Which of the following regions of India is most susceptible to earthquakes due to its tectonic activity and convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Himalayan Belt.
Explanation:
☛ The Himalayan Belt is one of the most seismically active regions in the world due to the ongoing continent-to-continent collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
☛ The Indian Plate continues to move northward and subduct beneath the Eurasian Plate at a rate of approximately 4 to 5 cm per year, leading to immense accumulation of tectonic stress.
☛ The release of this accumulated strain along major fault systems (such as the Main Central Thrust and Main Boundary Thrust) causes frequent and powerful earthquakes.
☛ Consequently, most of the Himalayan region is classified under Seismic Zone V and Zone IV, representing the highest risk of earthquake hazard in India.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Seismic Zoning in India: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) classifies India into four seismic zones: Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V (Zone I was merged into Zone II).
☛ Deccan Plateau: It is part of the ancient, rigid Peninsular Shield and is generally considered tectonically stable (mostly falling in Zone II and Zone III), though intraplate earthquakes occurred at Koyna (1967) and Latur (1993).
☛ Indo-Gangetic Plain: Lies mostly in Zone III and Zone IV; its thick layers of alluvium tend to amplify ground motion during major Himalayan earthquakes.
☛ Eastern Ghats: An ancient, eroded relict mountain range exhibiting very low tectonic activity, primarily categorized under Zone II.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which instrument is used to detect and record seismic waves produced by earthquakes? → Seismograph
☛ The point located on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake focus is known as? → Epicentre
☛ Which scale measures the intensity of an earthquake based on observed damage? → Mercalli Scale
☛ Which seismic zone represents the highest seismicity and risk level in India? → Seismic Zone V
☛ What type of plate boundary is formed by the collision of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate? → Convergent Boundary