With reference to the formation of plains, consider the following statements: 1. Rivers do not carry any eroded material. 2. Rivers deposit a load consisting of stones, sand, and silt along their courses. 3. The speed of the river decreases as it approaches the sea, aiding deposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Plains are extensive areas of flat or gently rolling land. While some plains are formed by structural uplift or erosion, a significant number are formed by the depositional work of exogenic agents like rivers, wind, and glaciers. In the context of rivers, these are known as alluvial or depositional plains. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Rivers are active agents of erosion and transportation. As they flow down mountain slopes, they erode the underlying rock and transport vast quantities of eroded material (sediment load). It is scientifically incorrect to state that rivers do not carry eroded material; without this load, depositional plains could not form. - Statement 2 is Correct: As a river moves from the upper course to the middle and lower courses, it transports a load consisting of stones, sand, silt, and clay. When the river's carrying capacity decreases, it deposits this material along its banks and bed, leading to the formation of floodplains and other depositional features. - Statement 3 is Correct: As a river approaches the sea (its mouth), the gradient of the land generally becomes very gentle. This reduction in slope causes the speed of the water to decrease significantly. The reduced velocity diminishes the river's ability to transport heavy sediment, resulting in the deposition of silt and the formation of features such as deltas. Key Takeaway: Rivers act as primary agents of gradation, eroding material from highlands and depositing it in lowlands to form alluvial plains. The deposition is driven by a decrease in river velocity and slope gradient.

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

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With reference to the formation of plains, consider the following statements:

Rivers do not carry any eroded material.
Rivers deposit a load consisting of stones, sand, and silt along their courses.
The speed of the river decreases as it approaches the sea, aiding deposition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Plains are extensive areas of flat or gently rolling land. While some plains are formed by structural uplift or erosion, a significant number are formed by the depositional work of exogenic agents like rivers, wind, and glaciers. In the context of rivers, these are known as alluvial or depositional plains.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Rivers are active agents of erosion and transportation. As they flow down mountain slopes, they erode the underlying rock and transport vast quantities of eroded material (sediment load). It is scientifically incorrect to state that rivers do not carry eroded material; without this load, depositional plains could not form.
Statement 2 is Correct: As a river moves from the upper course to the middle and lower courses, it transports a load consisting of stones, sand, silt, and clay. When the river's carrying capacity decreases, it deposits this material along its banks and bed, leading to the formation of floodplains and other depositional features.
Statement 3 is Correct: As a river approaches the sea (its mouth), the gradient of the land generally becomes very gentle. This reduction in slope causes the speed of the water to decrease significantly. The reduced velocity diminishes the river's ability to transport heavy sediment, resulting in the deposition of silt and the formation of features such as deltas.

Key Takeaway: Rivers act as primary agents of gradation, eroding material from highlands and depositing it in lowlands to form alluvial plains. The deposition is driven by a decrease in river velocity and slope gradient.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Major Landforms of the Earth

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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 (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Rivers are active agents of erosion and transportation. As they flow down mountain slopes, they erode the underlying rock and transport vast quantities of eroded material (sediment load). It is scientifically incorrect to state that rivers do not carry eroded material; without this load, depositional plains could not form.
Statement 2 is Correct: As a river moves from the upper course to the middle and lower courses, it transports a load consisting of stones, sand, silt, and clay. When the river's carrying capacity decreases, it deposits this material along its banks and bed, leading to the formation of floodplains and other depositional features.
Statement 3 is Correct: As a river approaches the sea (its mouth), the gradient of the land generally becomes very gentle. This reduction in slope causes the speed of the water to decrease significantly. The reduced velocity diminishes the river's ability to transport heavy sediment, resulting in the deposition of silt and the formation of features such as deltas.