Consider the following statements regarding the work of rivers in plains: 1. Rivers do not cause erosion in mountains. 2. They deposit their load consisting of stones, sand, and silt in their valleys. 3. Plains are formed solely by wind action. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b). Explanation The geomorphic work of a river is characterized by three interrelated processes: erosion, transportation, and deposition. The dominance of a specific process depends on the river's stage (youth, maturity, or old age), velocity, and the gradient of the terrain. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Rivers are powerful agents of erosion, especially in their upper course (mountainous regions). Due to steep gradients and high velocity, rivers perform intense vertical erosion (down-cutting), creating landforms such as V-shaped valleys, gorges, and canyons. - Statement 2 is Correct. As a river enters a plain or valley, the gradient of the slope decreases, leading to a reduction in velocity. This loss of energy reduces the river's carrying capacity, causing it to deposit the load of sediments (stones, sand, and silt) it transported from the upper reaches. - Statement 3 is Incorrect. Plains are polygenetic landforms, meaning they are formed by various agents, not solely by wind. While wind action creates loess plains, rivers create alluvial plains (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic Plain), glaciers create outwash plains, and tectonic processes create structural plains. Key Takeaway: Rivers are dynamic agents that erode in high-gradient areas and deposit in low-gradient areas. Plains are diverse landforms resulting from the depositional work of rivers, wind, glaciers, or tectonic activity.

NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 3: Major Landforms of the Earth

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Consider the following statements regarding the work of rivers in plains:

Rivers do not cause erosion in mountains.
They deposit their load consisting of stones, sand, and silt in their valleys.
Plains are formed solely by wind action.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The geomorphic work of a river is characterized by three interrelated processes: erosion, transportation, and deposition. The dominance of a specific process depends on the river's stage (youth, maturity, or old age), velocity, and the gradient of the terrain.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Rivers are powerful agents of erosion, especially in their upper course (mountainous regions). Due to steep gradients and high velocity, rivers perform intense vertical erosion (down-cutting), creating landforms such as V-shaped valleys, gorges, and canyons.
Statement 2 is Correct. As a river enters a plain or valley, the gradient of the slope decreases, leading to a reduction in velocity. This loss of energy reduces the river's carrying capacity, causing it to deposit the load of sediments (stones, sand, and silt) it transported from the upper reaches.
Statement 3 is Incorrect. Plains are polygenetic landforms, meaning they are formed by various agents, not solely by wind. While wind action creates loess plains, rivers create alluvial plains (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic Plain), glaciers create outwash plains, and tectonic processes create structural plains.

Key Takeaway: Rivers are dynamic agents that erode in high-gradient areas and deposit in low-gradient areas. Plains are diverse landforms resulting from the depositional work of rivers, wind, glaciers, or tectonic activity.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Major Landforms of the Earth

Consider the following statements regarding the geomorphic processes acting on the Earth: 1. The internal process leads to the continuous wearing down and rebuilding of the land surface. 2. The internal process results in the upliftment and sinking of the earth’s surface. 3. The wearing away of the earth’s surface is termed as erosion, while rebuilding happens through deposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the classification of mountains, consider the following statements: 1. The Himalayas and the Alps are young fold mountains characterized by rugged relief and high conical peaks. 2. The Aravali range in India is an example of a young fold mountain system that is currently rising. 3. The Appalachians in North America have high conical peaks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding Block Mountains: 1. They are created when large areas are broken and displaced vertically. 2. The uplifted blocks are termed as 'graben' and the lowered blocks are called 'horsts'. 3. The Rhine valley in Europe is an example of such a mountain system. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the utility of plateaus, consider the following statements: 1. The African plateau is poor in mineral resources. 2. The Chhotanagpur plateau in India has huge reserves of iron, coal, and manganese. 3. Lava plateaus are often rich in black soil that is fertile and good for cultivation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the formation of plains: 1. Most plains are formed by wind erosion. 2. Rivers erode the slopes of mountains and deposit the load in valleys. 3. Plains are generally more than 200 metres above mean sea level. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Rivers are powerful agents of erosion, especially in their upper course (mountainous regions). Due to steep gradients and high velocity, rivers perform intense vertical erosion (down-cutting), creating landforms such as V-shaped valleys, gorges, and canyons.
Statement 2 is Correct. As a river enters a plain or valley, the gradient of the slope decreases, leading to a reduction in velocity. This loss of energy reduces the river's carrying capacity, causing it to deposit the load of sediments (stones, sand, and silt) it transported from the upper reaches.
Statement 3 is Incorrect. Plains are polygenetic landforms, meaning they are formed by various agents, not solely by wind. While wind action creates loess plains, rivers create alluvial plains (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic Plain), glaciers create outwash plains, and tectonic processes create structural plains.