UPSC Exam > UPSC Questions > What are the flat, table-like land masses wit...
Start Learning for Free
What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?
- a)Rock pedestals
- b)Zeugen
- c)Yardangs
- d)Mesas
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizo...
Understanding Mesas
Mesas are unique geological formations characterized by their flat tops and steep sides. They are prominent features in arid and semi-arid landscapes, often resulting from erosion processes. Here’s a detailed explanation of their formation and characteristics:
Formation of Mesas
- **Erosion Process**: Mesas typically form when a layer of resistant rock (such as sandstone or basalt) overlays softer rock. Over time, erosion wears away the softer material, leaving a flat-topped hill.
- **Geological Layers**: The top layer of a mesa is usually composed of hard rock that is less susceptible to erosion, while the sides are made up of softer material that erodes more quickly.
Characteristics of Mesas
- **Flat Tops**: The defining feature of a mesa is its broad, flat summit, which can often be several square kilometers in area.
- **Steep Sides**: Mesas have steep, often vertical cliffs that drop sharply to the surrounding terrain, creating dramatic and picturesque landscapes.
Significance of Mesas
- **Ecological Importance**: The unique environment created by mesal formations supports diverse flora and fauna, often differing from the surrounding areas.
- **Cultural Significance**: Many indigenous cultures have historically inhabited mesas, taking advantage of their elevated positions for strategic advantages and agricultural practices.
In conclusion, mesas are significant geological structures with distinct characteristics resulting from erosion, making them a fascinating subject of study in geography and earth sciences.
Mesas are unique geological formations characterized by their flat tops and steep sides. They are prominent features in arid and semi-arid landscapes, often resulting from erosion processes. Here’s a detailed explanation of their formation and characteristics:
Formation of Mesas
- **Erosion Process**: Mesas typically form when a layer of resistant rock (such as sandstone or basalt) overlays softer rock. Over time, erosion wears away the softer material, leaving a flat-topped hill.
- **Geological Layers**: The top layer of a mesa is usually composed of hard rock that is less susceptible to erosion, while the sides are made up of softer material that erodes more quickly.
Characteristics of Mesas
- **Flat Tops**: The defining feature of a mesa is its broad, flat summit, which can often be several square kilometers in area.
- **Steep Sides**: Mesas have steep, often vertical cliffs that drop sharply to the surrounding terrain, creating dramatic and picturesque landscapes.
Significance of Mesas
- **Ecological Importance**: The unique environment created by mesal formations supports diverse flora and fauna, often differing from the surrounding areas.
- **Cultural Significance**: Many indigenous cultures have historically inhabited mesas, taking advantage of their elevated positions for strategic advantages and agricultural practices.
In conclusion, mesas are significant geological structures with distinct characteristics resulting from erosion, making them a fascinating subject of study in geography and earth sciences.
Free Test
FREE
| Start Free Test |
Community Answer
What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizo...
Mesas are flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides. They are formed in canyon regions and may eventually be reduced in area to become isolated flat-topped hills called Buttes.
|
Explore Courses for UPSC exam
|
|
Similar UPSC Doubts
Top Courses for UPSCView all
What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC.
Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of
What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an
ample number of questions to practice What are the flat, table-like land masses with a very resistant horizontal top layer and very steep sides called?a)Rock pedestalsb)Zeugenc)Yardangsd)MesasCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
|
|
Explore Courses for UPSC exam
|
|
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
|
© EduRev
|
Education Revolution
|
|
Signup to see your scores
go up within 7 days!
Access 1000+ FREE Docs, Videos and Tests
Takes less than 10 seconds to signup