Test: Natural Hazard and Disasters - UGC NET MCQ

Earthquakes are primarily caused by faulting and folding in the Earth's crust. These geological processes lead to a release of accumulated energy in rocks, resulting in the ground shaking or trembling. Faulting occurs when there is a break in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred. Folding, on the other hand, involves the bending of rock layers due to compressional forces. Understanding these processes is crucial in earthquake mitigation strategies, such as following building codes and guidelines for safe construction, and improving building design and construction practices to minimize the impact of seismic events.

The "Low Damage Risk" zone in India includes regions such as Southern Punjab and Haryana, Southern parts of plains of Uttar Pradesh, Eastern Rajasthan, coastal districts of Odisha, Tamil Nadu, etc. This classification indicates areas that are at a lower risk of significant damage from earthquakes compared to zones with higher damage risks. It's crucial for urban planning and disaster preparedness to understand these categorizations to mitigate potential risks effectively.

Regions along the 'Pacific Ring of Fire' are more prone to experiencing tsunamis due to the high levels of tectonic activity and frequent earthquakes in this area. The 'Pacific Ring of Fire' is a horseshoe-shaped zone in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. This heightened tectonic activity increases the likelihood of underwater explosions that can trigger tsunamis, making this region particularly vulnerable to such natural disasters.

The primary purpose of a volcano is to release magma from below the Earth's surface. Volcanoes are landforms that occur at the end of a conduit or pipe rising from beneath the crust and venting to the surface. The liquid magma erupting from a volcano can have various impacts on the surroundings, including damaging human settlements, covering cultivable land with debris, and emitting ash and dust that can be hazardous to health.

The primary characteristic of a cyclone is a rotating storm that revolves around a low-pressure center. Cyclones are known for their swirling winds at high velocities, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and heavy rain. This rotation is what distinguishes cyclones from other weather phenomena.

Planting mangroves along the coast can help in reducing the fury of waves. Mangroves act as natural barriers that can absorb and dissipate wave energy, thus protecting the coast from erosion and reducing the impact of waves during storms. Additionally, mangroves provide important habitats for various marine species and contribute to coastal biodiversity.

The main indicators of a drought event include the drying of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. This occurs due to lower than normal expected rainfall, resulting in insufficient water availability for human needs, agriculture, and ecosystems. Droughts can lead to severe water scarcity, affecting various aspects of life and the environment.

Landslides are a geological hazard characterized by a rapid down-slope movement of rocks, soil, and vegetation, particularly common in mountainous areas during the rainy season. These events are often triggered by the saturation of soil and rocks with water, making them heavier and looser, leading to sudden movements down slopes. Mitigation strategies include techniques of slope stabilization, identifying landslide-prone zones, and maintaining a good tree cover on mountains to reduce the frequency of landslides.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) plays a crucial role in environmental protection and conservation by serving as a specialized body dedicated to expeditiously resolving cases related to environmental issues, including forest conservation. The NGT is equipped with the necessary expertise to handle disputes involving various environmental concerns. Its establishment under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, underscores its importance in addressing multi-disciplinary environmental issues. The NGT is not bound by conventional legal procedures but is guided by principles of natural justice, ensuring a fair and efficient resolution of environmental disputes.

The main objective of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 in India is to ensure rapid and durable recovery after a disaster strikes. This includes activities such as debris clean up, financial assistance to individuals and governments, rebuilding of infrastructure like roads and bridges, and providing essential facilities. By focusing on swift and effective recovery measures, this act aims to help communities return to normal life post-disaster.