CBSE Class 11 Geography Chapter 6: Geomorphic Processes NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter, "Geomorphic Processes," delves into the dynamic forces shaping the Earth's surface. It covers key concepts like weathering, mass movements, and the role of exogenic and endogenic processes. The solutions explain how weathering contributes to biodiversity by breaking down rocks and forming soil mantles. They also detail various types of mass movements, distinguishing between rapid and slow flows. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the primary agents of geomorphic change – weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition – and their energy sources, primarily solar heat. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations to help students grasp complex geomorphic concepts, aiding in effective exam revision and a deeper understanding of Earth's physical geography.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Geography
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	6. Geomorphic Processes

Chapter summary

Chapter 6, "Geomorphic Processes," focuses on the agents and processes that shape the Earth's surface. It explains weathering, mass movements (including rapid and slow types), and the role of exogenic forces like erosion, transportation, and deposition. The solutions clarify the relationship between weathering and soil formation, biodiversity, and the ultimate energy source for these processes. This chapter is crucial for understanding the continuous transformation of the Earth's landscape.

Learning outcomes

Understand the concept of geomorphic processes and their agents.
Differentiate between gradational, diastrophism, and volcanic processes.
Explain the process of weathering and its impact on rock breakdown and soil formation.
Identify and categorize different types of mass movements.
Analyze the role of exogenic geomorphic agents in shaping the Earth's surface.
Recognize the sun's heat as the primary energy source for exogenic processes.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Geomorphic Processes
Gradational Processes
Deposition
Diastrophism
Volcanism
Erosion
Hydration
Mass Movements
Weathering
Exogenic Agents
Endogenic Forces
Solar Energy

Important topics

Weathering and its role
Types of Mass Movements
Exogenic vs. Endogenic Processes
Agents of Geomorphic Change
Energy Sources for Exogenic Processes

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Questions and Solutions

Multiple choice questions

(i) Which one of the following processes is a gradational process?

(a) Deposition

(b) Diastrophism

(d) Erosion

Solution: Gradational processes are those that tend to reduce the differences in elevation across the Earth's surface. Erosion is the process of wearing away landforms, which directly contributes to leveling the surface. Deposition is the process of accumulating sediments, which can build up landforms but is often a consequence of erosion. Diastrophism and volcanism are internal or constructive processes that create relief, rather than gradational ones that reduce it. Therefore, erosion is the correct answer.

(ii) Which one of the following materials is affected by hydration process?

(a) Granite

(b) Clay

(d) Salts

Solution: Hydration is a weathering process where water molecules are absorbed into the structure of minerals, causing them to swell and weaken. Clay minerals are particularly susceptible to hydration because their layered structure can readily accommodate water molecules between the layers, leading to expansion and disintegration of the rock. Granite, quartz, and salts are generally less affected by hydration compared to clays.

(iii) Debris avalanche can be included in the category of:

(a) Landslides

(b) Slow flow mass movements

(d) Subsidence

Solution: A debris avalanche is a type of mass movement characterized by the rapid flow of a large volume of rock debris, soil, and other materials down a steep slope. This rapid movement under the influence of gravity places it firmly in the category of rapid flow mass movements. Landslides are a broader category, and while a debris avalanche can be a type of landslide, 'rapid flow mass movements' is a more specific and accurate classification for its speed and mechanism.

Answer the following questions in about 30 words

(i) It is weathering that is responsible for bio- diversity on the earth. How?

Solution: Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller fragments and minerals, forming the soil mantle. The depth and composition of this weathered material are crucial for plant growth, supporting forests and diverse ecosystems. Thus, weathering is fundamental to the development of biodiversity on Earth.

(ii) What are mass movements that are real rapid and perceptible? List.

Solution: Rapid and perceptible mass movements are those where the transfer of rock debris down a slope occurs quickly and is easily observable. These include:

Rockfalls
Slides (including rock slides, debris slides)
Flows (such as debris flows, mudflows, and avalanches)

These movements are primarily driven by gravity and often triggered by factors like heavy rainfall or earthquakes.

(iii) What are the various mobile and mighty exogenic geomorphic agents and what is the prime job they perform?

Solution: The primary mobile and mighty exogenic geomorphic agents are weathering, mass movements, erosion, transportation, and deposition. Their prime job is to continuously modify and shape the Earth's surface by wearing down elevated areas (degradation) and filling in lower areas (aggradation), thereby bringing about geomorphic changes.

(iv) Is weathering essential as a pre-requisite in the formation of soils? Why?

Solution: Yes, weathering is absolutely essential as a prerequisite for soil formation. Soil formation begins with the breakdown of parent rock material through weathering processes (physical, chemical, and biological). The resulting weathered material, known as regolith, is the primary input from which soil develops over time with the addition of organic matter and further biological activity.

Answer the following questions in about 150 words

(i) "Our earth is a playfield for two opposing groups of geomorphic processes." Discuss.

Solution: The Earth's surface is constantly being shaped by two major, often opposing, groups of geomorphic processes: endogenic and exogenic. Endogenic processes originate from within the Earth, driven by internal heat and tectonic forces. These forces are primarily constructive, leading to the formation of major landforms like mountains, plateaus, and rift valleys through phenomena such as folding, faulting, volcanic activity, and earthquakes. They build up the Earth's relief. In contrast, exogenic processes operate on or near the Earth's surface, driven primarily by solar energy and gravity. These processes are largely destructive or degradational, involving weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition. They work to wear down the elevated landforms created by endogenic forces and fill in basins, thus reducing relief variations. While endogenic forces create the 'stage', exogenic forces continuously sculpt and modify it.

(ii) Exogenic geomorphic processes derive their ultimate energy from the sun's heat. Explain.

Solution: Exogenic geomorphic processes, such as weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition, are fundamentally driven by energy originating from the sun. Solar heat is the primary driver of atmospheric and oceanic circulation, leading to phenomena like wind, rainfall, and temperature variations. Wind erodes and transports materials, rainfall contributes to weathering and erosion (e.g., through rivers and glaciers), and temperature fluctuations cause physical weathering. Even gravity-driven processes like mass movement are indirectly influenced, as water saturation (often from rainfall) can destabilize slopes. Therefore, the sun's energy is the ultimate source powering these surface-modifying activities.

Common mistakes

Confusing gradational processes with other geological processes.
Not clearly distinguishing between rapid and slow mass movements.
Underestimating the role of weathering in soil formation and biodiversity.
Failing to identify the primary energy source for exogenic geomorphic processes.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the definitions and examples of each geomorphic process.
Create a table to compare and contrast different types of mass movements.
Draw diagrams to illustrate weathering and erosion processes.
Relate the concepts of exogenic and endogenic forces to real-world landforms.
Review the energy sources for geomorphic processes, especially the sun's role.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is classified as a gradational geomorphic process?

Q2. The process of hydration primarily affects which type of material?

Q3. A debris avalanche is an example of which category of mass movement?

Q4. Which geomorphic process is directly responsible for breaking down rocks into smaller fragments, aiding biodiversity?

Q5. What is the primary energy source for exogenic geomorphic processes?

Frequently asked questions

What are geomorphic processes?

Geomorphic processes are the natural forces and actions that shape the Earth's surface, including weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and mass movements, driven by exogenic and endogenic forces.

How does weathering contribute to biodiversity?

Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller fragments, forming soil mantles. The depth and quality of these weathered materials are crucial for the growth of forests, which in turn support diverse biomes and biodiversity.

What is the difference between rapid and slow mass movements?

Rapid mass movements occur quickly and are easily perceptible, such as debris avalanches and landslides. Slow mass movements, like creep, happen gradually over long periods.

What are the main exogenic geomorphic agents?

The primary exogenic geomorphic agents are weathering, mass movements, erosion, transportation, and deposition. These agents continuously modify the Earth's surface.

Where does the energy for exogenic geomorphic processes come from?

The ultimate source of energy for exogenic geomorphic processes is the sun's heat. This solar energy drives atmospheric and oceanic circulation, which are fundamental to many surface processes.

Are endogenic forces land-building or land-wearing?

Endogenic forces, originating from within the Earth, are primarily land-building or land-forming forces. They create major landforms and variations in the Earth's surface, such as mountains and plateaus.

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