Loading PDF...
Chapter Analysis
Intermediate13 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter on the drainage system introduces the concept of drainage and its importance in preventing flooding. It explains different types of drainage patterns such as dendritic, radial, trellis, and centripetal. The chapter also discusses the Indian drainage system, classified into Himalayan and Peninsular drainage systems based on their origins and characteristics. Key focus areas include the major river systems like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, along with their tributaries and the geographical features they influence.
Key Topics
- •Drainage system and patterns
- •Indian river systems
- •Himalayan drainage
- •Peninsular drainage
- •River pollution and conservation
- •Socio-economic aspects of inter-linking rivers
- •Characteristics of major Indian rivers
- •Flood and drought management
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the concept and significance of drainage systems
- ✓Identify and describe the major drainage patterns
- ✓Differentiate between Himalayan and Peninsular river systems
- ✓Explain the socio-economic advantages of interlinking rivers
- ✓Recognize the ecological impacts of river pollution
- ✓Appreciate the cultural significance of rivers in India
Questions in Chapter
Which one of the following rivers was known as the ‘Sorrow of Bengal’?
Answer: The Damodar
Page 25
Which one of the following rivers has the largest river basin in India?
Answer: The Ganga
Page 25
Which one of the following rivers is not included in ‘Panchnad’?
Answer: The Indus
Page 25
Which one of the following rivers flows in a rift valley?
Answer: The Narmada
Page 25
Which one of the following is the place of confluence of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi?
Answer: Deva Prayag
Page 25
State the differences between the following.
Page 26
What are the socio-economic advantages of inter-linking of rivers in India?
Page 26
Write three characteristics of the Peninsular river.
Page 26
What are the important characteristic features of north Indian rivers? How are these different from Peninsular rivers?
Page 26
Suppose you are travelling from Haridwar to Siliguri along the foothills of the Himalayas. Name the important rivers you will come across. Describe the characteristics of any one of them.
Page 26
Additional Practice Questions
Explain the term 'drainage basin' and its significance in river systems.
mediumAnswer: A drainage basin is an area of land where precipitation collects and drains off into a common outlet, such as into a river, bay, or other body of water. Understanding drainage basins is crucial for managing water resources, predicting flood events, and planning land use to prevent environmental degradation.
What are the major differences between the Himalayan and Peninsular drainage systems?
mediumAnswer: The Himalayan drainage system is younger, having been formed by recent geological events, and its rivers are perennial due to snowmelt and monsoon rains. By contrast, the Peninsular drainage system is older, with non-perennial rivers and primarily relies on rainfall, having more stable paths and flowing through broad and shallow valleys.
Discuss the impact of river pollution on the ecosystem and human health.
hardAnswer: River pollution negatively impacts ecosystems by disrupting the habitats of aquatic and terrestrial species, leading to biodiversity loss. For humans, it causes health issues due to contaminated drinking water, spreads waterborne diseases, and affects livelihoods dependent on clean water sources such as fishing and agriculture.
Why is the Ganga considered culturally significant in India?
easyAnswer: The Ganga is regarded as a holy river in Hindu culture, with spiritual and religious significance. It is associated with various rituals, rites, and festivals, believed to purify sins, and is integral to Indian cultural heritage and history.
What role do Indira Gandhi Canal Project and Periyar Diversion Scheme play in water management?
mediumAnswer: The Indira Gandhi Canal Project aims to transform and irrigate the arid regions of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan by providing water from the Sutlej and Beas rivers. The Periyar Diversion Scheme diverts Periyar river waters to the Vaigai basin for irrigation, playing a critical role in regional water management and agricultural development.