Test: Natural Calamities - 2 - Class 5 MCQ

Earthquakes are caused by the movement and interaction of tectonic plates, which are large sections of the Earth's crust that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. When these plates collide, move apart, or slide past each other, they create stress and build up energy along faults and fractures. When the accumulated energy is released suddenly, it results in seismic waves, causing an earthquake.

Tsunamis are giant sea waves that are primarily triggered by underwater earthquakes. When a powerful earthquake occurs beneath the ocean floor, it can displace a large volume of water, creating a series of waves that travel across the ocean at high speeds. These waves can grow in height as they approach shallower coastal areas, leading to devastating impacts when they reach the shore.

Active volcanoes are those that have erupted recently and are expected to erupt again. These volcanoes frequently show signs of volcanic activity, such as lava flows, ash emissions, and gas releases. Unlike dormant or extinct volcanoes, active volcanoes are in a state of constant change and have the potential to erupt in the future.

Cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons in different regions, are powerful tropical storms characterized by strong winds. The wind speed of cyclones can vary, but they are known for having extremely high wind speeds. The wind speed of a cyclone can reach up to 320 kilometers per hour (approximately 200 miles per hour) or even more in some cases.

Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use. By implementing rainwater harvesting techniques, water can be conserved during rainy periods and used during dry spells. This helps in mitigating the impact of droughts by providing an alternative source of water, especially in regions where water scarcity is a concern.

Excessive rainfall can lead to flooding. When an area receives more rain than the natural drainage system can handle, rivers, streams, and other water bodies overflow their banks, causing flooding in nearby regions. Floods can result in significant damage to properties, infrastructure, and even loss of lives.

The Earth's crust is divided into several large and small plates known as tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere and are constantly in motion. The movement of these plates is responsible for various geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.

Dormant volcanoes are volcanoes that have been inactive for a long period but have the potential to erupt in the future. They are often referred to as "sleeping" volcanoes because they are not currently erupting, but they could become active again under certain geological conditions.

Landslides are the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope due to the force of gravity. This can be triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and human activities like construction. Landslides can cause significant damage to the environment and infrastructure, and they often result in loss of life and property. Cyclones and earthquakes, on the other hand, are different natural phenomena. Cyclones are powerful tropical storms with strong winds and heavy rains, while earthquakes are the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust.

Melting glaciers can cause floods when the melted ice and water flow into nearby rivers and lakes, leading to increased water levels and potential overflow. This is particularly concerning in regions where glaciers serve as major water sources, and their rapid melting can result in sudden surges of water downstream.