NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Interior of the earth

mcqeasy

Which category of earthquakes is the most common globally?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ACollapse earthquake
BExplosion earthquake
CTectonic earthquake
DVolcanic earthquake

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is Tectonic earthquake.

Explanation

Earthquakes are classified into various categories based on their mode of origin and causative factors. While all result in the release of energy and ground shaking, their frequency and global distribution vary significantly.

Tectonic Earthquakes: These are the most common type of earthquakes globally. They are generated due to the sliding of rocks along a fault plane. The continuous movement of lithospheric plates builds up stress, which is eventually released as kinetic energy, causing the earth to shake.
Volcanic Earthquakes: A special class of tectonic earthquakes confined to areas of active volcanoes. They are caused by the movement of magma or gas pressure but are far less frequent and widespread than standard tectonic earthquakes.
Collapse Earthquakes: These occur in areas of intense mining activity. The collapse of roofs in underground mines causes minor tremors, making them localized and relatively rare events.
Explosion Earthquakes: These are ground tremors caused by the detonation of chemical or nuclear devices. They are artificial in origin and not a natural geological occurrence.

Key Takeaway: Tectonic earthquakes, resulting from the movement of tectonic plates along faults, constitute the vast majority of seismic events recorded worldwide.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Interior of the earth

With reference to 'Body Waves', consider the following statements: 1. They are generated due to the release of energy at the focus. 2. They move only in a vertical direction towards the surface. 3. They interact with surface rocks to generate surface waves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the 'Shadow Zone' of P-waves?

medium

With reference to the 'Mantle', consider the following statements: 1. The lower mantle is in a liquid state. 2. It extends from Moho's discontinuity to a depth of 2,900 km. 3. It has a lower density than that of the crust. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Crust': 1. It is the innermost solid part of the earth. 2. It is brittle in nature. 3. Its thickness varies between oceanic and continental areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the sources of information about the interior of the earth, consider the following statements: 1. Mining and drilling projects provide direct information about the earth's interior materials. 2. Meteors are considered a direct source of information because they originate from the earth's core. 3. Gravitation and magnetic fields are indirect sources of information. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 2: Interior of the earth

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The correct option is Tectonic earthquake.

Explanation

Tectonic Earthquakes: These are the most common type of earthquakes globally. They are generated due to the sliding of rocks along a fault plane. The continuous movement of lithospheric plates builds up stress, which is eventually released as kinetic energy, causing the earth to shake.
Volcanic Earthquakes: A special class of tectonic earthquakes confined to areas of active volcanoes. They are caused by the movement of magma or gas pressure but are far less frequent and widespread than standard tectonic earthquakes.
Collapse Earthquakes: These occur in areas of intense mining activity. The collapse of roofs in underground mines causes minor tremors, making them localized and relatively rare events.
Explosion Earthquakes: These are ground tremors caused by the detonation of chemical or nuclear devices. They are artificial in origin and not a natural geological occurrence.

Key Takeaway: Tectonic earthquakes, resulting from the movement of tectonic plates along faults, constitute the vast majority of seismic events recorded worldwide.