Consider the following statements. 1. The flood plains of large river...
- The flood plains of large rivers with their thick mantles of fine silt are some of the world's richest agricultural areas.
- They may support very dense populations, and a chain of large cities may be strung along their banks.
- Many deltas are equally fertile, e.g. the Ganges delta accounts for almost all the jute grown for world consumption; the Nile delta produces superior quality cotton and several rice crops a year.
- The productive hinterlands can support ports such as New Orleans for the Mississippi basin, Rotterdam for the Rhineland and Calcutta for the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Consider the following statements. 1. The flood plains of large river...
The correct answer is option 'C' - Both of them.
Explanation:
Statement 1: The flood plains of large rivers with their thick mantles of fine silt are some of the richest agricultural areas of the world.
The flood plains of large rivers are typically formed by the deposition of sediments such as silt, clay, and sand during floods. These sediments are rich in nutrients and make the soil very fertile. The fine silt in particular is known for its high fertility and ability to retain moisture. As a result, the flood plains of large rivers are highly suitable for agriculture and are considered some of the richest agricultural areas in the world. Farmers in these areas can grow a wide range of crops, including rice, wheat, maize, and vegetables. The fertility of the soil allows for high crop yields, making these areas economically important for food production.
Statement 2: They may support very dense populations and a chain of large cities may be strung along their banks.
The rich agricultural resources provided by the flood plains of large rivers often lead to the development of dense human settlements and the growth of cities. The fertile soil supports intensive agriculture, which in turn can support larger populations. The availability of food and water resources from the rivers facilitates the growth of settlements along their banks. These settlements may start as small villages, but as the population grows and agricultural production increases, they can evolve into larger towns and cities. Examples of large cities that have developed along the flood plains of rivers include Cairo along the Nile River, Dhaka along the Brahmaputra River, and Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River.
Conclusion:
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct. The flood plains of large rivers are indeed some of the richest agricultural areas in the world due to their fertile soil, and they often support dense populations and the growth of cities along their banks.