SSC CGL 2025 PYQ — Question 39

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Lateral erosion in flat terrain.

Meanders develop when a river reaches flat or gentle terrain (the middle or lower course), where the water flow slows down. Instead of cutting vertically into the bed, the river begins to erode its banks sideways, a process called lateral erosion. Variations in velocity cause the water to hit the outer banks with more force, creating curves. Over time, continuous erosion on the outer bank (cut bank) and deposition on the inner bank (point bar) transform small bends into large, looping meanders.