Unit Test (Solutions): Water Resources | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour

M.M. 30

Attempt all questions.

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers  9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question number 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Which of the following is the primary source of freshwater for human consumption?  (1 Mark)  
a) Rivers and lakes
b) Groundwater
c) Glaciers
d) Seas and oceans
Ans: (b)
Groundwater is the primary source of freshwater for human consumption as it is stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers and can be accessed through wells and tube wells.

Q2: Which of the following is an example of a human-made water resource?  (1 Mark)  
(a) River
(b) Lake
(c) Pond
(d) Dam
Ans: (d)
Dams are human-made water resources that are constructed across rivers to store water, regulate its flow, and generate hydroelectricity.

Q3: What is the main reason behind the uneven distribution of water resources on Earth?  (1 Mark)  
(a) Human interference
(b) Climate change
(c) Natural factors
(d) Pollution
Ans: (c)
The uneven distribution of water resources on Earth is primarily due to natural factors like variation in rainfall, topography, and presence of glaciers.

Q4: Mention any one method of rainwater harvesting.  (1 Mark)  
Ans: One method of rainwater harvesting is rooftop rainwater harvesting. It involves collecting rainwater from rooftops and storing it in tanks or underground reservoirs for future use.

Q5: State any one advantage of using drip irrigation in agriculture.  (1 Mark) 
Ans: One advantage of using drip irrigation in agriculture is that it reduces water wastage by directly delivering water to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff.

Q6: Explain any two methods to conserve water in our daily life.  (2 Marks) 
Ans: Two methods to conserve water in our daily life are:

• Fixing leakages: Regularly check and fix any leakages in faucets, pipes, and toilets. A dripping faucet or a leaky pipe can waste a significant amount of water over time.
• Taking shorter showers: Limit the time spent in the shower to reduce water usage. Consider using a bucket while bathing to collect excess water and use it for other purposes like watering plants.

Q7: Describe any two ways in which deforestation can impact the water cycle.  (2 Marks) 
Ans: Two ways in which deforestation can impact the water cycle are:

• Reduced evapotranspiration: Trees play a vital role in the process of evapotranspiration, where they release water vapor into the atmosphere through transpiration. Deforestation reduces this process, leading to reduced moisture in the air, affecting precipitation patterns.
• Soil erosion and sedimentation: Tree roots help bind the soil together, preventing erosion. Deforestation leaves the soil exposed to erosion, and when it rains, the loose soil gets washed away, leading to sedimentation in rivers and lakes, causing water pollution and reduced water-holding capacity of reservoirs.

Q8: Explain the term 'water cycle' briefly.  (2 Marks) 
Ans: The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It involves processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff, which collectively recycle water between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface.

Q9: Describe three methods to conserve water at the individual level.  (3 Marks) 
Ans:

• Fixing leaking taps and pipes promptly to prevent water wastage.
• Using a bucket instead of a hose to water plants or wash vehicles, reducing unnecessary water use.
• Practicing shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing teeth to minimize water consumption.

Q10: Explain the importance of rainwater harvesting in water resource management.  (3 Marks) 
Ans: Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It helps in:

• Recharging groundwater and maintaining water table levels.
• Mitigating the effects of water scarcity and drought by providing an additional source of water.
• Reducing soil erosion and flooding by controlling the flow of rainwater.

Q11: Describe any three traditional methods of water conservation and management in rural India.  (3 Marks) 
Ans: Traditional water conservation methods in rural India include:

• Johad: A traditional rainwater storage tank built by constructing earthen embankments. It helps in groundwater recharge and provides water during dry periods.
• Bawari: Also known as step wells, bawaris are designed to collect and store rainwater. They serve as community water sources and help recharge groundwater.
• Kuhl or Kanat: These are underground canals used to divert water from a water source to agricultural fields. They minimize water loss through evaporation and ensure efficient irrigation.

Q12: Describe the importance of groundwater as a water resource and explain any four methods to preserve it.  (5 Marks) 
Ans: Importance of Groundwater: Groundwater is a crucial water resource that plays a vital role in sustaining life and supporting various human activities. Its importance lies in the following aspects:

• Drinking water supply: Groundwater serves as a reliable and accessible source of drinking water for millions of people worldwide.
• Agriculture: It is essential for irrigation in areas where surface water is scarce or unreliable, contributing significantly to agricultural productivity.
• Industrial use: Many industries rely on groundwater for their processes, such as manufacturing, cooling, and cleaning.
• Ecosystem support: Groundwater feeds springs and streams, providing essential water supply to various ecosystems and habitats.

Methods to preserve groundwater:

• Rainwater harvesting: Encouraging rainwater harvesting practices can recharge groundwater by allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil and replenish aquifers.
• Artificial recharge: Constructing structures like recharge wells and percolation tanks helps channel rainwater directly into groundwater reservoirs, increasing groundwater levels.
• Reducing pollution: Implementing strict measures to prevent the contamination of groundwater from industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural chemicals is essential to preserve its quality.
• Efficient water use: Promoting water-efficient practices in agriculture and domestic use can reduce over-extraction and preserve groundwater levels for the future.

Q13: Explain the concept of 'Water Footprint' and its components. How can individuals reduce their water footprint?  (5 Marks)
Ans: Water Footprint: The water footprint is a measure of the total volume of freshwater used directly or indirectly to produce goods and services by an individual, community, or nation. It takes into account three components:

• Blue Water Footprint: The amount of surface and groundwater consumed (withdrawn) during the production of goods and services.
• Green Water Footprint: The amount of rainwater consumed (evaporated) during the production of goods and services.
• Grey Water Footprint: The volume of freshwater needed to assimilate pollutants, making the water quality acceptable after being polluted.

Ways to reduce water footprint:

• Water-efficient appliances: Use water-efficient appliances like low-flow faucets, toilets, and washing machines to minimize water use at home.
• Reduce meat consumption: The production of meat requires a significant amount of water. Reducing meat consumption, particularly beef, can significantly lower an individual's water footprint.
• Avoid food waste: Be mindful of food consumption to minimize water wastage associated with food production.
• Water-wise landscaping: Choose native plants that require less water for landscaping and gardening purposes.
• Fix leaks: Regularly check for leaks in pipes and faucets and fix them promptly to avoid unnecessary water loss.