UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  Explain the following desert features yardang... Start Learning for Free
Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis?
Most Upvoted Answer
Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,in...
Desert Features:

1. Yardangs:
Yardangs are wind-carved landforms found in deserts. They are elongated, streamlined ridges that are aligned parallel to the prevailing wind direction. These features are formed through the process of deflation, where wind erodes the softer and less resistant rocks, leaving behind the more resistant rocks in the form of elongated ridges.

Yardangs have a characteristic shape, resembling the hull of a boat or a teardrop. They can range in size from a few meters to several kilometers in length. These landforms are typically composed of sandstone or siltstone, as these rocks are more easily eroded by wind.

2. Barchans:
Barchans are crescent-shaped sand dunes that are formed by wind action. They are commonly found in arid and desert regions where there is an ample supply of loose sand and consistent wind patterns. Barchans typically form in areas with limited vegetation and sparse ground cover.

The shape of a barchan dune is determined by the direction and strength of the prevailing winds. The wind blows sand particles up the windward slope of the dune, and then they cascade down the slip face on the leeward side. This continuous process results in the characteristic crescent shape.

3. Pediments:
Pediments are gently sloping, flat or undulating surfaces found at the base of mountains or hills in desert regions. They are formed through a combination of weathering, erosion, and deposition processes.

Pediments are often covered by a layer of sediment, such as sand or gravel, which is transported by water or wind. These landforms are typically found in arid or semi-arid regions where the surface runoff is minimal, and weathering and erosion processes dominate.

4. Inselbergs:
Inselbergs are isolated hills or mountains that rise abruptly from the surrounding flat or gently sloping desert landscape. They are typically composed of resistant rock types, such as granite or quartzite, that are more resistant to weathering and erosion compared to the surrounding rocks.

Inselbergs can take various forms, such as domes, spires, or mesas, depending on the geological processes that shaped them. They often serve as landmarks in the desert and can provide important habitats for a variety of plants and animals.

5. Wadis:
Wadis are dry riverbeds or valleys that are found in desert regions. They are formed by intermittent or seasonal streams that flow during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Wadis can range in size from small channels to large valleys, depending on the amount of water and the geological processes in the region.

During periods of rainfall, wadis can experience flash floods, as the water quickly accumulates and flows downstream. These events can cause significant erosion and deposition, shaping the landscape and creating distinctive features in the desert environment.

Overall, these desert features are the result of a combination of geological processes, including weathering, erosion, deposition, and the action of wind and water. They contribute to the unique and diverse landscapes found in desert regions.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis?
Question Description
Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis?.
Solutions for Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis? 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 Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis?, a detailed solution for Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis? has been provided alongside types of Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Explain the following desert features yardangs, barchans, pediments,inselbergs, wadis? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev