Question

Write a short note on the work of rivers in hilly areas and human activities.

Answer 1

1. Gorges: River from its source, when it starts flowing the process of erosion starts. In mountainous areas, rivers flow at a higher speed due to steep slope. As a result, the bed gets eroded more than banks, and gorges are formed with steep banks and narrow beds. Such gorges have also become famous tourist places. For example, Gorge of Narmada river at Jabalpur.
2. In 'V' shaped valleys of the river, terraced farming is practiced on valley slopes.
3. In hilly areas, the river has speed, slope and hence downcutting is on a lower scale. Thus, agriculture, agroforestry, animal husbandry, and forestry are the major human occupations in these regions.
4. Waterfalls: Water flowing over a hilly region comes down a cliff, forming alternate bands of eroded soft and hard rocks, such features are called waterfalls. These waterfalls become a site for tourist attraction. For example, Jog falls on the Sharavati river, Chuliya falls on the Chambal river and Venna falls in Mahabaleshwar. Hotel industries also developed along with these features.