The Himalayas remain one of the world's most geologically active zones, with a history of significant earthquakes.
- Himalayan region falls primarily in Seismic Zone IV & Seismic Zone V of India’s seismic zoning map prepared by Bureau of Indian Standards.
- It classifies India into 4 zones - V, IV, III and II. Zone V is seismically most active region, while zone II is the least.
Why Himalayas are prone to frequent earthquakes?
- Tectonic Collision of Indian & Eurasian Plate: Himalayas lie at the convergent boundary of Indian & Eurasian plates, where Indian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate, generating immense stress that is released as earthquakes.
- Active Fault Lines: Numerous fault systems, like Main Central Thrust & Main Boundary Thrust, where sudden slip or movement along these faults causes earthquakes.
- Young Mountain Range: Himalayas are geologically young & structurally unstable, which amplifies seismic activity.
Consequences of Earthquakes in Himalayas
- Landslides & Avalanches: Steep terrain exacerbates landslides, leading to significant infrastructure damage & loss of life.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Earthquakes can destabilize glacial lakes, leading to catastrophic floods.
- Tectonic Uplift and Faulting: Sudden changes in elevation, affects ecosystems, human settlements etc.
- Cultural & Heritage Loss: The region has ancient monasteries, temples, & cultural sites.
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