Consider the following statements regarding 'Faults' 1. A fault is a fracture in rock where there has been significant displacement. 2. Building a dam directly over an active fault line is generally avoided due to the risk of earthquake-induced movement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2Correct
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Solution
Concept
Geological Faults and Dam Foundations
Formula
N/A
Step-by-step solution
1. Read the given statements regarding geological faults and dam foundation safety. 2. Determine that both statements are correct, as faults involve significant displacement and active fault lines pose severe risks to dams. 3. Select Option C (Both 1 and 2) as the correct choice.
Explanation
Both statements are correct. A fault is a fracture in rock along which movement or displacement has taken place. Building a dam directly over an active fault line is avoided because earthquake movements along the fault can crack or destroy the dam's foundation, leading to catastrophic failure.
Shortcut
To remember key facts about Geological Faults and Dam Safety, use the rule "Fault = Movement, Active = Avoid": - Fault vs. Joint: A fault always involves significant movement or displacement along the rock fracture, whereas a joint has little to no displacement. - Active Faults & Dams: Never build heavy dams directly over active fault lines because earthquake-induced movement can rupture the dam foundation and cause failure.
Common mistake
A common mistake is confusing a fault with a joint by assuming a fracture in rock does not require significant displacement, leading students to incorrectly mark Statement 1 as false and choose Option B. Another mistake is assuming modern engineering allows dams to be safely built directly over active fault lines, leading students to select Option A.
Correct answer: C) Both 1 and 2