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. large waves are also caused by strong winds that blow over wide areas of ocean. how do tsunamis differ from waves caused by strong winds? a. larger amounts of water are displaced by waves caused by the wind than by tsunamis b. tsunamis involve both deep water and surface water, but waves caused by wind involve only surface water. c. tsunamis involve only surface water, but waves caused by wind involve both deep water and surface water d. waves caused by wind carry more energy and are more destructive than tsunamis.

Explanation:

Tsunamis are generated by large-scale displacements of the ocean floor (like earthquakes), which disturb the entire water column from the deep ocean to the surface. Wind-driven waves only affect the upper layer of the ocean's surface, not the deep water. Option A is incorrect because tsunamis displace far more water. Option C is the opposite of the correct dynamic. Option D is wrong because tsunamis carry vastly more energy and are far more destructive than wind waves.

Answer:

B. Tsunamis involve both deep water and surface water, but waves caused by wind involve only surface water.