Geomorphic Processes

Diagenesis is the process of compaction, cementation, and chemical changes that convert loose sediment into solid sedimentary rock over time.

Leaching is the process where water carries dissolved minerals downward through soil layers. Tropism is plant growth response, Induration is soil hardening, and Diagenesis is rock transformation.

Calving is the scientific term for when ice chunks break off from a glacier or ice shelf to form icebergs. 'Breaking' is too generic, while 'Borning' and 'Cubing' are not recognized glaciological terms.

The question asks about the process where fertile soil is dissolved in water and washed away. While 'leaching' typically refers to the removal of soluble nutrients by water percolating through soil, 'eroding' refers to the physical removal and transportation of soil by water, wind, or other agents. The wording 'dissolved in water and washed away' suggests erosion (water erosion) rather than leaching, which is more about chemical removal of compounds. The term 'eroding' best captures the process of fertile topsoil being physically removed by water action.

Pediplains (broad, gently sloping erosional surfaces) and inselbergs (isolated resistant rock hills standing above the pediplain) are characteristic landforms of the arid cycle of erosion. They result from prolonged weathering and sheet erosion in arid and semi-arid environments where chemical weathering and mechanical processes work together over long periods.

Aggradation is the process of land surface buildup by deposition of solid material in lower areas. Abrasion and attrition are erosional processes that wear down surfaces. Agglomeration refers to particles clustering together. The question specifically asks about the process that builds up land through deposition, which is aggradation.

Caves, arches, and stacks are erosional features formed by wave action along coastlines. Waves continuously erode weaknesses in rock headlands, eventually forming caves that extend through to become arches, which then collapse to leave isolated stacks. Wind and glaciers create different landforms, and running water creates valleys and canyons rather than these coastal features.

Blowouts are shallow depressions or hollows formed by wind erosion when wind removes loose sand or soil particles. Mushroom rocks (A) are wind-eroded rocks with a distinctive shape, notches (B) are erosional features at cliff bases, and barchans (D) are crescent-shaped sand dunes, none of which are excavations.

High-elevation areas experience greater erosion due to steeper slopes and higher water velocity, making statement A correct. Low-lying areas are depositional zones where sediment settles after being transported from higher areas, making statement B also correct. Therefore, 'Both the above are correct' (Option C) is the right answer.

Watershed boundaries are defined by areas of high elevation such as ridges, hills, or mountains. These high points separate drainage basins - water falling on one side flows to one watershed, while water on the other side flows to a different watershed. The boundary line is called the drainage divide.

This is the correct answer. The land that is unfit for cultivation is called bad land.

This is the correct answer. Ploughing in a wrong way, i.e. up and down the slope, forms channels for the quick flow of water, leading to soil erosion. Ploughing along the contour lines can decelerate the flow of water down the slopes. This is called contour ploughing.

Gradation is the overall process that brings the land surface to a common level through the combined actions of erosion and deposition. Aggradation adds material, erosion removes material, and weathering breaks down rocks - but gradation is the comprehensive leveling process.

Glaciers are masses of ice that flow over land either as continental ice sheets or as mountain glaciers through valleys. This definition distinguishes glaciers from other options: meanders are river bends, gorges are steep valleys, and stalactites are cave formations. Glaciers are formed from accumulated snow that compacts into ice and moves under gravity, carving distinctive U-shaped valleys and various erosional and depositional landforms.