Chapter 3 : Waterbodies
E. Answer the following questions in brief:-
1. Which are the major water bodies on earth?
Ans:
2. What are oceans? Name the five major oceans.
ans: The huge water bodies on the surface of the earth are called oceans.
The five major oceans are Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern
Ocean and Arctic Ocean.
3. What are seas? Name some importance seas.
ans: A sea is a body of saline water that is a part of the ocean.
Some important seas are Arabian Sea, Black sea etc.
4. What are rivers? Name some important rivers of Asia.
ans: A river is a stream of water that flows in a channel, down the slope of the land
pulled by the force of gravity and finally flows into a lake or sea.
Some important rivers of Asia are Ganga , Indus etc.
5. Why can't we use sea water for drinking?
ans: We cannot use sea water for drinking because it is salty and not fit for drinking.
F. Answer the questions in details:-
1. Which is the largest ocean? Describe its features.
Ans: Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean.
Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean in the world which covers about one
third of the total surface area of the earth. It is circular in shape and has the
maximum active volcanoes. The continents of Asia, Australia , North America and
South America surround it.
2. Give reasons why rivers are important to us.
Ans: rivers are important to us in the following ways:-
a) Water : rivers carry water and nutrients to all areas, they play an important
part in water cycle and provide drinking water to a large part of the population.
b) Habitats :Rivers provide excellent habitat and food for many organisms. Many
trees and plants grow near rivers.
c) Transport : rivers provide travel routes for exploration , commerce, recreation
and transportation routes between cities and towns.
d) Farming : river valleys and plains provide fertile soil which help the farmers for
irrigation.
e) Energy : rivers are used to power hydroelectric plants and their water
turbines.
3. How is pollution affecting our water bodies?
Ans: Pollution is affecting our water bodies by the following ways:-
a) the numerous infectious agents that contaminate the water through sewage,
human waste and animal excreta.
b) Radioactive wastes which contains highly toxic materials are major water
pollutants and results from mining activities, power plants or natural sources.
c) The chemical substances that contaminate the water can be either organic or
inorganic.
4. Describe the location and importance of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ans: Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean which has many natural harbours
and ports. It is roughly half the size of Pacific Ocean. It is the busiest Ocean from the
point of commerce and trade. It is an elongated S-shaped basin extending along
North America and South America in the west and Eurasia and Africa in the East.
5. Give reasons why the oceans are important to us.
ans: The oceans are important to us in the following ways:-
a) They act as natural links between continents.
b) They provide the main means of transport, trade and commerce between
various countries and continents.
c) They are a great source of petroleum, natural gas, salt, minerals and
chemicals.
d) Ocean water is the main source of moisture or water vapour in the
atmosphere that causes rainfall.
e) The presence of oceans moderates the temperature in the coastal areas.
f) Oceans are a source of seafood.
Extra questions :-
Name the following:-
1. Circular chain of active volcanoes. Pacific ring of fire.
2. Huge water bodies on the surface of Earth. oceans.
3. Deepest ocean in the world. Pacific Ocean.
4. The deepest point on the earth is located here. Marina trench.
5. The warmest ocean in the world. Indian Ocean.
6. Arctic Ocean is connected with the Pacific Ocean by a narrow stretch of shallow
water. The Bering Strait.
7. They are a storehouse of tidal energy. Oceans.
8. Large lakes with saline water. Inland seas.
9. The place where the river originates. Source.
10. Here the river ends its journey. Mouth.
11. Largest and longest river system in Canada. Mackenzie river.
12. The main tributary of Mississippi river. River Missouri.
13. Longest river in Asia which is in China. Yangtze river.
14. This yellow river is believe to be the cradle of the Chinese civilization. Huang He.
15. Three different course of river. Upper course middle course and lower course.
16. It connects the Bay of Bengal in the Northeast with the Gulf of Mannar in the
southwest. Palk Strait.
17. The two rivers form estuaries. Narmada and Tapi.
18. They are final shaped single channel openings at the mouth of the river. Estuaries.
19. The presence of toxic chemicals and biological agents in groundwater that is
affecting the human health and environment. Water pollution.
20. An organic chemical substance. Pesticides.