Endogenic vs exogenic engines
- Endogenic: volcanism, orogeny, isostasy — build relief.
- Exogenic: weathering, mass wasting, fluvial/aeolian/glacial/marine — reduce relief.
- Grade of the landscape = balance between the two.
Plate tectonics — the master framework
Convergent (Himalayas — Indo-Eurasian), divergent (Mid-Atlantic Ridge), transform (San Andreas). Wilson Cycle explains basin opening/closing. Indian plate motion (~5 cm/yr NNE) drives Himalayan seismicity — mandatory context for any 2015 Nepal / 2023 Turkey style question.
Signature Indian landforms
- Peninsular block — passive margin, mature drainage (Godavari, Krishna).
- Himalayan syntaxial bends (Nanga Parbat, Namcha Barwa).
- Deccan Traps — flood basalt from Reunion hotspot ~66 Ma.
- Rann of Kutch — tectonic + tidal composite.
Applied geomorphology
- Landslide zonation (NDMA guidelines) for Himalayan corridors.
- River-basin management via drainage-order analysis.
- Coastal Regulation Zone typology follows geomorphic units.
Common Pitfalls
- Never write geomorphology without a diagram — it is the single fastest mark multiplier.
- Do not memorise cycles (Davis vs Penck) as trivia; use them only when the question asks 'process'.
FAQs
- Which diagram should I default to?
- A three-plate boundary sketch and a labelled fold-mountain cross-section cover 60% of geomorphology PYQs.
UPSC Mains PYQs on this microtheme
- Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.📅 2025 · 📌 15
- How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?📅 2023 · 📌 10
- Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks.📅 2022 · 📌 10
- Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.📅 2021 · 📌 15
- Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer.📅 2021 · 📌 10
- Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.📅 2020 · 📌 10
- Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.📅 2018 · 📌 10
- Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes.📅 2014 · 📌 10
- There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why?📅 2013 · 📌 5
- What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.📅 2013 · 📌 5