With reference to depositional landforms in limestone caves, consider the following statements: 1. Stalactites hang as icicles and are normally broad at their bases and taper towards the free ends. 2. Stalagmites hang from the roof of the caves. 3. Stalagmites never take the shape of a column. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 only Explanation In Karst topography, groundwater acts as a prominent geomorphic agent. Depositional landforms within limestone caves are created through the precipitation of calcium carbonate (calcite) as water rich in dissolved minerals drips from the ceiling or flows over the floor. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Stalactites are depositional features that hang from the cave roof, resembling icicles. They form as water drips from cracks in the ceiling and evaporates or releases carbon dioxide, causing calcite to precipitate. Morphologically, they are typically broad at their bases (attachment points) and taper towards their free ends. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Stalagmites do not hang from the roof; they rise upwards from the floor of the caves. They are generated by water dripping from the roof or from stalactites onto the ground. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Stalagmites can take various forms, including that of a column or a disc, often featuring a rounded or bulging end. Furthermore, if a stalagmite grows tall enough to meet a hanging stalactite, they fuse to form a continuous structure called a pillar or column. Thus, it is incorrect to state that they never take the shape of a column. Key Takeaway: Stalactites hang from the ceiling (Tapering), while Stalagmites grow from the ground (Columnar/Mound-like). The fusion of the two forms a Pillar.

With reference to depositional landforms… - NCERT Class 11 Geography MCQ

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

mcqmedium

With reference to depositional landforms in limestone caves, consider the following statements:

Stalactites hang as icicles and are normally broad at their bases and taper towards the free ends.
Stalagmites hang from the roof of the caves.
Stalagmites never take the shape of a column.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Page 53

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

In Karst topography, groundwater acts as a prominent geomorphic agent. Depositional landforms within limestone caves are created through the precipitation of calcium carbonate (calcite) as water rich in dissolved minerals drips from the ceiling or flows over the floor.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Stalactites are depositional features that hang from the cave roof, resembling icicles. They form as water drips from cracks in the ceiling and evaporates or releases carbon dioxide, causing calcite to precipitate. Morphologically, they are typically broad at their bases (attachment points) and taper towards their free ends.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Stalagmites do not hang from the roof; they rise upwards from the floor of the caves. They are generated by water dripping from the roof or from stalactites onto the ground.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Stalagmites can take various forms, including that of a column or a disc, often featuring a rounded or bulging end. Furthermore, if a stalagmite grows tall enough to meet a hanging stalactite, they fuse to form a continuous structure called a pillar or column. Thus, it is incorrect to state that they never take the shape of a column.

Key Takeaway:
Stalactites hang from the ceiling (Tapering), while Stalagmites grow from the ground (Columnar/Mound-like). The fusion of the two forms a Pillar.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Landforms and Their Evolution

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