With reference to erosional agents, consider the following statements: 1. Wind, running water, and glaciers are independent of climatic conditions. 2. Waves and groundwater are not controlled by climate. 3. Groundwater work is determined more by the lithological character of the region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation Geomorphic agents are mobile mediums (such as running water, moving ice, wind, waves, and currents) that remove, transport, and deposit earth materials. These agents can be classified based on their dependence on climatic zones. While some agents are strictly restricted to specific climatic conditions (zonal), others operate independently of climatic zones (azonal). Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Wind, running water, and glaciers are considered climatic or zonal agents. Their distribution and intensity are directly governed by climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. For example, glaciers are restricted to cold regions (high latitudes or altitudes), wind action is most dominant in arid and semi-arid regions, and running water is the primary agent in humid regions. They are not independent of climatic conditions. - Statement 2 is Correct. Waves and groundwater are classified as non-climatic or azonal agents. Waves operate along coastlines regardless of the climatic zone (tropical, temperate, or polar). Similarly, groundwater action can occur in any region where the geological structure permits, irrespective of the specific climatic zone. Therefore, they are not strictly controlled by climate in the same manner as glaciers or wind. - Statement 3 is Correct. The geomorphic work of groundwater is primarily determined by the lithological character of the region rather than the climate. Specifically, groundwater erosion (karst topography) requires the presence of soluble and permeable rocks, such as limestone or dolomite. Without these specific rock types, groundwater cannot perform significant erosional work, regardless of the amount of rainfall. Key Takeaway Running water, groundwater, and wind are climatically controlled (zonal) agents, whereas waves and groundwater are lithologically or geographically controlled (azonal) agents. Groundwater specifically depends on the solubility and permeability of rocks (lithology).

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Geomorphic Processes

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With reference to erosional agents, consider the following statements:

Wind, running water, and glaciers are independent of climatic conditions.
Waves and groundwater are not controlled by climate.
Groundwater work is determined more by the lithological character of the region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1 and 2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Geomorphic agents are mobile mediums (such as running water, moving ice, wind, waves, and currents) that remove, transport, and deposit earth materials. These agents can be classified based on their dependence on climatic zones. While some agents are strictly restricted to specific climatic conditions (zonal), others operate independently of climatic zones (azonal).

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect.
Wind, running water, and glaciers are considered climatic or zonal agents. Their distribution and intensity are directly governed by climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. For example, glaciers are restricted to cold regions (high latitudes or altitudes), wind action is most dominant in arid and semi-arid regions, and running water is the primary agent in humid regions. They are not independent of climatic conditions.
Statement 2 is Correct.
Waves and groundwater are classified as non-climatic or azonal agents. Waves operate along coastlines regardless of the climatic zone (tropical, temperate, or polar). Similarly, groundwater action can occur in any region where the geological structure permits, irrespective of the specific climatic zone. Therefore, they are not strictly controlled by climate in the same manner as glaciers or wind.
Statement 3 is Correct.
The geomorphic work of groundwater is primarily determined by the lithological character of the region rather than the climate. Specifically, groundwater erosion (karst topography) requires the presence of soluble and permeable rocks, such as limestone or dolomite. Without these specific rock types, groundwater cannot perform significant erosional work, regardless of the amount of rainfall.

Key Takeaway

Running water, groundwater, and wind are climatically controlled (zonal) agents, whereas waves and groundwater are lithologically or geographically controlled (azonal) agents. Groundwater specifically depends on the solubility and permeability of rocks (lithology).

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Geomorphic Processes

Consider the following statements comparing landslides in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats: 1. The Himalayas are tectonically active and made of sedimentary rocks, leading to frequent landslides. 2. The Western Ghats are tectonically active and made of soft sedimentary rocks. 3. Landslides occur in the Western Ghats despite their stability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between weathering and erosion: 1. Weathering is a pre-condition for erosion. 2. Weathering aids erosion. 3. Erosion has no significant impact on the earth's surface. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Denudational processes such as erosion and transportation are primarily governed by:

easy

The development of Karst topography requires bedrock that is:

easy

Consider the following statements regarding mass movements: 1. They transfer the mass of rock debris down the slopes under the direct influence of gravity. 2. Running water and wind are the primary geomorphic agents that participate in the process of mass movements. 3. They are very active over weathered slopes rather than over unweathered materials. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect.
Wind, running water, and glaciers are considered climatic or zonal agents. Their distribution and intensity are directly governed by climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. For example, glaciers are restricted to cold regions (high latitudes or altitudes), wind action is most dominant in arid and semi-arid regions, and running water is the primary agent in humid regions. They are not independent of climatic conditions.
Statement 2 is Correct.
Waves and groundwater are classified as non-climatic or azonal agents. Waves operate along coastlines regardless of the climatic zone (tropical, temperate, or polar). Similarly, groundwater action can occur in any region where the geological structure permits, irrespective of the specific climatic zone. Therefore, they are not strictly controlled by climate in the same manner as glaciers or wind.
Statement 3 is Correct.
The geomorphic work of groundwater is primarily determined by the lithological character of the region rather than the climate. Specifically, groundwater erosion (karst topography) requires the presence of soluble and permeable rocks, such as limestone or dolomite. Without these specific rock types, groundwater cannot perform significant erosional work, regardless of the amount of rainfall.