Landforms — Set 2
Geography · भू-आकृतियां · Questions 11–20 of 40
What is the name of the winding curves or loops formed by a river in its middle and lower course?
Correct Answer: A. Meanders
Meanders are loop-like bends in a river's course that develop as the river flows over gentle slopes. They are caused by both erosion on the outer bank and deposition on the inner bank. In extreme cases, a meander loop can be cut off to form an ox-bow lake.
An 'Inselberg' is a prominent landform typically found in which environment?
Correct Answer: C. Arid and semi-arid regions
Inselbergs are isolated, steep-sided hills or small mountains that rise abruptly from a surrounding plain in arid regions. The term is German for 'island mountain' and they are remnants of extensive erosion. They are often composed of very resistant rocks like granite.
Which of these features is a depositional landform of underground water in limestone regions?
Correct Answer: C. Stalactite
Stalactites are icicle-like structures that hang from the ceilings of caves, formed by the dripping of calcium carbonate-rich water. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind thin layers of calcite. The corresponding feature rising from the floor is called a stalagmite.
The process of 'Saltation' is most relevant in the formation of landforms by which agent?
Correct Answer: C. Wind
Saltation is the process where sand grains are lifted by the wind and bounce along the ground surface. This movement is responsible for transporting sand that eventually forms dunes. It is a key mechanism in desert geomorphology.
What is a 'Fjord'?
Correct Answer: A. A deep glacial trough submerged by the sea
A fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier that has since retreated. These valleys were carved by glacial ice and then flooded by rising sea levels. Norway is famously known for its extensive fjord coastlines.
Which landform is characterized by a flat-topped elevation with steep sides, smaller than a plateau?
Correct Answer: B. Mesa
A mesa is an isolated, flat-topped hill or mountain with steep sides, larger than a butte but smaller than a plateau. They are usually formed by erosion in arid or semi-arid climates. The name comes from the Spanish word for 'table'.
The term 'Cirque' refers to which type of glacial feature?
Correct Answer: A. A bowl-shaped erosional depression
A cirque is an amphitheater-like, bowl-shaped basin carved into a mountain side by the erosive action of a glacier. It is found at the head of a glacial valley. When the ice melts, these depressions often fill with water to form 'tarn' lakes.
What is the primary characteristic of a 'V-shaped' valley?
Correct Answer: B. It is formed by the erosion of a young river
V-shaped valleys are typical landforms created by the vertical erosion of fast-flowing rivers in their youthful stage. The steep gradient of the river bed leads to rapid downcutting through the rock. Over time, the valley walls are further widened by weathering and mass wasting.
Which landform is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger landmasses?
Correct Answer: B. Isthmus
An isthmus is a narrow neck of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land. The Isthmus of Panama, connecting North and South America, is a classic example. Its counterpart, a narrow water passage between landmasses, is called a strait.
Which geological process is responsible for the formation of 'Peneplains'?
Correct Answer: D. Extensive and prolonged erosion
A peneplain is a low-relief plain which is the final stage of the cycle of erosion. It is formed when mountains and hills are worn down to a nearly level surface by wind and water. Scattered resistant hills left on such a plain are called monadnocks.