Irrigation Engineering MCQs (Multiple-Choice Questions) and Answers

1. How does irrigation contribute to the stabilization of food production?

1. By eliminating the need for fertilizers
2. By ensuring crops receive water regardless of rainfall variability
3. By increasing soil erosion
4. By making farming equipment unnecessary

Answer: B) By ensuring crops receive water regardless of rainfall variability

Explanation:

Food production is less reliant on erratic rainfall because of irrigation, which offers a consistent supply of water.

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2. Which of these describes an irrigation technique that is NOT used?

1. Subsurface irrigation
2. Surface irrigation
3. Evaporation irrigation
4. Drip irrigation

Answer: C) Evaporation irrigation

Explanation:

Not a recognized technique is evaporation irrigation. Drip, surface, and subsurface irrigation are the primary techniques.

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3. What is the main disadvantage of traditional surface irrigation methods?

1. Requirement of advanced technology
2. Uneven distribution of water
3. High initial setup cost
4. High energy consumption

Answer: B) Uneven distribution of water

Explanation:

Uneven water distribution from traditional surface irrigation frequently leads to wasteful water use and possible crop harm.

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4. Which of the following is irrigation in agriculture's main advantage?

1. Increased soil salinity
2. Enhanced crop yield
3. Decreased soil fertility
4. Reduced water table

Answer: B) Enhanced crop yield

Explanation:

Irrigation ensures that crops receive the right quantity of water for healthy growth, it offers a steady and continuous supply of water, which increases and stabilizes agricultural yields.

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5. Which region in India is known for its extensive tank irrigation system?

1. Rajasthan
2. Gujarat
3. Tamil Nadu
4. Punjab

Answer: C) Tamil Nadu

Explanation:

Traditional tank irrigation systems, which have been utilized for generations to assist agriculture and manage water resources, are a trademark of Tamil Nadu.

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6. Which irrigation technique involves flooding the entire field?

1. Basin irrigation
2. Sprinkler irrigation
3. Drip irrigation
4. Furrow irrigation

Answer: A) Basin irrigation

Explanation:

Basin irrigation involves flooding the entire field within bounded areas called basins, commonly used for crops like rice.

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7. Which irrigation system is known for its suitability in uneven terrain?

1. Basin irrigation
2. Border strip irrigation
3. Furrow irrigation
4. Sprinkler irrigation

Answer: D) Sprinkler irrigation

Explanation:

Sprinkler irrigation systems can be adapted to uneven terrains, ensuring uniform water distribution over diverse land contours.

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8. Which soil water classification is defined as water that drains out of the soil due to gravity and is generally not available to plants?

1. Hygroscopic water
2. Capillary water
3. Gravitational water
4. Field capacity water

Answer: C) Gravitational water

Explanation:

Gravitational water moves through the soil quickly due to gravity and is not held by the soil particles for plant use.

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9. In India, which soil type typically exhibits the highest field capacity due to its high clay content?

1. Loamy soil
2. Sandy soil
3. Clayey soil
4. Peaty soil

Answer: C) Clayey soil

Explanation:

Its tiny particles can store more water against gravity than sandy or loamy soils can, clayey soils have a higher field capacity.

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10. Which soil layer primarily contributes to the depth of soil water available to plants?

1. Bedrock
2. Topsoil
3. Subsoil
4. Soil horizon

Answer: B) Topsoil

Explanation:

Most plant roots are found in the topsoil, which is the soil's highest layer and is essential for absorbing water.

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11. When determining the depth of water applied during irrigation, what factor is crucial for ensuring uniform water distribution across the field?

1. Soil texture
2. Crop spacing
3. Type of irrigation system
4. Slope of the land

Answer: C) Type of irrigation system

Explanation:

Water is distributed differently by different irrigation systems, which has an impact on the uniformity and depth of the water provided to the field.

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12. In areas with high evaporation rates and sandy soils, which adjustment to the depth of water applied during irrigation is typically necessary?

1. Increase the depth of water applied
2. Decrease the depth of water applied
3. Apply water more frequently but at the same depth
4. Maintain the same depth regardless of conditions

Answer: A) Increase the depth of water applied

Explanation:

Sandy soils and high evaporation rates necessitate deeper water application to ensure sufficient moisture penetration for plant roots.

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13. What parameter directly affects the depth of water applied during irrigation in surface irrigation systems?

1. Pump discharge rate
2. Sprinkler nozzle size
3. Irrigation canal capacity
4. Length and slope of the field

Answer: D) Length and slope of the field

Explanation:

The length and slope of the field determine the time it takes for water to travel across the field, influencing the depth of water applied.

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14. What factor primarily influences the duty of water in irrigation systems?

1. Crop type
2. Irrigation method
3. Soil texture
4. Climate conditions

Answer: A) Crop type

Explanation:

Different crops have varying water requirements, thus influencing the duty of water.

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15. How does proper land leveling contribute to the improvement of duty?

1. By reducing surface runoff
2. By increasing evapotranspiration
3. By minimizing groundwater recharge
4. By enhancing soil erosion

Answer: A) By reducing surface runoff

Explanation:

Proper land leveling helps in reducing surface runoff, thus conserving water and improving duty.

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16. What role does canal lining play in the delta improvement of duty?

1. It improves soil fertility
2. It increases evaporation rates
3. It reduces seepage losses
4. It enhances sediment deposition

Answer: C) It reduces seepage losses

Explanation:

Lining canals helps to minimize seepage losses, thereby conserving water and improving duty.

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17. How does the command area affect irrigation efficiency?

1. It determines the quality of irrigation water
2. It controls the distribution of water to crops
3. It regulates the frequency of irrigation events
4. It affects the amount of water lost to evaporation

Answer: B) It controls the distribution of water to crops

Explanation:

The command area dictates how water is distributed among different areas of land, impacting irrigation efficiency by ensuring water reaches crops effectively.

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18. Which factor does not affect irrigation efficiency?

1. Soil type
2. Type of irrigation system
3. Climate conditions
4. Size of the irrigation pump

Answer: D) Size of the irrigation pump

Explanation:

Irrigation methods' efficiency is not directly impacted by the size of the irrigation pump, yet it may have an impact on the pace of water supply.

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19. What is conveyance efficiency in irrigation?

1. The efficiency of water application to the soil
2. The efficiency of crop water uptake
3. The efficiency of water infiltration into the soil
4. The efficiency of water transportation from source to field

Answer: D) The efficiency of water transportation from source to field

Explanation:

Water transportation efficiency from its source to the field that requires irrigation is measured by conveyance efficiency.

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20. Which of the following is a common indicator of waterlogging in irrigation systems?

1. High salinity
2. Surface runoff
3. Low pH
4. Water table rise

Answer: D) Water table rise

Explanation:

Water table rise indicates excessive water accumulation in the soil, leading to waterlogging, which can adversely affect crop growth.

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21. What is the primary determinant of canal capacity?

1. Depth of the canal
2. Width of the canal
3. Velocity of flow
4. Shape of the canal cross-section

Answer: C) Velocity of flow

Explanation:

The breadth, depth, and form of the canal all have an impact on flow velocity, which in turn affects canal capacity.

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22. Which factor does not directly affect the capacity of a canal?

1. Discharge at the canal inlet
2. Roughness of the canal bed
3. Gradient of the canal
4. Seasonal variations in water availability

Answer: D) Seasonal variations in water availability

Explanation:

While seasonal variations affect water availability, they do not directly impact the capacity of the canal itself.

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23. What is the term used to describe the maximum discharge a canal can safely carry without overflowing?

1. Critical discharge
2. Design discharge
3. Peak discharge
4. Maximum discharge

Answer: B) Design discharge

Explanation:

The maximum discharge that a canal is intended to manage under typical operating conditions without overflowing is referred to as design discharge.

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24. What does a rising FSL in a canal indicate?

1. Increased discharge
2. Normal flow conditions
3. Reduced discharge
4. Damaged canal lining

Answer: A) Increased discharge

Explanation:

A rising FSL suggests increased water flow or discharge in the canal.

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25. Which engineering principle governs the calculation of FSL in irrigation canals?

1. Bernoulli's theorem
2. Darcy's law
3. Manning's equation
4. Archimedes' principle

Answer: C) Manning's equation

Explanation:

Manning's equation is commonly used in hydraulic engineering to calculate flow characteristics, including FSL.

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26. Which type of lining is often used in canals constructed in alluvial soil?

1. Concrete lining
2. Geotextile lining
3. Brick lining
4. Vegetative lining

Answer: A) Concrete lining

Explanation:

Concrete lining provides robust protection against erosion in alluvial soils due to its durability and impermeability.

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27. Which parameter plays a crucial role in determining the design discharge for a canal in both alluvial and non-alluvial soils?

1. Bed slope
2. Soil permeability
3. Sediment transport capacity
4. Channel cross-section shape

Answer: A) Bed slope

Explanation:

Bed slope dictates the hydraulic gradient and thus influences the design discharge capacity of the canal, regardless of soil type.

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28. According to Kennedy's silt theory, silt deposition in irrigation canals mainly occurs due to?

1. High water velocity
2. Turbulence caused by bends
3. Decrease in canal gradient
4. Sudden widening of the canal cross-section

Answer: C) Decrease in canal gradient

Explanation:

Kennedy's theory suggests that silt settles in irrigation canals primarily when there's a decrease in canal gradient, leading to reduced water velocity and subsequent deposition.

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29. What is the primary objective of applying Lacey's regime theory in irrigation engineering?

1. Minimize water consumption
2. Ensure hydraulic efficiency
3. Prevent channel erosion
4. Maximize crop yield

Answer: C) Prevent channel erosion

Explanation:

Lacey's regime theory aims to prevent channel erosion by designing irrigation channels that maintain stable flow regimes, thereby minimizing the risk of erosion and sedimentation.

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30. In Lacey’s Regime diagrams, what does the term critical velocity refer to?

1. Velocity of water above which erosion occurs
2. Velocity of water below which sedimentation occurs
3. Velocity of water at maximum discharge
4. Velocity of water for minimum erosion potential

Answer: A) Velocity of water above which erosion occurs

Explanation:

Lacey’s Regime diagrams help in determining the critical velocity required to prevent erosion in open channels.

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31. Which type of lining is suitable for irrigation channels in sandy soil regions?

1. Concrete lining
2. Earthen lining
3. Plastic lining
4. Asphalt lining

Answer: C) Plastic lining

Explanation:

Plastic lining is often preferred in sandy soil regions because it provides a flexible and impermeable barrier, effectively preventing water seepage.

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32. Which measure is effective in combating surface waterlogging?

1. Installing deep tube wells
2. Planting water-absorbing crops
3. Implementing surface drains
4. Constructing lined canals

Answer: C) Implementing surface drains

Explanation:

Surface drains are effective in removing excess surface water and preventing surface waterlogging.

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33. What is the term for the water storage available for use after accounting for dead storage?

1. Conservation storage
2. Gross storage
3. Live storage
4. Effective storage

Answer: C) Live storage

Explanation:

The term live storage describes the usable water storage in a reservoir, which is the total storage less the dead storage.

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34. What is the term for the upper boundary of the zone of saturation where groundwater fills all available pore spaces?

1. Water Table
2. Capillary Fringe
3. Aquifer
4. Vadose Zone

Answer: A) Water Table

Explanation:

The zone above saturation, when air pressure and groundwater pressure are equal, is represented as the water table.

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35. Which of the following is NOT a type of diversion headwork in irrigation engineering?

1. Barrage
2. Spillway
3. Weir
4. Canal outlet

Answer: B) Spillway

Explanation:

A spillway is not intended to redirect water for agriculture, but rather to securely transfer surplus water from a reservoir or dam.

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36. What type of diversion headwork is commonly used to divert water from a river into an irrigation canal?

1. Weir
2. Barrage
3. Siphon
4. Aqueduct

Answer: A) Weir

Explanation:

For irrigation purposes, weirs are frequently used to increase the water level and direct it into a canal.

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37. Which type of diversion headwork is typically used to control water flow and raise water levels for irrigation in flat terrain?

1. Barrage
2. Check dam
3. Siphon
4. Aqueduct

Answer: A) Barrage

Explanation:

Barrages are commonly employed in flat areas to create a temporary reservoir for irrigation purposes.

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38. What is the primary function of a siphon as a diversion headwork?

1. To regulate water flow
2. To control sediment deposition
3. To divert water under pressure
4. To lift water over obstacles

Answer: C) To divert water under pressure

Explanation:

By producing a vacuum, siphons are used to move water across obstructions like highways and valleys.

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39. What is the purpose of a check dam as a diversion headwork?

1. To prevent flooding
2. To regulate sediment flow
3. To create a temporary reservoir
4. To divert water into canals

Answer: B) To regulate sediment flow

Explanation:

To improve the quality of the water downstream, check dams are generally employed to slow down water flow and capture silt.

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40. Which topographical feature is preferred for the location of diversion headwork?

1. Mountain summit
2. Sloping terrain
3. Valley floor
4. Plateau

Answer: C) Valley floor

Explanation:

The valley floor provides a natural depression where water can be easily diverted, making it an ideal location for diversion headwork.

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41. Which soil characteristic is desirable for constructing diversion headwork components?

1. High permeability
2. Low plasticity
3. High shrink-swell potential
4. High organic content

Answer: A) High permeability

Explanation:

High permeability soils allow for efficient drainage and prevent waterlogging around diversion headwork, making them suitable for construction.

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42. Which factor influences the design of diversion headwork components based on water quality considerations?

1. Soil erosion potential
2. Sediment load
3. Temperature variation
4. Annual rainfall

Answer: B) Sediment load

Explanation:

Sediment load in the water source affects the design of diversion headwork, as structures need to be designed to handle sediment transport and deposition.

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43. How does the presence of vegetation influence site selection for diversion headwork?

1. Increases erosion risk
2. Reduces water quality
3. Decreases construction costs
4. Enhances ecosystem services

Answer: A) Increases erosion risk

Explanation:

Vegetation can increase erosion risk by stabilizing soil and reducing surface runoff, which may impact the effectiveness of diversion headwork.

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44. Khosla's theory suggests that sediment transport in irrigation canals increases with?

1. Decreasing flow velocity
2. Increasing canal width
3. Decreasing sediment concentration
4. Increasing water temperature

Answer: D) Increasing water temperature

Explanation:

Higher water temperatures generally lead to increased sediment transport rates in irrigation canals, as per Khosla's theory.

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45. Which type of CD works is most suitable for controlling floods in large river basins?

1. Check dams
2. Earthen dams
3. Percolation tanks
4. Canal falls

Answer: A) Check dams

Explanation:

Check dams are particularly made to manage water flow in broad river basins, hence preventing floods.

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46. Which type of CD works is primarily used for storing water for irrigation purposes?

1. Earthen dams
2. Spillways
3. Weirs
4. Percolation tanks

Answer: A) Earthen dams

Explanation:

To store water for agriculture and other uses, earthen dams are built with a reservoir behind them.

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47. Which type of CD works is suitable for diverting excess water from canals to avoid flooding?

1. Percolation tanks
2. Canal falls
3. Earthen dams
4. Weirs

Answer: B) Canal falls

Explanation:

Canal falls are constructed to regulate the flow of water in canals and prevent flooding by diverting excess water.

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48. Which type of CD works is suitable for providing supplemental irrigation to agricultural lands?

1. Spillways
2. Check dams
3. Percolation tanks
4. Canal falls

Answer: C) Percolation tanks

Explanation:

The purpose of percolation tanks is to collect and hold runoff water so that it may be utilized for additional agricultural land irrigation.

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49. What is a siphon aqueduct designed to do?

1. Transport water uphill
2. Filter sediment from water
3. Store water underground
4. Create waterfalls for aesthetic purposes

Answer: A) Transport water uphill

Explanation:

Syphon aqueducts use the principle of a siphon to lift water over obstacles or uphill to reach higher elevations.

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50. Which of the following is described as a drawback of irrigation using aqueducts?

1. High maintenance costs
2. Environmental pollution
3. Limited water capacity
4. Slow water delivery

Answer: A) High maintenance costs

Explanation:

Aqueducts require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning, which can incur significant costs over time.

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51. Which type of CD works is essential for maintaining the water level in reservoirs during dry seasons?

1. Earthen dams
2. Weirs
3. Check dams
4. Spillways

Answer: D) Spillways

Explanation:

During dry seasons, spillways help to keep the water level steady by providing a safe means of releasing surplus water from reservoirs.

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52. Which parameter plays a crucial role in determining the waterway for a drain in irrigation engineering?

1. Drainage basin shape
2. Drainage basin land use
3. Drainage basin topography
4. Drainage basin soil permeability

Answer: A) Drainage basin shape

Explanation:

The shape and topography of the drainage basin significantly affect the waterway requirement for efficient drainage,

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53. Which parameter determines the required capacity of a drain's waterway in irrigation engineering?

1. Drainage basin soil type
2. Drainage basin vegetation
3. Drainage basin topography
4. Drainage basin area

Answer: D) Drainage basin area

Explanation:

Drainage basin area directly influences the required capacity of a drain's waterway.

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54. What is the primary purpose of fuming in canal systems?

1. To regulate the flow of water
2. To prevent erosion along canal banks
3. To facilitate efficient water distribution to fields
4. To maintain water levels in the canal

Answer: B) To prevent erosion along canal banks

Explanation:

Fluming helps control water flow velocity and prevents erosion by directing water smoothly along the canal's path, thus protecting the canal banks from scouring..

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55. What is the primary factor influencing uplift pressure on the underside of a barrel roof in a culvert?

1. Barrel length
2. Soil type
3. Barrel diameter
4. Flow velocity

Answer: D) Flow velocity

Explanation:

Uplift pressure is directly related to the flow velocity of water passing through.

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56. Which factor is NOT considered when designing bank connections?

1. Canal discharge
2. Soil type
3. Water quality
4. Canal alignment

Answer: C) Water quality

Explanation:

Bank connections are primarily influenced by factors such as soil type, canal discharge, and canal alignment, but water quality is not typically a significant factor in their design.

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57. What is the primary purpose of canal falls in irrigation engineering?

1. To enhance water quality
2. To facilitate navigation
3. To control the flow rate of water
4. To prevent erosion along the canal bed

Answer: C) To control the flow rate of water

Explanation:

Canal falls are structures designed to control the flow of water in irrigation canals, ensuring a regulated discharge for efficient distribution to agricultural fields.

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58. Which of the following types of canal falls is commonly used to dissipate excess energy in the flow?

1. Rapid fall
2. Straight glacis fall
3. Ogee fall
4. Broad-crested fall

Answer: D) Broad-crested fall

Explanation:

Broad-crested falls are effective in dissipating excess energy by allowing water to spread out horizontally, reducing the velocity of flow and minimizing erosion.

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59. Which factor does not influence the design of a canal fall?

1. Discharge
2. Canal alignment
3. Bed slope
4. Water temperature

Answer: D) Water temperature

Explanation:

Water temperature typically does not significantly impact the design of canal falls, unlike factors such as discharge, bed slope, and canal alignment, which directly affect hydraulic performance.

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60. Which type of canal fall is suitable for locations with limited space availability?

1. Rapid fall
2. Ogee fall
3. Straight glacis fall
4. Broad-crested fall

Answer: A) Rapid fall

Explanation:

Rapid falls are compact structures suitable for locations with space constraints, providing effective energy dissipation and flow control in a confined area.

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61. Which hydraulic principle governs the operation of a broad-crested canal fall?

1. Bernoulli's theorem
2. Chezy's equation
3. Manning's equation
4. Froude's equation

Answer: D) Froude's equation

Explanation:

Froude's equation is essential for understanding the hydraulic behavior of broad-crested falls and guaranteeing their smooth operation. It connects flow velocity, depth, and acceleration due to gravity.

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62. Which factor determines the location of a reservoir in irrigation engineering?

1. Proximity to urban areas for easy access
2. Availability of suitable land for construction
3. Prevailing wind direction in the region
4. Elevation above sea level

Answer: B) Availability of suitable land for construction

Explanation:

The availability of sufficient land that can sustain the dam construction and accommodate the necessary storage capacity is one of the many criteria that determine where to locate a reservoir.

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63. Which of the following types of falls is typically used to dissipate energy and reduce erosion in irrigation channels?

1. Rapid fall
2. Free fall
3. Drop fall
4. Hydraulic fall

Answer: C) Drop fall

Explanation:

Drop falls are designed to reduce the velocity of water by causing it to drop vertically, dissipating energy, and minimizing erosion.

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64. In which type of fall does water flow freely over a horizontal obstruction, causing a gradual decrease in velocity?

1. Free fall
2. Rapid fall
3. Hydraulic fall
4. Drop fall

Answer: A) Free fall

Explanation:

Free falls occur when water flows freely over a horizontal obstruction, gradually reducing velocity without any abrupt changes.

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65. Which type of fall is designed to regulate flow by creating a controlled drop in water level?

1. Rapid fall
2. Free fall
3. Drop fall
4. Hydraulic fall

Answer: D) Hydraulic fall

Explanation:

Hydraulic falls are engineered to regulate flow by inducing a controlled drop in water level, often achieved through hydraulic structures.

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66. Which silt control device is commonly used in cross regulators to prevent sedimentation?

1. Flap gate
2. Trash rack
3. Scour valve
4. Drop inlet

Answer: B) Trash rack

Explanation:

Trash racks are installed at the inlet of cross regulators to prevent the entry of debris and silt into the canal system, thereby reducing sedimentation.

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67. Which escape is primarily responsible for maintaining optimal water levels within the canal system?

1. Inlet escape
2. Outlet escape
3. Side escape
4. Emergency escape

Answer: B) Outlet escape

Explanation:

Outlet escapes help maintain optimal water levels within the canal by regulating the discharge of water into secondary channels or fields.

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68. Which escape type is critical for ensuring a continuous and controlled supply of water into the canal from the water source?

1. Inlet escape
2. Outlet escape
3. Side escape
4. Emergency escape

Answer: A) Inlet escape

Explanation:

Inlet escapes regulate the flow of water into the canal from the water source, maintaining a consistent supply for irrigation purposes.

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69. Which escape in irrigation engineering is essential for providing access to the canal for maintenance and inspection purposes?

1. Inlet escape
2. Outlet escape
3. Emergency escape
4. Side escape

Answer: D) Side escape

Explanation:

Side escapes not only discharge excess water but also provide access points for maintenance and inspection activities along the canal.

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