3. Drainage

3. Drainage

  • 3

    Drainage

    The drainage system describes how water flows through river systems in a specific area, leading to drainage basins and water divides.

  • 3.1

    Drainage Systems In India

    This section discusses the drainage systems of India, detailing the characteristics of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers and their significance.

  • 3.2

    The Himalayan Rivers

    This section discusses the major Himalayan rivers of India, their origins, tributaries, and significance in relation to the geography of the region.

  • 3.2.1

    The Indus River System

    The Indus River System is a key geographical feature of India, comprising the Indus River and its tributaries, playing a crucial role in the region's ecology and economy.

  • 3.2.2

    The Ganga River System

    The Ganga River System, originating from the Himalayas, is crucial for both ecological and human activities, enriched by numerous tributaries and responsible for significant agricultural benefits.

  • 3.2.3

    The Brahmaputra River System

    The Brahmaputra River System is a significant waterway in India that originates from Tibet and plays a vital role in the hydrological and geographical landscape of the region.

  • 3.3

    The Peninsular Rivers

    The Peninsular Rivers of India are predominantly seasonal and flow eastward toward the Bay of Bengal, characterized by shorter courses and smaller drainage basins compared to the Himalayan Rivers.

  • 3.3.1

    The Narmada Basin

    The Narmada Basin is an important geographical area located in central India, primarily characterized by the Narmada River flowing through a rift valley.

  • 3.3.2

    The Tapi Basin

    The Tapi Basin is a crucial part of India's drainage system, showcasing its geographical significance and the distinct characteristics of west-flowing rivers.

  • 3.3.3

    The Godavari Basin

    The Godavari is the largest Peninsular river in India, flowing approximately 1500 km and draining into the Bay of Bengal.

  • 3.3.4

    The Mahanadi Basin

    The Mahanadi Basin is an important river system in India, flowing through Chhattisgarh and Odisha into the Bay of Bengal.

  • 3.3.5

    The Krishna Basin

    The Krishna Basin, a significant river system in India, spans approximately 1400 km flowing to the Bay of Bengal and includes essential tributaries like the Tungabhadra and Koyana.

  • 3.3.6

    The Kaveri Basin

    The Kaveri Basin is an essential part of India's drainage systems, known for its significant river, the Kaveri, which flows through Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

  • 3.4

    Lakes

    Lakes are important geographical features that provide various benefits to human life and ecosystems, varying in size, origin, and use.

  • 3.5

    Role Of Rivers In The Economy

    Rivers play a vital role in the economy by providing essential resources for agriculture, irrigation, navigation, and hydro-power generation.

  • 3.6

    River Pollution

    This section addresses river pollution caused by increasing domestic, municipal, industrial, and agricultural demands on water sources.

  • 3.6.1

    National River Conservation Plan (Nrcp)

    The NRCP aims to enhance the quality of water in major rivers of India through pollution abatement initiatives.

    • Key Summary

    The chapter elaborates on the concept of drainage, defining key components like drainage basins and water divides. It categorizes Indian rivers into Himalayan and Peninsular groups, describing their characteristics and the geographical features that distinguish them. It further discusses the significance of lakes and rivers in the ecosystem and economy, and highlights pollution issues and conservation efforts.

    Key Takeaways

    • Drainage describes the river systems of an area and the region drained by a river system is termed as a drainage basin.
    • The Indian rivers are mainly categorized into two groups: Himalayan rivers, which are predominantly perennial, and Peninsular rivers, which are often seasonal.
    • Lakes play a vital role in regulating river flow, providing recreation, and maintaining aquatic ecosystems, while river pollution undermines water quality and health.

    Key Concepts

    • Drainage Basin: The area drained by a single river system.
    • Water Divide: An elevated area that separates two drainage basins.
    • Perennial Rivers: Rivers that have continuous water flow throughout the year.
    • Seasonal Rivers: Rivers whose flow is dependent on seasonal rainfall.
    • Delta: Landform created at the mouth of a river where it meets a body of water.