Consider the following statements regarding 'Glacial Horns': 1. They form through headward erosion of cirque walls. 2. They are high, sharp-pointed, and steep-sided peaks. 3. The highest peak in the Himalayas, Everest, is a horn. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1, 2 and 3. Explanation Glacial horns, also known as pyramidal peaks, are sharp, steep-sided mountain peaks formed by glacial erosion. They represent an advanced stage of cirque development where glaciers erode a mountain summit from multiple sides. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Glacial horns are formed through the headward erosion of cirque walls. When three or more radiating glaciers cut backward into a single mountain mass, the cirques converge, sharpening the summit into a pointed peak. - Statement 2 is Correct: As the cirques recede and meet, the remaining rock mass becomes a high, sharp-pointed, and steep-sided peak. The dividing walls between the cirques (arêtes) become narrower and sharper, contributing to the pyramidal shape of the horn. - Statement 3 is Correct: Mount Everest in the Himalayas is a prominent example of a glacial horn. Other famous examples include the Matterhorn in the Alps. These peaks exhibit the characteristic pyramidal structure resulting from intense glacial scouring on multiple faces. Key Takeaway Glacial Horns are erosional landforms created when three or more cirques erode headward into a central mountain peak, resulting in a sharp, pyramidal summit.

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

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Consider the following statements regarding 'Glacial Horns':

They form through headward erosion of cirque walls.
They are high, sharp-pointed, and steep-sided peaks.
The highest peak in the Himalayas, Everest, is a horn.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation

Glacial horns, also known as pyramidal peaks, are sharp, steep-sided mountain peaks formed by glacial erosion. They represent an advanced stage of cirque development where glaciers erode a mountain summit from multiple sides.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Glacial horns are formed through the headward erosion of cirque walls. When three or more radiating glaciers cut backward into a single mountain mass, the cirques converge, sharpening the summit into a pointed peak.
Statement 2 is Correct: As the cirques recede and meet, the remaining rock mass becomes a high, sharp-pointed, and steep-sided peak. The dividing walls between the cirques (arêtes) become narrower and sharper, contributing to the pyramidal shape of the horn.
Statement 3 is Correct: Mount Everest in the Himalayas is a prominent example of a glacial horn. Other famous examples include the Matterhorn in the Alps. These peaks exhibit the characteristic pyramidal structure resulting from intense glacial scouring on multiple faces.

Key Takeaway

Glacial Horns are erosional landforms created when three or more cirques erode headward into a central mountain peak, resulting in a sharp, pyramidal summit.

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, 2 and 3.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Glacial horns are formed through the headward erosion of cirque walls. When three or more radiating glaciers cut backward into a single mountain mass, the cirques converge, sharpening the summit into a pointed peak.
Statement 2 is Correct: As the cirques recede and meet, the remaining rock mass becomes a high, sharp-pointed, and steep-sided peak. The dividing walls between the cirques (arêtes) become narrower and sharper, contributing to the pyramidal shape of the horn.
Statement 3 is Correct: Mount Everest in the Himalayas is a prominent example of a glacial horn. Other famous examples include the Matterhorn in the Alps. These peaks exhibit the characteristic pyramidal structure resulting from intense glacial scouring on multiple faces.

Key Takeaway

Glacial Horns are erosional landforms created when three or more cirques erode headward into a central mountain peak, resulting in a sharp, pyramidal summit.