Final answer:
Norfolk, Virginia, is a coastal city with a significant seaport and is known for its maritime activities, similar to how New York City's port infrastructure contributed to its historical growth as a major trade hub.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question about Norfolk, Virginia, is that it is c) a coastal city with a seaport. Norfolk is a significant hub due to its strategic position on the East Coast. The city's port facilities and access to shipping lanes make it a vital location for maritime trade, much like other coastal cities with similar traits.
One can compare the importance of Norfolk's seaport to the historical significance of New York City's growth due, in large part, to its advantageous transportation options and role as a break of bulk point where different modes of transportation converge and exchange cargo.
This analogy highlights Norfolk's value in marine commerce and supports the fact that Norfolk is indeed a coastal city with extensive maritime activities and is not landlocked, located in the Midwest, or known for mountainous terrain.