Q. Consider the following statements:
1.Taiwan was formed at the convergence of the Philippine and Eurasian plates.
2.According to the theory of plate tectonics, the lithosphere is divided into 15 major plates that constantly move relative to each other.
3.The occurrence of foreshocks is a reliable method for predicting the timing of a main earthquake.
4.Magnetic fields in the Earth’s core are the primary mechanism responsible for the movement of tectonic plates that leads to earthquakes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Taiwan was formed at the convergence of the Philippine and Eurasian plates, making it a highly seismic region. Plate tectonics is the theory that explains the Earth’s surface is made up of several plates that move relative to each other. There are about 15 major tectonic plates.
Statements 3 and 4 are incorrect. The occurrence of foreshocks is not a reliable method for predicting the timing of a main earthquake. Foreshocks sometimes precede larger earthquakes, but their occurrence is not a consistent indicator for accurate predictions. Magnetic fields in the Earth’s core are not the primary mechanism responsible for the movement of tectonic plates that leads to earthquakes. The movement of tectonic plates is mainly driven by a process known as convection currents in the Earth’s mantle. These currents cause hot, semi-liquid rock in the mantle to rise and cooler material to sink, causing the plates to move and interact with each other.
Source: The Hindu
