Questions and Answers
What is one main qualitative aspect contributing to the water crisis in India?
Which of the following statements best describes the state of smaller rivers in India?
What causes the pollution of major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna?
How does urbanization affect the water crisis in cities?
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Which of the following is NOT a contributor to the water scarcity issue in India?
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What role do agricultural practices play in the Indian water crisis?
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What are the main sources of freshwater?
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Why is water classified as a renewable resource?
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What factors contribute to the variation in water availability?
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Which of the following contributes to increasing water scarcity?
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What is the hydrological cycle?
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Which factor most severely affects groundwater levels?
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What impact does an increasing population have on water resources?
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How does industrialization exacerbate water scarcity?
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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.
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Description
Explore the sources of freshwater and the hydrological cycle, and learn why water is considered a renewable resource.