F. Long answer questions. 1. Write the significance of rivers. 2. 'We are responsible for water pollution'. How? 3. Explain the methods of conservation of water. 4. Write down the names of three important northern rivers and mention their sources. 5. Write a note on the Indian Ocean.
Answer (1)
Significance of Rivers: Rivers play a crucial role in ecosystems and human societies. They provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. Rivers are vital for transportation and trade, supporting economic activities. They also contribute to the natural habitat of numerous species, supporting biodiversity. Additionally, rivers help in shaping the land through processes like erosion and sediment deposition.
'We are responsible for water pollution'. How? Humans contribute to water pollution in various ways. Industrial discharge often contains harmful chemicals that contaminate rivers. Agricultural runoff, including pesticides and fertilizers, pollutes water bodies. Household waste and sewage, when not properly treated, also enter rivers, affecting water quality. Lastly, littering, such as throwing plastics and other waste into rivers, further degrades water quality and harms aquatic life.
Methods of Conservation of Water: To conserve water, we can adopt multiple strategies:
Rainwater Harvesting: Collects and stores rainwater for reuse.
Fixing Leaks: Reduces water wastage in homes and industries.
Efficient Irrigation: Techniques like drip irrigation minimize water use in agriculture.
Reducing Water Waste: Practices such as shorter showers and turning off taps while brushing help conserve water.
Water Recycling: Treating wastewater for reuse in non-potable applications.
Names of Three Important Northern Rivers and Their Sources:
The Ganges River: Originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
The Yamuna River: Begins at the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
The Brahmaputra River: Starts in the Angsi Glacier in the Himalayas in Tibet.
A Note on the Indian Ocean: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean, covering about 20% of Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west, Australia to the east, and Antarctica to the south. The ocean's warmth plays a key role in regulating global climate. It supports a rich diversity of marine life and is crucial for regional trade and transportation, with major shipping lanes passing through its waters.
