Theme T28 · Physical Geography & Hazards
Earthquakes, tsunamis & volcanoes: science to preparedness
6PYQs
3GS1
3GS3
2015–20255 distinct years
1asked 2024–26
What UPSC asks
GS1 asks how and where tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes occur (Circum-Pacific belt, 2021 eruptions); GS3 asks India's vulnerability, major quakes and preparedness gaps. Prepare the science and the management together.
Prepare these
- Plate boundaries and Ring of Fire; volcano types and effects
- Tsunami formation and the 2004 tsunami
- India's seismic zones; major quakes (Latur, Bhuj, Kashmir, Sikkim, Nepal 2015)
- Preparedness: NDMA guidelines, building codes, early warning (INCOIS), drills
Answer writing
- Start with the mechanism, then impact, then preparedness — this sequence answers both GS1 and GS3 versions
Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (4), Explain (1), Mention (1), Describe (1).
Linked themes
Builds on: study these first
These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.
Step 28: Earth's interior, plate tectonics, mountains, islands & landformsStep 64: Disaster management frameworks: DM Act, Sendai, resilience, community, dam safety
On the map
Map module 4: World physical frameworkMap module 5: Hazard zonesPractise in the sketch lab: GS3 2021Practise in the sketch lab: GS3 2017
Syllabus lines covered
- GS1-L12 — Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
- GS3-L15 — Disaster and disaster management.
All 6 PYQs, newest first
- GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-04-M2025-Q07
- GS12021GS1-GEO-04-M2021-S01
- GS32021GS3-DM-01-M2021-S01
- GS12020GS1-GEO-04-M2020-S01
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
- GS32017GS3-DM-01-M2017-S01
- GS32015GS3-DM-01-M2015-S01