Final answer:
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by an earthquake resulting from the subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Burma plate, leading to one of the deadliest disasters in history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 was caused by b. An earthquake caused by the Indian plate slipping below the Burma plate. This cataclysmic event resulted from tectonic activities along the subduction zone where one tectonic plate moves beneath another, leading to the sudden displacement of a large volume of water.
Tsunamis are generated by undersea disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, killing over 200,000 people. An earthquake of magnitude 9.0 off the coast of Sumatra was the trigger, releasing an immense amount of energy equivalent to thousands of atomic bombs. The waves that followed radiated from the earthquake's epicenter and devastated coastal communities across multiple countries.
The phenomenon showcases the destructive power of natural forces and the consequences of the Earth's dynamic crustal movements, particularly in regions around subduction zones. Understanding these natural processes can aid in the preparation and response to future geologic disasters.