Consider the following statements regarding 'Barchans': 1. They are crescent-shaped dunes. 2. Their wings are directed towards the wind direction. 3. They form where wind direction is constant and moderate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation Barchans are specific types of sand dunes formed by the depositional action of wind in hot deserts. They are characteristic of arid environments with limited sand supply and unidirectional wind flow. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Barchans are distinctively crescent-shaped dunes. They possess a gentle slope on the windward side (convex) and a steep slip face on the leeward side (concave). - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The "wings" or horns of a Barchan dune point away from the wind direction (downwind). This orientation distinguishes them from parabolic dunes, where the wings point towards the wind direction (upwind). - Statement 3 is Correct: Barchans typically form in areas where the wind direction is constant and moderate, and the supply of sand is limited. If the wind direction shifts frequently or sand supply is abundant, other dune forms (such as seifs or star dunes) are more likely to develop. Key Takeaway: Barchans are crescent-shaped dunes with wings pointing downwind (away from the wind source), whereas Parabolic dunes have wings pointing upwind (towards the wind source).

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 5: Landforms and Their Evolution

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Consider the following statements regarding 'Barchans':

They are crescent-shaped dunes.
Their wings are directed towards the wind direction.
They form where wind direction is constant and moderate.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1 only
C1, 2 and 3
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Barchans are specific types of sand dunes formed by the depositional action of wind in hot deserts. They are characteristic of arid environments with limited sand supply and unidirectional wind flow.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Barchans are distinctively crescent-shaped dunes. They possess a gentle slope on the windward side (convex) and a steep slip face on the leeward side (concave).
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The "wings" or horns of a Barchan dune point away from the wind direction (downwind). This orientation distinguishes them from parabolic dunes, where the wings point towards the wind direction (upwind).
Statement 3 is Correct: Barchans typically form in areas where the wind direction is constant and moderate, and the supply of sand is limited. If the wind direction shifts frequently or sand supply is abundant, other dune forms (such as seifs or star dunes) are more likely to develop.

Key Takeaway:
Barchans are crescent-shaped dunes with wings pointing downwind (away from the wind source), whereas Parabolic dunes have wings pointing upwind (towards the wind source).

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Landforms and Their Evolution

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With reference to the depositional landforms of running water, consider the following statements: 1. Alluvial fans in humid areas normally show low cones with gentle slopes. 2. In deltas, the finest materials settle out first. 3. Unlike alluvial fans, the deposits making up deltas are very well sorted with clear stratification. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the stages of landscape development by running water, consider the following statements: 1. In the youth stage, streams are few with poor integration and flow over original slopes. 2. In the mature stage, waterfalls and rapids dominate the landscape. 3. In the old stage, divides are sharp and steep. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the erosional landforms of running water: 1. A gorge is a deep valley with very steep to straight sides and is almost equal in width at its top and bottom. 2. A canyon is characterized by vertical walls and is equal in width at its top and bottom. 3. Canyons commonly form in horizontal bedded sedimentary rocks, while gorges form in hard rocks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Barchans are specific types of sand dunes formed by the depositional action of wind in hot deserts. They are characteristic of arid environments with limited sand supply and unidirectional wind flow.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Barchans are distinctively crescent-shaped dunes. They possess a gentle slope on the windward side (convex) and a steep slip face on the leeward side (concave).
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The "wings" or horns of a Barchan dune point away from the wind direction (downwind). This orientation distinguishes them from parabolic dunes, where the wings point towards the wind direction (upwind).
Statement 3 is Correct: Barchans typically form in areas where the wind direction is constant and moderate, and the supply of sand is limited. If the wind direction shifts frequently or sand supply is abundant, other dune forms (such as seifs or star dunes) are more likely to develop.

Key Takeaway:
Barchans are crescent-shaped dunes with wings pointing downwind (away from the wind source), whereas Parabolic dunes have wings pointing upwind (towards the wind source).