Worksheet Solutions: Natural Hazards and Disasters | Geography Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: Disaster is an undesirable occurrence resulting from forces that are largely outside human control, strikes quickly with little or no warning, which causes or threatens serious disruption of life and property including death and injury to a large number of people, and requires, therefore, mobilization of efforts in excess of that which are normally provided by statutory __________ services.
Ans: emergency
In the given text, the missing word refers to "statutory emergency services," which are typically involved in responding to disasters.

Q2: Natural hazards are elements of circumstances in the natural environment that have the potential to cause harm to people or property or both. As compared to natural hazards, natural disasters are relatively sudden and cause large-scale, widespread death, loss of property and disturbance to social systems and life over which people have little or no __________.
Ans: control
The word "control" is appropriate in this context, as it refers to the ability of people to influence or manage natural disasters.

Q3: The Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World was developed during the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction held in the city of __________.
Ans: Yokohama
This question simply requires recalling the location where the Yokohama Strategy was formulated.

Q4: According to the Yokohama Strategy, each country has the sovereign responsibility to protect its __________ from natural disasters.
Ans: citizens
The assertion that each country is responsible for protecting its citizens is a key principle of the Yokohama Strategy.

Q5: Earthquakes that are of tectonic origin have proved to be the most devastating, and their area of influence is also quite __________.
Ans: large
Earthquakes of tectonic origin have a wide-reaching impact, affecting a large area.

Q6: The Indian plate is moving at a speed of one centimeter per year towards the __________ and northeastern direction.
Ans: north
This movement of the Indian plate towards the north is essential information about the plate's behavior.

Q7: Tsunamis are caused when __________ occurs.
Ans: an earthquake occurs
Tsunamis are typically triggered by seismic activities, such as earthquakes. This is the correct answer.

Q8: Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure areas confined to the area lying between 30° N and 30° S latitudes, in the atmosphere around which high velocity winds __________.
Ans: blow
In this context, "blow" means the high-velocity winds that surround tropical cyclones.

Q9: Floods can also be caused due to a storm surge in the coastal areas, high-intensity rainfall for a considerably longer time period, melting of ice and snow, reduction in the infiltration rate, and presence of eroded material in the water due to a higher rate of __________.
Ans: soil erosion
The presence of eroded material in the water, due to soil erosion, can contribute to the occurrence of floods.

Q10: Landslides have relatively small and localized area of direct influence, but roadblock, destruction of railway lines, and channel-blocking due to rock-falls have far-reaching __________.
Ans: consequences
Landslides may have local consequences, but their impacts can be felt over a broader region due to roadblocks, damage to railways, and channel-blocking.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Earthquakes are the most unpredictable and highly destructive of all natural disasters.
Reason: Earthquakes are primarily caused by volcanic eruptions.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is correct. Earthquakes are indeed unpredictable and highly destructive. However, the reason provided is incorrect. Earthquakes are primarily caused by tectonic activity, not volcanic eruptions. While volcanic eruptions can trigger earthquakes, they are not the primary cause.

Q2: Assertion: Tsunamis are less impactful over the ocean and more damaging near the coast.
Reason: Tsunamis are deep-water waves.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the assertion and the reason are correct. Tsunamis are indeed less impactful over the open ocean because they are deep-water waves. However, when they approach the coast and the water becomes shallower, they can increase in height and become more damaging. The reason explains why tsunamis behave this way.

Q3: Assertion: Droughts can be caused by excessive rainfall.
Reason: Drought is primarily related to a shortage of water availability.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is correct. Droughts are often related to a shortage of water availability, which can be due to factors like inadequate precipitation and excessive evaporation. The reason is incorrect because droughts are not caused by excessive rainfall but by a lack of rainfall or other factors that lead to water scarcity.

Q4: Assertion: Landslides have a relatively small and localized area of direct influence.
Reason: Landslides do not impact roadblocks, railways, or channel-blocking.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (b)
Both the assertion and reason are true. Landslides do have a relatively small and localized area of direct influence, primarily affecting the area where they occur. However, the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion because landslides can indeed impact roadblocks, railways, and cause channel-blocking, especially in hilly and mountainous regions.

Q5: Assertion: Post-disaster operations in disaster management involve rescue and relief operations.
Reason: Post-disaster operations focus on generating data and spreading awareness about disasters.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the assertion and reason are true. Post-disaster operations do involve rescue and relief operations, including providing aid to affected individuals. However, the reason is also true because post-disaster operations also include activities like generating data, spreading awareness, and assessing the impact of disasters on affected areas.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Define natural hazards.
Ans: Natural hazards refer to naturally occurring events or phenomena that have the potential to cause harm, destruction, or loss of life and property. These include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires, among others.

Q2: Explain the key difference between natural hazards and natural disasters.
Ans: The key difference between natural hazards and natural disasters lies in their impact. Natural hazards are the events or phenomena themselves, whereas natural disasters occur when these hazards result in significant damage, destruction, or loss of life. In other words, a natural hazard becomes a natural disaster when it affects vulnerable populations and their infrastructure.

Q3: When and where was the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World developed?
Ans: The Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World was developed in Yokohama, Japan in 1994.

Q4: List one of the resolutions of the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction.
Ans: One of the resolutions of the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction was the establishment of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) from 1990 to 1999.

Q5: What is the primary cause of earthquakes of tectonic origin?
Ans: The primary cause of earthquakes of tectonic origin is the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. When these plates collide, slide past each other, or separate, it leads to the release of energy in the form of seismic waves, causing an earthquake.

Q6: Name one state that is in the "Very high damage risk zone" for earthquakes in India.
Ans: Uttarakhand is one state in India that is in the "Very high damage risk zone" for earthquakes.

Q7: What is the primary cause of tsunamis?
Ans: The primary cause of tsunamis is usually an undersea earthquake or a volcanic eruption that displaces a large volume of water. The sudden movement of the Earth's crust leads to the generation of powerful ocean waves, which propagate across the ocean and can cause devastating coastal inundation upon reaching land.

Q8: What is the primary factor that energizes a tropical cyclone?
Ans: The primary factor that energizes a tropical cyclone is the release of latent heat from warm, moist air rising from the ocean's surface. As the warm air ascends, it cools and condenses, releasing energy and fueling the cyclone's intensification.

Q9: Explain the concept of meteorological drought.
Ans: Meteorological drought refers to a prolonged period of below-average precipitation or a deficit in rainfall compared to the long-term climatic average for a specific region. It focuses on the deviation from normal weather patterns and does not directly consider the impact on water supply or agriculture.

Q10: Name one region in India identified as an "Extreme Drought Affected Area."
Ans: Marathwada, located in the state of Maharashtra, is one region in India that has been identified as an "Extreme Drought Affected Area."

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the Yokohama Strategy's approach to disaster reduction.
Ans: The Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World is a global framework that aims to reduce the impact of disasters. It emphasizes the importance of disaster prevention, preparedness, and mitigation. The strategy focuses on developing policies, plans, and mechanisms to enhance the resilience of communities and nations to various hazards. It promotes the integration of disaster risk reduction into development planning and emphasizes the involvement of all stakeholders, including governments, communities, NGOs, and the private sector.

Q2: Explain the factors contributing to the vulnerability of India to earthquakes.
Ans: India is vulnerable to earthquakes due to several factors. First, it is located in a seismically active region where several tectonic plates meet, including the Indian Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Arabian Plate. The collision and movement of these plates result in frequent seismic activity. Second, India has a large population density, with many people living in densely populated urban areas and inadequate infrastructure, making them more susceptible to the impact of earthquakes. Additionally, poor construction practices, lack of awareness, and inadequate enforcement of building codes further increase vulnerability to earthquakes in India.

Q3: Discuss the characteristics and consequences of tsunamis.
Ans: Tsunamis are large ocean waves usually triggered by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. They can travel across the ocean at high speeds and have long wavelengths. When they reach shallow water near the coast, their height increases dramatically, resulting in devastating impacts. Tsunamis can cause extensive damage to coastal areas, including the destruction of buildings, infrastructure, and vegetation. They can also lead to loss of life and have long-term social, economic, and environmental consequences for affected regions.

Q4: What are the different types of droughts, and how do they affect regions differently?
Ans: There are four main types of droughts: meteorological drought, agricultural drought, hydrological drought, and socioeconomic drought.
Meteorological drought occurs when there is a prolonged period of significantly below-average precipitation. It affects regions by reducing water availability, impacting agriculture, and increasing the risk of wildfires.
Agricultural drought refers to a situation where soil moisture is significantly depleted, adversely affecting crop growth and yield. It can lead to crop failures, food shortages, and economic losses in agricultural-dependent regions.
Hydrological drought occurs when water supply in streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources is significantly reduced. This affects water availability for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes, leading to water scarcity and potential conflicts.
Socioeconomic drought is related to the impact of water scarcity on the overall socioeconomic well-being of a region. It affects livelihoods, employment, and the overall economy, particularly in water-dependent sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The severity and impacts of drought vary depending on the region's climate, water resources, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors.

Q5: Identify the major vulnerability zones for landslides in India.
Ans: India has several major vulnerability zones for landslides.
These include:

• The Himalayan region: The steep slopes and fragile geological formations in the Himalayas make it highly prone to landslides. States like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir are particularly vulnerable.
• Western Ghats: The Western Ghats, especially the hilly regions of Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, are prone to landslides due to heavy rainfall, deforestation, and haphazard construction on slopes.
• Northeastern states: The states of Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast are susceptible to landslides due to their hilly terrain, intense rainfall, and fragile geological formations.
• Coastal areas: Coastal regions like Konkan and Malabar are prone to landslides due to their hilly topography, heavy rainfall, and soil erosion.
  
  

Q6: What are the three stages involved in disaster mitigation and management?
Ans: The three stages involved in disaster mitigation and management are:

• Preparedness: This stage involves activities aimed at increasing the readiness of communities and institutions to respond to disasters. It includes developing emergency response plans, conducting drills and exercises, establishing early warning systems, and educating the public about disaster risks and response measures.
• Response: This stage focuses on the immediate actions taken during and after a disaster to save lives, provide emergency assistance, and alleviate suffering. It involves mobilizing emergency services, conducting search and rescue operations, providing medical aid, and distributing relief supplies.
• Recovery: This stage involves the long-term process of rebuilding and restoring affected communities and infrastructure. It includes activities such as repairing damaged infrastructure, providing housing and livelihood support to affected individuals, restoring essential services, and implementing measures to reduce future vulnerabilities.
  
  

Q7: Discuss the causes of floods and the regions in India prone to floods.
Ans: Floods in India can be caused by various factors, including:

• Heavy rainfall: Intense and prolonged rainfall can lead to the overflowing of rivers, inadequate drainage, and saturation of the ground, causing floods.
• Cyclones and tropical storms: Coastal regions are prone to flooding due to the storm surges associated with cyclones and tropical storms.
• Melting of snow and ice: In regions with high-altitude mountain ranges, the melting of snow and ice during the warmer months can lead to increased water flow in rivers and cause flooding downstream.
• Dam failure or breach: The failure or breach of dams and reservoirs can result in the sudden release of large volumes of water, causing floods downstream.

Regions in India prone to floods include the Gangetic plains, which are frequently affected by river floods due to heavy monsoon rains and the overflowing of rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra. Coastal states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh are also prone to floods due to cyclonic activities. Additionally, states like Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh are prone to both river floods and flash floods due to their topography and heavy rainfall patterns.

Q8: How can landslides be mitigated and managed effectively?
Ans: Landslides can be mitigated and managed effectively through various measures, including:

• Slope stabilization: Engineering techniques such as terracing, retaining walls, and slope reinforcement can be used to stabilize slopes and prevent landslides.
• Afforestation and vegetation cover: Planting trees and vegetation on slopes helps to bind the soil, reduce erosion, and increase slope stability.
• Drainage systems: Proper drainage systems, including surface drains, subsurface drains, and culverts, can help divert water away from slopes and prevent saturation, which can trigger landslides.
• Land-use planning: Implementing appropriate land-use planning measures can help restrict construction and development in high-risk landslide areas, reducing vulnerability.
• Early warning systems: Establishing early warning systems that can detect signs of slope instability and trigger timely evacuation can save lives and minimize damage.
• Public awareness and education: Educating communities about the risks of landslides, promoting safe construction practices, and providing training on emergency preparedness and response can enhance resilience and reduce the impact of landslides.

These measures should be implemented in a holistic and integrated manner, considering the specific geological, environmental, and socio-economic factors of the affected areas.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Provide a detailed explanation of the Yokohama Strategy and its key principles for creating a safer world.
Ans: The Yokohama Strategy, also known as the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World, was adopted in 1994 at the second United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction held in Yokohama, Japan. It serves as a comprehensive framework for disaster risk reduction and aims to create a safer world by minimizing the impacts of natural and human-induced disasters.
The key principles of the Yokohama Strategy include:

• Awareness and understanding: This principle emphasizes the need to raise awareness and understanding of disaster risks, their causes, and potential impacts among governments, communities, and individuals. It promotes the dissemination of information and education on disaster risk reduction.
• Prevention and mitigation: The strategy highlights the importance of prevention and mitigation measures to reduce the vulnerability of communities and societies to disasters. It encourages the development and implementation of policies, regulations, and technologies that can minimize the risks and impacts of disasters.
• Preparedness: This principle focuses on enhancing the preparedness of communities and governments to effectively respond to disasters. It emphasizes the importance of early warning systems, emergency response plans, and capacity-building initiatives to improve disaster response and recovery.
• Risk management: The Yokohama Strategy emphasizes the need for integrated and coordinated approaches to disaster risk management. It promotes the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, in identifying and addressing disaster risks.
• Resilience and reconstruction: This principle highlights the importance of building resilient communities and promoting sustainable reconstruction after disasters. It emphasizes the need to incorporate disaster risk reduction into development planning and ensure that reconstruction efforts are resilient to future hazards.

Overall, the Yokohama Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for disaster risk reduction, focusing on raising awareness, prevention, preparedness, risk management, and resilience. By implementing its principles, countries can work towards creating a safer world with reduced disaster risks and increased resilience to future hazards.

Q2: Describe the causes and socio-environmental consequences of earthquakes, with a focus on the Indian context.
Ans: Earthquakes are natural phenomena that occur due to the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, leading to seismic waves. In the Indian context, earthquakes are primarily caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision has resulted in the formation of the Himalayan mountain range, which is seismically active.
The main causes of earthquakes in India include:

• Plate tectonics: The Indian plate is moving northward and colliding with the Eurasian plate, resulting in the buildup of stress along the plate boundaries. When this stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, it is released in the form of an earthquake.
• Fault lines: India has several major fault lines, including the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), Main Central Thrust (MCT), and Main Frontal Thrust (MFT). These fault lines are zones of high seismic activity and are prone to earthquakes.
• Subduction zones: The northeastern region of India is located at the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Here, the Indian plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian plate, leading to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range and causing frequent earthquakes.

The socio-environmental consequences of earthquakes in India can be significant. They include:

• Loss of life and injury: Earthquakes can result in the loss of human lives and cause injuries to individuals. The extent of casualties depends on the magnitude of the earthquake, population density, and preparedness of the affected areas.
• Damage to infrastructure: Earthquakes can cause severe damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. This can disrupt transportation, communication, and other essential services, leading to economic losses and hindering rescue and relief operations.
• Displacement and homelessness: Earthquakes can displace people from their homes, leading to temporary or long-term homelessness. Displaced individuals may require shelter, food, water, and other basic necessities.
• Environmental impacts: Earthquakes can trigger landslides, soil liquefaction, and tsunamis, which can have significant environmental consequences. Landslides can damage ecosystems and block rivers, leading to flooding and further environmental degradation.

To mitigate the impact of earthquakes in India, several measures can be taken. These include:

• Strengthening building codes: Implementing and enforcing strict building codes can ensure that structures are designed and constructed to withstand seismic forces.
• Early warning systems: Developing and implementing early warning systems can provide valuable seconds to minutes of advance notice before an earthquake strikes, allowing people to take protective actions.
• Public awareness and education: Raising awareness among the public about earthquake risks, preparedness, and response measures can help reduce casualties and promote safer behaviors during earthquakes.
• Infrastructure resilience: Ensuring that critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and lifeline facilities, are designed and maintained to be resilient to earthquakes can minimize damage and enable swift recovery.

By addressing the causes of earthquakes, understanding their socio-environmental consequences, and implementing appropriate mitigation measures, India can enhance its resilience to seismic events and reduce the impact on its population and infrastructure.

Q3: Explain the factors contributing to the vulnerability of India to tropical cyclones. How can India prepare for and mitigate the impact of these cyclones?
Ans: India is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones due to a combination of geographical, meteorological, and socioeconomic factors. These factors contribute to the frequency and intensity of cyclones in the region. To prepare for and mitigate the impact of these cyclones, India can adopt various measures.
Factors contributing to the vulnerability of India to tropical cyclones include:

• Geographical location: India is surrounded by water bodies, including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which provide favorable conditions for the formation and intensification of tropical cyclones.
• Warm sea surface temperatures: Tropical cyclones require warm sea surface temperatures to form and strengthen. The Indian Ocean has high temperatures, particularly in the Bay of Bengal, which provides a conducive environment for cyclone development.
• Monsoon systems: The Indian subcontinent experiences monsoon systems, which bring heavy rainfall and create favorable conditions for the formation of cyclones. The interaction of monsoon systems with tropical cyclones can lead to intense rainfall and flooding.
• Coastal population density: India has a high population density along its coastal regions, particularly in states like Odisha, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. This increases the vulnerability of communities to the impacts of cyclones, including storm surges, strong winds, and flooding.

To prepare for and mitigate the impact of tropical cyclones, India can adopt the following measures:

• Early warning systems: Developing and implementing robust early warning systems can provide timely information about approaching cyclones, enabling communities to evacuate and take necessary precautions.
• Cyclone shelters and infrastructure: Constructing cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal areas and ensuring the availability of adequate infrastructure, such as embankments, sea walls, and drainage systems, can provide protection and minimize damage.
• Community preparedness: Educating coastal communities about cyclone risks, evacuation procedures, and emergency preparedness can enhance their ability to respond effectively during cyclone events.
• Improving forecasting and tracking: Enhancing meteorological capabilities and investing in advanced technologies for cyclone forecasting and tracking can improve the accuracy of predictions and enable timely response and preparedness measures.
• Afforestation and coastal ecosystem conservation: Protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs, can act as natural barriers against storm surges and reduce the impact of cyclones on coastal communities.
• Building resilient infrastructure: Ensuring that critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and communication networks, are designed and constructed to withstand cyclone hazards can minimize damage and facilitate post-cyclone recovery.

By addressing the contributing factors to vulnerability and implementing preparedness and mitigation measures, India can reduce the impact of tropical cyclones and protect its coastal communities and infrastructure.

Q4: Discuss the effects of droughts in India, the types of drought-prone areas, and strategies for drought mitigation and management.
Ans: Droughts are recurring natural disasters in India that have significant socio-economic and environmental impacts. Droughts occur when there is a prolonged period of inadequate precipitation, resulting in water scarcity and affecting various sectors, including agriculture, water supply, and livelihoods.
Effects of droughts in India:

• Agricultural impacts: Droughts can lead to crop failures, reduced crop yields, and livestock losses. This can result in food shortages, increased food prices, and economic hardships for farmers and rural communities.
• Water scarcity: Droughts cause a depletion of water resources, including surface water and groundwater. This can lead to reduced availability of drinking water, irrigation water, and water for industrial purposes, affecting both urban and rural areas.
• Livelihood disruptions: Droughts can cause job losses and income reductions, particularly in agriculture-dependent sectors. This can lead to migration, poverty, and social unrest in affected regions.
• Environmental degradation: Droughts can exacerbate environmental problems, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Reduced water availability can also affect ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

India has several drought-prone areas, including:

• Northwestern and western regions: States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra are prone to drought due to low rainfall and arid climatic conditions.
• Central and southern regions: States like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka experience droughts due to erratic rainfall patterns and water scarcity.

Strategies for drought mitigation and management in India include:

• Water conservation and management: Implementing measures like rainwater harvesting, construction of small-scale water reservoirs, and efficient irrigation practices can help conserve and manage water resources during droughts.
• Drought-resistant crops and agricultural practices: Promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant crop varieties and adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and organic farming, can reduce the impact of droughts on agriculture.
• Diversification of livelihoods: Encouraging the diversification of livelihoods through the promotion of alternative income-generating activities, such as livestock rearing, fisheries, and non-farm enterprises, can reduce dependency on rain-fed agriculture and mitigate the impact of droughts.
• Early warning systems: Developing and strengthening early warning systems for droughts can help in timely response and preparedness, enabling farmers and communities to take appropriate actions to minimize the impact.
• Social safety nets: Implementing social safety net programs, such as providing subsidies, insurance schemes, and direct financial assistance to affected farmers and vulnerable communities, can help mitigate the economic and social impacts of droughts.
• Research and technology: Investing in research and development of drought-resistant crop varieties, climate-resilient farming practices, and innovative water management technologies can contribute to long-term drought mitigation and management.

By implementing these strategies, India can better manage and mitigate the impacts of droughts, protect vulnerable communities and livelihoods, and ensure sustainable water and agricultural systems.