Question map
Tsunami waves are the undersea occurrence of earthquake exceeding 7-5 on Richter scale. Which one of the following statements regarding this is not correct?
Explanation
Tsunami waves are high-energy sea waves primarily caused by high-magnitude undersea earthquakes, typically exceeding 7.0 or 7.5 on the Richter scale [3]. Statement 1 is correct as they generate powerful waves that grow taller as they reach shallow coastal areas [1]. Statement 2 is correct because the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' is the most vulnerable region due to frequent seismic and volcanic activity [3]. Statement 3 is correct as they are scientifically termed 'seismic sea waves' [3]. While often called 'tidal waves' in older contexts, scientists now discourage this term as they are unrelated to tides [3]. Statement 4 is incorrect because 'Tsunami' is a Japanese word, not Latin. It is derived from 'tsu' (harbour) and 'nami' (wave) [2].
Sources
- [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Characteristics of Tsunami Waves > p. 33
- [3] https://www.britannica.com/science/tsunami
- [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > tsunami > p. 31