The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The movement of water across the landscape is governed by the hydrological cycle and topography. While gravity generally directs surface water toward the lowest point (usually the ocean), geological features and drainage patterns create exceptions where water collects in inland basins or is sourced from underground reservoirs.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Rivers and streams are primary sources of water for many lakes. In hydrological terms, a river that flows into a lake is known as an inlet. For example, the Volga River flows into the Caspian Sea (which is technically a massive lake), and numerous tributaries feed into freshwater lakes globally.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Not all rivers reach the ocean. Some rivers flow into inland basins with no outlet to the sea, known as endorheic basins or inland drainage systems. In these cases, the water evaporates or seeps into the ground. Examples include the Luni River in India (which disappears into the Rann of Kutch) and the Jordan River (which flows into the Dead Sea).
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While rainwater (precipitation) is a major source of water for lakes and ponds, it is not the only source. These water bodies are also fed by:
- Surface runoff: Water flowing from rivers and streams.
- Groundwater discharge: Springs and seepage from the water table often maintain water levels in lakes and ponds, especially during dry seasons.
- Glacial melt: High-altitude or high-latitude lakes are often fed by melting snow and glaciers.
Key Takeaway:
While most river systems are exorheic (draining into the ocean), endorheic systems drain internally into lakes or swamps. Furthermore, aquatic bodies are sustained by a combination of precipitation, surface inflow, and groundwater, not rainfall alone.