What destructive phenomenon can occur along the coast if a plate moves in the middle of the ocean?

What destructive phenomenon can occur along the coast if a plate moves in the middle of the ocean?

• A. Tornado
• B. Drought
• C. Flooding
• D. Tsunami

Answer: (D)

A tsunami is caused by a sudden vertical displacement of the ocean floor when tectonic plates interact in the deep ocean. That rapid movement pushes a massive column of seawater, sending waves that travel quickly across open water with long wavelengths. In deep water these waves may be barely noticeable, but as they approach shallow coastal areas they slow down, grow taller, and can surge onto the shore, causing extensive flooding and damage. This direct link between sudden seafloor movement from plate motion and coastal destruction is what makes tsunamis the correct phenomenon. Tornadoes are atmospheric storms on land, drought is a prolonged lack of rainfall, and flooding can result from various causes but isn’t tied specifically to plate movement in the ocean.

A tsunami is caused by a sudden vertical displacement of the ocean floor when tectonic plates interact in the deep ocean. That rapid movement pushes a massive column of seawater, sending waves that travel quickly across open water with long wavelengths. In deep water these waves may be barely noticeable, but as they approach shallow coastal areas they slow down, grow taller, and can surge onto the shore, causing extensive flooding and damage. This direct link between sudden seafloor movement from plate motion and coastal destruction is what makes tsunamis the correct phenomenon. Tornadoes are atmospheric storms on land, drought is a prolonged lack of rainfall, and flooding can result from various causes but isn’t tied specifically to plate movement in the ocean.