In humid highlands, several dissected plateaus like the Scottish High...
- A dissected plateau is an area that has been severely eroded and divided into several smaller pieces.
- The natural agents, such as the Sun, the rain, the wind, the running water and the Glacier, wear away the soft rocks of the upland areas.
- The resistant rock masses are left there standing on the ground above the surroundings.
- The sometimes from the almost level surface, cut by rivers and streams. These upland areas together form a dissected plateau.
View all questions of this test
In humid highlands, several dissected plateaus like the Scottish High...
The correct answer is option 'D' - All of the above.
1. Stream action:
Stream action plays a significant role in the formation of dissected plateaus in humid highlands like the Scottish Highlands. Over time, streams erode the land and create valleys and gorges. The constant flow of water wears away the rock and soil, cutting through the landscape and forming deep incisions. This process is known as stream action or fluvial erosion. The streams in the highlands have a high erosive power due to the steep slopes and abundant rainfall. As a result, they carve out the plateaus, creating a dissected appearance with numerous valleys and ridges.
2. Cuts done due to glaciation:
Glaciation is another important force that contributes to the formation of dissected plateaus. In the Scottish Highlands, the presence of glaciers during the Ice Age had a profound impact on the landscape. As glaciers advanced and retreated, they carved out deep U-shaped valleys, leaving behind steep-sided mountains and plateaus. The movement of glaciers also eroded the land, grinding down rocks and depositing moraines. As a result, the plateaus in the Scottish Highlands became dissected, with sharp valleys and ridges formed by glacial action.
3. Abrasion by wind:
While wind erosion may not be as prominent in the formation of dissected plateaus in humid highlands compared to the other two forces, it still plays a role. Wind erosion, also known as abrasion, occurs when wind-blown particles collide with the land surface, wearing it down over time. In humid highlands, wind erosion might not be as significant as in arid regions, but it can still contribute to the dissected nature of the plateaus. Wind can carry small particles and sediments that act as abrasive agents, gradually eroding the surface and creating small-scale features such as gullies and notches.
In conclusion, all of the above forces - stream action, cuts done due to glaciation, and abrasion by wind - are responsible for the formation of dissected plateaus in humid highlands like the Scottish Highlands. These forces work together over long periods of time to shape the landscape, creating a distinctive dissected pattern of valleys, ridges, and plateaus.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.