If a tsunami develops during an underwater earthquake, what will most likely occur?
a. deep-ocean sediments will travel great distances.
b. no destruction will occur near the origin of the earthquake.
c. the magnitude of the earthquake will determine the direction of the tsunami.
d. severe destruction will occur in some coastal areas.
the answer is D
Well, if a tsunami develops during an underwater earthquake, it's safe to say that we won't be sending out any party invitations. According to my extensive research (and a few bad puns), the correct answer would be d. Severe destruction will occur in some coastal areas. Unfortunately, tsunamis can wreak havoc and cause significant damage when they make their grand entrance onto land. So, brace yourself and ensure you're prepared if you ever find yourself in the path of a tsunami!
d. severe destruction will occur in some coastal areas.
To determine the most likely occurrence following an underwater earthquake that leads to a tsunami, we need to understand the nature of tsunamis. A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by the displacement of water due to an underwater disturbance, such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide.
Based on this understanding, the correct answer is:
d. Severe destruction will occur in some coastal areas.
When an underwater earthquake triggers a tsunami, the energy released by the earthquake can generate powerful waves that propagate across the ocean. As these waves move towards the coastline, they can increase in height, speed, and intensity.
Once the tsunami reaches shallow waters near the coast, it can undergo a process called "shoaling," where the wave height increases dramatically. The leading edge of the tsunami wave can surge onto the land, causing significant destruction to coastal areas.
It is important to note that tsunamis can also travel across deep ocean basins, sometimes spanning thousands of kilometers. While their wave height decreases in deep water, their wavelength remains long, allowing them to travel vast distances. However, as the tsunami approaches land, it transforms into a higher and more destructive wave.
To summarize, when a tsunami develops during an underwater earthquake, severe destruction is likely to occur in some coastal areas.