Which can be the result of an earthquake below the ocean floor?
a change in the direction of the wind
a large increase in ocean wave frequency
a wall of water more than 20 meters tall
a reduction in the amount of wave energy
a wall of water more than 20 meters tall
B or C
which one would u go with?
The result of an earthquake below the ocean floor can be a large increase in ocean wave frequency and a wall of water more than 20 meters tall. This phenomenon is known as a tsunami.
To understand why these effects occur, let's start by explaining how an earthquake under the ocean can lead to a tsunami. When an earthquake happens below the ocean floor, it creates a disturbance in the water column above it. This disturbance generates a series of waves that travel across the ocean's surface. As these waves approach shallow coastal areas, their energy gets compressed, causing the waves to become taller and more powerful.
Now, regarding the options you mentioned:
1. A change in the direction of the wind: While an earthquake can influence local weather conditions, it does not directly affect the direction of the wind on a large scale. The wind direction is primarily determined by atmospheric pressure systems and other weather patterns.
2. A large increase in ocean wave frequency: This option is correct. An underwater earthquake can lead to an increase in ocean wave frequency. The seismic waves produced by the earthquake displace the water, causing the formation of high-frequency waves that travel across the ocean.
3. A wall of water more than 20 meters tall: This option is also correct. As mentioned earlier, the disturbance caused by an underwater earthquake can give rise to a tsunami. Tsunamis are characterized by a wall of water that can exceed 20 meters in height when it reaches the coastlines.
4. A reduction in the amount of wave energy: This option is incorrect. An underwater earthquake does not typically result in a reduction of wave energy. On the contrary, it leads to an increase in wave energy, which is what makes tsunamis so powerful and destructive.
In summary, the correct answers are a large increase in ocean wave frequency and a wall of water more than 20 meters tall.