Ganga Action Plan.

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What's a water divide?

A water divide is an area of higher ground that separates different river systems. It acts as a boundary, directing water flow in different directions.

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India's biggest river basin?

The Ganga River Basin is the largest in India, covering a significant area and supporting a vast population.

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Where do the Indus and Ganga start?

The Indus River originates in Tibet, while the Ganga originates in the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas.

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The Ganga's beginnings

The two headstreams of the Ganga are the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. They meet at Devprayag in Uttarakhand to form the Ganga.

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Why less silt in the Brahmaputra's Tibetan part?

The Brahmaputra River in its Tibetan part has less silt due to the high altitude and colder climate, which slows down erosion and sediment transport.

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Study Notes

Drainage Systems in India

  • Drainage describes the river system of an area.
  • Streams flow together to form a main river.
  • The area drained by a single river system is a drainage basin.
  • An elevated area, like a mountain or upland, separates drainage basins. This is called a water divide.
  • Indian drainage systems are categorized by the physical features of the subcontinent.
  • Two main groups exist: Himalayan rivers and Peninsular rivers.
  • Himalayan rivers are perennial (flowing year-round) and originate in the mountains, receiving water from rain and melted snow.
  • The Indus and Brahmaputra are major Himalayan rivers that carve gorges through the mountains.
  • Peninsular rivers are seasonal, with flow depending on rainfall.
  • They have shorter courses and originate in the central highlands, flowing towards the west or Bay of Bengal.
  • The world’s largest drainage basin is the Amazon river basin.

Himalayan Rivers

  • The Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra are major Himalayan rivers.
  • These rivers have many large tributaries.
  • The Indus rises in Tibet, flowing west through India to the Arabian Sea.
  • The Ganga rises in the Himalayas, flowing east to the Bay of Bengal.
  • The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet, flowing east through India and joining the Ganga before merging in Bangladesh into the Bay of Bengal.

Peninsular Rivers

  • Peninsular rivers primarily rise in the Western Ghats and flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
  • These include the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi, Narmada, and Tapi.
  • The Narmada and Tapi are the only major rivers flowing west.
  • Many Peninsular rivers are seasonal due to dependence on rainfall.

River Systems

  • Tributaries are smaller streams that feed into larger rivers.
  • A river system consists of a main river and its tributaries.

Drainage Patterns

  • Different rivers have unique drainage patterns affected by the topography and geology.
  • Drainage patterns like dendritic, radial, and trellis are influenced by the underlying terrain.

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Geography NCERT Chapter 3 PDF

Description

Explore the distinctive drainage systems of India, including the major Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. Learn about key concepts like drainage basins, water divides, and the characteristics that differentiate these river systems. This quiz will enhance your understanding of how India's geography influences its rivers.

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