🚨 UPSC EXAM NOTES presents the January edition of our comprehensive monthly guide. Access it  to enhance your preparation. We value your input - share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section or via email at Support@upscexamnotes.com 🚨

Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on January 09, 2025

Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students

Why the location of China’s earthquake matters?

For Preliminary Examination: Earthquakes, P-Wave, S-Wave

For Mains Examination: GS I - World Geography

Context:

At 6:35 am IST on January 7, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Tibetan China and Nepal. The epicentre was located 10 km below a spot around 80 km north of Mt Everest. As of 7 pm, Chinese state media had reported 95 people dead, 130 injured, and hundreds of houses flattened on its side of the border

Read about:

Earthquake and its causes

Earthquake belt near India, Nepal and China borders

Key takeaways:

Where did the earthquake happen?

• The China Earthquake Networks Centre reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located beneath the surface in Tingry County, part of the Shigatse region of Tibet. This area, situated 4-5 km above sea level on average, is home to approximately 800,000 people, with around 7,000 residing in the county itself.
• The region’s capital holds significant spiritual importance as it is the seat of the Panchen Lama, an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
• Tingry County is also a ‘gateway’ to Mount Everest and its surrounding area, which is a well-known tourist destination. However, local authorities noted that fewer tourists visit the region during winter. Following the earthquake, China has closed the area to tourists, as reported by Xinhua.

Does the location of the earthquake matter?

• Preliminary assessments suggest that the earthquake's mainshock may have originated in the Lhasa terrane, a distinct segment of the Earth’s crust.
• This terrane includes locations relevant to China’s construction of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. The Chinese government approved the project last month. Once completed, it will span the Yarlung Tsangpo River, generating around 300 billion kWh of electricity annually.
• This project has raised concerns in India, as the Yarlung Tsangpo River eventually flows into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, where it becomes the Brahmaputra. Experts worry that the dam could disrupt the river’s consistent flow.
• Additionally, the broader Himalayan region, often referred to as the ‘third pole’ due to the vast amount of water stored in its rivers, glaciers, and lakes, has a significant impact on the millions who rely on this water. Earthquakes in the area can alter river courses, destabilize glaciers and lakes, and increase the likelihood of flooding.
• The cause of the earthquake is also linked to the region’s geographical and tectonic significance.

What caused the earthquake?

• The creation of the Himalayan mountains is a well-documented geological event. Around 50 million years ago, the Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate, resulting in the folding and uplifting of rocks to form the mountains.
• The tension between these two plates continues to build as the Indian plate pushes in at a rate of about 60 mm per year. Earthquakes occur when the rock formations in the region shift slightly to adjust to this ongoing tension.
• Since 1950, geologists have recorded over 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher in the Lhasa terrane alone. The most powerful of these occurred near Mainling in 2017, with a magnitude of 6.9. Mainling is located 960 km east of Tingry County.
• To predict future seismic events in the region and estimate their potential magnitude, geologists nee