Some important questions of Gate With explanations (Geomorphology section)

Previous years questions Gate GG with Explanations from Geomorphology section 

---

1. Question from 2022:

Q: Which of the following is true about pediplains?

A) They are formed by tectonic uplift

B) They are characteristic of humid climates

C) They are formed by the process of denudation over a long period

D) They are commonly found in regions with active volcanoes

Explanation: A pediplain is a type of landform that results from the prolonged process of denudation (erosion and weathering), typically forming in arid or semi-arid climates. It is a low-relief surface formed by the weathering of the bedrock, where the materials are gradually removed.

A) They are formed by tectonic uplift – Pediplains are not formed by tectonic uplift but by denudation processes.

B) They are characteristic of humid climates – Pediplains are generally associated with arid and semi-arid regions.

C) They are formed by the process of denudation over a long period – Correct. Pediplains are the result of long-term erosion and weathering processes.

D) They are commonly found in regions with active volcanoes – Pediplains are not typically found in volcanic regions.

Correct Answer: C) They are formed by the process of denudation over a long period

---

2. Question from 2021:

Q: Which of the following is not a feature of karst topography?

A) Sinkholes

B) Caves

C) Limestone ridges

D) Glacial erratics

Explanation: Karst topography is a type of landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks, primarily limestone. Features of karst include sinkholes, caves, and limestone ridges.

A) Sinkholes – Sinkholes are a typical feature of karst landscapes.

B) Caves – Caves are also characteristic of karst regions.

C) Limestone ridges – Limestone ridges are common in karst topography due to the erosion of limestone.

D) Glacial erratics – This is not a feature of karst topography. Glacial erratics are boulders transported by glaciers, not a feature of karst landscapes.

Correct Answer: D) Glacial erratics

---

3. Question from 2020:

Q: The feature called 'badlands' is formed due to:

A) Erosion by wind and water

B) Volcanic activity

C) Glacial deposition

D) Tectonic folding

Explanation: Badlands are regions with steep slopes, jagged hills, and little vegetation, typically formed by erosion. They are found in arid and semi-arid regions and are shaped by wind and water erosion.

A) Erosion by wind and water – Correct. Badlands are primarily formed by the erosion of soft, unconsolidated sedimentary rocks due to wind and water.

B) Volcanic activity – Volcanic activity forms landforms like lava plateaus or volcanic mountains, not badlands.

C) Glacial deposition – This leads to landforms like moraines, not badlands.

D) Tectonic folding – Tectonic folding forms mountains and ridges, but not badlands.

Correct Answer: A) Erosion by wind and water

---

4. Question from 2019:

Q: The term 'pedogenesis' refers to:

A) The formation of mountains

B) The process of soil formation

C) The formation of deserts

D) The formation of caves

Explanation: Pedogenesis refers to the process by which soil is formed from weathered rocks, organic matter, and various environmental factors like climate, organisms, and topography.

A) The formation of mountains – This is related to tectonic processes, not pedogenesis.

B) The process of soil formation – Correct. Pedogenesis is the process of soil formation.

C) The formation of deserts – Deserts are not formed by pedogenesis, but by climatic conditions.

D) The formation of caves – This is related to karst processes, not pedogenesis.

Correct Answer: B) The process of soil formation

---

5. Question from 2018:

Q: In the process of erosion, which of the following agents primarily causes abrasion?

A) Wind

B) Water

C) Ice

D) Biological agents

Explanation: Abrasion is the mechanical scraping or grinding of rocks and sediments, and it can occur through wind, water, or ice.

A) Wind – Wind causes abrasion, especially in desert environments, by sand particles striking rocks and other surfaces.

B) Water – Water also contributes to abrasion, especially in rivers and streams, where rocks rub against each other and the bed of the river.

C) Ice – Ice causes abrasion when glaciers move, grinding rocks and sediment as they advance.

D) Biological agents – Biological agents, like plants or animals, can cause erosion but don't primarily cause abrasion in the same way wind, water, and ice do.

Correct Answer: A) Wind (though water and ice are also significant agents of abrasion)

---

Summary of Key Topics in Geomorphology for GATE GG:

1. Landforms and Processes: Understanding landforms such as pediplains, badlands, karst topography, deserts, and the processes like erosion, weathering, and denudation.

2. Climate and Vegetation Impact: How climatic conditions (arid, humid, temperate) impact the formation of specific landforms.

3. Tectonic and Erosional Features: Understanding landforms formed by tectonic activities (folds, faults) and erosional processes (river valleys, wind erosion).

4. Soil Formation: The process of pedogenesis and factors influencing soil formation.

5. Glacial and Fluvial Processes: Features related to glacial erosion and deposition (e.g., moraines, drumlins) and fluvial landforms (e.g., meanders, oxbow lakes).

Here are additional Geomorphology questions from previous years' GATE GG exams, along with explanations to enhance your preparation:

---

6. Question from 2017:

Q: The landform that results from the removal of weathered material from a mountain front and the deposition of the material in a fan-shaped form is called:

A) Pediment

B) Alluvial fan

C) Playa lake

D) Delta

Explanation: An alluvial fan is a depositional feature formed when a stream or river carrying sediment from a higher elevation (like a mountain) spreads out onto a flatter surface. The material is deposited in a fan-shaped pattern.

A) Pediment – A pediment is a gently sloping surface at the base of mountains, not a fan-shaped deposit.

B) Alluvial fan – Correct. Alluvial fans are typically formed at the mouths of mountain ranges where streams lose velocity and deposit sediment in a fan shape.

C) Playa lake – A playa lake forms in deserts and is a shallow, temporary lake that evaporates, leaving behind salts and other minerals, not a fan-shaped landform.

D) Delta – A delta is a landform formed where a river meets a standing body of water like a lake or ocean, resulting in the deposition of sediment. It has a triangular shape, not a fan.

Correct Answer: B) Alluvial fan

---

7. Question from 2016:

Q: A horn is a type of landform that results from:

A) Glacial erosion

B) River erosion

C) Wind erosion

D) Tectonic activity

Explanation: A horn is a sharp, pyramid-like peak formed by glacial erosion. It occurs when multiple glaciers erode a mountain from different sides, creating steep ridges and a pointed peak.

A) Glacial erosion – Correct. A horn forms due to the combined action of several glaciers eroding the mountain.

B) River erosion – River erosion can form valleys and canyons, not horns.

C) Wind erosion – Wind erosion forms features like dunes and yardangs, not horns.

D) Tectonic activity – Tectonic activity can create mountains but not the sharp features like horns, which are shaped by glacial erosion.

Correct Answer: A) Glacial erosion

---

8. Question from 2015:

Q: Which of the following is a primary process responsible for the formation of a delta?

A) Erosion

B) Sedimentation

C) Folding

D) Faulting

Explanation: A delta is formed primarily by the sedimentation process where a river deposits sediment as it meets a body of standing water (like an ocean, lake, or sea). The deposition builds up over time, creating a delta.

A) Erosion – Erosion is responsible for removing material, not for delta formation.

B) Sedimentation – Correct. Sedimentation in rivers is the key process in forming deltas.

C) Folding – Folding refers to tectonic movements and does not directly lead to delta formation.

D) Faulting – Faulting causes displacement in the Earth's crust and does not form deltas.

Correct Answer: B) Sedimentation

---

9. Question from 2014:

Q: Barchan dunes are typically found in:

A) Arid desert regions with limited sand supply

B) Coastal regions with abundant moisture

C) Temperate regions with high rainfall

D) Wetlands with waterlogged ground

Explanation: Barchan dunes are crescent-shaped sand dunes that form in areas where there is a moderate amount of sand, a strong prevailing wind, and limited vegetation. These dunes are typically found in arid desert regions.

A) Arid desert regions with limited sand supply – Correct. Barchan dunes form in deserts with limited sand supply and are shaped by wind.

B) Coastal regions with abundant moisture – Coastal regions may have different types of dunes, like parabolic dunes, but not barchan dunes.

C) Temperate regions with high rainfall – These conditions are not ideal for the formation of barchan dunes.

D) Wetlands with waterlogged ground – Wetlands don't typically have windblown sand, so barchan dunes are not found in such areas.

Correct Answer: A) Arid desert regions with limited sand supply

---

10. Question from 2013:

Q: Meanders in rivers are typically the result of:

A) Erosion on the concave bank and deposition on the convex bank

B) Tectonic movement

C) Glacial erosion

D) Wind erosion

Explanation: Meanders are curved, winding bends in rivers that are formed by the process of lateral erosion and deposition. Erosion occurs on the outer (concave) bank, while deposition occurs on the inner (convex) bank.

A) Erosion on the concave bank and deposition on the convex bank – Correct. Meanders are formed by erosion and deposition on opposite sides of a river.

B) Tectonic movement – Tectonic movements can influence river courses but are not directly responsible for the formation of meanders.

C) Glacial erosion – Glaciers carve out valleys, but meanders are specific to river processes.

D) Wind erosion – Wind erosion shapes deserts, but not meanders in rivers.

Correct Answer: A) Erosion on the concave bank and deposition on the convex bank

---

11. Question from 2012:

Q: The drainage pattern that typically develops in mountainous areas is:

A) Dendritic

B) Rectangular

C) Radial

D) Trellis

Explanation: Mountainous areas typically develop radial drainage patterns, where rivers flow outward from a central high point, such as a volcano or mountain peak.

A) Dendritic – This is a tree-like drainage pattern formed in areas with relatively uniform material, not typical of mountainous regions.

B) Rectangular – This pattern forms in regions with faults or joints where rivers follow straight-line paths, often due to tectonic influences.

C) Radial – Correct. A radial drainage pattern occurs when streams flow outwards from a central high point, such as a mountain or volcanic peak.

D) Trellis – This drainage pattern forms in areas with alternating hard and soft rocks, not mountainous regions.

Correct Answer: C) Radial

---

Summary of Key Geomorphological Topics:

Erosion and Deposition: Processes like abrasion, weathering, sedimentation, and erosion by wind, water, and ice.

Landform Identification: Understanding how landforms like barchan dunes, meanders, pediplains, delta, and karst topography form.

Drainage Patterns: Knowledge of different drainage systems, including dendritic, radial, rectangular, and trellis.

Glacial and River Processes: Glacial features like horns, cirques, and moraines; river features like meanders, oxbow lakes, and deltas.

---