Lakes & Waterfalls — Set 2

Correct Answer: A. Meteorite impact

• **Lonar Lake** = The Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is unique because it was formed by a meteorite impact. • **Pleistocene Epoch** — The meteorite impact that formed this saline, alkaline lake occurred during this geological epoch. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Tectonic shift]: This refers to Earth's crustal plate movements, not the formation process of Lonar Lake; [Glacial movement]: This forms lakes like cirque lakes, which is not how Lonar Lake was created; [Volcanic eruption]: This creates caldera lakes, but Lonar Lake is specifically an impact crater.

Correct Answer: D. Kaveri

• **Hogenakkal Falls** = Hogenakkal Falls, often compared to Niagara, is formed by the Kaveri River. • **'smoking rocks'** — The name 'Hogenakkal' implies this due to the force of the water hitting the stones. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Krishna]: A major South Indian river, but not the one that forms Hogenakkal Falls; [Tungabhadra]: A tributary of the Krishna River, not associated with Hogenakkal Falls; [Godavari]: A major South Indian river, but does not form Hogenakkal Falls.

Correct Answer: D. Gurudongmar Lake

• **Gurudongmar Lake** = Gurudongmar Lake, located in North Sikkim, is the highest altitude lake in India. • **5,430 meters (17,800 ft)** — This is its elevation, making it one of the highest lakes in the world and considered sacred. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Tsomgo Lake]: Also in Sikkim, but situated at a lower altitude than Gurudongmar Lake; [Dal Lake]: Located in Jammu & Kashmir, not among the highest altitude lakes in India; [Pangong Tso]: Located in Ladakh and high altitude, but Gurudongmar Lake is at a higher elevation.

Correct Answer: D. Kaveri

• **Shivanasamudra Falls** = Shivanasamudra Falls is fed by the Kaveri River and is the site of one of the first hydroelectric power stations in Asia. • **1902** — The power station, established in this year, supplied electricity to the Kolar Gold Fields. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Krishna]: This major South Indian river does not feed Shivanasamudra Falls; [Netravati]: This river is in Karnataka but not associated with Shivanasamudra Falls; [Sharavati]: This river in Karnataka forms Jog Falls, not Shivanasamudra Falls.

Correct Answer: A. China

• **Pangong Tso** = Pangong Tso, a long narrow lake famous for its changing colors, is shared between India and China. • **4,350 meters** — This is its approximate height above sea level in the Himalayas. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Nepal]: Pangong Tso is not shared with this neighboring country; [Bhutan]: Pangong Tso is not shared with this neighboring country; [Pakistan]: Pangong Tso is not shared with this neighboring country.

Correct Answer: A. Hundru Falls

• **Hundru Falls** = It is a famous waterfall in Jharkhand, located on the Subarnarekha River near Ranchi. • **98 meters** — It drops from this height, creating a spectacular sight, especially during monsoon. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Jonha Falls: also known as Gautamdhara Falls, it is located on the Raru River; Dassam Falls: located on the Kanchi River, a tributary of Subarnarekha; Lodth Falls: also known as Burhagagh Falls, it is the highest waterfall in Jharkhand.

Correct Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

• **Pulicat Lake** = It is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India, lying on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. • **Second largest** — This brackish water lagoon is the second largest in India and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by Sriharikota island. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Tamil Nadu and Kerala: Pulicat Lake is not on this border; Karnataka and Tamil Nadu: No major lake like Pulicat on this border; Odisha and Andhra Pradesh: Chilika Lake is primarily in Odisha, not Pulicat.

Correct Answer: A. Jog Falls

• **Jog Falls** = This waterfall is formed by the Sharavati River and drops in four distinct tracks named Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. • **Four distinct tracks** — These are the unique names given to the separate cascades of the falls. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Abbey Falls: located in Coorg, Karnataka, known for coffee plantations; Unchalli Falls: formed by the Aghanashini River in Karnataka; Hebbe Falls: located near Kemmangundi, known for two stages of falls.

Correct Answer: D. Shikaras

• **Shikaras** = Dal Lake is famous for its floating markets and traditional wooden boats called Shikaras, which are an integral part of life in Srinagar. • **Mughal-era gardens** — The banks of Dal Lake feature historic houseboats and gardens developed during the Mughal era. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Coracles: these are lightweight round boats used in South India, not typically on Dal Lake; Catamarans: these are multi-hulled boats, not the traditional boats of Dal Lake; Dhows: these are traditional sailing vessels common in the Arabian Sea, not in Kashmir.

Correct Answer: D. Shillong

• **Shillong** = The 'Elephant Falls' is a popular three-step waterfall located on the outskirts of Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. • **Three sections** — The falls consist of three distinct sections that cascade down in succession. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Itanagar: capital of Arunachal Pradesh, not home to Elephant Falls; Gangtok: capital of Sikkim, a different state; Aizawl: capital of Mizoram, also a different state.