Earthquake Zones in India
India is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location at the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The country is divided into four major seismic zones based on scientific inputs relating to seismicity, earthquakes that occurred in the past, and soil conditions.
Zone V: This is the highest-risk seismic zone, where major earthquakes measuring 8.0 or more on the Richter scale can occur. Parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands fall under this zone.
Zone IV: This is a high-risk seismic zone where earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 to 8.0 can occur. Major cities like Delhi, Shillong, Leh, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand fall in this zone.
Zone III: This is a moderate-risk seismic zone that can experience earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 to 7.0. Cities like Guwahati, Srinagar, Mumbai, Bangalore, Gandhinagar, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh lie in this zone.
Zone II: This is a low-risk seismic zone that can experience earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 to 6.0. Major parts of Peninsular India like the Deccan Plateau and other stable continental regions fall under this zone.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has outlined specific construction guidelines for buildings and infrastructure in these seismic zones to minimize the risk of damage during earthquakes. Regular monitoring, disaster preparedness, and adherence to construction norms are crucial in mitigating the impact of earthquakes in these zones.
Earthquakes in India| Class 11 Geography Notes
Earthquakes are sudden, violent shaking movements of the Earth’s surface caused by the abrupt release of energy from within the Earth’s crust or upper mantle. They occur along fault lines or tectonic plate boundaries and can range from gentle tremors to catastrophic events capable of causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
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Earthquakes in India| Class 11 Geography Notes