Q60. What is a quiet segment of an active fault that may still produce future earthquakes called?
[SSC MTS – 14 Oct 2024, Shift 1 | 2024]
A. Hypocentre
B. Seismic gap
C. Epicentre
D. Seismic wave
Answer: B. Seismic gap
Explanation: A seismic gap is a portion of an active fault with relatively little recent rupture despite a history of earthquake activity. Scientists study such gaps as part of seismic hazard assessment, though the timing of an eventual earthquake cannot be reliably predicted.
Q59. What is the record produced by an earthquake-recording instrument called?
[SSC CGL – 25 Sep 2024 | 2024]
A. Seismograph
B. Seismogram
C. Seismology
D. Seismic wave
Answer: B. Seismogram
Explanation: A seismograph is the recording instrument, whereas a seismogram is the trace showing measured ground motion over time. Seismologists analyse arrival times and amplitudes on these records to estimate earthquake location, depth and magnitude and to study internal structure.
Q58. Tropical cyclones in Australia are conventionally called what?
[SSC CGL – 17 Sep 2024 | 2024]
A. Hurricanes
B. Willy-willies
C. Cyclones
D. Typhoons
Answer: B. Willy-willies
Explanation: The traditional geographical term willy-willies is associated with Australian cyclonic storms. Similar organised tropical storms have different regional names. India uses the term cyclone for intense rotating systems that develop over its adjoining warm ocean basins.
Q57. What name is used for tropical cyclones originating over the South China Sea?
[WBPSC Miscellaneous – 15 Sep 2024 | 2024]
A. Willy-willy
B. Hurricane
C. Typhoon
D. Tornado
Answer: C. Typhoon
Explanation: The northwest Pacific and South China Sea use the name typhoon for tropical cyclones. The same basic storm mechanism is called a hurricane in the Atlantic and a cyclone over the northern Indian Ocean. Nomenclature changes by region, not fundamental physics.
Q56. Match cyclone names with regions:
A. Hurricane B. Willy-willy C. Baguio D. Typhoon;
1. China 2. Philippines 3. Australia 4. USA.
[NDA-II General Ability – 1 Sep 2024 | 2024]
A. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
B. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C. A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
D. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
Answer: A. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Explanation: Different regions apply different local names to tropical cyclones. Hurricanes affect the Atlantic-facing Americas, willy-willies are associated with Australia, baguio with the Philippines and typhoons with East Asia. All may produce heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges.
Q55. Which international body provides global guidance on disaster risk reduction?
[UP Police Constable – 24 Aug 2024 | 2024]
A. UNDRR
B. UNESCO
C. WTO
D. WHO
Answer: A. UNDRR
Explanation: The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction supports implementation of the Sendai Framework and coordination of international risk-reduction efforts. It encourages prevention, resilience, early warning and reduced exposure to hazards. National agencies such as India’s NDMA translate broad principles into policies.
Q54. Consider:
1. Earthquakes occur when accumulated stress overcomes friction along a fault.
2. A smaller earthquake can be labelled a foreshock only after a larger event follows.
Which statements are correct?
[SSC CPO – 29 Jun 2024 | 2024]
A. Both incorrect
B. Only 1 correct
C. Only 2 correct
D. Both correct
Answer: D. Both correct
Explanation: Fault rupture releases stored elastic energy as seismic waves. A smaller quake is retrospectively called a foreshock only if followed by a larger nearby earthquake. Without that later event, it cannot be distinguished reliably from ordinary seismic activity beforehand.
Q53. Which instrument is used to record earthquake-generated ground motion?
[SSC JE Mechanical – 7 Jun 2024 | 2024]
A. Barometer
B. Seismograph
C. Pyrometer
D. Calorimeter
Answer: B. Seismograph
Explanation: Seismographs measure movements produced by seismic waves. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure; pyrometers measure high temperatures; calorimeters measure heat. Seismic instruments operate across India through national observatory networks and support earthquake location and magnitude determination.
Q52. Which measures mitigate landslides?
A. Avoid building in high-risk areas
B. Remove protective vegetation
C. Construct retaining walls
D. Avoid drainage systems.
[SSC JE Civil – 6 Jun 2024 | 2024]
A. B and D only
B. B, C and D
C. A and B
D. A and C
Answer: D. A and C
Explanation: Keeping new settlements away from unstable slopes reduces exposure, while suitable retaining walls support vulnerable cuts. Removing trees weakens natural reinforcement, and failure to provide drainage allows water pressure to build, increasing the likelihood of slope collapse.
Q51. Which part of Gujarat falls in a very-high-damage-risk seismic region?
[RPSC Assistant Professor Geography – 18 May 2024 | 2024]
A. Eastern Gujarat
B. Saurashtra
C. Southern Gujarat
D. Rann of Kutch
Answer: D. Rann of Kutch
Explanation: The Rann of Kutch is seismically active and lies in a high-damage-risk area. The devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake occurred in this tectonically stressed region. Strong construction standards and emergency planning are essential in earthquake-exposed parts of Gujarat.
