UPSC Prelims 2008 Q85: Science & Technology – Energy & Environment
In the year 2007, an earthquake led to massive radioactive water leakage in the largest
nuclear plant in the world. In which country did it occur?
- (a) Germany
- (b) Canada
- (c) Japan
- (d) USA
Answer: (c) Japan
Explanation
Where the 2007 earthquake caused radioactive leakage at the world's largest nuclear plant
This significant nuclear safety incident occurred at a specific East Asian country's major power facility.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Germany | Incorrect | Not the location of this incident |
| (b) Canada | Incorrect | Also not the location |
| (c) Japan | Correct | The 2007 earthquake caused radioactive water leakage at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Japan, the world's largest nuclear plant |
| (d) USA | Incorrect | Not the location of this incident |
2007 nuclear incident facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Plant | Kashiwazaki-Kariwa |
Answer: (c) Japan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Germany is not the location of this incident.
- (b) Incorrect. Canada is also not the location.
- (c) CORRECT. The incident occurred at Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant.
- (d) Incorrect. USA is also not the location.
Key point
The 2007 earthquake led to radioactive water leakage at Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest nuclear plant.
Remember
The 2007 earthquake leading to radioactive water leakage at the world's largest nuclear plant occurred in Japan.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this 2007 Japanese incident with the later, more famous 2011 Fukushima disaster.
- Not knowing the specific Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant name.
- Mixing up different countries' nuclear power facility incidents.
Exam tip
2007 earthquake + radioactive leak + world's largest nuclear plant = Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, Japan. Distinct from the later 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Sources
- International Atomic Energy Agency — Mission Report: Preliminary Findings and Lessons Learned from the Niigataken Chuetsu-oki Earthquake of 16 July 2007 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant