2016 · Q14
With reference to earthquakes, which of the following statements are correct?
- 1Earthquakes largely occur along the converging plate boundaries.
- 2Point of origin of earthquake in lithosphere is known as focus/hypocentre.
- 3Intensity of earthquake decreases with distance from the epicentre.
- 4Epicentre of earthquake always remains over continents only.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
General KnowledgeGeography
- A1 and 2 only
- B1, 2 and 3
- C2 and 3 only
- D1 and 4
Explanation
Most earthquakes occur along converging (subduction-zone) plate boundaries such as the Pacific Ring of Fire (1 true); the focus or hypocentre is the point of origin within the lithosphere (2 true); and seismic intensity attenuates with distance from the epicentre (3 true). Statement 4 is false because epicentres occur beneath oceans too — e.g., the 2004 Sumatra earthquake. So 1, 2 and 3 are correct.