Hydrology and sources — arrange the following water bodies and sources from origin to largest: a) Ocean b) Rivulet c) Sea d) Glacier e) River
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Ae, b, c, a, d
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Bd, b, e, c, a
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Ce, b, c, d, a
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Dd, b, a, c, e
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Eb, e, d, c, a
Answer
Correct Answer: d, b, e, c, a
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This verbal-reasoning sequence checks your understanding of how freshwater from cryospheric sources progresses into progressively larger bodies of water.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Items: Glacier, Rivulet, River, Sea, Ocean.
- Assume the usual continental drainage into marginal seas and then the open ocean.
Concept / Approach:Glaciers melt to feed very small streams (rivulets). Many rivulets combine to form rivers. Rivers generally empty into seas (semi-enclosed parts of oceans). Seas are part of or connected to larger oceans.
Step-by-Step Solution:Start with Glacier (d) as the solid-water source.Meltwater emerges as a Rivulet (b).Rivulets combine to a River (e).Rivers discharge into a Sea (c).Seas are connected to the Ocean (a), the largest body.
Verification / Alternative check:Physical geography texts depict cryosphere → headwater streams → rivers → seas → oceans.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- e, b, c, a, d or e, b, c, d, a: Put river/rivulet before the glacier source.
- d, b, a, c, e: Jumps to ocean too early.
- b, e, d, c, a: Places glacier after river; illogical.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing “sea” with “ocean”; a sea is generally smaller and often marginal to the ocean.
Final Answer:d, b, e, c, a