A student claims that earthquakes are more destructive than tsunamis. Why is the student's statement true?

Question

Responses

Earthquakes can occur anywhere, while tsunamis only affect coastal regions.
Earthquakes can occur anywhere, while tsunamis only affect coastal regions.

Tsunamis cause earthquakes.
Tsunamis cause earthquakes.

Earthquakes are caused by tsunamis.
Earthquakes are caused by tsunamis.

Earthquakes and tsunamis are both created by strong winds.

Answer 1

The correct response is: Earthquakes can occur anywhere, while tsunamis only affect coastal regions.

This statement is true because earthquakes are caused by the shifting and rumbling of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface, which can happen anywhere on the planet. Tsunamis, on the other hand, are typically caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions and primarily affect coastal regions. Additionally, earthquakes can cause secondary effects such as landslides, liquefaction, and structural damage, which can compound the destructive impact.