General Studies 2025 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Explain

Q7

What are Tsunamis ? How and where are they formed ? What are their consequences ? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

सुनामी क्या हैं ? वे कैसे और कहाँ बनती हैं ? उनके परिणाम क्या हैं ? उदाहरणों सहित समझाइए । (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) 10

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Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'explain' requires clear, logical exposition of tsunami mechanics, causation, and impacts. Structure as: brief definition → formation mechanisms (tectonic, landslide, volcanic) → geographical distribution (Pacific Ring of Fire, Indian Ocean) → consequences (human, economic, ecological) → Indian Ocean 2004 and Japan 2011 examples → concluding mitigation note.

Key points expected

Definition: series of ocean waves caused by large-scale vertical displacement of water, not tidal waves
Formation mechanisms: submarine earthquakes (90%), landslides, volcanic eruptions, meteorite impacts
Geographical hotspots: Pacific Ring of Fire, convergent plate boundaries, subduction zones
Consequences: coastal inundation, loss of life, infrastructure destruction, nuclear disasters (Fukushima), ecological damage, economic disruption
Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004 (2.3 lakh deaths) and Japan 2011 (Sendai, Fukushima meltdown) as primary examples
Early warning systems and preparedness as concluding analytical point

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Addresses all three components (what, how/where, consequences) with causal linkages between formation and impact; distinguishes tsunami from regular waves/storm surges	Covers all three components but treats them as isolated facts without clear causal connections; minor confusion with storm waves	Misses one or more components entirely; conflates tsunamis with tidal waves or regular ocean currents; fails to address 'how' or 'where'
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise scientific explanation: wavelength, shallow water amplification, tectonic plate mechanics; accurate depth-velocity relationship; mentions Richter magnitude threshold (~7.5)	Basic accurate description of formation but lacks scientific precision; generic 'earthquake causes waves' without mechanism; minor factual errors	Scientifically inaccurate (e.g., claims tsunamis are weather-related, single wave, or tidal phenomenon); confuses cause-effect relationships
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression: definition → genesis → spatial distribution → multi-dimensional consequences → examples; smooth transitions; 140-150 words, no section imbalance	Covers all parts but sequence is jumbled; either definition too long or consequences underdeveloped; word count slightly off	Disorganised, no clear paragraphing; severe imbalance (e.g., 100 words on definition, 20 on consequences); incomplete due to poor time management
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Two specific examples with details: Indian Ocean 2004 (Indonesia epicentre, 14 countries affected, ~2.3 lakh deaths) AND Japan 2011 (magnitude 9.0, Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster); includes mortality/infrastructure data	Mentions both examples but lacks specificity (no dates, magnitudes, or impacts); OR only one detailed example with second merely named	No examples; OR only generic 'recent tsunamis' without naming; OR incorrect examples (e.g., 2013 Uttarakhand floods, Bhuj earthquake)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Concludes with India's preparedness (INCOIS, Tsunami Early Warning Centre) OR global cooperation (IOC-UNESCO); OR analytical insight on climate change-sea level rise amplifying future risk; OR Sendai Framework linkage	Generic conclusion on 'need for preparedness' without specific Indian/international mechanism; OR mere summary repetition	No conclusion; OR abrupt ending; OR factually wrong conclusion (e.g., tsunamis preventable, India tsunami-proof)

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