Which of the following is a characteristic of the 'Mature Stage' of a river? 1. V-shaped valleys are deep. 2. Trunk streams are broad enough to have wider floodplains. 3. Waterfalls and rapids disappear. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is 2 and 3 only Explanation The lifecycle of a river is typically divided into three stages: Youth, Mature, and Old. These stages are defined by the dominance of specific geomorphic processes (erosion vs. deposition) and the resulting landforms. - Youth Stage: Dominance of vertical erosion (down-cutting). - Mature Stage: Dominance of lateral erosion (widening) and the beginning of deposition. - Old Stage: Dominance of deposition. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Deep, narrow V-shaped valleys are the primary characteristic of the Youth Stage. In this stage, the river flows swiftly with high energy, leading to intense vertical down-cutting. In the Mature Stage, lateral erosion becomes significant, causing the valleys to widen significantly, transforming deep V-shapes into broader valleys. - Statement 2 is Correct. During the Mature Stage, the integration of tributaries increases the volume of water. The river engages in lateral erosion, which widens the valley floor. This creates wider floodplains within which the trunk streams may flow in meanders. - Statement 3 is Correct. Waterfalls and rapids are features of the Youth Stage, caused by irregular bed profiles and steep gradients. As the river enters the Mature Stage, it attains a graded profile (equilibrium), and irregularities like waterfalls and rapids disappear. Key Takeaway The Mature Stage of a river is characterized by a shift from vertical erosion to lateral erosion, leading to the disappearance of waterfalls, the widening of valleys, and the formation of floodplains with meanders.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the 'Mature… - NCERT Class 11 Geography MCQ

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

mcqmedium

Which of the following is a characteristic of the 'Mature Stage' of a river?

V-shaped valleys are deep.
Trunk streams are broad enough to have wider floodplains.
Waterfalls and rapids disappear.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Page 48

Options

A2 and 3 only
B1 and 2 only
C1 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only

Explanation

The lifecycle of a river is typically divided into three stages: Youth, Mature, and Old. These stages are defined by the dominance of specific geomorphic processes (erosion vs. deposition) and the resulting landforms.

Youth Stage: Dominance of vertical erosion (down-cutting).
Mature Stage: Dominance of lateral erosion (widening) and the beginning of deposition.
Old Stage: Dominance of deposition.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Deep, narrow V-shaped valleys are the primary characteristic of the Youth Stage. In this stage, the river flows swiftly with high energy, leading to intense vertical down-cutting. In the Mature Stage, lateral erosion becomes significant, causing the valleys to widen significantly, transforming deep V-shapes into broader valleys.
Statement 2 is Correct. During the Mature Stage, the integration of tributaries increases the volume of water. The river engages in lateral erosion, which widens the valley floor. This creates wider floodplains within which the trunk streams may flow in meanders.
Statement 3 is Correct. Waterfalls and rapids are features of the Youth Stage, caused by irregular bed profiles and steep gradients. As the river enters the Mature Stage, it attains a graded profile (equilibrium), and irregularities like waterfalls and rapids disappear.

Key Takeaway

The Mature Stage of a river is characterized by a shift from vertical erosion to lateral erosion, leading to the disappearance of waterfalls, the widening of valleys, and the formation of floodplains with meanders.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Landforms and Their Evolution

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Which factor does NOT contribute to the formation of river meanders?

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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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Which characteristic is NOT associated with the "Youth" stage of a river's course?

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