Question 1

How many seismic zones does India's seismic zonation map divide the country into?

Accepted Answer

5 zones. India's seismic zonation map divides the country into 5 seismic zones (Zone II to Zone V) based on the expected intensity of ground shaking. Zone II represents the least seismically active areas while Zone V represents the highest seismic risk. This zonation is used by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in IS 1893 for earthquake-resistant building design.

Question 2

Which seismic zone in India represents the highest earthquake risk?

Accepted Answer

Zone V. Zone V represents the highest earthquake risk in India's seismic zonation. This zone encompasses parts of the Himalayan region, northeastern states, parts of Gujarat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of Bihar. The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) in Zone V can reach IX or above, indicating very severe ground shaking.

Question 3

Which Indian states are included in the highest risk Seismic Zone V?

Accepted Answer

J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Northeast states, parts of Gujarat and Bihar. India's Seismic Zone V includes Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, all northeastern states (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim), parts of Gujarat (Kutch region), and parts of Bihar. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also in Zone V. These regions lie along active tectonic plate boundaries making them highly seismically active.

Question 4

Delhi falls primarily in which seismic zone?

Accepted Answer

Zone IV. Delhi falls primarily in Seismic Zone IV, which is classified as a high seismic hazard area. This classification reflects Delhi's proximity to the Himalayan plate boundary and historical earthquake records in the region. Urban planners and building regulators in Delhi must comply with IS 1893 standards for Zone IV in all new construction.

Question 5

The 2001 Bhuj Earthquake occurred on which date?

Accepted Answer

January 26, 2001. The Bhuj Earthquake occurred on January 26, 2001 — India's Republic Day — at 8:46 AM IST. The coincidence with the national holiday meant many people had gathered for Republic Day celebrations, adding to the casualties. The earthquake devastated the Kutch district of Gujarat and was the deadliest earthquake in India in the 21st century.

Earthquake & Seismic Zones — Set 1