Consider the following statements regarding coastal landforms: 1. A steep rocky coast rising almost vertically above sea water is called a sea cliff. 2. Sea waves erode the shores to form beaches. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation Coastal landforms are primarily classified into two categories based on the dominant geomorphic process: erosional landforms (formed by the wearing away of land) and depositional landforms (formed by the accumulation of sediments). Sea waves act as the primary agent for both processes. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: A sea cliff is a steep, often vertical, rocky coastal feature. It is an erosional landform created when sea waves continuously strike against the base of the coast, undercutting it and causing the overhanging rock to collapse. This process results in a steep wall-like structure facing the sea. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Beaches are depositional landforms, not erosional ones. They are formed when sea waves deposit sediments-such as sand, gravel, pebbles, and shingles-along the shore. While erosion elsewhere provides the sediment, the formation of the beach itself is a result of accumulation (deposition), usually occurring in areas where wave energy is low. Key Takeaway: Sea cliffs are formed by erosion (wave scouring), whereas beaches are formed by deposition (sediment accumulation). Confusing the two processes is a common error in geomorphology.

NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 2: Our Changing Earth

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding coastal landforms:

A steep rocky coast rising almost vertically above sea water is called a sea cliff.
Sea waves erode the shores to form beaches.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Coastal landforms are primarily classified into two categories based on the dominant geomorphic process: erosional landforms (formed by the wearing away of land) and depositional landforms (formed by the accumulation of sediments). Sea waves act as the primary agent for both processes.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: A sea cliff is a steep, often vertical, rocky coastal feature. It is an erosional landform created when sea waves continuously strike against the base of the coast, undercutting it and causing the overhanging rock to collapse. This process results in a steep wall-like structure facing the sea.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Beaches are depositional landforms, not erosional ones. They are formed when sea waves deposit sediments-such as sand, gravel, pebbles, and shingles-along the shore. While erosion elsewhere provides the sediment, the formation of the beach itself is a result of accumulation (deposition), usually occurring in areas where wave energy is low.

Key Takeaway:
Sea cliffs are formed by erosion (wave scouring), whereas beaches are formed by deposition (sediment accumulation). Confusing the two processes is a common error in geomorphology.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Our Changing Earth

Consider the following statements regarding the Lithospheric plates: 1. They move around very slowly, just a few millimetres each year. 2. Their movement is driven by the rotation of the earth on its axis. 3. The molten magma inside the earth moves in a circular manner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to Earth movements, consider the following statements: 1. Endogenic forces work on the surface of the earth. 2. Diastrophic forces are a type of Endogenic force. 3. Sudden forces can cause mass destruction over the surface of the earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of landforms: 1. Building mountains is an effect of Diastrophic forces. 2. Glaciers and Sea-waves are agents of Endogenic forces. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The lithosphere is broken into a number of plates known as:

easy

What causes the movement of Lithospheric plates?

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: A sea cliff is a steep, often vertical, rocky coastal feature. It is an erosional landform created when sea waves continuously strike against the base of the coast, undercutting it and causing the overhanging rock to collapse. This process results in a steep wall-like structure facing the sea.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Beaches are depositional landforms, not erosional ones. They are formed when sea waves deposit sediments-such as sand, gravel, pebbles, and shingles-along the shore. While erosion elsewhere provides the sediment, the formation of the beach itself is a result of accumulation (deposition), usually occurring in areas where wave energy is low.