Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Himalayan region comes in very high and high damage risk zones of earthquakes.
Reason (R): Himalayas are located on the constructive plate margin.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Himalayas = Collision = Convergent/Destructive boundary. Constructive boundaries are usually found on ocean floors where seafloor spreading occurs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The seismic activity of the Himalayan region is a direct result of its unique tectonic setting. Plate tectonics explains the formation of mountains and the occurrence of earthquakes based on the interaction at plate boundaries.

Step 1: Analyzing Seismic Risk (A).
The Himalayan mountain range is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. According to the Seismic Zoning Map of India, a large part of the Himalayas falls under Zone V (Very High Damage Risk Zone) and Zone IV (High Damage Risk Zone). This is due to the immense pressure built up by the ongoing collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Analyzing Plate Boundaries (R).
The Himalayas were formed by the collision of two continental plates—the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This type of boundary is known as a convergent (destructive) plate margin. A constructive plate margin (like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge) is where plates pull apart and new crust is formed. Reason (R) erroneously labels the boundary as constructive.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Because the Himalayas are at a destructive/convergent margin rather than a constructive one, Reason (R) is factually incorrect. Consequently, Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.