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In what plate boundary can a tsunami occur?

A) Collision
B) Conservative
C) Constructive
D) Destructive

User Arifa Chan
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

A tsunami can occur at a D. destructive plate boundary, specifically at subduction zones where earthquakes can displace ocean water and create massive waves with devastating effects on coastal regions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A tsunami can occur at a destructive plate boundary, which is also known as a subduction zone. This type of boundary forms when an oceanic plate is forced beneath another plate into the mantle, resulting in significant geological activity. Along these zones, deep ocean trenches are often found, and the subduction of the plate leads to high pressure and temperature conditions that can melt the plate material, causing seismic activity.

When an undersea earthquake occurs at these boundaries, it has the potential to displace a large volume of water, resulting in a tsunami. Tsunamis are characterized by their ability to travel at high speeds across the ocean, with the wave height increasing significantly as they approach shallow coastal waters. The catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by such a seismic event, leading to extensive loss of life and damage.

User Luca Panteghini
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