Question

question 9 of 20 :
select the best answer for the question.

1. an enormous wave generated by an earthquake beneath the seafloor is known as a

a. tsunami.
b. surface wave.
c. body wave.
d. tidal wave.
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Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: A tsunami is defined as a large ocean wave caused by underwater earthquakes (or other seismic events like volcanic eruptions, landslides) beneath the seafloor. This matches the description.
• Option B: Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface (like Rayleigh or Love waves) and are not related to ocean waves from seafloor earthquakes.
• Option C: Body waves (P - waves and S - waves) travel through the Earth's interior and are not ocean waves.
• Option D: The term "tidal wave" is a misnomer for tsunamis; tides are caused by gravitational forces of the moon and sun, not earthquakes. So the correct term for the wave from a seafloor earthquake is tsunami.

Answer:

A. tsunami.