All Indian Coastal States Prone to Tsunami Risk: INCOIS
Context
According to the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), all Indian coastal states and Union Territories are vulnerable to tsunamis triggered by two major subduction zones in the region.
Key Highlights
- Andaman-Nicobar-Sumatra Island Arc:
- A 5,000 km long tectonic arc stretching from Myanmar to Indonesia.
- It is a major subduction zone where the Indian Plate is diving beneath the Eurasian Plate.
- Makran Subduction Zone:
- Located off the coasts of southeastern Iran and southwestern Pakistan.
- It involves the Arabian Sea Plate subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.
- Capable of generating tsunamis affecting India’s western coast.
Prelims Practice Question
Q. The Makran Subduction Zone, known for its tsunami potential, lies along the coast of:
A. Indonesia and Malaysia
B. Myanmar and Bangladesh
C. Iran and Pakistan
D. India and Sri Lanka
Answer: C. Iran and Pakistan
