Earthquake & Seismic Zones — Set 1

Correct Answer: C. 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.

Correct Answer: D. 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.

Correct Answer: C. 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.

Correct Answer: C. 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.

Correct Answer: A. 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.

Correct Answer: C. 7.7 Mw

The 2001 Bhuj Earthquake measured 7.7 on the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw), making it one of the strongest earthquakes in India's recorded history. The earthquake's epicenter was near Bhuj in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It caused approximately 20,000 deaths, 1,66,000 injuries and destroyed about 3,40,000 buildings.

Correct Answer: C. 20,000

Approximately 20,000 people died in the 2001 Bhuj Earthquake, making it the deadliest earthquake in India since 1950. The earthquake was particularly destructive because it occurred in a densely populated area with many poorly constructed buildings. The disaster led directly to major reforms in India's disaster management framework and seismic safety codes.

Correct Answer: B. Himachal Pradesh

The devastating 1905 Kangra Earthquake struck the Kangra Valley in what is now Himachal Pradesh on April 4, 1905. Measuring approximately 7.8 magnitude, it killed approximately 19,000 people and destroyed most of the town of Kangra. This earthquake is one of the most destructive in recorded Indian history and highlights the high seismicity of the western Himalayan region.

Correct Answer: C. 8.1

The 1934 Bihar-Nepal Earthquake measured approximately 8.1 on the Richter Scale, making it one of the largest earthquakes in the region's history. It struck on January 15, 1934, killing approximately 10,653 people in Bihar and Nepal. The earthquake caused severe liquefaction in the Gangetic Plains, with large areas of land sinking and sandblows forming.

Correct Answer: B. Very high magnitude of 8.6 — one of the strongest ever recorded in India

The 1950 Assam Earthquake (also known as the Assam-Tibet earthquake) is significant for its very high magnitude of 8.6, making it one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in India and globally. It struck on August 15, 1950 (India's Independence Day) and caused massive landslides, river damming, and flooding. The earthquake killed approximately 1,526 people directly, though the subsequent floods caused many more deaths.