UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Tests  >  Test: Earthquake - UPSC MCQ

Test: Earthquake - UPSC MCQ


Test Description

18 Questions MCQ Test - Test: Earthquake

Test: Earthquake for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Test: Earthquake questions and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus.The Test: Earthquake MCQs are made for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests for Test: Earthquake below.
Solutions of Test: Earthquake questions in English are available as part of our course for UPSC & Test: Earthquake solutions in Hindi for UPSC course. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free. Attempt Test: Earthquake | 18 questions in 40 minutes | Mock test for UPSC preparation | Free important questions MCQ to study for UPSC Exam | Download free PDF with solutions
Test: Earthquake - Question 1

What is the primary cause of earthquakes according to geological studies?

Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 1
The primary cause of earthquakes is the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. This movement can create stress along faults, leading to the sudden release of energy that causes seismic waves.
Understanding tectonic plate movements is crucial for predicting possible earthquake occurrences in various regions.
Test: Earthquake - Question 2

Which scale is used to measure the magnitude of energy released by an earthquake?

Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 2
The Richter Scale is used to measure the magnitude of energy released by an earthquake. Developed by Charles F. Richter in 1935, this scale quantifies the amplitude of seismic waves, allowing for a standardized assessment of earthquake strength.
This scale ranges from 0 to 9, with each whole number increase representing a tenfold increase in measured amplitude.
Test: Earthquake - Question 3

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 3
The focus, or hypocenter, of an earthquake is the initial point of rupture within the Earth where faulting begins. It is located underground, while the epicenter is the point directly above it on the Earth's surface.
Understanding these terms helps in assessing the impact and response needed during an earthquake event.
Test: Earthquake - Question 4
Which type of seismic wave is the fastest?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 4
P-waves, or primary waves, are the fastest type of seismic wave. They can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, moving the ground in a push-pull motion similar to sound waves.
This characteristic allows them to be the first waves detected by seismographs during an earthquake event.
Test: Earthquake - Question 5
What is the Mercalli scale used to measure?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 5
The Mercalli scale measures the intensity of an earthquake based on its effects and the level of damage observed. Unlike the Richter scale, which quantifies energy release, the Mercalli scale ranks from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction).
This scale helps in understanding the human and structural impact of an earthquake.
Test: Earthquake - Question 6
Which type of earthquake is classified as having a focus depth of 250-700 km?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 6
Deep-focus earthquakes are classified as having a focus depth of 250-700 km. These earthquakes occur deeper within the Earth's crust and are less common compared to shallow and intermediate-focus earthquakes.
Understanding these classifications is essential for assessing earthquake risks in various regions.
Test: Earthquake - Question 7
What type of wave moves the ground side-to-side and is named after a British mathematician?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 7
Love waves are named after A.E.H. Love, a British mathematician. They are the fastest type of surface wave and move the ground from side to side, causing significant damage during an earthquake.
Understanding different wave types is important for seismic studies and engineering safety measures.
Test: Earthquake - Question 8
Which region is known as the 'Pacific Ring of Fire' due to its high seismic activity?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 8
The Circum-Pacific areas, known as the 'Pacific Ring of Fire,' are characterized by high seismic activity, including frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Approximately 70% of the world's earthquakes occur in this region.
This information is critical for disaster preparedness and geological research.
Test: Earthquake - Question 9
What is the main purpose of an earthquake warning system?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 9
The main purpose of an earthquake warning system is to provide advance alerts about imminent earthquakes, allowing individuals and organizations to take protective actions before the more damaging seismic waves arrive.
This system plays a crucial role in minimizing injuries and damages during seismic events.
Test: Earthquake - Question 10
Which of the following causes can lead to dis-equilibrium in the Earth's crust, resulting in earthquakes?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 10
All of the above factors can lead to dis-equilibrium in the Earth's crust, resulting in earthquakes. Volcanic eruptions, tectonic plate movements, and even human activities like dam construction can create stress that leads to faulting.
Understanding these causes is essential for earthquake risk assessment and management.
Test: Earthquake - Question 11
What is the term for the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 11
The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake. It is often where the most damage occurs and is used as a reference point for reporting earthquake events.
Understanding the relationship between the focus and epicenter is vital for seismology and emergency response.
Test: Earthquake - Question 12
Which seismic wave type can only move through solid rock?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 12
S-waves, or secondary waves, can only move through solid rock and are slower than P-waves. They cause ground movement in a perpendicular direction to the wave's travel.
This distinction is important when analyzing earthquake data and understanding ground shaking effects.
Test: Earthquake - Question 13
What type of earthquake is classified as 'highly hazardous' based on human casualties?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 13
A 'highly hazardous' earthquake is classified as one that results in between 51,000 and 100,000 deaths. Such classifications help in understanding the potential impact of seismic events on populations.
This awareness is crucial for disaster preparedness and response planning.
Test: Earthquake - Question 14
Which of the following is NOT a type of seismic wave?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 14
Magnetic waves are not a type of seismic wave. The primary types of seismic waves include P-waves, S-waves, Love waves, and Rayleigh waves, each with distinct properties and behaviors during an earthquake.
Understanding these types is fundamental for seismic studies and earthquake engineering.
Test: Earthquake - Question 15
Which earthquake classification is based on the depth of focus from the surface?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 15
Earthquakes can be classified based on the depth of focus into shallow, intermediate, and deep-focus earthquakes. This classification helps in understanding the potential impacts and risks associated with different earthquake depths.
Such knowledge is essential for developing effective earthquake preparedness strategies.
Test: Earthquake - Question 16
Which seismic wave is most responsible for the shaking felt during an earthquake?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 16
Rayleigh waves are most responsible for the shaking felt during an earthquake. They roll along the ground, causing both vertical and horizontal motion, which can lead to significant structural damage.
Understanding how different wave types affect ground motion is critical for engineering and safety measures.
Test: Earthquake - Question 17
What percentage of earthquakes occur in the Circum-Pacific belt?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 17
Approximately 70% of earthquakes occur in the Circum-Pacific belt, often referred to as the 'Pacific Ring of Fire.' This area is known for its high seismic activity due to tectonic plate movements.
This information is vital for understanding global earthquake patterns and risks.
Test: Earthquake - Question 18
What is the main impact of earthquakes on human structures?
Detailed Solution for Test: Earthquake - Question 18
Earthquakes can cause severe damage and destruction to human structures, particularly in densely populated areas. The extent of damage depends on various factors, including the earthquake's magnitude, depth, and distance from populated areas.
Understanding these impacts is essential for improving building codes and disaster resilience.
Information about Test: Earthquake Page
In this test you can find the Exam questions for Test: Earthquake solved & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving Questions and answers for Test: Earthquake, EduRev gives you an ample number of Online tests for practice
Download as PDF