About this previous year paper
SECTION A – Short Answer (Attempt All)
2 marks × 7 = 14 marks
Focus on definitions + 1–2 key points
Important Questions & Ready Notes
Classification of rivers in alluvial plains
Rivers are classified as straight, meandering, braided, and anastomosing based on planform.
Meandering
Meandering is the sinuous path of a river formed due to erosion on outer banks and deposition on inner banks.
River Restoration
River restoration is the process of returning a degraded river to a stable, natural, and ecologically healthy condition.
Time Series
Time series is a sequence of hydrological data (flow, sediment, rainfall) recorded over time.
Spur
A spur is a structure projecting from the river bank into the river to deflect flow away from the bank.
Objectives of River Training
To control floods, prevent bank erosion, improve navigation, and protect hydraulic structures.
Purpose of Groynes
Groynes guide river flow, reduce velocity near banks, and prevent erosion.
SECTION B – Medium Answer (Attempt Any Three)
7 marks × 3 = 21 marks
Write definition + explanation + diagram (if possible)
High-Probability Questions
1. River Morphology & Rosgen Classification
River morphology studies the shape, structure, and behavior of river channels.
Rosgen Classification categorizes rivers based on:
Channel slope Sinuosity Width–depth ratio Bed material
Types: A, B, C, D, E, F, G streams
2. Delta Formation and Control
Deltas form when river sediment deposition exceeds removal by waves and tides.
Types: arcuate, bird’s foot, cuspate
Control methods include dredging, training works, and diversion channels.
3. Reach vs Corridor | Biologs vs Rootward
Reach vs Corridor
Reach: Short river segment with uniform characteristics
Corridor: Wider zone including channel, floodplain, and vegetation
Biologs vs Rootward
Biologs: Living plant materials used in erosion control
Rootward: Root-based systems for bank stabilization
4. Natural Channel Design (Steps)
Site assessment Hydrological and sediment analysis Channel geometry selection
Stability and capacity check Implementation and monitoring
5. River Training Works
Guide banks Spurs Embankments Levees Cut-offs
Explain with purpose + function
SECTION C – Conceptual / Theory
7 marks
1. Bed Load, Suspended Load & Wash Load
Bed Load: Rolls/slides along bed Suspended Load: Carried within flow
Wash Load: Fine particles, does not affect bed Saltation:
Particle moves in hopping motion along river bed (draw neat sketch).
2. Classification of Rivers in Flood Plains
Meandering rivers Braided rivers Straight rivers Explain characteristics briefly.