Question 23

Earthquakes are a common cause of a tsunami.

Tsunamis are often triggered by underwater earthquakes, especially those that occur in tectonic plate boundaries. When an earthquake displaces a large volume of water, it can generate powerful waves that travel across oceans.

A) Earthquakes

This option is correct as earthquakes, particularly those occurring beneath the ocean floor, are the primary cause of tsunamis. The sudden movement of tectonic plates can displace water and create waves that can grow to immense heights and travel vast distances.

B) Sunspot activity

Sunspot activity does not cause tsunamis. While sunspots can influence solar activity and climate, they have no direct impact on geological events such as earthquakes or the generation of tsunamis.

C) Lightning strikes

Lightning strikes are an atmospheric phenomenon and do not have any relation to tsunami generation. They do not displace large volumes of water or create the necessary conditions for a tsunami.

D) Flooding

Flooding is a result of water accumulation and does not cause tsunamis. While flooding can occur as a consequence of a tsunami, it is not a triggering factor for the tsunami itself.

Conclusion

Earthquakes are definitively the common cause of tsunamis, as they can displace large amounts of water, leading to the formation of waves. All other options fail to represent valid causes for tsunamis, as they do not involve the geological mechanisms necessary for such oceanic events.