Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters
Geography - India Physical Environment • Class 11
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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate16 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 6 of Class 11 Geography NCERT book focuses on natural hazards and disasters such as floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, and landslides, particularly in the context of India. It details the causes, consequences, and management of these disasters. The chapter emphasizes the need for disaster risk reduction, highlighting the importance of timely preparedness and international cooperation, as observed with the International Tsunami Warning System. In summary, while natural hazards cannot be prevented, their impact can be mitigated through effective management and preparedness strategies.
Key Topics
- •Classification of natural hazards and disasters
- •Earthquakes and their impacts
- •Formation and effects of tsunamis
- •Cyclones and flood causes and management
- •Landslides and their regional impacts
- •Disaster management strategies
- •Human contributions to natural disasters
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the classification and impact of various natural disasters.
- ✓Learn about the causes and effects of earthquakes and tsunamis.
- ✓Identify cyclone formation processes and their impacts on regions.
- ✓Describe measures to mitigate and manage the impact of disasters.
- ✓Recognize human roles in disaster exacerbation and learn prevention strategies.
- ✓Gain knowledge about international efforts and cooperation in disaster management.
Questions in Chapter
Which one of the following states of India experiences floods frequently?
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In which one of the following districts of Uttaranchal did Malpa Landslide disaster take place?
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Which one of the following states receives floods in the winter months?
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When can a hazard become a disaster?
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Why are there more earthquakes in the Himalayas and in the north-eastern region of India?
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What are the basic requirements for the formation of a cyclone?
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How are the floods in Eastern India different from the ones in Western India?
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Why are there more droughts in Central and Western India?
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Identify the Landslide-prone regions of India and suggest some measures to mitigate the disasters caused by these.
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What is vulnerability? Divide India into natural disaster vulnerability zones based on droughts and suggest some mitigation measures.
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When can developmental activities become the cause of disasters?
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Additional Practice Questions
Describe how tsunamis are formed and the impacts they have on coastal regions.
mediumAnswer: Tsunamis are large sea waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions that displace a massive amount of ocean water. As these waves approach shallow coastal waters, their speed decreases and height increases, leading to significant flooding and destruction of property and life in coastal regions.
Explain the role of human activities in exacerbating the impacts of floods.
mediumAnswer: Human activities such as deforestation, poor land-use planning, and urbanization increase flood impacts by reducing natural absorption and drainage capacity. This leads to more severe and frequent flooding as natural buffers like wetlands and floodplains are lost. Proper land management and reforestation are vital for mitigation.
What measures can be implemented to mitigate the effects of cyclones in vulnerable regions?
mediumAnswer: Mitigation measures include constructing cyclone shelters, strengthening buildings, creating mangrove buffers, improving forecasting and warning systems, and educating the population about evacuation plans and safety practices to reduce the impact of cyclones.
Discuss the importance of international cooperation in disaster management.
hardAnswer: International cooperation is crucial for disaster management as disasters often transcend borders and require collaborative efforts for effective response and recovery. Shared technology, expertise, and resources can enhance early warning systems, aid logistics, and reconstruction efforts.
What are some key differences between natural hazards and natural disasters?
easyAnswer: Natural hazards are potential threats that can cause harm, such as earthquakes or storms, whereas natural disasters occur when these hazards result in significant damage, loss of life, or impact on society. Preparedness and vulnerability levels differentiate hazards from becoming disasters.