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GeographyEasyAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2021, GAT

Point of Origin of Earthquake Wave is known as

  1. A.Epicentre.
  2. B.Focus.
  3. C.Photosphere.
  4. D.Seismic Zone.

Correct answer

B. Focus.

Explanation

The correct answer is B, Focus. The focus, also called the hypocentre, is the point inside the earth where the energy of an earthquake is first released and from where its waves start.

An earthquake happens when rocks along a fault suddenly slip and release stored energy. This energy spreads out from the focus as body waves, the P waves and S waves, which travel through the interior, and as surface waves once it reaches the crust. Depending on the depth of the focus, earthquakes are called shallow, intermediate or deep-focus. The strength of an earthquake is measured on the Richter or moment magnitude scale with a seismograph.

A is wrong because the epicentre is the point on the surface directly above the focus, where the waves are felt first. C is wrong because the photosphere is the visible surface of the Sun, not a part of the earth. D is wrong because a seismic zone is a whole region classified by its risk of earthquakes, not a point of origin.

Exam tip: focus lies inside the earth, epicentre lies on the surface right above it.

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Q3.GeographyAsked in: NDA · NDA-II 2017, GATEasy

The Indian Railways have gone in for qualitative improvements since independence. Which of the following have taken place in recent years ?

1. Gauge conversion

2. Track electrification

3. Automatic signals

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Gauge conversion, electrification of tracks and automatic signalling have all been part of the modernisation of Indian Railways. Gauge conversion: under Project Unigauge, started in 1992, metre-gauge and narrow-gauge lines have been steadily converted to broad gauge (1,676 mm) so that trains can run through without transhipment.

Q4.GeographyAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2021, GATEasy

Which one of the following clouds is a rain-bearing cloud?

  1. A.Cumulus cloud
  2. B.Stratus cloud
  3. C.Nimbus cloud
  4. D.Cirrus cloud
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Nimbus cloud

The word nimbus means rain cloud: these dark, thick clouds bring steady rain or snow. Nimbus clouds form at low to middle heights and are so dense that sunlight hardly passes through them, which is why they look dark grey or black.