UPSC Prelims 1998·GS1·geography·indian geography

Which one of the following east flowing rivers of India has rift valley due to down warping?

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. ADamodar
  2. BMahanadiCorrect
  3. CSone
  4. DYamuna

Explanation

The correct answer is B Mahanadi. In the context of Indian geology, the Mahanadi basin is characterized by a rift valley formed due to down warping, which is the downward bending of the Earths crust. This geological process created the structural trough through which the river flows eastward. While the Damodar river also flows through a rift valley, it is primarily associated with faulting and the Gondwana coal deposits. The specific phenomenon of down warping is a distinguishing characteristic cited in geographical studies of the Mahanadi basin. The Sone and Yamuna are not east flowing rivers that meet the criteria of rift valleys formed by down warping.
geography: Which one of the following east flowing rivers of India has rift valley due to down warping?

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.