The geomorphological features of the Cem basin have their origin in the tectonic activity of the Alpine orogeny, which formed the Dinaric Alps and its southern range, the Prokletije in the Late Mesozoic and Cenozoic era up until today. Specifically, the Cem basin is in the High Karst Unit. In this sub-unit, tectonic activity creates a vertical uplifting of landmasses and carbonate rocks are a large part of the landscape, which is defined by fluvial processes like the deposition of carbonate sediments by the river's streamflow. As the Prokletije have had glacial features, thus a high accumulation of water, the end of the Ice Age saw a general increase of Cem's discharge, which in turn enhanced fluvial processes in the basin.