General Studies I · Subtopic
Earthquakes and tsunamis
Official syllabus
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
UPSC CSE 2026 notification
What this covers
Explain seismic rupture, ground motion and tsunami generation, then separate physical hazard from risk to people and infrastructure.
Key ideas
- Fault and focus
- Epicentre and seismic waves
- Magnitude and intensity
- Seafloor displacement and tsunami
- Exposure and vulnerability