Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.
1. What do you mean by “faults” in the context of Plate Tectonics? Discuss its types, significance and implications for India. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question
Data from an oil and gas exploration company has now helped geologists discover a series of faults at the foot of the Himalaya. The international team notes that this fault system in the southeastern region of Nepal has the potential to cause earthquakes in the densely populated country.
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to explain in detail the faults, its types, significance in the context of Plate Tectonics. One must also discuss the positive and negative implications of the same for India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
Define the term faults.
A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock. Faults allow the blocks to move relative to each other. This movement may occur rapidly, in the form of an earthquake – or may occur slowly, in the form of creep. Previously unknown faults at the foot of the Himalaya discovered.
Body-
Discuss in points the various types of faults.
- Three kinds of faults: Strike-slip, Normal fault and Thrust (reverse) faults.
Now explain the significance of faults and the process in Plate Tectonics.
Finally, explain the positive and negative implications of the same.
Conclusion:
Give a way forward with how we can be earthquake prepared as most of the Himalayan region is in seismic Zone 5.
