GS1 2025 Q7 10 marks 150 words Natural Disasters
UPSC Mains 2025 GS1 Q7 — Natural Disasters
What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What areHowwhereExplain
- Scope keywords
- Tsunamishow and where are they formedconsequencesexamples
- Implicit sub-parts
- Definition involving the physics of 'long-wavelength' and 'displacement of water column'.
- Geological triggers beyond just earthquakes (landslides, volcanoes, meteorites).
- Spatial distribution specific to tectonic boundaries (e.g., Ring of Fire).
- Duality of consequences: immediate destruction vs. long-term ecological/economic changes.
- Common pitfalls
- Confusing tsunamis with ordinary tidal waves or surface wind waves.
- Focusing 100% on the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and ignoring the mechanism/formation process.
- Failing to mention that tsunamis are barely noticeable in deep water and only 'shoal' near the coast.
- Neglecting the 'where' part of the question by not mentioning subduction zones or specific plate boundaries.
- Dimensions required
- Geophysical mechanismGeographical distributionSocio-economic impactEnvironmental/Ecological impactDisaster Management (briefly as part of consequences)
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 20 words on a technical definition, 50 words on the 'how' (mechanisms) and 'where' (locations), 60 words on the 'consequences' categorized by scale, and 20 words integrating specific examples like Tohuku 2011 or Indian Ocean 2004 throughout the text.
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