Question

The diagram given below shows the regimes (annual fluctuation in discharge) of two hypothetical rivers X and Y.

1. Identify which of the two rivers represants the regime of a peninsular river. Give a reason for your answer.
2. Name the peninsular river which is an exception to the general pattern. Why is it an exception?

Answer 1

1. 
   
   • The river X (with dashed line and seasonal variation) represents a Peninsular river.
   • X shows a seasonal flow pattern – low discharge during non-monsoon months and a sharp rise during the monsoon (June to September). This is typical of Peninsular rivers (like Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi) which depend on rainfall. In contrast, Y has a more even flow throughout the year, typical of Himalayan rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra (fed by snow and rain).
2. 
   
   • The Narmada River is an exception among Peninsular rivers.
   • The Narmada River flows westward and forms an estuary instead of a delta. It also flows through a rift valley and has different drainage characteristics compared to the general Peninsular pattern.