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Earthquakes

ICSE · Class 9 · Geography

Quick revision notes for Earthquakes — ICSE Class 9 Geography. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

53 questions34 flashcards5 concepts

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A cross-section diagram showing the Earth's crust and mantle, clearly indicating the seismic focus (hypocenter) where an earthquake originates, and the epicenter on the Earth's surface directly above
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Key Topics to Revise

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1. Meaning and Basic Terms

  • An earthquake is a sudden vibration or movement of part of the Earth’s crust.
  • The seismic focus is the origin point inside the crust or mantle where the rocks suddenly move.
  • The epicentre is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus.
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2. Causes of Earthquakes

  • Earthquakes are caused by volcanic eruptions, folding and faulting, plate tectonics, and anthropogenic factors.
  • Volcanic earthquakes are caused by gas explosions and may occur before or during an eruption.
  • A fault is a fracture in a rock with observable displacement.
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3. Measurement of Earthquakes

  • The magnitude of earthquakes is commonly assessed by the Richter Scale.
  • The Richter Scale was devised by Charles F. Richter in 1935.
  • It was modified in 1965 by Richter and Beno Gutenberg.
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4. Distribution of Earthquakes in the World

  • There are three major earthquake belts in the world and a fourth category called interplate seismicity.
  • The Circum-Pacific Belt is a convergent plate boundary belt and accounts for about 66% of the world’s earthquakes.
  • The Mid-Atlantic Belt is a divergent plate boundary belt caused mainly by seafloor spreading.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

An earthquake is a shockThe focus is the origin pointThe Richter Scale is an openEarthquakes are caused by volcanic eruptionsThree major earthquake belts are

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Earthquakes for ICSE Class 9 Geography?
Key topics in Earthquakes include Earthquakes – Complete Chapter Overview, Earthquakes — Chapter Overview Mind Map, Earthquakes – Full Chapter Concept Hierarchy. These are the concepts ICSE Class 9 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Earthquakes — ICSE Class 9 Geography?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 53 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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