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Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 2

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https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=rJkWcb
MAAAAJ&hl=en
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId
=55785250200
https://sjbit.irins.org/profile/204992
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8512-2442
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 3
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Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 4

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Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 5

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Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 6

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Water and its importance
❑ Essential for Life: Water is fundamental to all forms of life, including humans, animals,
and plants. It is crucial for various bodily functions, growth, and survival.

❑ Limited Availability: Despite covering a significant portion of the Earth's surface, only a
small fraction of water is fresh and readily available for human use.

❑ Vital for Ecosystems: Water is essential for maintaining the health and balance of
ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and ecological processes.

❑ Economic Importance: Water is a critical resource for various industries, including

agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production, impacting economic stability and
development.

❑ Impact of Climate Change: Changing climate patterns are affecting water availability,
leading to increased droughts and water scarcity in many regions.

❑ Need for Conservation: Water conservation is crucial to ensure sustainable access to

clean and safe water for present and future generations, preserving its availability for
various uses and maintaining ecological balance.

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 8

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Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 9

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Monsoon in India
❑ The Monsoon in India is a defining climatic
phenomenon that profoundly impacts the
subcontinent’s weather patterns, agriculture, and
daily life.
❑ Originating from various atmospheric and
geographical factors,
❑ The monsoon in India brings essential rainfall that
sustains the region’s agriculture and replenishes
water resources.
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 10
 Module - 1

What is Monsoon?
❑ The word “monsoon” is derived from the
Arabic word “mausim,” meaning “season.”

❑ The term “monsoon” refers to a seasonal

wind pattern characterized by significant
changes in wind direction and associated
precipitation.

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 Module - 1

Features of Monsoon in India

❑ Some key features of the Monsoon in India are:
❑ Seasonal Rainfall – The Monsoon in India is characterised by heavy rainfall,
primarily between June and September.
❑ Two Main Phases – It consists of the Southwest Monsoon (June to
September) and the Northeast Monsoon (October to December).
❑ Geographical Influence – The monsoon in India is influenced by the
Himalayas, the Thar Desert, and the Indian Ocean, which affect wind
patterns and rainfall distribution.
❑ Diversity in Rainfall – Different regions receive varying amounts of rainfall,
with coastal areas and the Western Ghats experiencing heavy precipitation,
while some interior regions may receive less.
❑ Monsoon Winds – The monsoon winds are characterised by a shift in wind
direction, bringing moisture-laden winds from the southwest.

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Types of Monsoon in India

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Southwest Monsoon (Summer Monsoon)
❑ Season: June to September
❑ Origin: The Southwest Monsoon winds originate from the Indian Ocean,
primarily from the southern hemisphere, and blow towards the Indian
subcontinent.
❑ Direction of Winds: Winds come from the southwest direction due to the
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) moving northward during the summer.
❑ Characteristics:
® This is the main monsoon season in India, providing the majority of the country’s rainfall.
® The monsoon winds are blocked by the Western Ghats, causing heavy rainfall on the
western side, and leading to a rain shadow on the eastern side.
® Rainfall is heaviest in coastal areas like Kerala, Goa, and Mumbai, and in the
northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya.
® The monsoon brings relief from the intense summer heat.

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 14

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❑ Northeast Monsoon (Retreating Monsoon)

❑ Season: October to December
❑ Origin: Winds shift direction and blow from the northeast, with
moisture picked up from the Bay of Bengal.
❑ Characteristics:
® The Northeast Monsoon is particularly significant in the
southeastern part of India, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
and parts of Karnataka.
® This monsoon is less intense compared to the Southwest Monsoon
but can still bring heavy rains, especially in the eastern coastal
regions.
® The retreating monsoon marks the start of drier conditions over
most of India, but parts of the east and south still experience rainfall.
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Behavior of Monsoons in India

❑ Monsoon Onset
® Onset Date: The Southwest Monsoon usually starts around
the 1st week of June in Kerala, and it progressively spreads
to the rest of the country over a period of a month.
® Factors Influencing Onset:
® The onset depends on the thermal conditions, wind
patterns, and the positioning of the ITCZ.
® The monsoon is delayed or advanced based on sea surface
temperatures, low-pressure systems, and global climate
phenomena like El Niño and La Niña.
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Monsoon Break
❑ Definition: A break in the monsoon refers to a temporary interruption in the
rainfall pattern, where dry spells occur for a few days.
❑ Occurrence: Breaks are common during the Southwest Monsoon and can affect
parts of the country unpredictably.
❑ Significance: These breaks can impact agriculture as a prolonged dry spell can
harm crops dependent on regular rainfall.

Monsoon Withdrawal
❑ Withdrawal Date: The Southwest Monsoon typically withdraws from India in
September, starting from the northwest (Rajasthan, Punjab) and retreating
southward.
❑ Pattern: The monsoon gradually weakens and the rainfall diminishes, marking
the start of the post-monsoon season.
❑ Significance: The retreat is influenced by the movement of the Sun and
changes in temperature and pressure patterns across the Indian subcontinent.

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Post-Monsoon (October-December)

❑ Weather: After the monsoon withdrawal, parts

of the country experience relatively dry and
cooler weather, while the Northeast Monsoon
brings rain to the southeastern coast.

❑ Cyclones: The post-monsoon period is also

associated with tropical cyclones that develop
in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

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 Module - 1
Factors Influencing Monsoon
Behavior in India
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
❑ The IOD is a climate phenomenon characterized by
differences in sea surface temperatures between
the western and eastern Indian Ocean.
® Positive IOD: This leads to heavy rainfall over the
Indian subcontinent, especially in the Southwest Monsoon
period.
® Negative IOD: This causes drier conditions over India,
affecting agricultural productivity.

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 Module - 1
El Niño and La Niña
❑ El Niño: El Niño is a phenomenon of warm
sea surface temperatures in the central and
eastern Pacific Ocean, which tends to weaken
the Southwest Monsoon and reduce rainfall in
India.
❑ La Niña: La Niña refers to cooler-than-usual
sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, which
can enhance the monsoon, bringing more
rainfall to India.
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Western Disturbances

❑ These are mid-latitude cyclonic systems

that affect the northwestern part of India,
bringing rainfall in winter, especially in the
Himalayan region and northern plains.

❑ Western disturbances are not a monsoon

system per se, but they influence the weather
during the post-monsoon and winter months.
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Orographic Effect
❑ The Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and the
Himalayas play a significant role in shaping
rainfall patterns.
® The mountains cause the monsoon winds to rise,
cool, and release moisture as rain, resulting in heavy
rainfall on the windward side.
® The leeward sides of these mountains, such as the
Deccan Plateau and parts of Rajasthan, experience
dry conditions due to the rain shadow effect.
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Rainfall Distribution

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 Module - 1
Heavy Rainfall Zones: Coastal areas (Kerala,
Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra), the Himalayan
foothills, and the northeastern states (Assam,
Meghalaya) receive the highest rainfall.
Moderate Rainfall Zones: Central India, parts
of Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
Low Rainfall Zones: Rajasthan, Gujarat, and
parts of Haryana and Punjab, which are in the rain
shadow of the Aravallis and Himalayas.
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 24
Monsoon & Agriculture: A Vital Link Module - 1

❑ Crucial for Crops: Rice, maize, pulses, cotton, and more rely on
monsoon rains.
❑ Challenges: Delayed/Deficient Monsoon: Water scarcity, drought,
reduced yields, food insecurity.
❑ Excessive Rainfall: Flooding, damage to infrastructure & crops, loss
of life.
Positive Impact Negative Impact
Lifeblood of Agriculture:
Monsoon rains are essential Delayed/Weak Monsoon: Leads to
for the majority of India's water scarcity, droughts, and
crops. reduced crop yields.
Supports food production Excessive Rainfall: Causes
and livelihoods for millions devastating floods, damaging crops,
Dr. of
Naveenkumar
farmers. D T SJBIT, Bengaluru
infrastructure, and lives. 25
 Module - 1
Heavy Rainfall Zones: Coastal areas (Kerala,
Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra), the Himalayan
foothills, and the northeastern states (Assam,
Meghalaya) receive the highest rainfall.
Moderate Rainfall Zones: Central India, parts
of Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
Low Rainfall Zones: Rajasthan, Gujarat, and
parts of Haryana and Punjab, which are in the rain
shadow of the Aravallis and Himalayas.
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 Module - 1
Challenges and Future Trends:
❑ Climate Change: Increasing variability in rainfall patterns, extreme
weather events (heavy rains, droughts, and cyclones), and changes in the
timing of the monsoon are anticipated as a result of climate change.
❑ Water Management: Efficient water management strategies are crucial
for coping with fluctuating monsoon patterns and ensuring sustainable
agriculture and water supply.

Current Challenges Future Trends & Solutions

* Monsoon variability impacting * Climate Change: Increased

agriculture. variability, extreme weather events.

* Solution: Efficient, sustainable

* Need for effective water
water management strategies
management.
crucial.
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 27
 Module - 1
Rainfall in India: Characteristics
and Distribution
❑ Influenced by various geographical and meteorological
factors.
❑ Characteristics of Rainfall in India
Seasonal Variation
® Monsoon Dependence: Southwest Monsoon contributing
around 75-85% of the total annual rainfall.
® Post-Monsoon and Winter Rain: Northeast Monsoon (October
to December) brings additional rainfall, primarily to the
southeastern coast.
® Winter rains from Western Disturbances affect northern India,
bringing moderate rainfall from December to February.
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Uneven Distribution:
❑ Geographical Influence: uneven – heavy, arid
and semi-arid
® Western Ghats & Northeastern India: Western
Ghats, coastal Kerala, the northeastern states, and
parts of the Himalayas - heavy rainfall.
® Deccan Plateau & Rajasthan: The interior of
India, especially the Deccan Plateau and Rajasthan -
relatively lower rainfall, with some regions in
Rajasthan being deserts.
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Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 30

 Module - 1
Intensity of Rainfall
Heavy Rainfall: Coastal areas, especially
Kerala, Maharashtra, and the north-eastern
states like Assam and Meghalaya, can receive
very heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon
months.
Moderate to Light Rainfall: Most of Central
India and the interior parts receive moderate
rainfall, while arid zones like Rajasthan and
Gujarat receive light or very little rainfall
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 31
 Module - 1

Temporal Distribution

❑ Distinct Wet and Dry Periods: distinct wet

(monsoon) and dry (post-monsoon and
winter) periods.

❑ Irregular Rainfall: spells of drought or

excessive rainfall in different years.

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 32

 Module - 1
Types of Rainfall
❑ Convectional: Summer, inland India, heated
air rises, cools, and rains.
❑ Orographic: Mountains lift moist air, causing
cooling and heavy rain (Western/Eastern
Ghats, Himalayas).
❑ Cyclonic: Low-pressure systems & cyclones
bring rain, especially to coasts (monsoon/post-
monsoon). Sources and related content
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 33
 Module - 1

Rainfall Distribution in India

Heavy Rainfall Zones
❑ Western Coast: (Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra) -
Orographic rainfall due to Western Ghats
intercepting SW monsoon.
❑ Northeast India: (Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland,
Manipur, Tripura) - Orographic uplift by Khasi,
Jaintia, & Garo hills.
❑ World's Wettest: Mawsynram & Cherrapunji
(Meghalaya)

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 Module - 1

Moderate Rainfall Zones

Region States Rainfall (mm) Characteristics

Madhya Pradesh, Mix of wet/dry,

Central India 700-1200
Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra drought-prone

Northern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Monsoon rain,

500-1200
Plains Haryana, Punjab reliant on irrigation

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 35

 Module - 1

Low Rainfall Zones

Key
Region States/Areas Rainfall (mm)
Characteristics

Rajasthan (incl.
Northwestern Arid, desert
Thar), Gujarat <250 (avg)
India conditions
(Kutch/Saurashtra)

Maharashtra, Rain shadow

Interior Deccan Karnataka, 500-800 areas, relatively
Telangana (parts) low rainfall

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 36

 Module - 1

Rain Shadow & Urban Rainfall

Rain Shadow Areas Urban Rainfall Variability

* Leeward side of Western Ghats * Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata

* Parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, * Local climatic influences (e.g., urban

Tamil Nadu heat island)

* Receive significantly less rainfall * High variability in rainfall amounts

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 37

 Module - 1

Key Features of Rainfall in India

Factor Impact on Rainfall
El Niño Below-average rainfall, droughts
Above-average rainfall, enhanced
La Niña
monsoon

Western Ghats Heavy rain on west, rain shadow on east

Himalayas Blocks cold winds, orographic rainfall

Coastal Areas High rainfall

Heavy post-monsoon rain (East & SE
Cyclones
coasts)

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Consequences of Rainfall Patterns

Challenge/Impact Description Affected Regions
❑
Excessive monsoon Riverine & low-lying
Flooding
rainfall coastal areas

Delayed/deficient Rajasthan, Gujarat,

Droughts
rainfall parts of MP

Varies by region, rice,

Uneven rainfall
Agriculture maize, pulses
impacts rainfed crops
vulnerable
All regions,
Need for varied
Water Management waterlogging vs.
strategies
scarcity

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 39

 Module - 1

Onset of Effective Rains

Definition Sustained rainfall for growing season & water replenishment

Factors Influencing
Monsoon Onset Kerala ~June 1, covers India by mid-July
Soil Moisture Sufficient retention for crops & water bodies
Regional Variability Coastal vs. interior differences
Cyclonic Systems Pre-monsoon rains - eastern and western India

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Characteristics of Onset
Characteristic Description Impact
Marks start of growing
Steady Rainfall Consistent rainfall events
season
Noticeable decrease in Accompanies cloud
Temperature Drop
temperature cover & rain
Sowing of Kharif crops,
crop calendars, Delayed onset leads to
Agricultural Impact
productivity, water disruptions
availability

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Withdrawal of Effective Rains

Definition Rainfall taper off, end of rainy season

Factors Influencing
Monsoon Retreat NW India (mid-Sept), covers India by mid-Oct
Southwest to Northeast, onset of Northeast
Wind Shift
Monsoon (south)
Temperature/Pressure Increase, weakening monsoon

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Characteristics of Withdrawal

Characteristic Description Impact

Sporadic, more dry Marks end of
Reduced Rainfall
days monsoon season
Clear Skies & Rising Clear skies, Post-monsoon
Temperatures temperature increase weather shift
Kharif harvest,
Northeast Monsoon
Agricultural Impact Crucial for crop cycles
for Rabi (south/east
coasts)

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 43

 Module - 1
Regional Variations in Onset and
Withdrawal
Region Onset Withdrawal Key Features/Crops
Mid-Sept to Early Rice, wheat,
North India Mid-June
Oct sugarcane

Mid to Late
West India Early Oct Drought & flood risk
June

Late Sept to Early Diverse crops,

South India Early June Oct (TN: Oct- benefits from both
Dec) monsoons

East/NE India Early June Late Sept to Oct Heaviest rainfall

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 Module - 1
Challenges Related to Onset and
Withdrawal of Effective Rains

Challenge Impact

Disrupts Kharif sowing, reduces

Delayed Onset
yields, delays water recharge

Floods & droughts, poor

Erratic/Uneven Rains
germination/crop failure

Impacts late-maturing crops,

Early Withdrawal
potential for water deficit

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 Module - 1

Significance of Effective Rains

Area Significance
60%+ rainfed croplands rely on effective
Agriculture
rains, vital for food security & livelihoods.
Replenishes surface and groundwater,
Water Resources
crucial for domestic and industrial use.
Enables flood & drought prediction and
Disaster Management
mitigation.

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 Module - 1

Strategies to Mitigate Challenges

Strategy Description Benefit
Enables better
Accurate & timely
Improved Forecasting planning for sowing &
weather information
irrigation
Efficient water use,
Rainwater harvesting,
Water Management mitigates delayed
drip irrigation
rains
Drought-Resistant Drought-tolerant Reduces reliance on
Crops varieties rainfall
Crops, livestock, Diversified income,
Integrated Farming
Dr. Naveenkumar D T agroforestry
SJBIT, Bengaluruincreased resilience47
 Module - 1
Dry Spells
Period of little/no rain during rainy
Definition
season
Duration (days to weeks), Frequency
(common during monsoon
Characteristics breaks/erratic rainfall), Soil Impact
(reduced moisture), Causes (monsoon
breaks, local conditions, El Niño)
Delayed germination, stunted growth,
Impact - Agriculture
crop failure
Impact - Water
Depleted surface/groundwater
Resources
Impact - Environment Drought risk, ecosystem stress
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 48
 Module - 1

Wet Spells
Definition Period of excessive rainfall

Duration (hours to days), Frequency (common

Characteristics in heavy rainfall regions), Causes (active
monsoon, cyclones, orographic lifting)

Beneficial if moderate, harmful if excessive

Impact - Agriculture
(waterlogging, root rot)

Overflowing rivers/reservoirs, enhanced

Impact - Water Resources
groundwater recharge, erosion risk

Impact - Environment Flooding, landslides, ecosystem disruption

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 Module - 1
Critical Dry Spells
❑ Extended periods of no or insufficient rainfall at
specific crop growth stages when water is most crucial

Stage Impact of Dry Spell

Germination Uneven/failed germination

Vegetative Growth Stunted growth, poor biomass

Flowering/Fruiting Poor pollination, low yields

Reduced yield & quality, economic losses,

Overall Consequences
food insecurity, rural migration

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 Module - 1

Factors Influencing Dry and Wet Spells

Factor Dry Spells Wet Spells

Active phases of
Monsoon Activity Breaks in monsoon
monsoon

El Niño, regional high La Niña, low-pressure

Climatic Variability
pressure areas, cyclones

Windward side of
Topography Rain shadow areas
mountains

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 Module - 1

Regional Examples in India

Dry Spells Wet Spells

Rajasthan & Gujarat (Erratic
Western Ghats (Intense Monsoon)
Rainfall)
Northeastern States (Meghalaya,
Deccan Plateau (Monsoon Breaks)
Assam - Heavy Rain)
Vidarbha & Marathwada Coastal Areas (TN, AP, Odisha -
(Prolonged) Cyclones)

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 Module - 1

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Dry Spells Mitigation Wet Spells Mitigation

Water Conservation (rainwater
Flood Management
harvesting, drought-resistant
(embankments, drainage)
crops)
Efficient Irrigation (drip,
Soil Conservation (cover crops)
sprinkler)
Crop Planning (adjusted sowing, Weather Forecasting (timely
diversification) preparation)

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 53

 Module - 1

Water Loss from the Soil

❑ A natural and continuous process influenced by
climatic, soil, and vegetation factors.
Mechanism Definition Factors Impact
Temp, humidity,
Loss from topsoil,
Evaporation Soil surface to vapor wind, sun, soil
arid regions
type
Plant type,
Significant loss in
Transpiration Plant roots to vapor climate, soil
agriculture
moisture
Replenish
Downward water Soil texture,
Percolation groundwater/loss
movement structure, rainfall
from root zone
High rain, poor
Water flow over Loss of topsoil,
Runoff soil, no
surface reduced storage
vegetation
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 54
 Module - 1

Types of Soil Water

Type of Water Characteristics Availability to Plants

Gravitational Water Drains quickly (gravity) Unavailable
Capillary Water Held by capillary forces Available
Thin film tightly bound
Hygroscopic Water Unavailable
to particles

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 Module - 1

Factors Influencing Soil Water Loss

Factor Category Specific Factors Impact on Water Loss
Temperature, Rainfall, Increased evaporation, runoff,
Climatic Factors
Wind percolation
Varying retention,
Texture, Structure,
Soil Properties waterlogging, reduced
Organic Matter
evaporation
Vegetative Cover, Root Reduced evaporation/runoff,
Vegetation
Systems increased water extraction
Increased runoff,
Deforestation, Over-
Human Activities waterlogging, reduced
irrigation, Land Use
infiltration

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 Module - 1

Effects of Soil Water Loss

Impact Category Effects

Agricultural Impact Reduced soil moisture, lower crop yields
Topsoil/nutrient erosion, reduced
Soil Health
organic matter
Decreased groundwater recharge,
Environmental Impact
increased droughts/floods

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 Module - 1
Methods to Minimize Water Loss
Method Techniques Benefit
Reduce Mulching, Shading, Retains surface
Evaporation Conservation Tillage moisture
Terracing/Contour Farming,
Reduce Increases infiltration,
Check Dams/Bunding,
Runoff reduces erosion
Vegetative Cover
Organic Matter Addition, Soil
Enhance Improves soil water-
Amendments, Irrigation
Retention holding capacity
Scheduling
Manages deep water
Improve Subsurface Barriers, Rainwater
movement, stores
Percolation Harvesting
Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluruwater 58
 Module - 1

Measurement of Soil Water Loss

Measurement Method Description

Measures water loss
Evaporation Evaporation Pans under natural
conditions
Calculates water loss
Transpiration Lysimeters
from soil and plants
Measures real-time
Soil Moisture Soil Moisture Sensors
soil water content

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 59

 Module - 1

Evaporation Pans

Lysimeters
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 Module - 1

Hydrological Cycle

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 Module - 1
❑ Hydrological Cycle (Water Cycle) Continuous water movement
(atmosphere, surface, subsurface) driven by Solar energy.

Process Description

Evaporation Water from surface evaporates into the atmosphere

Transpiration Plants release water vapor into the atmosphere

Condensation Water vapor cools and forms clouds

Precipitation Water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, etc.

Infiltration Water enters soil, replenishing groundwater

Runoff Water flows across surface to rivers/oceans

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 Module - 1

Importance of the Hydrological Cycle

Importance Area Description

Water Supply Replenishes freshwater sources
Climate Regulation Regulates local and global climates
Agriculture & Food Security Supports rainfall for crop yields
Sustains biodiversity, wetlands, aquatic
Ecosystem Health
ecosystems
Energy Generation Enables hydroelectric power generation

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 Module - 1

Influence of Human Activity on the

Water Cycle
Human Activity Impact on Water Cycle
Deforestation Reduced transpiration, altered rainfall
Urbanization Reduced infiltration, increased runoff, flood risk
Pollution Contaminated water sources, cycle disruption
Water Withdrawal Depleted freshwater resources
Climate Change Altered temperature/precipitation, cycle disruption

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 Module - 1

Scenario of Water in Karnataka

Category Key Points

Water Sources Rivers, Groundwater, Reservoirs, Rainwater

Western Ghats (high rainfall), Deccan Plateau
Geographical
(low rainfall), Coastal (irregular), Dry Regions
Distribution
(scarcity)
Agricultural contamination, Industrial pollution,
Water Quality Issues
Wastewater disposal, Salinity intrusion

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 Module - 1

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 66

 Module - 1

Water (Hydrological) Cycle and Human

Impact
Human Impact Effect on Water Cycle
Groundwater Depletion Declining water tables, scarcity
Reduced Surface Flow
Disrupted river ecosystems, altered flow
(Dams/Reservoirs)
Pollution Contaminated water sources, reduced
(Urban/Industrial) quality
Unpredictable rainfall, increased
Climate Change
droughts/floods

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 Surface Water Resources in Module - 1
Karnataka
❑ River Systems: Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra, Netravati (irrigation,
drinking, industry).
® Cauvery: Southern agriculture, water disputes.
® Krishna: North/Central irrigation.
® Tungabhadra: South/Central irrigation.
❑ Reservoirs/Dams: KRS (Mysuru, Mandya, Bengaluru), Tungabhadra
Dam (Hospet), Almatti Dam (Krishna).
❑ Challenges:
® Seasonal variability (dry summers).
® Inter-state disputes (Cauvery).
® Water pollution (urban, industrial, agriculture).

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 68

 Module - 1

Dr. Naveenkumar D T SJBIT, Bengaluru 69