A flat or gently sloping surface left behind after river erosion, often with some resistant remnants, is known as:
- AOption (a)
Monadnock
- BOption (b)
Plateau
- COption (c)
Floodplain
- DOption (d)
Peneplain
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Correct answer
Peneplain
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Peneplain.
Key Points
- A peneplain refers to a nearly level or gently undulating surface formed due to prolonged river erosion under stable tectonic conditions.
- It represents the final stage of fluvial erosion, where the landmass approaches base level and loses significant relief.
- Peneplains are often characterized by residual hills or monadnocks that resist erosion due to their harder rock composition.
- These surfaces are indicative of long-term geological stability and minimal uplift activity in the region.
- The concept of peneplain was first introduced by geologist William Morris Davis as part of his cycle of erosion theory.
Additional Information
- Monadnock
- A monadnock is an isolated residual hill or mountain that stands above a peneplain.
- It is composed of harder rock that resists erosion, unlike the surrounding softer rock layers.
- Examples include Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, USA.
- Floodplain
- A floodplain is a flat area adjacent to a river that is periodically flooded.
- It is formed by sediment deposition during flooding events.
- Floodplains are often fertile and used for agriculture.
- Plateau
- Plateaus are elevated flat-topped landforms, often bounded by steep sides.
- They can be formed by volcanic activity, tectonic uplift, or erosion.
- Examples include the Deccan Plateau in India.
- Cycle of Erosion
- Proposed by William Morris Davis, this theory describes the stages of landscape development: youthful, mature, and old age.
- The old age stage leads to the formation of a peneplain.
- It has been critiqued but remains a foundational concept in geomorphology.