1. Earthquake Measurement and Magnitude
Which scale is commonly used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes, including the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar?
(a) Mercalli Scale
(b) Richter Scale
(c) Beaufort Scale
(d) Kelvin Scale
Explanation:
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Earthquake magnitude is generally measured using the Richter Scale or the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw).
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The Richter Scale is a logarithmic scale that quantifies the energy released during an earthquake.
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The Mercalli Scale measures earthquake intensity based on observed effects, not magnitude.
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The earthquake in Myanmar was reported as 7.7-magnitude using this scientific measurement.
Thus, the correct answer is (b) Richter Scale.
2. Geographical Location and Tectonic Activity
The earthquake that struck Myanmar originated near Mandalay. Which of the following tectonic plates is primarily responsible for seismic activity in this region?
(a) Eurasian Plate
(b) Indo-Australian Plate
(c) Pacific Plate
(d) Arabian Plate
Explanation:
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Myanmar is located at the collision zone between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
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This region is part of the Alpide Belt, a major seismic zone.
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The Indo-Australian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate, causing frequent earthquakes.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Eurasian Plate.
3. Humanitarian Response and International Aid
In the aftermath of the earthquake, the junta chief of Myanmar requested international aid. Which of the following international organizations is most likely to provide immediate disaster relief?
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United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
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International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
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World Trade Organization (WTO)
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Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only
Explanation:
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UNOCHA coordinates international humanitarian relief efforts during natural disasters.
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IFRC provides on-ground assistance such as emergency medical care, food, and shelter.
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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) offers medical support, especially in war-torn and disaster-affected regions.
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The WTO focuses on global trade and has no direct role in disaster relief.
Thus, the correct answer is (c) 1, 2, and 4 only.
4. Civil-Military Administration in Disaster Response
During natural disasters like the Myanmar earthquake, the declaration of a “state of emergency” typically empowers which of the following authorities to lead the response?
(a) Judiciary
(b) Legislature
(c) Executive and Military Administration
(d) National Human Rights Commission
Explanation:
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A state of emergency allows the executive and military authorities to assume greater powers for disaster management.
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This may include mobilizing resources, implementing curfews, or requesting international aid.
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In Myanmar, the military junta under Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing took charge of the response.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Executive and Military Administration.
5. Earthquake Impact and Structural Vulnerability
Which of the following factors can increase the damage caused by earthquakes, as observed in the Myanmar and Thailand disaster?
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Poor construction standards
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Proximity to the epicenter
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Depth of the earthquake
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Efficient early warning systems
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Explanation:
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Poor construction standards increase the risk of building collapse, as seen in the 30-storey building collapse in Thailand.
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Proximity to the epicenter results in stronger ground shaking. Mandalay, being near the epicenter, suffered significant damage.
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Depth of the earthquake affects the intensity felt on the surface. A shallow earthquake like this one (7.7-magnitude) typically causes more damage.
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Although early warning systems reduce casualties by allowing people to evacuate, in this case, their effectiveness was limited.
Thus, the correct answer is (b) 1, 2, and 3 only.
6. Plate Tectonics and Earthquake Causes
The primary cause of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar is related to which of the following geological phenomena?
(a) Volcanic eruption
(b) Plate subduction
(c) Fault movement along a transform boundary
(d) Isostatic rebound
Explanation:
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The earthquake near Mandalay occurred due to the convergence of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
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This region experiences subduction, where the Indian Plate is forced beneath the Eurasian Plate, causing stress accumulation and seismic activity.
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Subduction zones are often responsible for powerful earthquakes.
Thus, the correct answer is (b) Plate subduction.
7. Types of Plate Boundaries and Earthquake Generation
Which type of plate boundary is most commonly associated with large-magnitude earthquakes like the one in Myanmar?
(a) Convergent boundary
(b) Divergent boundary
(c) Transform boundary
(d) Passive boundary
Explanation:
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Convergent boundaries are regions where two tectonic plates collide, often leading to subduction and intense earthquakes.
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Myanmar lies near a convergent boundary where the Indian Plate is colliding with the Eurasian Plate.
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Divergent boundaries create mid-ocean ridges, and transform boundaries lead to lateral movement with smaller earthquakes.
Thus, the correct answer is (a) Convergent boundary.
8. Seismic Zones and Earthquake Risk
Myanmar is part of which major seismic belt known for its frequent earthquake activity?
(a) Mid-Atlantic Ridge
(b) Alpide Belt
(c) Circum-Pacific Belt
(d) East African Rift System
Explanation:
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The Alpide Belt is the second most seismically active belt in the world, extending from the Mediterranean region to Southeast Asia, including Myanmar.
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It is formed by the collision of the African, Arabian, and Indian Plates with the Eurasian Plate.
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The Circum-Pacific Belt is the most active seismic zone, but it primarily affects regions bordering the Pacific Ocean.
Thus, the correct answer is (b) Alpide Belt.
9. Depth and Magnitude of Earthquakes
The magnitude and impact of an earthquake are often influenced by its focal depth. Based on this, which type of earthquake is generally the most destructive?
(a) Shallow-focus earthquake (0-70 km)
(b) Intermediate-focus earthquake (70-300 km)
(c) Deep-focus earthquake (300-700 km)
(d) Submarine earthquake with no surface rupture
Explanation:
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Shallow-focus earthquakes occur at depths less than 70 km and are the most destructive due to their proximity to the Earth’s surface.
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The Myanmar earthquake, with its magnitude of 7.7 and significant damage, was a shallow-focus earthquake.
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Deep-focus earthquakes are less likely to cause surface damage.
Thus, the correct answer is (a) Shallow-focus earthquake (0-70 km).
10. Role of Faults in Earthquake Generation
The earthquake in Myanmar is most likely associated with which type of fault?
(a) Normal fault
(b) Reverse fault
(c) Strike-slip fault
(d) Thrust fault
Explanation:
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In a subduction zone like the one near Myanmar, earthquakes are often caused by thrust faults or reverse faults, where one plate is forced above another.
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Thrust faults are common at convergent boundaries, leading to large earthquakes.
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Normal faults are associated with divergent boundaries, and strike-slip faults occur at transform boundaries.
Thus, the correct answer is (d) Thrust fault.