Geomorphology is the scientific study of the origin, evolution, and configuration of Earth’s landforms and landscapes, focusing on the physical, chemical, and biological processes shaping the surface. It analyzes how weathering, erosion, and deposition by water, wind, ice, and tectonic forces create features, aiming to understand past landscapes and predict future changes.
NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam GK – Geomorphology
1. Which of the following factors primarily controls the rate of weathering in a region?
- Climate
- Rock structure
- Vegetation cover
- Relief
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 2 and 4 only
Answer: C
Explanation: Weathering is controlled by climate, rock type/structure, vegetation and relief, all of which influence physical and chemical breakdown of rocks.
2. The concept of “Cycle of Erosion” was proposed by:
A. William Morris Davis
B. Walther Penck
C. L.C. King
D. Grove Karl Gilbert
Answer: A
Explanation: William Morris Davis proposed the Geographical Cycle (Cycle of Erosion) describing stages: youth, maturity and old age.
3. Which geomorphologist criticized the Davisian model and proposed that uplift and denudation occur simultaneously?
A. Davis
B. Penck
C. Strahler
D. Hack
Answer: B
Explanation: Walther Penck argued that uplift and erosion occur simultaneously rather than sequentially.
4. In fluvial geomorphology, nick point refers to:
A. Sudden break in river gradient
B. Highest point of drainage basin
C. River confluence point
D. Deposition point of delta
Answer: A
Explanation: A nick point is a sudden change in slope in a river profile, often associated with waterfalls or rapids.
5. Which of the following landforms is formed by glacial erosion?
- Cirque
- Arete
- Drumlin
- Fjord
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 2, 3 and 4
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 3 and 4 only
Answer: A
Explanation: Cirque, arete and fjord are erosional glacial landforms, while drumlin is depositional.
6. The base level of erosion concept was introduced by:
A. Davis
B. Powell
C. Penck
D. Hack
Answer: B
Explanation: John Wesley Powell introduced the concept of base level, usually sea level.
7. Which of the following statements about pediplain is correct?
A. Formed mainly in humid climates
B. Formed by coalescence of pediments
C. Formed by glacial erosion
D. Formed in coastal regions only
Answer: B
Explanation: Pediplains develop in arid and semi-arid regions by merging several pediments.
8. The term “Peneplain” refers to:
A. Almost flat surface formed after long erosion
B. Volcanic plateau
C. Glacial depositional plain
D. River floodplain
Answer: A
Explanation: The concept was introduced by William Morris Davis for an almost level land surface formed after prolonged erosion.
9. Which drainage pattern develops in regions of uniform rock resistance?
A. Trellis
B. Radial
C. Dendritic
D. Rectangular
Answer: C
Explanation: Dendritic drainage pattern forms on homogeneous rocks with gentle slopes.
10. Which landform is associated with karst topography?
- Sinkholes
- Stalactites
- Dolines
- U-shaped valleys
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: Sinkholes, dolines and stalactites form in limestone regions due to solution processes.
11. Which of the following best explains isostasy?
A. Balance between erosion and deposition
B. Equilibrium between Earth’s crust and mantle
C. Balance between tectonic plates
D. Balance between atmosphere and lithosphere
Answer: B
Explanation: Isostasy refers to gravitational equilibrium between the lithosphere and asthenosphere.
12. Which process is responsible for the formation of yardangs?
A. Fluvial erosion
B. Glacial deposition
C. Aeolian erosion
D. Marine erosion
Answer: C
Explanation: Yardangs are streamlined ridges formed by wind erosion in deserts.
13. The graded river concept refers to a river:
A. Without sediment load
B. In equilibrium between erosion and deposition
C. Flowing only in mountains
D. Flowing only in plains
Answer: B
Explanation: A graded river has a balanced sediment load and transport capacity.
14. Which landform is typically associated with marine deposition?
A. Spit
B. Stack
C. Sea arch
D. Wave-cut platform
Answer: A
Explanation: Spits are depositional coastal landforms formed by longshore drift.
15.The dynamic equilibrium model of landscape evolution was proposed by:
A. Davis
B. Hack
C. Penck
D. King
Answer: B
Explanation: John T. Hack proposed that landscapes maintain dynamic equilibrium between uplift and erosion.
