Which one of the following agents of erosion is responsible for the formation of sand dunes?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Wind
Explanation:
→ Sand dunes are formed primarily by the action of wind, which transports and deposits loose sand particles in arid and semi-arid regions.
→ This process is known as aeolian deposition, where wind speed and direction determine the shape and orientation of dunes.
→ Common types of sand dunes include barchans, transverse, longitudinal, and star dunes, each formed under specific wind conditions.
→ Wind-driven sand dunes are typical in deserts like the Thar Desert in India, Sahara in Africa, and Arabian Desert.
Information Booster:
→ Wind is the primary agent of desert erosion and deposition.
→ Causes transport of fine sand particles over large distances.
→ Leads to the formation of various dune types: barchan, longitudinal, transverse, and star dunes.
→ Dunes are dynamic and shift with wind direction and intensity.
→ Aeolian processes also create loess deposits in some regions.
→ Sand dunes play a role in desert ecology, supporting specialized plants and animals.
→ Wind erosion and deposition are significant in arid and semi-arid landscapes.
Additional Information (Other Options):
Option (A) Glacier – Forms moraines, U-shaped valleys, and glacial lakes.
Option (B) Underground water – Forms caves, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Option (D) River – Forms floodplains, meanders, oxbow lakes, and deltas.