Geography Chapters

1. Continents and Oceans2. Biosphere3. Lithosphere4. Hydrosphere5. Atmosphere6. Latitudes and Longitudes7. Different Heat Zones of the Earth8. Longitudes and Time Zones9. International Date Line10. Motion of the Earth11. Effect of the Tilted Axis on Day and Night12. The Atmosphere (Composition and Layers)13. Weather and Climate14. Atmospheric Pressure15. Internal Structure of the Earth16. Rocks17. Earthquakes and Volcanoes18. Various Landforms (Mountains, Plateaus, Plains, Grasslands)19. Landforms Created by River System20. Landforms Created by Glacier21. Landforms Created by Wind22. Landforms Created by Groundwater23. The Indian Subcontinent Position, Extent, and Physical Features24. Climatic Diversity in the Indian Subcontinent25. Soil Resources of the Indian Subcontinent26. Agriculture in India27. Land Use Pattern of India28. Water Resources and Their Utilization in India29. Multipurpose River Valley Projects30. Transport in India31. Rivers of India

Landforms Created by Groundwater

“Groundwater shapes various unique landforms through the process of dissolution and erosion beneath the earth's surface.”

Introduction

Groundwater affects the Earth's surface by dissolving soluble rocks like limestone, gypsum, and dolomite, leading to the formation of distinctive landforms. These landforms are primarily found in karst topography regions.

Major Landforms Created by Groundwater

  • Sinkholes (Dolines): Circular depressions formed when the roof of an underground cavern collapses or the surface dissolves due to acidic groundwater.
  • Caves: Natural underground hollow spaces formed by the chemical dissolution of soluble rocks by groundwater over long periods.
  • Stalactites: Icicle-shaped mineral formations hanging from cave ceilings, formed by dripping mineral-rich water.
  • Stalagmites: Mineral deposits rising from the floor of caves, formed by water dripping down from stalactites.
  • Karst Valleys: Valleys formed by the collapse of caves or by subsidence due to underground water erosion.
  • Springs: Natural outflows of groundwater where the water table intersects the earth’s surface.
  • Geysers: Hot springs that intermittently erupt with steam and water due to geothermal heating of groundwater.
  • Sinkholes Lakes: When sinkholes fill with water, forming small lakes or ponds.

Formation Process

Groundwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the soil, forming weak carbonic acid. This acidic water dissolves carbonate rocks, enlarging cracks and forming underground cavities. Over time, these processes create various landforms:

  • Dissolution: Chemical weathering dissolves soluble rocks.
  • Collapse: Roofs of caves may collapse forming sinkholes.
  • Deposition: Minerals deposited as stalactites and stalagmites inside caves.

Visual Summary

Sinkholes

Depressions formed by collapse or dissolution of surface rock due to groundwater action.

Caves

Underground voids enlarged by acidic groundwater dissolving soluble rock.

Stalactites & Stalagmites

Speleothems formed by mineral deposition from dripping groundwater in caves.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2019: What is a sinkhole?
  • A depression on the ground surface formed by collapse of an underground cave due to groundwater action.
  • RRB NTPC 2018: How are caves formed?
  • By the dissolution of soluble rocks by acidic groundwater over long periods.
  • SSC MTS 2017: Differentiate between stalactite and stalagmite.
  • Stalactites hang from the ceiling of caves, stalagmites rise from the floor.
  • HSSC CET 2020: Name a landform formed due to groundwater deposition.
  • Stalactites and stalagmites.
  • SSC GD 2018: What causes the formation of sinkholes?
  • Dissolution of underlying soluble rocks or collapse of cave roofs.
  • RRB ALP 2020: Explain karst topography.
  • Landforms created by the dissolution of soluble rocks by groundwater, characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground streams.
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