What is the likely consequence if it does not rain in a region for a year or more? 1. The rate of evaporation from the soil becomes zero immediately after the rains stop. 2. The groundwater level typically depletes due to lack of replenishment. 3. Ponds and wells may dry up. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (c). Explanation The impact of prolonged absence of rainfall, often leading to drought conditions. This involves the interaction between abiotic factors (rainfall, temperature, soil) and the hydrological cycle within an ecosystem. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Evaporation is a continuous process driven by temperature, wind speed, and humidity. When rains stop, the soil still retains moisture. Evaporation continues from the soil surface until the moisture is significantly depleted. The rate does not become zero immediately; rather, the soil gradually loses water, eventually becoming dry and hard. - Statement 2 is Correct. Groundwater is primarily replenished (recharged) through the infiltration of rainwater into the soil. If it does not rain for a year or more, this recharge process is halted. Meanwhile, natural outflow and human extraction continue, causing the water table to lower or deplete. - Statement 3 is Correct. Surface water bodies like ponds lose water through evaporation and seepage. Without rainfall to replenish them, the water level drops, potentially leading them to dry up completely. Similarly, as the groundwater table recedes, wells that tap into shallow aquifers may also go dry. Key Takeaway: A prolonged lack of rainfall disrupts the water cycle, leading to the drying of soil (drought), depletion of groundwater levels due to lack of recharge, and the drying up of surface water bodies.

What is the likely consequence if it does not rain... - NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology MCQ

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The impact of prolonged absence of rainfall, often leading to drought conditions. This involves the interaction between abiotic factors (rainfall, temperature, soil) and the hydrological cycle within an ecosystem.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Evaporation is a continuous process driven by temperature, wind speed, and humidity. When rains stop, the soil still retains moisture. Evaporation continues from the soil surface until the moisture is significantly depleted. The rate does not become zero immediately; rather, the soil gradually loses water, eventually becoming dry and hard.
Statement 2 is Correct. Groundwater is primarily replenished (recharged) through the infiltration of rainwater into the soil. If it does not rain for a year or more, this recharge process is halted. Meanwhile, natural outflow and human extraction continue, causing the water table to lower or deplete.
Statement 3 is Correct. Surface water bodies like ponds lose water through evaporation and seepage. Without rainfall to replenish them, the water level drops, potentially leading them to dry up completely. Similarly, as the groundwater table recedes, wells that tap into shallow aquifers may also go dry.

Key Takeaway:

A prolonged lack of rainfall disrupts the water cycle, leading to the drying of soil (drought), depletion of groundwater levels due to lack of recharge, and the drying up of surface water bodies.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Water

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