Sources of Freshwater and Hydrological Cycle

Questions and Answers

What is one main qualitative aspect contributing to the water crisis in India?

Overpopulation in rural areas

Diminishing forest cover

Inconsistent rainfall patterns

Pollution from domestic and industrial waste (correct)

Which of the following statements best describes the state of smaller rivers in India?

They are increasingly becoming polluted and toxic. (correct)

They are being restored to their natural state.

They remain untouched by industrial activities.

They provide a reliable source of drinking water.

What causes the pollution of major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna?

Strict regulations on industrial waste disposal

Population growth and urban development (correct)

Reduction in agriculture practices

Decreased tourism activities

How does urbanization affect the water crisis in cities?

It leads to over-exploitation of groundwater. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a contributor to the water scarcity issue in India?

Sufficient rainfall across the country Signup and view all the answers

What role do agricultural practices play in the Indian water crisis?

They contribute to the use of harmful chemicals, impacting water quality. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main sources of freshwater?

Precipitation, surface run off, and groundwater Signup and view all the answers

Why is water classified as a renewable resource?

Due to its continuous circulation in the hydrological cycle Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to the variation in water availability?

Seasonal and annual precipitation variations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to increasing water scarcity?

Urbanization and industrialization Signup and view all the answers

What is the hydrological cycle?

Continuous circulation of water between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most severely affects groundwater levels?

Overutilization of wells and tube-wells for irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What impact does an increasing population have on water resources?

It leads to higher demand for water and unequal access Signup and view all the answers

How does industrialization exacerbate water scarcity?

Through increased power consumption and pollution of water sources Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sources of Freshwater

Freshwater is primarily derived from precipitation, surface runoff, and groundwater.
Surface runoff refers to water that flows over land surfaces into bodies of water after rainfall.
Groundwater is sourced from aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock.

Renewable Nature of Water

Water is classified as a renewable resource because it is continuously replenished.
The hydrological cycle is a key process where water circulates between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere.
Throughout the hydrological cycle, water changes its state (e.g., evaporation, condensation).

Variability of Water Availability

Water availability fluctuates based on geographical location and seasonal variations.
Annual and seasonal precipitation differences impact the distribution and accessibility of freshwater resources.

Causes of Water Scarcity

Rapid population growth increases water demand, leading to unequal access and scarcity.
Food production needs drive over-exploitation of water resources for irrigation to support higher agricultural yields.
Excessive use of wells and tube-wells by farmers leads to diminished groundwater levels, affecting water availability and food security.
Urbanization and industrialization place stress on existing freshwater sources due to increased water and energy demands.
Urban centers with dense populations utilize their own groundwater pumps, leading to further depletion of groundwater reserves.

Qualitative Aspects of Water Crisis

Even with abundant water resources in India, many regions face scarcity due to quality issues.
Pollution from domestic and industrial waste deteriorates the quality of available water.
Toxicity concerns arise from improper waste disposal, agriculture runoff, and chemicals contaminating water supplies.
Major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna are heavily polluted due to human activities, including urban development and agricultural practices.