MasteryExams
Geography • Physical GeographyMedium

Which of the following describes a barchan sand dune?

A. Linear dunes parallel to the dominant wind direction
B. Crescent-shaped dunes with horns pointing downwind✓ Correct Answer
C. Star-shaped dunes formed by multi-directional winds
D. Parabolic dunes with horns pointing upwind, stabilized by vegetation

💡 Solution & Explanation

Barchan sand dunes are solitary crescent-shaped landforms whose gentle windward slope faces the wind while their steeper slip face and horns point downwind, forming typically in environments with limited sand supply and unidirectional winds. Linear dunes run parallel to prevailing winds, and star dunes require multi-directional winds.

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