Consider the following statements regarding the formation of an Oasis: 1. It is formed when wind blows away the sands creating a depression. 2. It occurs only where rainwater accumulates in man-made tanks. 3. These areas are generally fertile and support settled life. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation An oasis is a fertile area in a desert or semi-desert environment where water is available. Its formation is primarily driven by the erosional activity of wind, known as deflation, interacting with the underground water table. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Strong winds in deserts lift and carry away sand particles, a process called deflation. When this continuous erosion creates a depression deep enough to reach the underground water table, groundwater seeps to the surface to form an oasis. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: An oasis is a natural landform caused by the exposure of groundwater or natural springs. It is not limited to or defined by rainwater accumulation in man-made tanks. The use of the word "only" makes the statement factually wrong. - Statement 3 is Correct: Because of the perennial availability of water, oases are fertile and support vegetation such as date palms, maize, and other crops. This fertility allows for settled life and permanent habitation in arid regions. Key Takeaway Oases are formed when wind deflation creates depressions that expose the water table, providing a natural water source that supports fertility and human settlement in deserts.

NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

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Consider the following statements regarding the formation of an Oasis:

It is formed when wind blows away the sands creating a depression.
It occurs only where rainwater accumulates in man-made tanks.
These areas are generally fertile and support settled life.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

An oasis is a fertile area in a desert or semi-desert environment where water is available. Its formation is primarily driven by the erosional activity of wind, known as deflation, interacting with the underground water table.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Strong winds in deserts lift and carry away sand particles, a process called deflation. When this continuous erosion creates a depression deep enough to reach the underground water table, groundwater seeps to the surface to form an oasis.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: An oasis is a natural landform caused by the exposure of groundwater or natural springs. It is not limited to or defined by rainwater accumulation in man-made tanks. The use of the word "only" makes the statement factually wrong.
Statement 3 is Correct: Because of the perennial availability of water, oases are fertile and support vegetation such as date palms, maize, and other crops. This fertility allows for settled life and permanent habitation in arid regions.

Key Takeaway

Oases are formed when wind deflation creates depressions that expose the water table, providing a natural water source that supports fertility and human settlement in deserts.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

Consider the following statements regarding the general characteristics of deserts: 1. They are characterized by low rainfall and scanty vegetation. 2. They are always associated with extremely high temperatures. 3. Agriculture is impossible in desert areas even if water is available. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. It covers a large part of North Africa. 2. It touches exactly three countries. 3. Its total area is more than double the area of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the physical landscape of the Sahara Desert: 1. It consists solely of vast stretches of sand dunes. 2. It includes gravel plains and elevated plateaus with bare rocky surfaces. 3. Some rocky surfaces in the desert can be more than 2500m high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following evidence suggests that the Sahara Desert was once a lush green plain?

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With reference to the climate of the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. The moisture evaporates faster than it accumulates. 2. The sky is typically overcast with heavy clouds. 3. Nights remain hot with temperatures staying above 30°C. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Strong winds in deserts lift and carry away sand particles, a process called deflation. When this continuous erosion creates a depression deep enough to reach the underground water table, groundwater seeps to the surface to form an oasis.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: An oasis is a natural landform caused by the exposure of groundwater or natural springs. It is not limited to or defined by rainwater accumulation in man-made tanks. The use of the word "only" makes the statement factually wrong.
Statement 3 is Correct: Because of the perennial availability of water, oases are fertile and support vegetation such as date palms, maize, and other crops. This fertility allows for settled life and permanent habitation in arid regions.

Key Takeaway

Oases are formed when wind deflation creates depressions that expose the water table, providing a natural water source that supports fertility and human settlement in deserts.