Tsunamis

Question 1

Explain how a tsunami is caused at a destructive plate boundary.

Answer 1

An Oceanic plate is subducted into the mantle beneath a Continental plate. This movement causes friction, which in turn causes the plates to stick. Energy accumulates, and when the energy overpowers the friction, the plates snap back into position. This movement thrusts the water above causing a wave to form. The waves can travel large distances.