What natural disaster can be triggered by underwater earthquakes?

Study for the Aquatic Science Plate Tectonics Test. Explore comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by insights and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Underwater earthquakes can displace large volumes of water, which leads to the formation of tsunamis. When an earthquake occurs beneath the ocean floor, the abrupt movement can generate waves that travel rapidly across the sea. As these waves approach shallower coastal waters, their speed decreases, but their height increases dramatically, resulting in a tsunami. This can cause devastating effects when the waves reach coastal areas, leading to widespread destruction. Tsunamis are particularly associated with tectonic plate activities, making them a direct consequence of underwater seismic events. Other natural disasters listed, such as tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides, are not directly initiated by underwater earthquakes, although they can occur in the context of geological activity in broader scenarios.

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