Get the most accurate TN Board Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 05 Hazards here. Updated for the 2026-27 academic session, these solutions are based on the latest TN Board textbooks for Class 8 Social Science. Our expert-created answers for Class 8 Social Science are available for free download in PDF format.
Detailed Chapter 05 Hazards TN Board Solutions for Class 8 Social Science
For Class 8 students, solving TN Board textbook questions is the most effective way to build a strong conceptual foundation. Our Class 8 Social Science solutions follow a detailed, step-by-step approach to ensure you understand the logic behind every answer. Practicing these Chapter 05 Hazards solutions will improve your exam performance.
Class 8 Social Science Chapter 05 Hazards TN Board Solutions PDF
Tamilnadu Samacheer Kalvi 8th Social Science Solutions Geography Chapter 5 Hazards
Samacheer Kalvi 8th Social Science Hazards Text Book Back Questions and Answers
I. Choose the correct answer.
Question 1. ................ percentage of nitrogen is present in the air.
(a) 78.09%
(b) 74.08%
(c) 80.07%
(d) 76.63%
Answer: (a) 78.09%
In simple words: The air we breathe is mostly made up of nitrogen gas. About 78.09% of the air is nitrogen.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Remember the exact percentage of major gases in the atmosphere, as this is a common factual question.
Question 2. Tsunami in the Indian Ocean took place in the year ................ .
(a) 1990
(b) 2004
(c) 2005
(d) 2008
Answer: (b) 2004
In simple words: A very big tsunami hit the Indian Ocean area in 2004. This event caused a lot of damage and loss of life.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Specific dates or years for major historical events like natural disasters are important to recall.
Question 3. The word tsunami is derived from ................ language.
(a) Hindi
(b) French
(c) Japanese
(d) German
Answer: (c) Japanese
In simple words: The word "tsunami" comes from the Japanese language. It means "harbour wave".
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Knowing the origin of technical terms often helps in understanding their meaning and context.
Question 4. The example of surface water is
(a) Artesian well
(b) Groundwater
(c) Subsurface water
(d) Lake
Answer: (d) Lake
In simple words: Surface water is water found on the earth's surface, like in lakes. Artesian wells and groundwater are examples of water found underground.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Understand the difference between surface water (lakes, rivers) and groundwater (wells, aquifers).
Question 5. Event that occurs due to the failure of monsoons.
(a) Condensation
(b) Drought
(c) Evaporation
(d) Precipitation
Answer: (b) Drought
In simple words: When the monsoon rains do not come, or are much less than usual, it leads to a drought. Droughts mean there is not enough water.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Connect cause and effect, understanding that monsoon failure directly leads to water scarcity and drought.
II. Fill in the blanks.
Question 1. Hazards may lead to ................ .
Answer: affect the community most severely
In simple words: Hazards are dangerous situations that can seriously harm a community. They can cause big problems for people and places.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When defining outcomes of hazards, focus on the impact on communities and their well-being.
Question 2. Landslide is an example of ................ hazard.
Answer: geologic
In simple words: A landslide is when a lot of earth and rocks slide down a hill. This is a type of hazard related to the geology of the land.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Classify different types of hazards (e.g., geologic, atmospheric, biological) by their primary origin.
Question 3. On the basis of origin, the hazard can be grouped into ................ categories.
Answer: 8 (or) eight
In simple words: Hazards can be put into eight main groups based on where they come from. This helps us understand and prepare for different kinds of dangers.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Knowing the number of hazard categories is a simple factual recall, but understanding the categories themselves is more important.
Question 4. Terrorism is an example of ................ hazard.
Answer: human-induced
In simple words: Terrorism is a danger caused by human actions, not by nature. It is a man-made hazard that can cause great harm.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Distinguish clearly between natural hazards (like earthquakes) and human-induced hazards (like terrorism or pollution).
Question 5. Oxides of nitrogen are ................ pollutants which affect human beings.
Answer: primary
In simple words: Oxides of nitrogen are a type of pollutant that comes directly from a source, like vehicles or factories. These are called primary pollutants because they are released straight into the air.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Remember that primary pollutants are emitted directly, while secondary pollutants form from reactions in the atmosphere.
Question 6. Chernobyl nuclear accident took place in ................ .
Answer: 26th April 1986
In simple words: The big nuclear accident at Chernobyl happened on April 26, 1986. This was a very serious event that caused widespread environmental problems.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Specific dates for significant industrial disasters are important facts to remember.
III. Match the following.
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Primary pollutant | a. Terrorism |
| 2. Hazardous waste | b. Tsunami |
| 3. Earthquake | c. Outdated drugs |
| 4. Meteorological drought | d. Oxides of sulphur |
| 5. Human induced hazard | e. Reduction in rainfall |
Answer:
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Primary pollutant | d. Oxides of sulphur |
| 2. Hazardous waste | c. Outdated drugs |
| 3. Earthquake | b. Tsunami |
| 4. Meteorological drought | e. Reduction in rainfall |
| 5. Human induced hazard | a. Terrorism |
In simple words: This matching exercise connects different types of hazards and pollutants to their correct examples or definitions. For instance, primary pollutants are substances directly put into the environment, like oxides of sulphur.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For matching questions, link each item in List I to its most appropriate pair in List II, understanding the definitions of each term.
IV. Answer in brief.
Question 1. Define 'hazard'?
Answer: A hazard is anything, like a thing, person, event, or factor, that can cause harm. It threatens people, buildings, money, or other valuable things, potentially leading to a disaster. Recognizing hazards helps in preventing dangers.
In simple words: A hazard is something that can cause danger or harm to people, things, or money. It is a potential threat.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: A good definition includes the key components: what it is (thing, event, factor), what it does (poses a threat), and what it affects (people, structures, economic assets).
Question 2. What are the major types of hazards?
Answer: The main types of hazards are:
- Natural hazards
- Human-made hazards
- Socio-natural hazards
In simple words: The three main kinds of hazards are natural ones (like floods), human-made ones (like pollution), and socio-natural ones (a mix of both).
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Listing hazard types is a factual recall; ensure you can also give an example for each type if asked.
Question 3. Write a brief note on hazardous wastes.
Answer: Hazardous wastes are unwanted materials that can be harmful to living things and the environment. These wastes can cause bad health effects for both ecosystems and humans. Proper disposal of these wastes is crucial for safety.
In simple words: Hazardous wastes are harmful trash that can make people and nature sick. These are dangerous and must be handled carefully.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When describing hazardous waste, focus on its harmful nature and impact on health and the ecosystem.
Question 4. List out the major flood-prone areas of our country.
Answer: Some major areas in our country that often get floods are Punjab, West Bengal, and Odisha. These regions experience floods regularly due to their geography and heavy rainfall.
In simple words: Punjab, West Bengal, and Odisha are parts of India that often face floods.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For geographical questions, remember specific state or region names associated with particular natural events.
Question 5. Mention the types of drought.
Answer: Droughts can be divided into three main types:
1. Meteorological drought
2. Hydrological drought
3. Agricultural drought
Each type describes a different aspect of water shortage.
In simple words: There are three kinds of drought: meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When listing types of phenomena, ensure you provide all the categories mentioned in your curriculum.
Question 6. Why should not we construct houses in foothill areas?
Answer: We should not build houses in foothill areas because these places often have very steep slopes and get a lot of heavy rain. These conditions make the foothills prone to dangers like landslides and floods.
In simple words: Building houses in foothill areas is risky because of steep slopes and heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Relate the geographical features (steep slopes, heavy rainfall) directly to the potential dangers (landslides, floods) to explain the reasoning.
V. Distinguish the following.
Question 1. Hazards and disasters.
Answer:
| Hazards | Disasters |
|---|---|
| Hazards happen often and pose a threat to people. | A disaster is a harmful event that takes place over a short time. |
| Ex: Natural hazards, Earthquake. | Ex: Flood |
Hazards are potential threats, while disasters are the actual events that cause widespread damage. A hazard is like a loaded gun, and a disaster is when the gun fires.
In simple words: A hazard is something that can cause harm, but a disaster is when that harm actually happens. Hazards are potential, disasters are actual events.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Clearly define each term and provide distinct examples to highlight the difference between a potential threat (hazard) and a realized destructive event (disaster).
Question 2. Natural hazards and human-made hazard.
Answer:
| Natural hazard | Human-made hazard |
|---|---|
| Humans have no role in causing these hazards. | These are caused by unwanted activities of humans. |
| Ex: Flood, drought, etc. | Ex: Pollution of air and water |
Natural hazards occur due to natural processes, while human-made hazards are a direct result of human actions, often with negative consequences for the environment. Human actions often amplify natural hazards.
In simple words: Natural hazards happen on their own, like floods. Human-made hazards are caused by people, like pollution.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Focus on the origin of the hazard โ natural processes versus human activities โ and provide contrasting examples for each.
Question 3. Flood and drought.
Answer:
| Flood | Drought |
|---|---|
| It happens because of very heavy rainfall. | It happens because of no rainfall. |
| It often occurs in coastal areas like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. | The dry areas are seen on the leeward side of Western ghats. |
Floods involve too much water, usually from heavy rain, while droughts mean a lack of water due to insufficient rainfall. They are opposite problems related to water availability.
In simple words: Floods happen with too much rain, causing water to overflow. Droughts happen with too little rain, making land very dry.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Contrast the key element (rainfall) and its consequence (excess vs. scarcity) to effectively distinguish between flood and drought.
Question 4. Earthquake and tsunami.
Answer:
| Earthquake | Tsunami |
|---|---|
| A violent shaking of the earth's crust is called an Earthquake. | Tsunami means giant ocean waves caused by landslides. |
| The study of earthquakes is called Seismograph. | The study of the Tsunami is called Oceanography. |
Earthquakes are tremors of the land, while tsunamis are giant sea waves often caused by underwater earthquakes or landslides. They are related but distinct geological events, one affecting land and the other the sea.
In simple words: An earthquake is when the ground shakes. A tsunami is a very big ocean wave, often caused by an earthquake under the sea.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: While related, remember that an earthquake is ground movement, and a tsunami is a resulting ocean wave. Also, recall their respective fields of study.
VI. Answer in a paragraph.
Question 1. Write an essay on air pollution.
Answer:
Pollution of Air:
- Air is a mix of many gases.
- The main gases are nitrogen (78.09%), used for plant fertilizers and to make the air inactive. Oxygen (20.95%) is for breathing, and carbon dioxide (0.03%) is for photosynthesis. Plants use nitrogen from the soil, but lightning and some bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms plants can use.
- Other gases like argon, neon, helium, krypton, hydrogen, xenon, and methane are also found in the air.
- Air pollution is when indoor or outdoor air gets dirty with different gases. Air pollution can be divided into primary and secondary pollutants.
- A primary pollutant is released directly into the air from its source.
- A secondary pollutant is not released directly but forms when primary pollutants react in the air.
- Primary pollutants include:
- Oxides of Sulphur
- Oxides of Nitrogen
- Oxides of Carbon
- Particulate Matter
- Other primary pollutants
- Secondary pollutants include:
- Ground Level Ozone
- Smog
In simple words: Air pollution happens when harmful gases and particles make the air dirty, both inside and outside. It comes from things like factories and cars, and can be primary (directly released) or secondary (formed later).
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For essays on pollution, define it, list main components of air, categorize pollutants (primary/secondary), and give examples for each category. Use clear, numbered points for better structure.
Question 2. Define earthquake and list out its effects.
Answer:
Earthquakes:
- An earthquake is a strong shaking of the earth's outer layer, which sends out waves of shock in all directions from where it started. These powerful vibrations can cause significant destruction.
- Regions in the country that are prone to earthquakes have been identified. This is based on scientific data about how often earthquakes happen, past earthquake records, and the way the earth's crust is structured in those areas.
- Based on this information, the Bureau of Indian Standards has divided the country into four earthquake zones: Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V. Zone I is not used for classification in India.
| Seismic Zones | Level of Risk |
|---|---|
| Zone V | Very High |
| Zone IV | High |
| Zone III | Moderate |
| Zone II | Low |
In simple words: An earthquake is when the Earth's crust shakes violently, sending waves outwards. Experts group areas into different zones (like Zone V being very high risk) based on how likely they are to have earthquakes.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Define an earthquake clearly and then provide details on how earthquake-prone regions are identified and categorized into seismic zones.
Question 3. Give a detailed explanation of the causes of landslides.
Answer:
- A landslide is a quick downward movement of rocks, soil, and plants down a slope, pulled by gravity.
- The reasons for landslides are varied, but they generally involve two main aspects.
- One major cause is the force of gravity, which constantly pulls materials downhill.
- Another cause is the failure of the soil itself, often due to too much water or weak structure. The saturation of soil with water can significantly reduce its stability.
- Landslides are mainly of two types:
- Naturally occurring disasters.
- Human-induced changes in the environment.
- Natural causes of landslides include:
- Climatic changes (like heavy rainfall or quick snowmelt)
- Seismic activities (earthquakes)
- Weathering (breaking down of rocks)
- Soil erosion (removal of topsoil)
- Forest fires (which remove vegetation that holds soil)
In simple words: Landslides happen when rocks and soil fall down a hill, mainly because of gravity and weak soil. They can be caused by nature (like heavy rain or earthquakes) or by human actions (like removing trees).
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Explain the definition of a landslide, then categorize its causes into natural and human-induced factors, providing specific examples for each.
Question 4. Elaborately discuss the effects of water pollution.
Answer:
- Water pollution can cause harm to any living thing that drinks, uses, or lives in the affected water. This includes both aquatic animals and humans who consume contaminated water.
- Water pollution is defined as a change in the physical, chemical, and biological qualities of water. These changes can be very harmful to both human and aquatic life. Contaminated water can spread diseases like cholera and typhoid.
The main reasons for water pollution in India are:
- Urbanisation (growth of cities)
- Industrial effluents (waste from factories)
- Sewages etc. (untreated human waste)
- Agricultural runoff and improper agricultural practices (pesticides and fertilizers washing into water)
- Seawater intrusion (salt water mixing with fresh water)
- Solid wastes (garbage dumped into water bodies)
In simple words: Water pollution makes water dirty and dangerous for all living things. It changes the water's natural state because of waste from cities, factories, and farms, leading to health problems.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When discussing water pollution, describe its general effects on life, provide a definition, and then list the main human activities contributing to it.
I. Choose the correct answer.
Question 1. The content of Oxygen in the air is ................ .
(a) 20.95%
(b) 21.95%
(c) 22.95%
(d) 23.95%
Answer: (a) 20.95%
In simple words: Air contains about 20.95% oxygen, which is essential for breathing and supporting most life forms on Earth.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Remember the approximate percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere, as it's a fundamental environmental fact.
Question 2. The word 'hazard' Originated from the ................ language.
(a) French
(b) Telugu
(c) Malayalam
(d) Kannada
Answer: (a) French
In simple words: The word 'hazard' came from the French language. It means a risk or a chance of danger.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Knowing the linguistic origin of key terms can sometimes offer insights into their historical usage and meaning.
Question 3. National Institute of Disaster Management located in ................ .
(a) Britain
(b) New Delhi
(c) France
(d) Japan
Answer: (b) New Delhi
In simple words: The main office for disaster management in India, called the National Institute of Disaster Management, is located in New Delhi. This institute helps in planning and training for disaster response.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For institutions, always remember their full name and their primary location, especially for national bodies.
Question 4. In Tamil Nadu ................ coastal districts are frequently affected by Storm Surges.
(a) 13
(b) 14
(c) 15
(d) 16
Answer: (a) 13
In simple words: Thirteen coastal districts in Tamil Nadu often face storm surges. Storm surges are dangerous rises in sea level during storms.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Specific numbers related to geographical impacts (like number of affected districts) are important factual details.
Question 5. The areas that receive an annual rainfall of less than ................ are the drought zone regions of India.
(a) 60 cm
(b) 50 cm
(c) 40 cm
(d) 45 cm
Answer: (a) 60 cm
In simple words: Areas in India that get less than 60 cm of rain each year are considered drought-prone zones. Not enough rain leads to dry conditions.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Quantitative thresholds (like rainfall levels) for defining geographical classifications (like drought zones) are critical facts to remember.
Question 6. The meaning of Tsunami is ................ .
(a) Wave
(b) Harbour wave
(c) Storm
(d) Storm wave
Answer: (b) Harbour wave
In simple words: The word "tsunami" directly translates to "harbour wave". It describes the huge ocean waves that can cause damage when they reach coastal areas.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For terms borrowed from other languages, knowing their literal translation often helps in understanding their core meaning.
Question 7. In ................ the Ukraine part of Exclusion Zone was declared as a radiological and environmental biosphere.
(a) 2013
(b) 2014
(c) 2015
(d) 2016
Answer: (d) 2016
In simple words: In 2016, the part of Ukraine around Chernobyl was declared a special zone to protect its environment and study radiation effects. This area, known as the Exclusion Zone, is slowly becoming a wildlife haven.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Specific dates for significant environmental declarations or changes in protected areas are often tested facts.
Question 8. In India about ................ of the land mass is prone to landslide hazard.
(a) 15%
(b) 18%
(c) 19%
(d) 20%
Answer: (a) 15%
In simple words: About 15% of India's land is at risk of landslides. This means a significant portion of the country needs to be careful about such natural events.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Statistical data like percentages related to natural hazards are crucial for understanding the scale of the problem.
Question 9. In Tropical Cyclones the wind Speed may reach upto ................ per hour.
(a) 200 km
(b) 100 km
(c) 300 km
(d) 400 km
Answer: (a) 200 km
In simple words: Tropical cyclones can have very strong winds, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. These high winds cause widespread damage during a cyclone.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Know the typical wind speeds associated with severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones to understand their destructive potential.
Question 10. High-Pressure Zone is mentioned in the Geographical map as ................ letter.
(a) L
(b) P
(c) H
(d) S
Answer: (c) H
In simple words: On geographical maps, a high-pressure zone is usually shown with the letter 'H'. This helps to quickly identify areas of high atmospheric pressure.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Understand common symbols and abbreviations used on maps for meteorological and geographical features.
II. Fill in the blanks.
Question 1. The meaning of hazard is ................ .
Answer: a game of dice
In simple words: The word 'hazard' originally came from a game of dice, meaning a chance or a risk. Now it means a danger or a threat.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Understanding the etymological roots of words can provide interesting context, even if the modern usage is broader.
Question 2. ................ may be worsened by the destruction of mangroves.
Answer: Storm Surge hazard
In simple words: When mangrove forests are cut down, the danger from storm surges becomes worse. Mangroves help protect coastlines from powerful waves.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Recognize the protective role of natural ecosystems like mangroves in mitigating the impact of coastal hazards.
Question 3. ................ is a violent tremor in the earth's crust.
Answer: Earthquake
In simple words: An earthquake is a strong, sudden shaking of the Earth's outer layer. It is caused by movements deep inside the Earth.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: A direct definition for a common geological term like 'earthquake' is crucial for basic understanding.
Question 4. ................ is a strong wind circulating around a low-pressure area in the atmosphere.
Answer: Cyclonic Storm
In simple words: A cyclonic storm is a strong wind that spins around a low-pressure area in the air. These storms can bring heavy rain and cause a lot of damage.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: The key elements for defining a cyclonic storm are strong, circulating winds and a low-pressure center.
Question 5. During Cyclonic the wind speed may reach upto ................ km and rainfall may record up to ................ cm.
Answer: 200, 50
In simple words: During a cyclone, winds can blow as fast as 200 km per hour, and it can rain as much as 50 cm. These strong winds and heavy rains cause severe impacts.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Knowing the typical wind speed and rainfall amounts associated with cyclones helps to understand their intensity and potential for damage.
Question 6. A sudden rise of sea water due to tropical cyclone is called ................ .
Answer: Storm Surge
In simple words: A storm surge is when the sea level quickly rises a lot because of a strong tropical cyclone. This rise in water can flood coastal areas.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Differentiate between a tsunami (caused by underwater seismic activity) and a storm surge (caused by strong winds from a cyclone).
Question 7. ................ and ................ are the major causes of landslides.
Answer: Steep slope, heavy rainfall
In simple words: Landslides mainly happen because of steep hills and a lot of heavy rain. These two things together make the ground unstable.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Focus on the primary environmental and geographical factors that directly contribute to the instability of land, leading to landslides.
Question 8. In Tamil Nadu ................ and ................ are frequently affected by landslides.
Answer: Kodaikanal, Ooty
In simple words: Kodaikanal and Ooty in Tamil Nadu often experience landslides. These are hilly areas that are prone to such events.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Remember specific locations that are particularly vulnerable to certain natural hazards, such as the hill stations in Tamil Nadu for landslides.
Question 9. The gas used for Photosynthesis is ................ .
Answer: Carbon dioxide
In simple words: Plants use carbon dioxide gas from the air to make their food through a process called photosynthesis. This gas is very important for plant growth.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Carbon dioxide is a key reactant in photosynthesis; remembering its role is fundamental to understanding plant biology and the carbon cycle.
III. Match the following.
| List I | List II (Correct Match) |
|---|---|
| 1. Primary pollutant | d. Oxides of sulphur |
| 2. Hazardous waste | c. Outdated drugs |
| 3. Earthquake | b. Tsunami |
| 4. Meteorological drought | e. Reduction in rainfall |
| 5. Human induced hazard | a. Terrorism |
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When matching, focus on understanding the core definition of each item to correctly link them, rather than memorizing pairs. Often, one term strongly defines the other.
IV. State whether the following statements are true or false.
Question 1. Tsunami means Stormy Surge.
Answer: False. A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by large-scale disturbances like earthquakes, not directly by storms. Stormy surge refers to a rise in water level caused by strong winds during a storm.
In simple words: This statement is false. A tsunami is caused by things like underwater earthquakes, not just stormy weather.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Differentiate between natural disasters like tsunamis (seismic origin) and storm surges (weather origin) to avoid common confusion.
Question 2. A Secondary Pollutant is not directly emitted.
Answer: True. Secondary pollutants form in the atmosphere when primary pollutants react with other substances. They are not released directly from a source, unlike primary pollutants.
In simple words: This is true. Secondary pollutants are not put into the air straight from a source; they form when other chemicals mix in the air.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Remember that primary pollutants are released directly, while secondary pollutants are formed through chemical reactions in the air.
V. Assertion and Reasons.
Question 1. Assertion: Landslides are generally Sudden and infrequent.
Reason: The presence of Sleep Slope and heavy rainfall are the major causes of landslides.
(a) A is correct but R is incorrect
(b) Both A and R are incorrect
(c) A is incorrect and R is correct
(d) Both A and R are correct
Answer: (d) Both A and R are correct
In simple words: Both the statement about landslides being sudden and rare, and the reason that steep slopes and heavy rain cause them, are true.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For assertion-reason questions, evaluate each statement separately for truth, then check if the reason correctly explains the assertion.
VI. Answer in brief.
Question 1. Define Catastrophe.
Answer: A catastrophe is a very big disaster. It needs a lot of money and a long time to fix everything. Catastrophes often cause widespread damage and disruption to life and infrastructure.
In simple words: A catastrophe is a huge disaster that costs a lot of money and takes a very long time to recover from.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Focus on the scale (massive) and impact (significant money and time for recovery) when defining a catastrophe.
Question 2. What are the major causes of floods?
Answer: Floods are mainly caused by a mix of natural weather conditions and human activities.
Meteorological factors:
โข Heavy rainfall: A lot of rain in a short time can quickly fill rivers and lakes.
โข Tropical cyclones: These storms bring very strong winds and heavy rain, leading to floods.
โข Cloudburst Physical factors: Sudden, very heavy rain in a small area can cause flash floods.
โข Large catchment area: If a large area of land drains into one river, it can cause the river to overflow.
โข Inadequate drainage arrangement: Poor drainage systems cannot handle heavy rainfall, causing water to collect.
Human factors:
โข Deforestation: Cutting down trees means less water is absorbed by the soil, leading to more runoff.
โข Siltation: When rivers fill up with mud and sand, they can hold less water and overflow easily.
โข Faulty agricultural practices: Incorrect farming methods can lead to soil erosion and reduced water absorption.
โข Faulty irrigation practices: Inefficient irrigation can sometimes contribute to waterlogging.
โข Collapse of dams: Dam failures release huge amounts of water suddenly.
โข Accelerated urbanisation: More concrete and less green space mean water cannot soak into the ground, leading to surface flooding.
In simple words: Floods happen because of things like heavy rain, big storms, and bad drainage. Human actions like cutting down trees and building too much also make floods worse.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When listing causes, categorize them into natural (meteorological) and human factors for a comprehensive answer.
Question 3. Write short notes on Indian Ocean Tsunami?
Answer: The Indian Ocean Tsunami happened on December 26, 2004, at 7:59 a.m. local time. It was caused by a very strong undersea earthquake (magnitude 9.1) near the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. This event was one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. The tsunami killed at least 225,000 people across twelve countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia, and the Maldives, causing massive destruction. Many coastal areas were completely washed away, showing the immense power of tsunamis.
In simple words: A giant tsunami hit the Indian Ocean in 2004 after a huge earthquake near Sumatra. It killed over 225,000 people and caused great damage in many countries.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Include key details like the date, cause (earthquake), location, magnitude, and the devastating human toll for a complete answer.
Question 4. Explain Prevention Measures.
Answer: Prevention measures are actions taken to stop a natural disaster or danger from happening. They also aim to reduce the harmful effects on people or valuable assets if a disaster does occur. These measures help to keep communities safe and prepared. For example, building strong sea walls can prevent damage from storm surges.
In simple words: Prevention measures are steps we take to stop dangers from happening or to make them less harmful if they do. They help protect people and things.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Define prevention measures by focusing on their purpose: to avert calamities and mitigate their negative impacts on life and property.
VII. Distinguish the following.
Question 1. Geologic hazard and Environmental hazard.
Answer:
| Geologic Hazard | Environmental Hazard |
|---|---|
| These are hazards that come from the Earth's processes. | These are hazards related to the natural environment and human impact on it. |
| Examples include Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Landslides, and Land subsidence. | Examples include Pollution of soil/air/water, Desertification, Global warming, and Deforestation. |
| They often involve movement of the Earth's crust or geological materials. | They often involve changes to ecosystems or the quality of natural resources. |
In simple words: Geologic hazards are caused by Earth's movements, like earthquakes and tsunamis. Environmental hazards are about how our surroundings and pollution affect us, such as dirty air or global warming.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate by their origin: geologic hazards come from the Earth's structure, while environmental hazards arise from changes in the environment, often human-induced.
VIII. Answer in a paragraph.
Question 1. Explain about Socio โ natural hazards.
Answer: Socio-natural hazards are dangers that arise from a mix of natural processes and human activities. They happen when human actions make natural events worse or more likely to occur. These hazards show how interconnected our environment and society are. Some examples include:
- The number and strength of floods and droughts can go up because people cut down too many trees. This is especially true in areas where rivers begin.
- Landslides are caused by natural forces, but they become more frequent or severe when people build roads, houses, mine, or dig tunnels in hilly areas.
- Storm surges, which are dangerous high waves, can get much worse if mangrove forests along the coast are destroyed. Mangroves naturally protect shorelines.
- Smog is a serious air pollution problem in big cities. It forms when smoke from vehicles, factories, and burning wood or coal mixes with fog.
In simple words: Socio-natural hazards are problems that start from nature but get worse because of human actions. For example, floods can get bigger when people cut down trees, or landslides happen more often when we build in hilly areas.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Emphasize the combined aspect of "socio-natural" โ how human actions amplify or create vulnerability to natural phenomena.
Question 2. Explain the Hazards based on their origin.
Answer: Hazards can be sorted into different groups based on where they come from. There are eight main types:
1. Atmospheric hazard: These come from the atmosphere. Examples include tropical storms, thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, avalanches, heat waves, fog, and forest fires. These are often related to weather patterns.
2. Geologic/Seismic hazard: These come from the Earth itself. Examples are earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and land subsidence. They involve movements or changes within the Earth's crust.
3. Hydrologic hazard: These involve water. Examples include floods, droughts, coastal erosion, and storm surges. They are often linked to water bodies and precipitation patterns.
4. Volcanic hazard: These are dangers from volcanoes. The main examples are eruptions and lava flows. These events can cause widespread destruction and atmospheric changes.
5. Environmental hazard: These relate to the environment and its pollution. Examples include soil, air, and water pollution, desertification, global warming, and deforestation. These often have long-term impacts on ecosystems.
6. Biological hazard: These are dangers from living things. Examples are chickenpox, smallpox, AIDS (HIV), and killer bees. These hazards involve diseases or harmful organisms.
7. Technological hazard: These come from human-made technology or infrastructure. Examples include hazardous material incidents, fires, failures in bridges, tunnels, dams, and nuclear or radiological accidents. These are often preventable with proper maintenance and safety protocols.
8. Human-induced hazard: These are directly caused by human actions. Examples include terrorism, bomb blasts, war, transportation accidents, and civil disorder. These often result from intentional or accidental human errors or conflicts.
In simple words: Hazards can be grouped by their source. Some come from the air (like storms), some from the Earth (like earthquakes), some from water (like floods), and some from volcanoes. Other hazards come from pollution, diseases, technology, or directly from human actions.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When explaining hazards by origin, provide at least one clear example for each category to illustrate the concept effectively.
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TN Board Solutions Class 8 Social Science Chapter 05 Hazards
Students can now access the TN Board Solutions for Chapter 05 Hazards prepared by teachers on our website. These solutions cover all questions in exercise in your Class 8 Social Science textbook. Each answer is updated based on the current academic session as per the latest TN Board syllabus.
Detailed Explanations for Chapter 05 Hazards
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