Q50. Which statements about tropical cyclones are correct?
1. They form in most tropical oceans except the South Atlantic and eastern South Pacific.
2. North Atlantic cyclones are typhoons.
3. Indian Ocean storms are called cyclones.
[NDA-I General Ability – 21 Apr 2024 | 2024]
A. 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation: North Atlantic storms are called hurricanes, not typhoons. Tropical cyclones form over sufficiently warm tropical seas, while persistent hostile wind patterns discourage them in parts of the South Atlantic. The Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea use the regional name cyclone.
Q49. Which natural calamity results from scarce or irregular rainfall over a prolonged period?
[Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha – 2 Mar 2024 | 2024]
A. Cyclone
B. Earthquake
C. Drought
D. Tsunami
Answer: C. Drought
Explanation: Drought develops when precipitation remains inadequate relative to expected conditions and water demand. Its impacts can spread from crop moisture stress to falling groundwater and economic hardship. Rainwater harvesting and demand management can reduce drought vulnerability in semi-arid India.
Q48. For Cyclone Michaung (2023), judge:
I. Myanmar proposed its name.
II. It was the sixth named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season and fourth in the Bay of Bengal.
[IB ACIO – 18 Jan 2024 | 2024]
A. Only II
B. Both I and II
C. Only I
D. Neither I nor II
Answer: B. Both I and II
Explanation: Myanmar contributed the name Michaung. The Bay of Bengal storm affected Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in December 2023, causing intense rainfall and inundation. Cyclone names and seasonal numbering support communication and historical tracking of severe weather systems.
Q47. When did the tsunami occur that some Andaman Island communities anticipated after observing unusual animal behaviour?
[HTET Primary Teacher – 2024 | 2024]
A. January 2004
B. December 2004
C. December 2010
D. January 2010
Answer: B. December 2004
Explanation: The Indian Ocean tsunami arrived on 26 December 2004 after a major earthquake offshore northern Sumatra. It struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and India’s eastern coastline. Community knowledge may complement preparedness, but scientific tsunami warning systems remain essential.
Q46. Which cyclone struck India’s western coast during 2021?
[MPPSC Prelims – 2024 | 2024]
A. Amphan
B. Tauktae
C. Michaung
D. Fani
Answer: B. Tauktae
Explanation: Cyclone Tauktae intensified over the Arabian Sea in May 2021 and affected western coastal states, including Gujarat. Amphan and Fani affected the Bay of Bengal region in earlier years, while Michaung was a later Bay of Bengal storm.
Q45. Which Japanese term means harbour waves?
[EMRS Hostel Warden – 17 Dec 2023 | 2023]
A. Hurricane
B. Tsunami
C. Typhoon
D. Cyclone
Answer: B. Tsunami
Explanation: Tsunami combines the Japanese words tsu, meaning harbour, and nami, meaning wave. It describes long sea waves generated by sudden water displacement, not ordinary tides. India’s coastal disaster planning was substantially strengthened after the destructive tsunami of 2004.
Q44. Which is Dicken’s formula for estimating peak flood runoff Qp from catchment area A?
[SSC JE Civil – 4 Dec 2023 | 2023]
A. Qp = C × A^(2/3)
B. Qp = C × A^(1/2)
C. Qp = C × A^(3/4)
D. Qp = C × A^(3/5)
Answer: C. Qp = C × A^(3/4)
Explanation: Dicken’s empirical flood formula estimates peak discharge using drainage-basin area raised to the power three-fourths. Its coefficient varies with regional conditions. This traditional hydrological method has been applied to catchments in northern India, though modern estimation also uses measured rainfall and flow.
Q43. Which statement about earthquakes is incorrect?
[Delhi Police Constable – 1 Dec 2023 | 2023]
A. An earthquake is shaking of the Earth
B. An earthquake results from released energy
C. An earthquake is a natural event
D. Earthquake waves spread in only one direction
Answer: D. Earthquake waves spread in only one direction
Explanation: Seismic energy radiates outward from an earthquake source in multiple directions. Earthquake waves pass through Earth’s interior and travel along its surface. The wave paths and amplitudes depend on rock properties, geometry and the position of the recording station.
Q42. Which earthquake waves are typically the most destructive near the surface?
[Delhi Police Constable – 28 Nov 2023 | 2023]
A. Body waves
B. S-waves
C. Surface waves
D. P-waves
Answer: C. Surface waves
Explanation: Surface waves travel along the Earth’s exterior and often have large amplitudes and long shaking durations. Love waves create horizontal movement; Rayleigh waves produce rolling motion. These effects can severely damage poorly designed buildings during a strong earthquake.
Q41. What is the most common type of earthquake worldwide?
[Delhi Police Constable – 15 Nov 2023 | 2023]
A. Volcanic earthquake
B. Seismic earthquake
C. Reservoir earthquake
D. Tectonic earthquake
Answer: D. Tectonic earthquake
Explanation: Tectonic earthquakes arise when accumulated stress causes sudden sliding along geological faults. Plate boundaries are particularly active, including the Himalayan collision zone. Volcanic, mine-collapse and reservoir-associated earthquakes exist but account for a much smaller share of major events.
