Water - Distribution and Importance - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Chapter: Natural Resources | Topic: Water Distribution and Importance
WATER - DISTRIBUTION AND IMPORTANCE - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Topic: Water Distribution and Importance
Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. About what percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?
- 50%
- 71%
- 90%
- 30%
Q2. Of all the water on Earth, the percentage that is fresh water available for human use is approximately:
- 97%
- 50%
- Less than 1%
- 25%
Q3. The largest source of fresh water on Earth is:
- Rivers and lakes
- Ice caps and glaciers
- Groundwater
- Rainwater
Q4. Which of the following is the main reason for water scarcity in many parts of India despite having monsoon rains?
- India receives very little rainfall overall
- Most rainwater runs off into the sea or evaporates, and groundwater is overused
- India has too many rivers
- The water cycle has stopped working in India
Q5. The water that seeps into the ground and fills the spaces between soil particles is called:
- Surface water
- Groundwater
- Sea water
- Waste water
Short Answer Questions
Q6. Why is water called a "universal solvent"? List four important uses of water for humans, animals, and plants.
Q7. Explain why only a tiny fraction of Earth's water is available as fresh water for human use. Where is most of the fresh water locked up?
Q8. What is groundwater? How is it formed, and why is it important for agriculture in states like Punjab and Haryana?
Q9. Why do cities like Chennai and Bangalore face severe water shortages every summer despite receiving monsoon rains? Explain two reasons related to water management.
Long Answer Questions
Q10. Describe the distribution of water on Earth. Explain why, despite 71% of Earth being covered by water, there is a growing water crisis in India and many other countries. Discuss the importance of groundwater, rivers, and lakes, and why their conservation is essential for future generations.
Q11. "Water is the most precious natural resource, yet we waste it every day." Discuss this statement by explaining: the importance of water for all life processes, why fresh water is limited, how activities like agriculture, industry, and urbanisation are increasing water demand, and what steps individuals and communities can take to conserve water.
APPLICATION / ANALYSIS
Q12. Case Study - Water Crisis in Two States:
A study compared water availability:
| Parameter | Punjab | Rajasthan |
|---|---|---|
| Annual rainfall | 500-700 mm | 200-400 mm |
| Groundwater level (2000) | 10 metres below surface | 30 metres below surface |
| Groundwater level (2024) | 25 metres below surface | 50 metres below surface |
| Main water use | Agriculture (rice farming) | Drinking and limited agriculture |
| Water conservation structures | Few | Many traditional (tanks, baolis) |
Answer the following:
(a) Why has Punjab's groundwater level dropped more sharply than Rajasthan's despite receiving more rainfall? Explain the connection to rice farming.
(b) How do traditional water conservation structures in Rajasthan help despite low rainfall? What can Punjab learn from this?
(c) If Punjab continues current farming practices, predict what will happen to groundwater by 2040. What alternative crop would you suggest to farmers?
Q13. Real-Life Application - Home Water Audit:
Your family in Hyderabad uses water as follows per day:
Bathing (bucket): 60 litres per person × 4 people = 240 litres
Toilet flushing: 10 litres per flush × 15 flushes = 150 litres
Washing clothes: 100 litres
Cooking and drinking: 40 litres
Washing dishes: 50 litres
Garden watering: 100 litres
Total = 680 litres per day
Answer the following:
(a) Calculate what percentage of total water is used for bathing. Show your work.
(b) If your family installs a low-flush toilet using 5 litres per flush instead of 10 litres, how much water would be saved per day? Calculate the new total daily usage.
(c) Hyderabad faces water cuts every summer. Suggest two practical ways your family can reduce daily water use by at least 100 litres without major lifestyle changes.