Question

The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?

1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. None

Answer 1

The Narmada river flows to the west due to its location in a linear rift valley and the westward slope of the land in Central India. Therefore, the correct option is B. 2 and 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is B. 2 and 3.

The Narmada river flows to the west while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east because of two main reasons:

1. The Narmada river occupies a linear rift valley. A rift valley is formed when the Earth's crust is pulled apart, creating a linear depression. In this case, the Narmada river flows through the Narmada rift valley.
2. The land slopes to the west from Central India, which directs the flow of the river towards the west. The river flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras, two mountain ranges that act as natural barriers and guide the river's course.

Therefore, both factors, the linear rift valley and the topography of Central India, contribute to the westward flow of the Narmada river.