Question

Tsunamis fall under which disaster category?

• A. Geological Disasters
• B. Biological Disasters
• C. Water and Climate Related Disasters
• D. Chemical, Industrial, & Nuclear Disasters

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Water and Climate Related Disasters

• Water Element: The defining characteristic of a tsunami is the massive series of ocean waves it generates. The destructive force comes directly from the movement and impact of a large volume of water.

• Climate/Ocean Connection: While not directly caused by weather phenomena like hurricanes, tsunamis are an extreme event within the ocean environment. The dynamics of ocean waves, their propagation across vast distances, and their interaction with coastlines are all related to water systems.

• Trigger (often Geological): It's crucial to note that the most common cause of tsunamis is geological events such as:

  • Underwater Earthquakes: Large, shallow-seated earthquakes that cause significant vertical displacement of the seafloor are the most frequent triggers.

  • Underwater Landslides: These can be triggered by earthquakes or volcanic activity, or simply by instability on the ocean floor.

  • Volcanic Eruptions: Submarine volcanic eruptions or collapses of volcanic islands can also displace large amounts of water.

  • Less common triggers include meteorite impacts.

While the initiation of a tsunami is often geological, the disaster itself is manifested as a destructive water phenomenon, making "Water and Climate Related Disasters" (or more broadly, "Hydrological Disasters" which are often grouped with climate-related ones due to their intertwined nature) a fitting category. The "notes" likely categorize them based on their direct impact and primary medium of destruction (water).