Question:

A river entering a plain from a mountainous region often forms a depositional feature known as:

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Depositional landforms can be classified by their location along the river course:
Upper/Transition Course: Alluvial Fans and Cones.
Middle/Lower Course: Floodplains, Meanders, Natural Levees.
River Mouth: Deltas and Estuaries.
This sequential classification helps you select the correct geographic feature quickly.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • Delta
  • Flood Plain
  • Alluvial Fan
  • Meander
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Understanding the Question:

The question asks for the name of the geomorphological depositional feature that is formed when a river exits a steep mountain range and enters a flat plain.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. As a river flows down steep mountain slopes, it carries a high load of heavy sediments, rocks, gravel, and sand due to its high kinetic energy and velocity.
2. When the river exits the mountains and enters a flat, low-gradient plain, there is a sudden, dramatic drop in the velocity of the water.
3. Because the slow-moving river can no longer transport heavy materials, it deposits them immediately at the foot of the mountains.
4. These coarse sediments spread out in a semi-circular or fan-like shape, which is known as an Alluvial Fan.
5. Let us analyze Option (A) "Delta": A delta is a depositional feature formed at the mouth of a river where it enters a lake, sea, or ocean, which occurs in its mature stage, not right after leaving the mountains.
6. Let us analyze Option (B) "Flood Plain": A flood plain is a flat area of land next to a river that experiences periodic flooding and accumulates fine silt, occurring along the middle and lower course.
7. Let us analyze Option (D) "Meander": A meander is a winding curve or bend in a river formed in flat plains due to lateral erosion, not a primary depositional feature at the mountain-plain transition zone.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The feature formed when a river enters a plain from a mountain is an Alluvial Fan, which corresponds to Option (C).
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