Which among the following correctly describes the typical landforms shaped by wind erosion in arid and desert landscapes?
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Mushroom-shaped rocks having a narrow base and a wide top
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Flat-topped residual hills resembling tablelands
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Isolated rock pillars formed due to differential erosion
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. 1, 2 and 3
All three statements accurately describe landforms produced by wind erosion in arid regions.
Mushroom rocks, also called rock pedestals, form when wind-driven sand abrades the lower portion of a rock more intensely than the upper part, creating a narrow base and broad top. Flat-topped residual hills, known as mesas or buttes, appear when resistant rock layers remain after surrounding softer material is eroded away by persistent wind activity. Isolated rock pillars, another classic aeolian feature, emerge due to differential erosion, where harder rock withstands abrasion while surrounding layers wear down. Such landforms are commonly found in deserts like the Sahara and Thar Desert, showcasing the powerful sculpting action of wind over time.