Question

Select the correct statement(s) from the following with reference to the Peninsular rivers and Himalayan rivers.

• A. Generally Peninsular rivers flow in shallow valleys while Himalayan rivers flow through deep V-shaped valleys.
• B. Peninsular rivers are old and mature while Himalayan rivers are in the youthful stage.
• C. Unlike Himalayan rivers, Peninsular rivers form meanders in the plains.
• D. Peninsular rivers have larger catchment area than Himalayan rivers.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

Peninsular rivers are old and mature while Himalayan rivers are in the youthful stage.

Statement 1 is correct: Peninsular rivers originate in Peninsular plateau and central highland. So they have fixed course with well adjusted valleys. They have more or less completely graded valleys.

Statement 2 is correct: Himalayan rivers flow across young fold mountains and are still young and active. Peninsular rivers flow through one of the oldest plateaus of the world and have reached maturity.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Due to the hard rocky surface of the Peninsular plateau, there is little scope for the formation of meanders. When Himalayan rivers enter the plains, there is a reduction in the speed of flow of water and meanders will be formed under these circumstances.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Himalayan rivers have a much larger catchment area when compared with that of the peninsular rivers.