Question

Arrange in order the river systems based on the highest catchment area to lowest catchment area.
A. Ganga-Brahmaputra Meghana system
B. Mahanadi
C. Krishna
D. Indus
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. C, A, B, D
• C. D, A, C, B
• D. A, D, C, B

Hint:

Remember catchment areas:
- Ganga-Brahmaputra: Largest (over 8,60,000 sq km)
- Indus: Second largest (3,21,000 sq km in India)
- Krishna: 2,58,000 sq km
- Mahanadi: Smallest (1,41,600 sq km)
Use the mnemonic: "Ganga-Indus-Krishna-Mahanadi" for descending order.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of the catchment areas of major river systems in India.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Ganga-Brahmaputra Meghana system (A):
Has the largest catchment area in India, covering over 8,60,000 sq km.
It drains the northern plains and is the largest river system.
Indus system (D):
Has the second largest catchment area, covering about 3,21,000 sq km in India.
Though larger globally, its Indian catchment is smaller than Ganga system.
Krishna system (C):
Has a catchment area of about 2,58,000 sq km.
It is one of the major peninsular rivers.
Mahanadi system (B):
Has the smallest catchment area among these, about 1,41,600 sq km.
It is an east-flowing peninsular river.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the correct descending order from highest to lowest is A, D, C, B, which corresponds to option (D).
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