Question

Which of the following measure does not prevent or reduce the intensity of the earthquake?

(a) Filling the reservoir up to a limited safe level

(b) Draining out water from weaker adjoining rocks

(c) Active exploration of the dam site for the absence of inactive faults before selecting the same

(d) Increasing the pore pressure

The question was asked in an interview for job.

This key question is from Reservoir Losses topic in portion Reservoirs and Dam Reservoirs Planning of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (d) Increasing the pore pressure

For explanation: Earthquakes occur due to increased pore-pressure in the adjoining rocks which lowers their shearing strength resulting in the release of tectonic strain. Draining out water from weaker adjoining rocks actually reduces pore pressure.