Which of the following can lead to a tsunami?
A.
Sunspot activity.
B.
Lightning strikes.
C.
Earthquakes.
D.
Flooding.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Earthquakes.
Explanation:
A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves generated by sudden and powerful underwater disturbances. These disturbances can include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, or even meteorite impacts. However, the most common cause of tsunamis is earthquakes, particularly those that occur under the ocean.
How Earthquakes Cause Tsunamis:
When an underwater earthquake occurs, it can displace a significant amount of water, especially if it involves a vertical movement of the seafloor. This displacement generates a series of waves that move outward from the epicenter in all directions. These waves can travel across entire ocean basins at high speeds, up to 500-800 kilometers per hour (310-500 miles per hour) in deep water.
As the waves approach shallow coastal waters, they slow down, but their height increases dramatically. This results in a large wall of water that can cause widespread destruction when it crashes onto the shore. The impact of a tsunami can be devastating, leading to loss of life, destruction of property, and significant changes to the coastal landscape.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- A. Sunspot activity: Sunspot activity refers to changes in the Sun’s surface, which can influence space weather and possibly Earth’s magnetic field, but it does not cause tsunamis. Sunspot activity can affect satellite communications and power grids, but it has no direct impact on oceanic waves.
- B. Lightning strikes: Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. While lightning can cause localized fires and power outages, it does not have the capability to generate the massive water displacement required to produce a tsunami.
- D. Flooding: Flooding is a condition where an area becomes submerged under water, typically due to heavy rain, storm surges, or river overflows. While flooding can cause significant damage and loss of life, it is not a cause of tsunamis. In fact, a tsunami could lead to flooding in coastal areas, but the reverse is not true.
In summary, earthquakes are the primary natural event that can lead to the formation of tsunamis, making them the correct answer. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for disaster preparedness, especially in regions prone to seismic activity.