Where would a tsunami be most likely to occur?
a. Cuba coast of Ireland
b. New York City
d. Indonesia
The correct answer and explanation is:
The most likely place for a tsunami to occur from the given options is d. Indonesia.
Tsunamis are typically triggered by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides. Indonesia is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with significant tectonic activity, including frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This makes it one of the most tsunami-prone regions in the world. The country’s geographical location, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Timor Sea, places it near active tectonic plate boundaries where such seismic events are common.
One of the most devastating tsunamis in recent history occurred in Indonesia on December 26, 2004, when a massive undersea earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra triggered a tsunami that affected several countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The tsunami caused extensive damage and loss of life, with Indonesia being the hardest-hit nation.
In contrast, the Cuba coast of Ireland and New York City are far less prone to tsunamis. These areas are not located along active tectonic plate boundaries or within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity is most intense. While tsunamis can theoretically affect any coastal area, the likelihood of such events occurring in these regions is significantly lower than in places like Indonesia, Japan, or other parts of the Pacific and Indian Ocean basins.
Thus, Indonesia is by far the most likely location for a tsunami to occur among the options provided.