Thursday, 29 January 2026

 

GEOGRAPHY OPTIONAL – PAPER I

PAGE 3 : GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES

UPSC / UPPSC Geography Optional
Shaktimatha 369 Learning

1. Meaning of Geomorphic Processes

Geomorphic processes are physical and chemical actions that shape, modify and transform landforms through internal (endogenic) and external (exogenic) forces.

Exam Importance: Core conceptual area + repeated PYQs

2. Endogenic Processes

Endogenic processes originate within the Earth and are driven by internal energy. They are responsible for large-scale relief features.

Major Endogenic Processes

  • Diastrophism – folding & faulting
  • Orogeny – mountain building
  • Epeirogeny – continental uplift & subsidence
  • Volcanism
  • Earthquakes
Examples: Himalayas, Rift Valleys, Volcanic plateaus

3. Diastrophism

(a) Folding

  • Caused by compressional forces
  • Forms anticlines & synclines
  • Associated with mountain ranges

(b) Faulting

  • Caused by tensional forces
  • Normal, Reverse & Strike-slip faults
  • Creates rift valleys & block mountains
Exam Tip: Labelled diagrams are compulsory.

4. Exogenic Processes

Exogenic processes operate on the Earth’s surface and are driven by solar energy and gravity. They reduce relief over time.

Major Exogenic Processes

  • Weathering
  • Mass Wasting
  • Erosion
  • Transportation
  • Deposition

5. Weathering

Weathering is the in-situ disintegration and decomposition of rocks without movement.

Types of Weathering

  • Mechanical – exfoliation, frost action
  • Chemical – oxidation, carbonation, hydration
  • Biological – plant roots, microorganisms
Significance: Soil formation & landscape evolution

6. Mass Wasting

Mass wasting refers to downslope movement of weathered material under gravity.

Types

  • Soil creep
  • Landslides
  • Rockfall
  • Debris flow
Current Relevance: Himalayan landslides, Western Ghats

7. Erosion, Transportation & Deposition

  • Erosion – removal of material
  • Transportation – movement by agents
  • Deposition – settling of sediments

Agents of Erosion

  • Running water
  • Glaciers
  • Wind
  • Waves

8. Role of Time & Structure

  • Time controls landform maturity
  • Rock structure influences erosion rate
  • Climate modifies geomorphic dominance
Concept: Relief is a function of structure, process & time

9. Answer Writing Strategy

  • Define the process clearly
  • Add a neat labelled diagram
  • Give 1–2 real examples
  • Link with climate or disasters

Golden Rule: Short theory + strong diagram = high marks

PYQ Orientation

  • Endogenic vs Exogenic processes
  • Role of weathering in landform evolution
  • Mass wasting & slope stability

NEXT PAGE

Geography Optional – Page 4:
Fluvial Landforms (Erosion & Deposition by Rivers)

End of Geography Optional – Page 3
Shaktimatha 369 Learning

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Shaktimatha 369 Learning

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🌱 PART–D : Biogeography & Soils

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🌍 PART–G : Regional, Environmental & Political Geography

🛰️ PART–H : Applied Geography

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🌍 UPSC & UPPSC Geography Optional – Complete Master Library

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Shaktimatha 369 Learning

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