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mediumQ. No. 14296-most-rivers-of-kerala-flow-in-which-general-direction

Most rivers of Kerala flow in which general direction?

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This question examines an important river-or-lake fact: “Which river system drains Kerala?” The correct answer is West-flowing rivers. Kerala is drained predominantly by west-flowing rivers that originate from the Western Ghats and flow into the Arabian Sea. These include Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba, Chaliyar, Chalakudy, and many others. These rivers are short, fast-flowing, and rain-fed. Rivers and lakes are central components of the hydrological cycle and physical geography. A river system includes its source, tributaries, distributaries, drainage basin, watershed, channel, floodplain, delta or estuary and final outlet. River behaviour depends on relief, geology, rainfall, snowmelt, sediment load, vegetation and human intervention.

AEast-flowing rivers
BWest-flowing rivers
CBoth east and west flowing
DOnly north flowing
Correct Answer: West-flowing riversYour Answer: B

Explanation

Correct Answer: Option B — West-flowing rivers Most rivers of Kerala originate in the Western Ghats and flow westward over a short distance to the Arabian Sea or the coastal backwaters. The state’s narrow east–west width and steep western slope create short, swift river courses. Periyar, Bharathapuzha and Pamba are important examples. - Option A — East-flowing rivers: A few Kerala rivers or tributaries flow east, but they are not the majority. - Option C — Both east and west flowing: Both directions occur, yet the question asks for the dominant direction. - Option D — Only north flowing: Kerala rivers do not form an exclusively north-flowing drainage pattern. Exam Takeaway: Most Kerala rivers are short, swift and west-flowing from the Western Ghats.

Important Notes

  • Most Kerala rivers rise in the Western Ghats and flow west to the Arabian Sea or interconnected coastal backwaters.
  • Periyar is the longest river entirely within Kerala, while Bharathapuzha and Pamba are other major west-flowing rivers.
  • West-flowing majority should not be confused with west-flowing only. Kabini, Bhavani and Pambar represent important eastward drainage connections.
  • Kerala rivers are generally short because the Western Ghats lie close to the Arabian Sea and the coastal plain is narrow.

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