Final answer:
To summarize, the hazards commonly associated with earthquakes include tsunamis, ground liquefaction, landslides, and fires, with option E (all of the above) being the correct answer to the question. Earthquakes can cause such hazards by shaking the ground and disrupting the earth's surface, often occurring at tectonic plate boundaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hazards commonly associated with earthquakes are indeed vast and varied. The correct answer to the student's question is E. all of the above. Each of the listed choices, which includes:
- A. tsunamis, massive sea waves caused by seismic activity under or near the ocean,
- B. ground liquefaction, where the strength and stiffness of a soil is reduced by an earthquake or other seismic event,
- C. landslides, which can be triggered by the shaking of the ground,
- D. fires, often resulting from broken gas lines or electrical wires.
These hazards can occur separately or combine to intensify the impact of an earthquake. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable, as the dense concentration of buildings and infrastructure can lead to significant devastation.
Understanding the relationship between earthquakes and plate tectonics is crucial, as it can help in predicting potential earthquake zones and preparing for these natural events. Earthquakes mainly occur at the boundaries of Earth's tectonic plates, which can move past each other, collide, or slide under one another, causing different types of seismic activity.