Which of the following two rivers make 'estuaries'?

a) Narmada

b) Krishna

c) Cauvery

d) Tapi

The correct answer is d-a.

Key Points

• Narmada River:
  • The Narmada River flows westwards and creates an estuary as it meets the Arabian Sea near Bharuch in Gujarat.
  • It is one of the major rivers in central India, flowing through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
  • Estuaries are formed where the river meets the sea, mixing fresh and saltwater.
• Tapi River:
  • The Tapi River also flows westwards and forms an estuary as it meets the Arabian Sea near Surat in Gujarat.
  • It is another significant river in central India, flowing through Maharashtra and Gujarat.
  • Like the Narmada, it mixes fresh and saltwater at its estuary.

Additional Information

• Estuary:
  • An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.
  • Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems, providing habitat for a wide variety of marine life.
  • They often act as nurseries for many marine species, including fish and shellfish.
• Westward-flowing Rivers in India:
  • Besides Narmada and Tapi, other westward-flowing rivers include Sabarmati and Mahi.
  • These rivers generally flow towards the Arabian Sea.
• River Mouth:
  • The mouth of a river is the part where it flows into another water body, such as an ocean, sea, or lake.
  • River mouths can form various structures, including estuaries, deltas, and rias.
• Difference Between Estuary and Delta:
  • An estuary is formed by the mixing of river and sea water, while a delta is formed by sediment deposition at the river mouth.
  • Deltas often have fertile land and support agriculture, whereas estuaries are more saline and support different types of ecosystems.