Question

Tsunamis are not likely to be caused by which of the following?

• A. A major nuclear explosion undersea.
• B. Earthquake
• C. Volcanic eruption
• D. Lightning

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Lightning

Explanation for the correct option:

In case of option D,

1. Tsunamis are the result of a disturbance deep under the water's surface. Earthquakes, huge nuclear explosions under the water, and volcanic activity can all cause damage to the sea.
2. A tsunami is a Japanese word that means "harbor wave."
3. They can be represented as a wave series, with their lengthy wavelength serving as a distinguishing feature.
4. Wind-generated waves last a few seconds, whereas Tsunamis last minutes to hours.
5. Tsunamis, unlike wind-generated waves, can be exceedingly destructive.
6. Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that can be seen in the sky, and it doesn't generate any vibrations on the surface of the Earth or in the ocean, so it doesn't cause a tsunami.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

In case of option A,

A major nuclear explosion undersea can cause disturbance under the deep water's surface. Thus, it can produce a tsunami.

In case of option B,

1. The majority of tsunamis are brought on by huge earthquakes on the ocean floor when rock slabs abruptly pass one another, moving the water above them.
2. When seismic activity forces the land along fault lines to move up or down, earthquakes become tsunamis.

In case of option C,

Despite being relatively infrequent, strong volcanic eruptions represent impulsive disturbances that have the potential to move a significant amount of water and produce extremely devastating tsunami waves close to the source.

Hence, the correct option is (D).