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SSLC SURE A PLUS

SOCIAL SCIENCE
The Changing Earth
[Link] the Earth's surface has so many ups and downs?
The Earth's surface is constantly subjected to many changes. For millions of
years, numerous movements and resulting processes have been occurring on the
surface as well as within the Earth. Each and every landform on the Earth's surface
is formed as a result of these movements and processes. Mountains, plateaus, valleys,
rivers, and so on were all created due to these continuously occurring Earth
movements and processes. The movements that cause the ups and downs on the
surface of the Earth are called the Earth movements.
[Link] Earth movements can be categorized into two types based on the forces there
are two types of Earth Movements and the forces that cause them. Explain?
Endogenic Movements Exogenic Movements
The processes that are caused by The processes that are caused by
Exogenic Movements The processes that external forces on the surface of the
are caused by the forces within the Earth at varied intensities
Earth at varied intensities . Slope of the area, gravity, the pressure
Radioactivity within the Earth, exerted on an object by another object,
primordial heat, the rotation of the molecular stress due to temperature
Earth, variations in geothermal gradient, changes, running water, glaciers, wind,
and convection currents. groundwater, and different chemical
actions.

Endogenic movement
[Link] examples for endogenic movements
Earthquakes, volcanism, orogenic movements, epeirogenic movements, and
plate tectonics are formed the result of endogenic movements.
[Link] movements are classified into two . What are they?

Slow movements (diastrophic Sudden movemnents

movements)
Epeirogenic Orogenic Processes Earthquake,Volcanism

5. Define the following?

Diastrophism- endogenic processes that move, elevate or build up of the Earth's
crust come under diastrophism .
Diastrophic movements- The endogenic movements that move, elevate, build
up portions of the Earth's crust are collectively known as diastrophic movements.
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Epeirogenic movements -The processes that cause the upliftment of a large

portion of the Earth's crust are called epeirogenic movements. These movements
cause only minimal deformation on the Earth’s surface.
Orogenic movements- The processes that cause the formation of mountains are
called orogenic movements. We know that fold mountains are formed through the
folding of crustal portions. These movements cause only minimal deformation on the
Earth’s surface, whereas in orogenic movements, the Earth’s surface is severely
deformed. The processes that cause the formation of mountains are called orogenic
movements. We know that fold mountains are formed through the folding of crustal
portions. In orogenic movements, the Earth’s surface is severely deformed
Volcanism
[Link] do you mean by lithosphere ?
The outermost layer of the Earth, called the crust, along with the uppermost
portion of the mantle, together form the lithosphere with an average thickness of 100
kilometre.
[Link] Asthenosphere ?
A zone lying just below the solid lithosphere called the asthenosphere, where
rocks exist in a partially molten (semi-liquid) state.
[Link] a short note on Volcanic eruption
It is from asthenosphere that molten rock material, called magma, rises to the
surface of the Earth through holes, cracks, and weaker portions of the lithosphere
The openings in the lithosphere through which molten rock material, gases, ash,
pyroclastic materials (rock fragments), dust, and water vapour erupt to the surface of
the Earth are called volcanoes.
9. What is volcanic materials ?
The materials that erupt in this way are known as volcanic materials. The
molten rock material present in the upper mantle is called magma. Once it starts
moving towards the crust or reaches the surface, it is referred to as lava.
[Link] a note describing the structure of volcano
Magma Chamber: A large, underground reservoir
or pool of magma (molten rock) beneath the
volcano. This is where the molten material is
stored before an eruption.
Vent: The opening at the Earth's surface through
which magma, volcanic fragments, and/or gases
are emitted. The main vent is usually located at
the summit.

Crater: A bowl-shaped depression at the top of

the volcano that surrounds the main vent.

Sill: It forms when magma (molten rock) cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's
surface, meaning it never erupts as lava.
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Laccolith-It is a body of intrusive rock with a dome-shaped upper surface and a

level base.

[Link] major volcanic zones are mainly located along major plate margins. Why is
this so?
The two types of plate boundaries that are most likely to produce volcanic
activity are divergent plate boundaries and convergent plate boundaries.

At a divergent boundary, tectonic plates move apart from one another. The
Earth’s crust is pulled apart to create a new pathway for rising hot magma to flow
on to the surface .Eg Mid-Atlantic Ridge

At a convergent plate boundary, tectonic plates move toward one another and
[Link] form here in two settings where either oceanic plate descends below
another oceanic plate or an oceanic plate descends below a continental plate. This
process is called subduction and creates distinctive types of volcanoes

[Link] does volcanic activities affect human life?

Negative Impacts and Hazards

Volcanic explosions near human settlements cause loss of lives and destruct
properties. They disrupt economic activities and severely affect human life. The lava
flow following a volcanic eruption adversely impacts both nature and human
settlements. By destroying houses and land, it leaves many people homeless and
jobless.

Gases like sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can
be toxic.

Ash Inhalation can cause respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and chronic lung
[Link] of essential services like electricity, water, communications, and
transport networks.

[Link] places are suitable for agriculture and hence attract people to settle
there. Elucidate the positive impacts and benefits
Fertile soil The most fertile soils on Earth, which are rich in minerals like
potassium and magnesium.
The internal heat associated with young volcanic systems is harnessed for
geothermal energy [Link] creates rich deposits of metallic minerals such as
copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc.
Unique landscapes, such as hot springs, geysers, and striking geological
formations, attract millions of tourists.
The geothermal energy released from volcanic regions is converted into
electricity in certain areas and utilized for local purposes
[Link] is the only active volcano in India?
Barren Island, located in the Andaman Sea.
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[Link] eruptions cause immeasurable damage in Indonesia ?

Around 36,000 people lost their lives due to the Krakatoa volcanic eruption in
1883. Most of Krakatoa Island, located between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia,
collapsed into the sea after the eruption.
[Link] can we foresee such geographic phenomena in advance and reduce the
intensity of these disasters?
We can't prevent the eruption of volcanoes. However the intensity of it can be
reduced by using scientific methods in identifying such areas and by taking
precautionary measures. By avoiding the construction of houses in areas close to
volcanoes, restricting tourism in such areas, continuously monitoring volcanic regions
using scientific instruments and issuing early warnings, and constructing buildings
capable of withstanding lava flow and ash fall after an eruption, the disasters caused
by volcanic explosions can be mitigated to some extent.
[Link] do lithospheric plates slide over the asthenosphere?
Lithospheric plates slide over the asthenosphere due to convection currents in
the mantle and other forces like slab pull and ridge push. The intense heat from
Earth's core creates these convection currents, causing the semi-fluid asthenosphere to
move. This movement then pushes, pulls, and drags the rigid lithospheric plates
along with it, resulting in plate tectonics.
Earthquakes
[Link] between lithospheric plates is one of the reasons for Earthquakes. Evaluate
the statement.
When two lithospheric plates move past each other, friction is generated along
their margins. This friction in a way restricts the movement of the plates, causing
high tension to build up along the margins. As a result, energy gets concentrated in
these areas. When the pressure of the plates to move overcomes the friction at the
plate boundaries, a sudden movement or rupture occurs at the plate boundaries. This
causes energy to be released abruptly. This energy travels to the surface as seismic
waves, which are experienced as [Link] types of earthquakes are called
tectonic earthquakes.
[Link] the following terms related to Earthquake
.Focus or Hypocentre -The point inside the Earth from which the energy is
released is called the focus or hypocentre.
.Epicentre- The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus is called
the epicentre. The epicentre is closest to the hypocentre, and it is this point that
seismic waves reach first.
[Link] occur not only because of tectonic movements but also due to other
[Link] are the other reasons for earthquake
*collapse of mine roofs in intensive mining areas, and explosions.
*In places where large reservoirs are situated, minor tremors are often caused
by faults in the bedrock due to the pressure exerted by the water on the bedrock.
[Link] Himalayan regions are highly vulnerable or susceptible to earthquakes. Why?
The Himalayan regions are highly vulnerable to earthquakes because they are
located at the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where the Indian
plate is constantly colliding with the Eurasian plate. This ongoing collision builds up
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immense stress along fault lines, which is released periodically in the form of seismic
activity and earthquakes. The region's young geological structure and unstable terrain
further amplify this vulnerability, increasing the risk of landslides and other hazards
as well
[Link] are the possible disasters caused by earthquake.
.It affects lives of thousands of people .Destroys hundreds of buildings .The
transportation and communication systems are shattered, and water distribution failed
.The food supply will disrupt
The shortage of medicines .Rescue operations become difficult by landslides and fires.
[Link] can mitigate the intensity of disasters caused by earthquakes by adopting
precise preventive measures and by raising awareness. How to Face a Earthquake

Before the disaster During the disaster After the disaster

Preparation is key to Stay Safe Be Prepared for

staying safe. Aftershocks

.Secure Your Space .Indoors: Drop, Cover, and .Check for Hazards
.Make a Plan Hold On .Communicate & Stay
.Prepare an Emergency Kit Informed

Tsunami
[Link] is Tsunami?
Severe earthquakes that occur on the ocean floor cause giant waves, which can
rise up to several metres. These giant waves are called tsunamis. The impact of
volcanic eruptions on the ocean floor and the fall of meteors can also cause tsunamis.
It is the coastal areas that mainly bear the brunt of tsunamis.
[Link] can we do to safeguard ourselves from tsunamis?
If the sea level suddenly goes down by several metres, consider it a tsunami
warning. Run away from the shore immediately and move to higher ground. If you
are caught in a tsunami, try to save yourself by holding onto something that can
[Link] in sea level may be an indicator of Tsunami. If so, move on to safer
[Link] official warnings seriously.
Don’t arrive at self conclusion that the dangerous situation is over, wait for official
declaration.
Exogenic movements
[Link] the driving or causative forces of exogenic movements (Exogenic forces)
. Slope formed on the Earth's surface .Gravity .Solar energy .Exogenic agents/
Forces
[Link] are the forces responsible for various processes that operate on the surface
of the Earth?
Weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and mass wasting. These
processes are collectively known as exogenic movements.
[Link] do you mean by driving forces of exogenic movements ?
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Each exogenic process derives its energy from different external forces, which
are called the driving forces of exogenic movements. The nature and rate of these
movements vary according to the climatic regions of the Earth.
[Link] exogenic movements and their driving forces.

Exogenic Movements

.Weathering .Erosion .Transportation .Mass Wasting

Gravitational .Deposition
force,Temperature The kinetic energy of Gravitational Force
changes ,Molecular stresses running water ,Glaciers, wind
Bio- chemical actions and waves and the action of
groundwater

[Link] has different types of rocks, and that they have been subjected to various
changes over a long period of time. What are they ? How ?
Because of certain exogenous forces, rocks are mechanically disintegrated or
chemically decomposed. The processes that bring about these chemical and
mechanical changes in rocks are called weathering.

[Link] the different types of weathering?

Weathering

Physical Weathering Chemical Weathering Biological Weathering

Due to temperature Oxygen, carbon dioxide, The protrusion of plant

changes, rock minerals water, and other substances roots through the cracks in
expand and contract. Over engage in chemical rocks, the burrowing of
a period of time, this leads reactions with the minerals animals that make holes in
to the disintegration of in rocks, leading to the rocks, and the decay of
rocks. In addition, when chemical decomposition of plant and animal remains
water gets trapped inside rocks. also cause the
the cracks of rocks and disintegration of rocks.
freezes into ice, it expands.
This causes the cracks to
widen and gradually breaks
the rocks apart.

[Link] human activities cause weathering? List the human activities that contribute to
the weathering of rocks
. Mining .Quarrying .Construction .Deforestation, and Industrial
pollution .Dams Constitution
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[Link] humans get any benefits from the weathering of rocks? How can weathering
be useful to us?
.Weathering leads to the formation of soil .It helps to separate minerals from
rocks .It causes mineral enrichment .It makes mining easier
Erosion, Transportation, Deposition
[Link] the following
Erosion- is the process where Earth's surface materials like soil and rock are
worn away and moved from one location to another by natural forces such as wind,
water, and glacier, under ground water, waves.
Depositional landforms-These movements create different depositional landforms
on the Earth's surface.
[Link] type of earth movement that occurs on the surface of the Earth due to
exogenic forces is mass wasting. Explain ?
It refers to the movement or fall of rock fragments or earth materials down a
slope under the direct influence of gravitational pull. It ranges from very slow
movements to rapid movements. Mass wasting can vary from the sliding of a very
thin layer of soil to the fall of large quantities of earth materials.
[Link]' is a type of mass wasting. Elucidate
The phenomenon of the fall or movement of rocks or topsoil from higher to
lower areas under the direct influence of gravity is called mass wasting. Landfalls,
rockfalls, landslides, debris f lows, and land subsidence are different types of mass
wasting seen in our highlands. The sudden movement of rock debris and soil mixed
with water down a steep slope under the direct influence of gravity is called a debris
flow. The landslide refers to the downward sliding of a portion of a mountain slope
under the force of gravity. In the hilly regions of Kerala, intense rainfall often
triggers landslides or debris f lows. This phenomenon is often be highly destructive.
[Link] the possible factors that can lead to 'Urulpottal' in an area.
Slope of the land, the depth and structure of the soil, land use, and the
distribution of streams. Heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and earthquakes are the main
triggering factors for debris flow. In addition to these, unscientific rock quarrying
during the monsoon season and the unscientific construction activities can also act as
triggering factors. Areas with a slope of more than 22 degrees have a higher
possibility of experiencing debris flow/landslide.
[Link] out the major causes of debris flow/landslide in Kerala, and complete the
list.
Both natural and human-induced activities as the major causes of debris flow
and landslides
Human-induced causes-Unscientific construction of houses, roads etc on steep slopes,
Interruption of the natural flow of streams,Indiscriminate quarrying and mining
Natural causes- Heavy rainfall,Unique soil and geology,Soil piping,Hilly terrain
[Link] is difficult for us to predict natural hazards like debris f low and [Link]
we can mitigate their impact and intensity?
By identifying the areas prone to it in advance through scientific methods
and by taking precautionary [Link] using tools like remote sensing and
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help us identify areas that have a higher
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possibility of 'Urulpottal' (debris flow or landslide). Institutions such as the Geological

Survey of India and the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) prepare
maps of each district showing landslide/debris flow–prone areas. These maps are
available on the website of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority.
[Link] a chart titled 'How to Face Urulpottal’

At the time of the disaster After the disaster

.Stay calm and do not panic . .Allow ambulances and other rescue
.During Urulpottal, if you are inside vehicles to pass without obstruction .
your house, take shelter under a strong .Report immediately to the authorities if
table or cot. you notice any fallen electric lines in
.Get away from trees, poles, and power Urulpottal-affected regions.
lines .Stay away from the area due to
Stay away from exterior walls and instability and the risk of further slides.
windows

[Link] adopted by the Government of Kerala to mitigate the impact of the

recent Urulpottal (debris flow) incidents in the state.
The Government of Kerala has adopted a comprehensive, multi-faceted
approach to mitigate the impact of urulpottal (debris flow/landslide) incidents, with a
particular focus on the disastrous events in the Wayanad district in 2024. Measures
include advanced early warning systems, rehabilitation for affected families, strict
land-use policies, and strengthened disaster management planning.

Prepared by

VIMAL VINCENT V HST, GHSS North Paravur 9847452945