Roadmap for Answer Writing
I. Introduction
- Definition of Landslides: Briefly explain what landslides are and their significance as natural disasters.
- Importance of the Topic: State why understanding the causes of landslides in different regions is crucial for disaster management.
II. Causes of Landslides in the Himalayan Region
A. Geological Causes
- Description: Explain the seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates that leads to unstable rock formations.
- Fact: The Himalayas are characterized by steep slopes, making them prone to landslides (Source: “Seismic Activity in the Himalayas” by A. R. Gupta).
B. Climatic Causes
- Description: Discuss the impact of heavy monsoon rainfall that saturates the soil, leading to landslides.
- Example: The 2013 Uttarakhand landslides were triggered by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts.
- Fact: These landslides resulted in over 5,000 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage (Source: “Uttarakhand Disaster 2013: A Study” by M. Sharma).
C. Human Causes
- Description: Explain how human activities like deforestation, mining, and road construction weaken soil stability.
- Example: Mining activities in Uttarakhand have increased the risk of landslides.
III. Causes of Landslides in the Western Ghats
A. Geographical Causes
- Description: Discuss the steep slopes and high rainfall characteristic of the Western Ghats that predispose the region to landslides.
B. Climatic Causes
- Description: Explain the heavy monsoon rainfall and its effect on soil saturation similar to the Himalayas.
C. Human Causes
- Description: Discuss how deforestation, construction, and mining activities compromise soil stability.
- Example: In August 2021, heavy rainfall triggered landslides in Idukki, Kerala, causing significant damage and loss of life.
- Fact: These landslides highlighted the vulnerability of the region to such disasters (Source: “Impact of Landslides in Kerala” by R. N. Menon).
IV. Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the differences in the causes of landslides in both regions, emphasizing geological, climatic, and human factors.
- Final Thought: Stress the importance of understanding these differences for effective disaster risk management.
Model Answer
Introduction
Landslides are natural disasters where earth or rock masses move downhill due to gravity, frequently occurring in regions like the Himalayas and the Western Ghats of India. Understanding the causes of these landslides is crucial for disaster management and mitigation.
Causes of Landslides in the Himalayan Region
1. Geological Causes
2. Climatic Causes
3. Human Causes
Causes of Landslides in the Western Ghats
1. Geographical Causes
2. Climatic Causes
3. Human Causes
Conclusion
While both the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats face landslides due to geological, climatic, and human factors, the specific causes differ based on their unique geographical features and human activities. Understanding these distinctions is vital for effective disaster management strategies.
Himalayan Region:
Western Ghats:
In summary, while both regions face landslide risks due to geological and climatic factors, tectonic activity and steep slopes dominate in the Himalayas, whereas heavy rainfall and weathered rock are significant factors in the Western Ghats.