Which of the following factors negatively affects the seepage of rainwater into the ground? 1. Presence of vegetation. 2. Concrete roads and buildings. 3. Compacted soil with low permeability. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Seepage (or infiltration) is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil. It is critical for groundwater recharge. The rate of seepage is determined by the permeability of the surface material and the duration water remains on the surface. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The presence of vegetation positively affects seepage. Plant roots loosen the soil, increasing porosity and creating channels for water to move downwards. Furthermore, vegetation slows the velocity of surface runoff, allowing more time for water to infiltrate the ground. - Statement 2 is Correct: Concrete roads and buildings constitute impervious surfaces. These artificial structures seal the ground, preventing water from penetrating the soil. This blockage drastically reduces seepage and increases surface runoff. - Statement 3 is Correct: Compacted soil is characterized by pressed soil particles with minimal pore space. This results in low permeability, which physically restricts the downward movement of water, thereby negatively affecting seepage. Key Takeaway Factors that increase surface impermeability (such as urbanization and concrete) or reduce soil porosity (such as compaction) hinder rainwater seepage, whereas vegetation promotes it.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Water

mcqmedium

Which of the following factors negatively affects the seepage of rainwater into the ground?

Presence of vegetation.
Concrete roads and buildings.
Compacted soil with low permeability.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Seepage (or infiltration) is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil. It is critical for groundwater recharge. The rate of seepage is determined by the permeability of the surface material and the duration water remains on the surface.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The presence of vegetation positively affects seepage. Plant roots loosen the soil, increasing porosity and creating channels for water to move downwards. Furthermore, vegetation slows the velocity of surface runoff, allowing more time for water to infiltrate the ground.
Statement 2 is Correct: Concrete roads and buildings constitute impervious surfaces. These artificial structures seal the ground, preventing water from penetrating the soil. This blockage drastically reduces seepage and increases surface runoff.
Statement 3 is Correct: Compacted soil is characterized by pressed soil particles with minimal pore space. This results in low permeability, which physically restricts the downward movement of water, thereby negatively affecting seepage.

Key Takeaway

Factors that increase surface impermeability (such as urbanization and concrete) or reduce soil porosity (such as compaction) hinder rainwater seepage, whereas vegetation promotes it.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Water

With reference to the process of evaporation in the water cycle, consider the following statements: 1. Evaporation of water can take place even in the shade. 2. Water vapour formed during evaporation carries dissolved salts with it into the atmosphere. 3. Warm air can provide the necessary heat for evaporation to occur in shaded areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which process explains the drying of a wet surface even in the absence of direct sunlight?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the loss of water by plants: 1. Plants release water into the air through the process of condensation. 2. Plants release a significant amount of water into the air. 3. Transpiration plays a role in adding water vapour to the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the sources of water vapour in the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Water vapour is added to the air exclusively by the evaporation of water from oceans and lakes. 2. Evaporation from water bodies is a major source of water vapour in the air. 3. Transpiration by plants does not contribute to the water vapour in the air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the rate of evaporation: 1. Evaporation is generally a slow process. 2. Evaporation occurs at the same rate in sunlight and in the shade. 3. Heating water on a burner increases the rate of evaporation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The presence of vegetation positively affects seepage. Plant roots loosen the soil, increasing porosity and creating channels for water to move downwards. Furthermore, vegetation slows the velocity of surface runoff, allowing more time for water to infiltrate the ground.
Statement 2 is Correct: Concrete roads and buildings constitute impervious surfaces. These artificial structures seal the ground, preventing water from penetrating the soil. This blockage drastically reduces seepage and increases surface runoff.
Statement 3 is Correct: Compacted soil is characterized by pressed soil particles with minimal pore space. This results in low permeability, which physically restricts the downward movement of water, thereby negatively affecting seepage.

Key Takeaway

Factors that increase surface impermeability (such as urbanization and concrete) or reduce soil porosity (such as compaction) hinder rainwater seepage, whereas vegetation promotes it.