General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
What phenomenon can volcanic eruptions trigger in seismically active areas?
Answer:
Earthquakes
Volcanic eruptions can trigger earthquakes by causing faulting or fracturing as magma moves through the crust, especially in seismically active regions like the Ring of Fire.
2
Which country has the most active volcanoes in the world?
Answer:
Indonesia
Indonesia has over 100 active volcanoes, more than any other country, due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with frequent eruptions like those of Merapi and Semeru.
3
What is the term for a volcano that has not erupted recently but may do so in the future?
Answer:
Dormant
A dormant volcano has not erupted in recent history but retains the potential for future activity, distinguishing it from active or extinct volcanoes.
4
Which earthquake in 2011 caused a devastating tsunami in Japan?
Answer:
Tohoku earthquake
The 9.0-magnitude Tohoku earthquake in March 2011 triggered a massive tsunami, causing over 15,000 deaths and the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.
5
What is the primary gas emitted during most volcanic eruptions?
Answer:
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is a primary gas emitted during volcanic eruptions, contributing to acid rain and atmospheric cooling by forming aerosols that reflect sunlight.
6
Which volcano in Indonesia erupted in 2018, triggering a tsunami?
Answer:
Anak Krakatau
Anak Krakatau’s 2018 eruption caused a flank collapse, triggering a tsunami that killed over 400 people in Indonesia, demonstrating the secondary hazards of volcanic activity.
7
Which type of fault is most likely to generate large earthquakes?
Answer:
Transform fault
Transform faults, where plates slide past each other horizontally, are associated with large earthquakes, as seen along the San Andreas Fault in California.
8
What is the name of the lines connecting places with equal earthquake intensity?
Answer:
Isoseismic lines
Isoseismic lines connect locations experiencing the same earthquake intensity, as measured by scales like the Mercalli. They help map the impact of seismic events.
9
Which volcano in Washington, USA, erupted catastrophically in 1980?
Answer:
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens erupted in May 1980, causing the deadliest and most destructive volcanic event in U.S. history, killing 57 people and devastating the surrounding area.
10
What is the primary cause of tsunamis associated with earthquakes?
Answer:
Seafloor displacement
Tsunamis are often caused by seafloor displacement during underwater earthquakes, which moves large volumes of water, generating powerful waves that devastate coastlines.