Isaac watched a movie where a tsunami washed across the coastline. He related the incident to the geology of the ocean he learned at the school. Which geological phenomenon did Isaac relate to?

A.

plate tectonics

B.

upwelling

C.

density of seawater

D.

spring tides

A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake, and therefore relates to plate tectonics.

Option A, Tectonic Plates

Explanation:

Tsunami is associated with the tectonic plates. When the plate tectonic force pushes the ocean plate below the oceanic mantle, then tsunamis are generated. A large amount of seismic energy is generated when oceanic plate override for a long period of time. When this energy exceeds the frictional energy between two plates overlying water rises and causes Tsunami.

Hence, option A is correct.