Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
1. What is an avalanche? Examine the natural and anthropogenic causes of an avalanche. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India , Down to Earth
Why the question:
Seven people were killed while 20 others have been rescued after five or six vehicles along with 20-30 tourists were hit by an avalanche near Nathu La in East Sikkim on Tuesday morning. Search and rescue efforts were called off after another avalanche at the same location.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about avalanche, its natural and anthropogenic causes.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining avalanche.
Body:
First, write about the natural causes of an avalanche – snowfall, wind, temperature changes, and earthquakes etc.
Next, write about the anthropogenic causes of an avalanche – human activity, explosives, land use, and climate change etc.
Next, write about the measures avalanche mitigation.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
