Q62 · UPSC Prelims 2021 · Set A · Geography

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With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:1.The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.2.The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 only
B 2 only
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation

  1. A

    1 only

    1 only. Rivers and lakes hold far less than groundwater.

  2. B

    2 only

    2 only. Ice sheets and glaciers exceed groundwater. Liquid surface water does not.

  3. C

    Both 1 and 2

    Both. Statement 1 reverses the volumes.

  4. D

    Neither 1 nor 2

    Neither. Ice > groundwater is true.

Summary. Official key is (b) 2 only. Most freshwater is locked in ice. Groundwater is next. Rivers and lakes are a thin film by comparison.

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