Question 7Discuss, AssessGS1GS1
Discuss the ways in which earthquakes can trigger secondary hazards such as landslides, tsunamis, and liquefaction. Assess the relative risks associated with these hazards and the measures that can be taken to mitigate their impact.
Introduction
Earthquake refers to the sudden release of energy due to pulverisation of rocks, which generates seismic waves.
17 words
Main Body
Secondary impacts of Earthquakes
1Landslides -> especially in hilly & mountainous areas, causes slope de-stabilisation and leads to displacement of rock debris.
2Tsunamis -> caused due to 6.5 magnitude earthquakes, underwater causing vertical displacement of sea water, generating magnanimous waves, as high as 50m.
3Soil liquefaction -> subsidence of rocks due to seismic waves; water saturated soil goes into disequilibrium.
4Ground displacement - movement of surface waves, shakes the foundation of buildings & roads due to ground movement.
5Fires - collapse of grid systems.
6Avalanches - movement of ice debris downslope.
Relative Risks
Earthquakes refer to generation of seismic waves (P & S waves), it is through these secondary hazards that major destruction is caused.
1Landslides -> destruction of forest cover, blockage of streams -> floods, destruction of infrastructure & loss of life.
2Similarly, collapse of buildings etc. leads to death due to debris and suffocation.
3Fires can wipe out habitated areas, forests, agricultural fields.
4Land subsidence can lead to infrastructural collapse. eg: Joshimath subsidence 2022.
Mitigations
1Resilient Infrastructure -> using light construction material, sand-box technology etc. eg: CDRI -> initiative to develop disaster resilient infrastructure.
2Geological assessments of earthquake risks before laying down foundations of buildings.
3Frequent drills & shelter homes in earthquake prone areas.
4Fire proofing, early warning systems etc. in high rise buildings for efficient evacuation.
233 words3 paragraphs
Conclusion
Therefore, Earthquake risks cannot be completely eliminated, but they can be significantly reduced.
13 words
- Clear enumeration of secondary hazards
- Good structure with numbering
Topper
Ritika Chitlangia
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Geography
Geophysical Phenomena
Earthquakes and secondary hazards
Writing Stats
263
Total words
3
Paragraphs
structured, point-wise
Tone