The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Groundwater refers to the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock. It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand, and rocks called aquifers. It is a vital part of the hydrological cycle and interacts dynamically with surface water bodies.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Groundwater is a significant source of water for many lakes. Lakes often intersect the water table, allowing groundwater to seep into them (discharge), maintaining water levels even in the absence of surface runoff or direct rainfall.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Handpumps and tubewells are mechanisms designed specifically to extract groundwater from aquifers (underground water reservoirs). They do not draw water directly from nearby rivers; rather, they access the water table beneath the ground.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The level of groundwater (the water table) is not static. It fluctuates based on the rate of recharge (primarily from rainfall and percolation) versus the rate of discharge (natural flow or human extraction via pumps). Heavy rainfall raises the level, while excessive usage or drought lowers it.
Key Takeaway:
Groundwater is a subsurface reservoir that feeds surface bodies like lakes and is accessed via wells; its volume is determined by the balance between precipitation (recharge) and extraction.