Final answer:
Earthquakes and tsunamis modify Earth's surface, often being interrelated due to the movement of tectonic plates which can trigger tsunamis when earthquakes occur under the ocean.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both earthquakes and tsunamis are natural disasters that have one key commonality: they serve to modify Earth's surface. Earthquakes are the result of sudden energy release along plate boundaries due to the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates, which can occur on both land and beneath the ocean floor. Tsunamis are often a direct consequence of underwater earthquakes, which displace large amounts of water, generating powerful waves that can bring destruction upon reaching the coast.
Regarding plate tectonics, earthquakes are usually associated with the dynamic boundaries of tectonic plates, be they divergent, convergent, or transform. Plate boundaries are zones where earthquakes are likely to occur due to the stress and strain from moving plates. When the strain becomes too great, it is released in the form of seismic waves, which can cause the ground to shake violently.
Tsunamis can occur in the ocean but affect landmasses, illustrating that they are not limited to a single type of environment. The immense power of tsunamis is demonstrated by historical events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which had catastrophic impacts on multiple coastal countries.