Question

charles was studying the tsunami that hit japan in march, 2011. more than 18,000 people were killed. the water from the tsunami reached heights of 40 meters higher than usual. what are two possible causes for such a tsunami? name each cause, and explain how each can lead to a tsunami

Explanation:

1. Submarine Earthquake: When a large undersea earthquake occurs, tectonic plates shift vertically, displacing massive volumes of seawater. This displaced water radiates outward as large, fast-moving waves that become tsunamis when they reach shallow coastal areas.
2. Underwater Landslide: A sudden large-scale slide of sediment or rock on the seafloor displaces the overlying water column. This rapid displacement generates powerful waves that propagate toward shore, forming a tsunami.

Answer:

1. Submarine Earthquake: Vertical shifts in tectonic plates under the ocean displace huge amounts of seawater, creating outward-radiating waves that develop into tsunamis as they approach coastlines.
2. Underwater Landslide: Sudden, large seafloor sediment/rock slides displace the overlying water, generating powerful waves that travel to shore and become tsunamis.