Short & Long Questions: Natural Disasters | Be an Explorer 5: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets - Class 5 PDF Download

Short Answer Questions.

Q1: What is a Natural Disaster?
Ans: A Natural Disaster is an event caused by the imbalance of nature that leads to widespread destruction, loss of life, and property damage. Examples include earthquakes, floods, cyclones, volcanic eruptions, droughts, landslides, forest fires, and avalanches.

Q2: Define Earthquake.
Ans: An earthquake is the sudden vibration or movement of the Earth's surface caused by disturbances beneath the Earth's surface. It can result in severe damage, especially in areas close to the epicenter.

Q3: How is the magnitude of an earthquake measured?
Ans: The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter Scale using a seismograph. The Richter Scale quantifies the tremor's size, with higher values indicating more severe earthquakes.

Q4: List three precautions to take during an earthquake.
Ans:

• Take shelter under a strong table or bed.
• Move out of buildings and go to an open area.
• Avoid using elevators; use the staircase instead.

Q5: What is a Tsunami, and how does it occur?
Ans: A Tsunami is a series of ocean waves with extremely long wavelengths and high energy. It occurs when an earthquake displaces large volumes of sea water, creating powerful tidal waves.

Q6: What causes floods, and how can they be prevented?
Ans: Floods are often caused by excessive rainfall, leading rivers to rise. To prevent floods, measures include creating channels for water drainage, building safe shelters, and afforestation to control water levels.

Q7: What is drought, and how can it be mitigated?
Ans: Drought is a prolonged period of dryness with little rainfall. Mitigation measures include avoiding deforestation, encouraging afforestation, practicing rainwater harvesting, and cultivating drought-resistant plants and crops.

Q8: Explain how cyclones form and mention one precaution during a cyclone.
Ans: Cyclones form from violent storms with heavy rain and strong winds. A precaution during a cyclone is to go to a safe and high ground, listen to government warnings, and secure the home.

Q9: What is a landslide, and what triggers it?
Ans: A landslide occurs when heavy rainfall or earthquakes cause cracks in rocks, leading to the rapid movement of land down a slope or mountainside.

Q10: Describe a forest fire and its consequences.
Ans: A forest fire is an uncontrolled fire in wild forests. It causes loss of lives, property, and extensive damage, often taking a long time to extinguish and spreading over vast areas.

Long Answer Questions.

Q1: Explain the process of measuring earthquakes using the Richter Scale.
Ans: The Richter Scale measures earthquake magnitude using a seismograph. It quantifies the size of the tremor, with higher values indicating more severe earthquakes. The scale helps assess the impact and potential damage caused by earthquakes.

Q2: Describe the origin of earthquakes and the role of tectonic plates.
Ans: Earthquakes originate from the disturbance of tectonic plates, the Earth's solid rock crust. When these plates are disturbed at their joints, it results in sudden vibrations or movements, causing earthquakes. Areas near the epicenter suffer the most damage.

Q3: Discuss the causes and preventive measures for floods.
Ans: Floods are often caused by excessive rainfall, leading to rising river waters. Preventive measures include creating drainage channels, building safe shelters, and afforestation to control water levels. These steps help mitigate the impact of floods on surrounding areas.

Q4: Explain the consequences of a Tsunami and one historical event involving a Tsunami.
Ans: A Tsunami can cause massive destruction on coastal areas with its powerful tidal waves. On December 26, 2004, a Tsunami originating from the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, struck parts of India, including Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, causing significant damage and loss of life.

Q5: Discuss the effects of drought and measures to prevent it.
Ans: Drought leads to a prolonged period of dryness, impacting water and food supply. Preventive measures include avoiding deforestation, encouraging afforestation, practicing rainwater harvesting, cultivating drought-resistant plants, and conserving water resources.

Q6: Describe the formation and consequences of cyclones.
Ans: Cyclones are violent storms with heavy rain and strong winds. They cause extensive damage to life and property, especially in coastal regions. Precautions during a cyclone include moving to safe and high ground, listening to government warnings, and securing homes.

Q7: Explain the process of a landslide and its aftermath.
Ans: Landslides occur due to heavy rainfall or earthquakes, causing cracks in rocks and leading to the rapid movement of land down a slope or mountainside. The aftermath includes destruction of buildings and potential harm to lives and farm animals.

Q8: Discuss the causes and consequences of forest fires.
Ans: Forest fires, or wild fires, are uncontrolled fires in wild forests. They cause loss of lives, property, and extensive damage, sometimes spreading over vast areas. Immediate action and resources are required to extinguish these fires.

Q9: Explain the phenomenon of avalanches and their characteristics.
Ans: Avalanches are masses of snow, ice, and rocks that rapidly descend down a mountainside. They can cause significant damage to structures and pose threats to lives. Avalanches are triggered by factors such as sudden melting of snow, the collapse of a dam, or other disturbances.

Q10: Describe the importance of afforestation and rainwater harvesting in preventing natural disasters.
Ans: Afforestation helps in preventing natural disasters by stabilizing soil, controlling water levels, and reducing the risk of landslides and floods. Rainwater harvesting conserves water resources, mitigating the impact of droughts and ensuring a sustainable water supply during dry periods.