Final answer:
The tsunami in 1946, which resulted in the loss of 159 lives, was triggered by an earthquake, a common cause of tsunamis due to undersea seismic activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tsunami that killed 159 people in 1946 was caused by an earthquake. Tsunamis are a series of sea waves that can be triggered by underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions. In this case, it was the earthquake that generated the tsunami waves, leading to the devastation and loss of life.
The tsunami that killed 159 people in 1946 was caused by an earthquake. Tsunamis are often triggered by seismic activities such as undersea earthquakes, which can cause the ocean floor to uplift and result in a series of waves of great energy and speed. With the potential to reach heights up to 30 m when approaching shallow coastal waters, the impact can be devastating, as demonstrated by historical events like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 tsunami in Japan, both of which were also caused by earthquakes.