UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  What are the major geological events and tect... Start Learning for Free
What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus?
Most Upvoted Answer
What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned ...
Major Geological Events and Tectonic Processes

The syllabus for UPSC includes various major geological events and tectonic processes that have shaped the Earth's surface over millions of years. These events and processes have had a significant impact on the formation of mountains, continents, and oceans, as well as the distribution of natural resources. Understanding these events and processes is crucial for understanding the Earth's geology and its evolution over time.


Plate Tectonics
- Plate tectonics is one of the key processes mentioned in the syllabus. It is the theory that describes the movement and interaction of large sections of the Earth's lithosphere, known as tectonic plates.
- The lithosphere is divided into several major plates, including the Eurasian Plate, North American Plate, and Indo-Australian Plate, among others.
- These plates move due to convection currents in the underlying asthenosphere. They can collide, separate, or slide past each other, leading to various geological events.
- Plate tectonics is responsible for the formation of mountains, such as the Himalayas, as well as the creation of ocean basins and the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activities.

Volcanism and Earthquakes
- Volcanism is another important geological event mentioned in the syllabus. It refers to the eruption of molten rock, or magma, onto the Earth's surface. Volcanic eruptions can have significant impacts on the environment and climate.
- Earthquakes are another consequence of plate tectonics. They occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, resulting in the shaking of the ground.
- Both volcanism and earthquakes are closely related to plate boundaries. Volcanic eruptions often occur along subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another.
- Earthquakes also commonly occur at plate boundaries, particularly along transform faults, where plates slide past each other.

Continental Drift
- Continental drift is an important geological event that is mentioned in the syllabus. It refers to the movement of continents over geological time.
- The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century and later developed into the theory of plate tectonics.
- According to this theory, the continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea. Over time, they have moved apart to their current positions.
- Continental drift has had a significant impact on the Earth's geology, including the formation of mountain ranges, the opening and closing of oceans, and the distribution of flora and fauna.

Conclusion
- Understanding major geological events and tectonic processes is essential for understanding the Earth's geology and its evolution over time.
- Plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, and continental drift are some of the key processes mentioned in the UPSC syllabus.
- These processes have shaped the Earth's surface and have had a significant impact on the formation of mountains, continents, and oceans.
- Studying these processes helps in understanding the distribution of natural resources and the occurrence of geological hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus?
Question Description
What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus?.
Solutions for What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus?, a detailed solution for What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus? has been provided alongside types of What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice What are the major geological events and tectonic processes mentioned in the syllabus? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev