Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce auroras as stunning atmospheric phenomena. Mention the names: Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) and Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). 2. Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) Location: Occurs near the magnetic North Pole, primarily in Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and parts of Russia. Appearance: Displays ...
Model Answer Introduction The Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world, are not only home to nine of the ten tallest peaks but also one of the most geologically active regions. This activity makes it highly susceptible to landslides, which can cause devastating damage to life, property, anRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world, are not only home to nine of the ten tallest peaks but also one of the most geologically active regions. This activity makes it highly susceptible to landslides, which can cause devastating damage to life, property, and infrastructure.
Causes of Landslides in the Himalayas
Geological Composition
The tectonic plate movements in the region contribute significantly to geological instability. For instance, the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, with a magnitude of 7.8, resulted from such movements and led to extensive destruction.
Topography
The steep terrain and high elevations of the Himalayas inherently increase landslide risks. A tragic example occurred in 2017 in Himachal Pradesh, India, where a massive landslide buried two buses, causing over 50 fatalities due to the region’s perilous slopes.
Climate Change
Climate change exacerbates the situation by altering rainfall patterns and melting glaciers. The 2018 Sikkim landslide, which resulted in multiple fatalities, underscores the link between changing climate conditions and increased landslide occurrences.
Measures of Mitigation
Early Warning Systems
Implementing early warning systems utilizing remote sensing and real-time monitoring can provide critical alerts and facilitate timely evacuations.
Landslide Zoning
Mapping high-risk areas and restricting human activities in these zones can significantly mitigate risks.
Afforestation
Planting trees and vegetation can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion, thereby lowering the likelihood of landslides.
Slope Stabilization
Techniques such as terracing, retaining walls, and effective drainage systems can enhance slope stability and prevent material loss.
Building Codes
Developing stringent building codes that consider local geological conditions can ensure that infrastructure withstands potential landslides.
Conclusion
Landslides pose a substantial threat in the Himalayan region, necessitating a collaborative approach among governments, communities, and scientists to implement effective risk reduction strategies.
See less
(i) Circum-Pacific belt: Also known as the ‘volcanic zones of the convergent oceanic plate margins’, it includes the volcanoes of the eastern and western coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean, of island arcs and festoons off the east coast of Asia and of the volcanic islands scattered over the Pacific Ocean. (ii) Mid-continental belt: Also known as ‘the volcanic zones of convergent continental plate margins’, it includes the volcanoes of Alpine mountain chains and the Mediterranean Sea and the volcanoes of the fault zone of eastern Africa. (iii) Mid-oceanic ridge belt: This belt includes the volcanoes mainly along the mid-Atlantic ridge which represents the splitting/divergent zone of plates. The spatial distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes show similarities as both events are closely linked with the Theory of Plate Tectonics, which explains the formation of convergent and divergent boundaries and the motion of plates. 
Model Answer Introduction Aurora Australis and Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Southern Lights and Northern Lights, respectively, are spectacular light displays occurring in the polar regions. These phenomena result from interactions between charged particles from solar winds and the Earth’sRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Aurora Australis and Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Southern Lights and Northern Lights, respectively, are spectacular light displays occurring in the polar regions. These phenomena result from interactions between charged particles from solar winds and the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, producing vibrant colors that illuminate the night sky.
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)
Triggering of the Auroras
Conclusion
Understanding these remarkable natural displays not only deepens our appreciation for them but also highlights the intricate relationship between solar activity and Earth’s magnetic field. Ongoing research into solar winds and geomagnetic disruptions is essential for advancing atmospheric science.
See less