The Peninsular rivers have a distinct seasonal flow pattern compared to the Himalayan rivers. Which of the following is a primary reason for their non-perennial nature?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is They depend largely on monsoon rainfall.
Explanation:
☛ Unlike Himalayan rivers which are perennial because they receive water from both melting glaciers and rain, Peninsular rivers are non-perennial (seasonal).
☛ Peninsular rivers originate from the Western Ghats, Central Highlands, or the Deccan Plateau, where there are no snow-covered peaks or glaciers.
☛ Their water flow is predominantly dependent on the monsoon rainfall, causing heavy discharge during the rainy season and reduced flow or dry channels during the summer months.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Godavari River: It is the longest Peninsular river (about 1,465 km) and is often referred to as 'Dakshin Ganga' or 'Vridha Ganga'.
☛ Flow Direction: Most major Peninsular rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, and Cauvery flow eastwards and drain into the Bay of Bengal forming deltas.
☛ West-Flowing Rivers: The Narmada and Tapi are the two major Peninsular rivers that flow westwards through rift valleys and empty into the Arabian Sea forming estuaries.
☛ River Valley Nature: Peninsular rivers have reached their base level of erosion and flow through broad, shallow, and graded valleys with gentle gradients.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which is the largest peninsular river basin in India? → Godavari Basin
☛ Which peninsular river flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges? → Narmada River
☛ Which Peninsular river receives water from both the Southwest and Northeast monsoons? → Cauvery (Kaveri) River
☛ What is the origin place of the Krishna River? → Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)
☛ Which west-flowing peninsular river originates from Multai in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh? → Tapi (Tapti) River