Surface Water Hydrology MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Floods in Gujarat are primarily caused by major west-flowing rivers that originate in central India and pass through the state.

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the major rivers flowing through Gujarat: Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Sabarmati are the main ones. 2. Check the options for these rivers. 3. Option (A) lists Tapi and Narmada. Both are large rivers that have a history of causing major floods in cities like Surat (Tapi) and Bharuch (Narmada). 4. Option (B) mentions Girna, which is a tributary of the Tapi but flows mostly in Maharashtra. 5. Option (C) mentions Kamla, which is a river in Bihar, not Gujarat. 6. Option (D) mentions Ravi and Satluj, which are rivers in North India (Punjab region). 7. Therefore, Tapi and Narmada are the correct pair for Gujarat. Answer: (A) Tapi and Narmada

Explanation

Tapi and Narmada are the two largest rivers in Gujarat. During heavy monsoon rains in their catchment areas (mostly in Madhya Pradesh), they carry huge amounts of water. This often leads to flooding in downstream areas like Surat and Bharuch.

Why the other options are wrong

B: Girna is a tributary in Maharashtra; Narmada is correct but the pair is not the best fit. C: Kamla is a river in Bihar, far away from Gujarat. D: Ravi and Satluj are Himalayan rivers flowing through Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Shortcut

Remember 'Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati' as the four main rivers of Gujarat.

Common mistake

Students might confuse local small rivers with the major ones that cause large-scale flooding.