NCERT Class 11 Geography – Chapter 07: Natural Hazards and Disasters

NCERT Class 11 Geography – Chapter 07: Natural Hazards and Disasters

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which one of the following is not a natural hazard?

– a) Earthquake
– b) Flood
– c) Nuclear explosion
– d) Landslide

Answer: c) Nuclear explosion

1. Tsunamis are generated by:

– a) Earthquakes
– b) Volcanic eruptions
– c) Landslides under the sea
– d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

1. Which one of the following is a man-made disaster?

– a) Tsunami
– b) Drought
– c) Industrial accident
– d) Cyclone

Answer: c) Industrial accident

Very Short Answer Questions

1. Define a natural hazard.

– Answer: A natural hazard is a natural event that has the potential to cause harm to humans, property, and the environment. Examples include earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.

1. What is a disaster?

– Answer: A disaster is a sudden, catastrophic event that causes significant damage or loss of life, property, and resources. Disasters can be natural or man-made.

1. Name any two types of natural hazards.

– Answer: Earthquakes and floods.

Short Answer Questions

1. Differentiate between a hazard and a disaster.

– Answer: A hazard is a potential threat that can cause damage or harm, such as an earthquake or flood. A disaster is the actual event when the hazard results in significant harm, such as loss of life, property damage, or environmental destruction.

1. Explain how tsunamis are generated.

– Answer: Tsunamis are large ocean waves generated by sudden movements on the ocean floor, typically caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The displacement of water creates waves that travel across the ocean at high speeds and can cause significant destruction upon reaching coastlines.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe the major types of natural hazards and their impacts on human life and property.

– Answer:
– Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Impacts include building collapse, infrastructure damage, and loss of life.
– Floods: Overflow of water onto normally dry land, often caused by heavy rainfall, river overflow, or dam failure. Impacts include property damage, displacement of people, and crop destruction.
– Cyclones: Intense circular storms that form over warm ocean waters. Impacts include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.
– Landslides: Movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope. Impacts include destruction of buildings, roads, and agricultural land, and potential loss of life.
– Droughts: Prolonged periods of deficient rainfall leading to water shortages. Impacts include crop failure, water scarcity, and economic losses in agriculture.

1. Discuss the role of human activities in exacerbating natural disasters.

– Answer:
– Deforestation: Removal of trees increases the risk of landslides and reduces the land’s ability to absorb rainfall, leading to increased flooding.
– Urbanization: Unplanned urban growth often encroaches on natural water channels and floodplains, exacerbating flood risks.
– Climate Change: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation contribute to climate change, which increases the frequency and intensity of natural hazards like hurricanes, droughts, and floods.
– Industrial Activities: Poorly managed industrial activities can lead to chemical spills, explosions, and other man-made disasters.
– Unsustainable Agricultural Practices: Overgrazing, monoculture, and excessive use of fertilizers can degrade soil quality and increase vulnerability to droughts and floods.

Map-Based Questions

1. Mark and label the following on the map of India:

– a) Areas prone to earthquakes
– b) Areas affected by floods
– c) Coastal regions vulnerable to cyclones

Answer:
– Earthquake-prone areas: Himalayan region, Northeastern states, Gujarat, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
– Flood-prone areas: Ganga-Brahmaputra basin, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and parts of Punjab and Haryana.
– Cyclone-vulnerable coastal regions: Eastern coast including West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the western coast including Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Practice Questions

1. What are the primary causes of landslides in India?

– Answer: Primary causes of landslides in India include heavy rainfall, deforestation, earthquakes, volcanic activity, mining, and construction activities.

1. How can communities prepare for natural disasters?

– Answer: Communities can prepare for natural disasters by:
– Developing early warning systems and emergency response plans.
– Conducting regular disaster drills and awareness programs.
– Building disaster-resilient infrastructure.
– Implementing land-use planning and zoning regulations to avoid construction in hazard-prone areas.
– Strengthening community networks and resources for disaster response and recovery.

These questions and answers cover a comprehensive understanding of the natural hazards and disasters as discussed in the NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 07.