Question

Which of the following statements about the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami are true?

• A. The Burma plate went under the Indian plate.
• B. There was a rapid withdrawal of water from the coast.
• C. It happened due to a volcanic eruption on the sea floor.
• D. The wave travelled roughly as fast as an aeroplane.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B There was a rapid withdrawal of water from the coast.
D The wave travelled roughly as fast as an aeroplane.

The 2004 tsunami was a result of an earthquake, with its epicenter close to the western coast of Sumatra. The magnitude of this earthquake was an astounding 9.0 on the Richter Scale. As the Indian plate went under the Burma plate, there was a sudden movement of the sea floor that caused the earthquake. The tsunami travelled at a speed of about 800 km per hour, which is comparable to the speed of an aeroplane.