Question

Difficulty: HardDrainage System and Water Resources of India

Consider the hydrological features, tributary orientations, and major water resource structures of the Cauvery River basin in Peninsular India. Which of the following statements regarding the Cauvery River system are correct?

  1. Unlike most other Peninsular rivers, the Cauvery River basin receives rainfall from both the Southwest Monsoon during summer and the Northeast Monsoon during winter, resulting in a relatively less seasonal fluctuation in its discharge.Answer
  2. B
    The Shimsha, Hemavati, and Arkavathi rivers are major right-bank tributaries of the Cauvery River, whereas the Kabini, Bhavani, and Amaravati are its primary left-bank tributaries.
  3. Along its upper course in Karnataka, the Cauvery River splits into two branches to enclose sacred riverine islands including Srirangapatna and Sivasamudram before cascading down the Sivasamudram Falls.Answer
  4. D
    The Stanley Reservoir, impounded by the Mettur Dam across the Cauvery River, is located near Talakaveri in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.

Answer

The statements confirming that the Cauvery River receives rainfall from both monsoons and that it forms the riverine islands of Srirangapatna and Sivasamudram are correct.
The Cauvery River system is unique among Peninsular rivers due to its regime: its upper basin is fed by the Southwest monsoon during summer and its lower basin by the Northeast monsoon during winter, which keeps its water flow comparatively stable. Furthermore, the river bifurcates and reunites in Karnataka to form the famous riverine islands of Srirangapatna and Sivasamudram.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze hydrological regime and monsoon interaction
The Cauvery catchment receives precipitation from both the Southwest (upper basin) and Northeast monsoons (lower basin), leading to sustained flow.
Evaluating seasonal flow variation across Peninsular rivers.
2
Verify bank orientation of major tributaries
Left-bank tributaries: Harangi, Hemavati, Shimsha, Arkavathi. Right-bank tributaries: Lakshmantirtha, Kabini, Bhavani, Noyyal, Amaravati.
Identifying spatial orientation and confluence mechanics.
3
Examine physiographic features and islands in Karnataka
The river forms riverine islands at Srirangapatna and Sivasamudram in Karnataka.
Checking physical geomorphology along the river course.
4
Locate major water resource structures and dams
The Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir) is built across the Cauvery in Salem district, Tamil Nadu.
Matching water resource infrastructure to state locations.

Key Concept

Hydrological regimes, tributary bank orientations, and major dam projects of the Cauvery River system
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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