What is the term for a large sea wave caused by disturbance of the sea floor during tectonic activity?

What is the term for a large sea wave caused by disturbance of the sea floor during tectonic activity?

• A. Tsunami
• B. Hurricane
• C. Eruption
• D. Tidal wave

Answer: (A)

Tsunami is the term for a large sea wave caused by the disturbance of the sea floor during tectonic activity. When the seabed moves suddenly, as in an earthquake, a huge amount of water is displaced and energy travels through the ocean as waves with long wavelengths. In deep water these waves can move very fast, and as they reach shallow coastlines their height increases dramatically, causing powerful surges and flooding. This mechanism distinguishes tsunamis from other ocean waves driven by wind or tides. Hurricanes involve storm systems and wind-driven surges, eruptions refer to volcanic activity, and tidal waves is an outdated term since tides are caused by the Moon’s gravity, not seabed disturbances.

Tsunami is the term for a large sea wave caused by the disturbance of the sea floor during tectonic activity. When the seabed moves suddenly, as in an earthquake, a huge amount of water is displaced and energy travels through the ocean as waves with long wavelengths. In deep water these waves can move very fast, and as they reach shallow coastlines their height increases dramatically, causing powerful surges and flooding. This mechanism distinguishes tsunamis from other ocean waves driven by wind or tides. Hurricanes involve storm systems and wind-driven surges, eruptions refer to volcanic activity, and tidal waves is an outdated term since tides are caused by the Moon’s gravity, not seabed disturbances.