With reference to 'Caves' in Karst regions, consider the following statements: 1. Water moves only vertically to dissolve the limestone. 2. Caves form where there are alternating beds of rocks with limestones or in massive limestone beds. 3. Caves having openings at both ends are called sinkholes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation In regions with soluble rocks like limestone or dolomite, the action of groundwater through chemical dissolution creates distinct landforms known as Karst topography. Caves are prominent erosional features in such landscapes. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Caves typically form in areas where there are alternating beds of rocks (such as shales, sandstones, or quartzites) with limestones, or in regions where limestones are dense, massive, and occur as thick beds. The dissolution process creates voids within these rock layers. - Statement 2 is Correct: Water does not move only vertically. It percolates down through cracks and joints (vertical movement) and also moves horizontally along bedding planes. It is primarily along these horizontal bedding planes that limestone dissolves to form long, narrow gaps, which eventually expand into caves. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: A cave that has openings at both ends is technically referred to as a tunnel. Sinkholes are funnel-shaped depressions on the surface formed by the dissolution of limestone or the collapse of a cave roof, not the cave structure itself. Key Takeaway: Caves in Karst regions are formed by the dissolution of limestone by groundwater moving both vertically through joints and horizontally along bedding planes. A cave with two openings is called a tunnel.

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

mcqmedium

With reference to 'Caves' in Karst regions, consider the following statements:

Water moves only vertically to dissolve the limestone.
Caves form where there are alternating beds of rocks with limestones or in massive limestone beds.
Caves having openings at both ends are called sinkholes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

In regions with soluble rocks like limestone or dolomite, the action of groundwater through chemical dissolution creates distinct landforms known as Karst topography. Caves are prominent erosional features in such landscapes.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Caves typically form in areas where there are alternating beds of rocks (such as shales, sandstones, or quartzites) with limestones, or in regions where limestones are dense, massive, and occur as thick beds. The dissolution process creates voids within these rock layers.
Statement 2 is Correct: Water does not move only vertically. It percolates down through cracks and joints (vertical movement) and also moves horizontally along bedding planes. It is primarily along these horizontal bedding planes that limestone dissolves to form long, narrow gaps, which eventually expand into caves.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: A cave that has openings at both ends is technically referred to as a tunnel. Sinkholes are funnel-shaped depressions on the surface formed by the dissolution of limestone or the collapse of a cave roof, not the cave structure itself.

Key Takeaway: Caves in Karst regions are formed by the dissolution of limestone by groundwater moving both vertically through joints and horizontally along bedding planes. A cave with two openings is called a tunnel.

Your note

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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

2 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Caves typically form in areas where there are alternating beds of rocks (such as shales, sandstones, or quartzites) with limestones, or in regions where limestones are dense, massive, and occur as thick beds. The dissolution process creates voids within these rock layers.
Statement 2 is Correct: Water does not move only vertically. It percolates down through cracks and joints (vertical movement) and also moves horizontally along bedding planes. It is primarily along these horizontal bedding planes that limestone dissolves to form long, narrow gaps, which eventually expand into caves.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: A cave that has openings at both ends is technically referred to as a tunnel. Sinkholes are funnel-shaped depressions on the surface formed by the dissolution of limestone or the collapse of a cave roof, not the cave structure itself.