QUIZ ON AVALANCHE

Q1. Which of the following are major causes of avalanches?

1. Rapid accumulation of snow on steep slopes
2. Earthquakes or vibrations
3. Heavy rainfall followed by snow
4. Human activities like skiing or construction

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2, and 4 only
C) 1, 3, and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANS. D

Explanation:

1. Rapid accumulation of snow on steep slopes: This is a primary cause of avalanches as the weight of the accumulated snow can cause the snowpack to collapse and slide down the slope.
2. Earthquakes or vibrations: Earthquakes and seismic vibrations can trigger avalanches by disturbing the snowpack, particularly in unstable snow conditions.
3. Heavy rainfall followed by snow: Rain can saturate the snowpack, weakening its structure, and if followed by more snow, the weight can cause the snow to slide down the slope.
4. Human activities like skiing or construction: Human activities can destabilize the snowpack, especially in avalanche-prone areas. For example, skiing, snowmobiling, or even construction can create vibrations or direct disturbances that may trigger an avalanche.

Thus, all the listed factors are recognized causes of avalanches.

Q2. Which of the following mountain ranges in India are most prone to avalanches?

1. The Himalayas
2. The Western Ghats
3. The Aravalli Range
4. The Eastern Ghats

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 only
C) 1 and 4 only
D) 2 and 3 only

ANS B

Explanation:

• The Himalayas are the most avalanche-prone mountain range in India. Due to their steep slopes, heavy snowfall, and high altitudes, the Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to avalanches. States like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim experience frequent avalanche occurrences.
• The Western Ghats, Aravalli Range, and Eastern Ghats are not typically prone to avalanches. These regions do not have the same steep slopes, heavy snowfall, or high-altitude conditions required for avalanches to occur frequently.

Therefore, the correct answer is B) 1 only.

Q3. The term “Avalanche” refers to:

1. A sudden and rapid movement of snow down a mountain slope
2. A type of landslide caused by volcanic eruptions
3. A phenomenon related to the collapse of glaciers
4. A disaster triggered by the melting of glaciers

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 3 and 4 only
D) 1 and 4 only

ANS. A

Explanation:

• Avalanche refers to a sudden and rapid movement of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain slope. It occurs when a layer of snow becomes unstable and slides down due to factors like steep slopes, heavy snowfall, or human disturbances.
• Options 2, 3, and 4 are not correct because:
  • Avalanches are not caused by volcanic eruptions (Option 2).
  • While avalanches can involve snow or ice movement, they are not typically a collapse of glaciers (Option 3).
  • The melting of glaciers may cause other natural phenomena like glacial lake outbursts but is not a direct cause of avalanches (Option 4).

Thus, 1 only is the correct definition of an avalanche.

Q4. Which of the following measures can help in the mitigation of avalanche risks?

1. Establishing avalanche monitoring and warning systems
2. Use of artificial snow fences
3. Restricting construction in avalanche-prone areas
4. Encouraging skiing and mountaineering in high-altitude regions

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1, 2, and 3 only
B) 1, 2, and 4 only
C) 3 and 4 only
D) 1 and 4 only

ANS A

Explanation:

• Establishing avalanche monitoring and warning systems: This is a key measure to mitigate avalanche risks. These systems help in detecting potential avalanche conditions and provide early warnings to prevent casualties and damage.
• Use of artificial snow fences: Snow fences are used to control the accumulation of snow in certain areas, thus reducing the likelihood of avalanches by preventing excessive buildup of snow.
• Restricting construction in avalanche-prone areas: This is an important safety measure to reduce the risk of human casualties and property damage by keeping people away from high-risk avalanche zones.
• Encouraging skiing and mountaineering in high-altitude regions: Encouraging such activities in avalanche-prone areas actually increases the risk of triggering avalanches, as human activities can destabilize the snowpack.

Thus, the correct answer is A) 1, 2, and 3 only.

Q5. In India, which of the following states are most prone to avalanches?

1. Jammu & Kashmir
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Uttarakhand
4. Sikkim

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1, 2, and 3 only
B) 1, 3, and 4 only
C) 2, 3, and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANS. D

Explanation: All of the states listed are prone to avalanches due to their location in the Himalayan mountain range, which is particularly vulnerable to avalanches because of steep slopes, heavy snowfall, and high-altitude conditions. Here’s a breakdown:

• Jammu & Kashmir: Avalanches are frequent in regions like the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges, especially during winter.
• Himachal Pradesh: This state experiences avalanches, particularly in areas like Kullu, Manali, and Spiti, due to its rugged terrain and snowfall.
• Uttarakhand: The high-altitude areas of Uttarakhand, including regions like Nanda Devi and Kedarnath, are prone to avalanches.
• Sikkim: This state also experiences avalanches, particularly in the higher reaches near the Kanchenjunga range.

Therefore, all of these states are prone to avalanches, making the correct answer D) 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Q6. Which of the following international organizations work on avalanche risk management and disaster reduction?

1. International Red Cross
2. World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
3. International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)
4. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, and 4 only

ANS B

Explanation:

• World Meteorological Organization (WMO): The WMO plays a significant role in avalanche risk management by providing weather data, forecasts, and promoting the use of meteorological information to assess and predict avalanche risks.
• International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR): The ISDR, now part of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), works to reduce disaster risks globally, including those associated with avalanches, by promoting risk reduction strategies and supporting national efforts.
• International Red Cross and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) do not have a primary focus on avalanche risk management or disaster reduction. While the Red Cross is involved in disaster relief, it does not specialize specifically in avalanche risk management, and UNEP focuses more on environmental issues broadly rather than on specific disaster risks like avalanches.

Therefore, the correct answer is B) 2 and 3 only.

Q7. Which of the following is the main reason for avalanches in the Himalayan region?

1. Steep slopes combined with heavy snowfall
2. Lack of vegetation
3. Glacial movement and instability
4. Increasing human settlement and tourism

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 3, and 4 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANS. B

Explanation:

• Steep slopes combined with heavy snowfall: This is the main cause of avalanches in the Himalayan region. Steep slopes and heavy snowfall lead to the accumulation of unstable snow, which can trigger avalanches.
• Glacial movement and instability: Avalanches can also be triggered by glacial movement or instability, especially in areas where glaciers and snowpacks are unstable, which is common in the Himalayan region.
• Increasing human settlement and tourism: Human activities, such as construction and tourism, particularly skiing and mountaineering, can destabilize the snowpack and increase the likelihood of avalanches.
• Lack of vegetation: While lack of vegetation can contribute to soil erosion and other types of instability, it is not a primary cause of avalanches in the Himalayan region. Vegetation does not play a major role in the formation of avalanches compared to the factors listed above.

Therefore, the correct answer is B) 1, 3, and 4 only.

Q8. Which of the following techniques is commonly used for avalanche mitigation in ski resorts?

1. Avalanche blasting
2. Snow nets
3. Avalanche barriers
4. Avalanche control with drones

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1, 2, and 3 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANS A

Explanation:

• Avalanche blasting: This technique is commonly used in ski resorts to trigger controlled avalanches before they become dangerous. By triggering smaller, controlled avalanches, the larger, unpredictable ones can be avoided.
• Snow nets: Snow nets are used to catch and slow down snow in avalanche-prone areas, helping to reduce the impact of avalanches.
• Avalanche barriers: These physical barriers are installed in areas at risk of avalanches to prevent snow from sliding down and causing damage to infrastructure.
• Avalanche control with drones: While drones are increasingly being used for surveillance and monitoring, they are not yet widely used for direct control of avalanches. Drones help with early detection and monitoring, but they are not a primary method for mitigation in ski resorts.

Therefore, the correct answer is A) 1, 2, and 3 only.