UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Tests  >  Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - UPSC MCQ

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - UPSC MCQ


Test Description

20 Questions MCQ Test - Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters questions and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus.The Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters MCQs are made for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters below.
Solutions of Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters questions in English are available as part of our course for UPSC & Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters 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: Natural Hazards & Disasters | 20 questions in 30 minutes | Mock test for UPSC preparation | Free important questions MCQ to study for UPSC Exam | Download free PDF with solutions
Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 1

Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): Volcanoes are not likely to be found in the regions of the earthquake.

Reason (R): Earthquakes are induced by seismic activity; volcanoes do not require seismic activity.

In the context of the above, which of these is correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 1
  • The world's distribution of earthquakes coincides very closely with that of volcanoes. Regions of great seismicity such as a circum-Pacific ring of fire arc also regions of major volcanic eruptions. Many processes in and around volcanoes can generate earthquakes. Most of the time, these processes are faulting and fracturing that does not lead to an eruption.

  • Also, earthquake activity beneath a volcano almost always increases before an eruption because magma and volcanic gas must first force their way up through shallow underground fractures and passageways. When magma and volcanic gases or fluids move, they will either cause rocks to break or cracks to vibrate. So, both statements are incorrect.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 2

Consider the following statements:

1. These volcanoes are characterised by eruptions of cooler and more viscous lavas than basalt.

2. These volcanoes often result in explosive eruptions.

3. Along with lava, large quantities of pyroclastic material and ashes find their way to the ground.

The above characters best describe which of the following type of volcanoes?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 2
  • Composite volcanoes are characterised by eruptions of cooler and more viscous lavas than basalt. These volcanoes often result in explosive eruptions.

  • Along with lava, large quantities of pyroclastic material and ashes find their way to the ground. This material accumulates in the vicinity of the vent openings leading to the formation of layers, and this makes the mounts appear as composite volcanoes.

1 Crore+ students have signed up on EduRev. Have you? Download the App
Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 3

Regarding properties of lava, consider the following statements:

1. Basic lavas are the hottest lavas and are highly fluid.

2. When Basic lava flows from a volcano, it is very explosive.

3. Acid lavas arc highly viscous and cause less explosive volcanoes.

4. Acid lava is also called as felsic lava.

Which of the above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 3
Highly fluid ones are less viscous, hence are less explosive while the acidic ones arc explosive due to high viscosity.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 4

Consider the following intrusive forms of lava:

1. Laccoliths - A large body of magmatic material that cools in the deeper depth of the crust develops in the form of large domes.

2. Batholiths - These are large dome-shaped intrusive bodies with a level base and connected by a pipe-like conduit from below.

Which of the above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 4
  • Batholiths: Large dome-like structures are developed when a large body of magmatic material is cooled in the deeper depth of the crust. They cover large areas. Sometimes, these granitic bodies assume depth that may be several kilometres. A cooled portion of the magma chambers is known as batholiths.

  • Laccoliths: Large dome-shaped intrusive bodies with a level base that are connected by a pipe-like channel arising from below arc known as laccoliths. It is similar to the surface volcanic domes of the composite volcano that are located at deeper depths. The domal hills of granite rocks are spotted in the plateau of Karnataka. Though now exfoliated, most of these are examples of laccoliths or batholiths.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 5

‘Hot Spots’ within the Earth help produce Geothermal Energy. What are these ‘Hot Spots’?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 5
  • When the water of the spring is at temperatures substantially higher than the air temperature of the surrounding area, it is called as hot spring or thermal spring.

  • In most hot springs, groundwater heated by shallow intrusions of magma (molten rock) in volcanic areas is discharged. But some thermal springs are not connected to volcanic activity. In such cases, convective circulation plays a role, by heating the water.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 6

Consider the following statements about Mount Aso:

1. It was an active volcano a few decades back, but is an inactive volcano now.

2. It is located in Japan.

3. The explosions in Mount Aso are of very low intensity (if any).

Choose the correct answer using the codes below:

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 6
  • Mount Aso, a volcano in southern Japan, has erupted. It is the first such eruption in 22 years, causing flight cancellations and prompting warnings to stay away from its crater.

  • This eruption has spewed out lava debris and smoke, shooting plumes of ash a kilometre into the sky.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 7

Regarding Galapagos Islands, consider the following statements:

1. These islands are volcanic in origin and were never attached to any continent.

2. The stark rocky islands, many with few plants in these islands, made it necessary for many species to adapt to survive here and by doing so evolving into new endemic.

3. Galapagos were instrumental in developing Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

Which of the above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 7
  • Galapagos Islands are formed due to hotspot activity. The Galapagos Islands are located off the west coast of South America straddling the equator. It belongs to Ecuador.

  • The Galapagos are located at the confluence of several currents including the cold Humboldt Current travelling north from South America and the Panama Current travelling south from Central America making the islands cooler than you would think and providing the perfect environment for the unique mix of wildlife that inhabits the islands.

  • Galapagos were instrumental in developing Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 8

Regarding the distribution of volcanoes around the world, consider the following statements:

1. The Atlantic coasts have many active volcanoes.

2. The Pacific Ocean has the highest number of active volcanoes in its coasts thanks to folded and faulted Landforms.

Which of the above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 8
  • Atlantic coasts have very few volcanoes and that too dormant ones.

  • The Pacific Ocean has many volcanoes due to its activeness in volcanic eruptions called the Ring of Fire.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 9

The ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ is a chain of volcanoes and includes locations from

1. New Zealand

2. Alaska

3. Pacific islands of Solomon

Which of the above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 9
  • The Ring of Fire stretches from the southern tip of South America, up along the coast of North America, across the Bering Strait, down through Japan, and into New Zealand. Sri Lanka lies outside the ring.

  • The southern portion is more complex, with several smaller tectonic plates in collision with the Pacific plate from the Mariana Islands, the Philippines, Bougainville, Tonga etc.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 10

Consider the following geological locations:

1. Coastal mountain ranges

2. Off-shore islands

3. Midst of Deep Ocean beds

Which of the above are likely for the occurrence of volcanoes?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 10
Mid-Atlantic ridges, hot spots and plate boundaries are major sources for volcanoes.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 11

Normally, Earthquakes cause irreparable damage to life and property. What are the immediate hazardous effects of Earthquake?

1. Ground Shaking

2. Soil Liquefaction

3. Fires

4. Avalanches

5. Tsunami

Which of the above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 11

Earthquake is a natural hazard. The following are the immediate hazardous effects of earthquake

Immediate Hazardous Effects of Earthquake

Earthquakes can cause devastating damage to infrastructure, significantly impact human life, and lead to catastrophic environmental consequences. The immediate hazardous effects of an earthquake include:

- Ground Shaking
- The most direct and immediate effect of an earthquake is ground shaking. This is caused by the passage of seismic waves through the ground, and it can lead to the collapse of buildings and other structures, landslides, and ground rupture.

- Soil Liquefaction
- Soil liquefaction occurs when the strength and stiffness of a soil are reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading. Liquefaction can cause buildings to tilt, sink, or collapse due to the loss of support.

- Fires
- Earthquakes can lead to fires due to gas line breaks, electrical shorts, or the spilling of flammable materials. These fires can be especially destructive and difficult to control, especially if the earthquake has damaged water supply systems.

- Avalanches
- In mountainous regions, earthquakes can trigger avalanches and landslides, burying communities and blocking roads and rescue routes. The displacement of large amounts of snow or debris can cause additional damage and loss of life.

- Tsunami
- Undersea earthquakes can displace a large volume of water, generating tsunamis. These high-energy waves can travel across ocean basins and cause extensive damage to coastal communities, including flooding, destruction of property, and loss of life.

Conclusion

Each of these effects can significantly exacerbate the immediate impact of an earthquake, leading to a complex disaster scenario that requires a multifaceted response effort. Understanding these hazards is crucial for preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in earthquake-prone regions.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 12

Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): Shallow-focus earthquakes occur along transform boundaries.

Reason (R): Transform faults are found where plates slide past one another.

In the context of the above, which of these is correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 12
  • Most earthquakes occur at the boundaries where the plates meet. The locations of earthquakes and the kinds of ruptures they produce help scientists define the plate boundaries.

  • There are three types of plate boundaries: spreading zones, transform faults and subduction zones. Transform Plate Boundaries are locations where two plates slide past one another. The fracture zone that forms a transform plate boundary is known as a transform fault. Most transform faults are found in the ocean basin and connect offsets in the mid-ocean ridges.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 13

Most volcanoes and earthquakes in the world arc located at

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 13
  • Plate margins witness several plate collisions, sliding, transformation etc that result in volcanism or earthquakes.

  • Most of them are found in the Ring of Fire Some earthquakes also occur within the plates but not as frequently as on the plate margins.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 14

Consider the following statements about earthquakes:

1. The point where the energy is released is called the epicentre.

2. The point on the surface, nearest to the epicentre, is called hypocentre.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 14
  • The point where the energy is released is called the focus.

  • The point on the surface, nearest to the focus, is called the epicentre.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 15

Earthquakes are most prone to occur in areas where

1. There are active volcanoes.

2. There are large reservoirs.

3. There are tectonic fault planes.

Choose the correct answer using the codes below:

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 15

The correct answer is:

      (D).   1 and 3 only

Earthquakes are most prone to occur in areas where there are active volcanoes and tectonic fault planes. While large reservoirs can induce seismic activity in some cases, they are not a primary factor in earthquake occurrence.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 16

Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:

(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.

(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 16
  • The first kind of body wave is the P wave or primary wave. This is the fastest kind of seismic wave, and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station. The P wave can move through solid rock and fluids, like water or the liquid layers of the Earth.

  • The second type of body wave is the S wave or secondary wave, which is the second wave you feel in an earthquake. An S wave is slower than a P wave and can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 17

Consider the following statements concerning earthquake waves:

1. Body waves are generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions travelling through the body of the Earth.

2. The body waves interact with the surface rocks and generate a new set of waves called surface waves.

3. The denser the material, the lower is the velocity of these waves.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 17
  • The two types of earthquakes are body waves and surface waves. Waves that are generated from the release of energy at the focus travel through the body by moving in all directions. Hence, it is named body waves.

  • Interaction between body waves and the rock’s surface generates a new set of waves. This is called surface waves. These waves move along the surface. Because these waves travel through materials that have different densities, the velocity changes.

  • The density of the material is directly proportional to the velocity, that is, if the material is denser, the velocity is higher. There is a change in direction of the waves when they get reflected or refracted by materials with different densities.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 18

Earthquakes occur at

1. Divergent plate boundaries.

2. Ocean-ocean convergent plate boundaries.

3. Ocean-continent plate boundaries.

4. Transform boundaries.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 18
  • The boundaries where the plates meet experience most earthquakes. Locations of earthquakes and the kinds of ruptures they produce serve as a great source of information to scientists to define the plate boundaries. The three types of plate boundaries are spreading zones, transform faults and subduction zones. At spreading zones, molten rock rises, which pushes two plates apart and adds new material at their corners.

  • Divergent boundaries are those at which crustal plates move away from each other, such as at mid-oceanic ridges.

  • The formation of a new ocean crust that is pushed away from both sides of the ridge fault creates a tension setting that results in the formation of the graben. Earthquakes arc located along the normal faults that form the sides of the rift or beneath the floor of the rift.

  • Transform faults are found where plates slide past one another. Shallow-focus earthquakes occur along transform boundaries where two plates move past each other.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 19

Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): Shallow-focus earthquakes may occur along transform boundaries.

Reason (R): Significant energy may be released where crustal plates slide past one another.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 19
There are three types of plate boundaries: spreading zones, transform faults and subduction zones.

• Earthquakes are located along the normal faults that form the sides of the rift or beneath the floor of the rift.

• However, transform faults are found where plates slide past one another. Shallow-focus earthquakes occur along transform boundaries where two plates move past each other.

Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 20

Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): The structure of Earth can be understood by observing the passage of earthquake waves through different layers of earth.

Reason (R): Some type of earthquake waves do not travel through liquid material in Earth’s layers.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters - Question 20
  • There are two types of body waves generated during an earthquake. They are called P- and S-waves.

  • An important fact about S-waves is that they can travel only through solid materials. This characteristic of the S-waves is quite important as it has helped scientists to understand the structure of the interior of the Earth.

Information about Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters Page
In this test you can find the Exam questions for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters solved & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving Questions and answers for Test: Natural Hazards & Disasters, EduRev gives you an ample number of Online tests for practice

Top Courses for UPSC

Download as PDF

Top Courses for UPSC