Q26 (CDS-I/2015) Geography › World Physical Geography › Seismology and volcanism Answer Verified

Seismic gaps are

parts of plate boundaries in oceans where tsunamis occur frequently.

sections of plate boundaries that have ruptured repeatedly in the recent past.

sections of plate boundaries that have not ruptured in the recent past.

plate boundaries having no volcanic activity.

Result

Your answer: — · Correct: C

Explanation

Seismic gaps are defined as segments of active plate boundaries or fault zones that have not experienced a major earthquake or rupture for a prolonged period [3]. These areas are considered "quiet" and "overdue" for seismic activity because they are seismically locked, meaning they accumulate significant strain energy over decades or centuries [2]. Unlike creeping segments that release energy through frequent small tremors, seismic gaps represent regions where the fault is stuck, posing a high risk for future catastrophic earthquakes when the accumulated stress eventually exceeds rock strength. Seismologists use the history of earthquake frequency along plate boundaries to identify these gaps, as they form a distinct break in the earthquake occurrence record [2]. Consequently, the seismic gap hypothesis suggests that these un-ruptured sections are the most likely locations for the next large-scale seismic event [2].

Sources

[1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Prediction > p. 30
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040195125001271
[2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 17: Contemporary Issues > Earthquake Forecasting > p. 14

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Seismic gaps are

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Tsunami waves are the undersea occurrence of earthquake exceeding 7-5 on Richter scale. Which one of the following statements regarding this is not correct?

Which one among the following best explains the reason for the eastern and western boundaries of the Pacific Ocean experiencing frequent earthquake?

Tsunamis are not caused by

Which one of the following is not an area of seismic activity?

Statement I : A tsunami is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water of an Ocean. Statement I : A tsunami can be generated when thrust faults associated with convergent or destructive plate boundaries move abruptly.