Facts About Tsunami! Trivia Questions Quiz

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Mantony
M
Mantony
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 8,841
| Attempts: 7,172
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/10 Questions

    Do all undersea earthquakes trigger a tsunami?

    • Yes
    • No
Please wait...
About This Quiz

Explore the powerful natural phenomenon of tsunamis in this engaging trivia quiz. Learn about causes, historical events, and the science behind tsunamis. Perfect for learners interested in earth sciences and environmental awareness.

Facts About Tsunami! Trivia Questions Quiz - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    What is the most active tsunami area?

    • Pacific Ocean

    • Caribbean Sea

    • Indian Ocean

    • North Atlantic Ocean

    Correct Answer
    A. Pacific Ocean
    Explanation
    The Pacific Ocean is the most active tsunami area because it is surrounded by the "Ring of Fire," a region known for its frequent seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. This makes the Pacific Ocean prone to earthquakes and underwater landslides, which can trigger tsunamis. Additionally, the Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world, covering a vast area and exposing more coastlines to potential tsunami threats.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    What can cause a Tsunami?

    • Landslide

    • Underwater earthquake

    • Volcanic Eruption

    • All the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All the above
    Explanation
    Tsunamis can be caused by a variety of geological events that displace large volumes of water. These include landslides, where massive amounts of earth moving into a body of water can create a tsunami; underwater earthquakes, which are the most common cause, where the sea floor abruptly deforms and vertically displaces the overlying water; and volcanic eruptions, which can either displace water through the collapse of volcanic material into the sea or by the force of the eruption itself. Each of these events has the potential to generate waves that can travel across oceans at high speeds and cause devastating impacts when they reach coastlines.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    What is the deadliest tsunami ever recorded?

    • The 1782 South China Sea tsunami

    • The 1868 northern Chile tsunami

    • The 1883 South Java Sea tsunami

    • The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

    Correct Answer
    A. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
    Explanation
    The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami is considered the deadliest tsunami ever recorded because it caused widespread devastation and loss of life across several countries. Triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, the tsunami resulted in the deaths of approximately 230,000 people in 14 countries. The waves reached heights of up to 100 feet and traveled as far as 3,000 miles, causing destruction along the coasts of Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia, among others. The scale of the disaster and its impact on human lives make it the deadliest tsunami in history.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    What does the word "tsunami" mean in Japanese?

    • Tidal wave

    • Harbour wave

    • Killer wave

    • Century wave

    Correct Answer
    A. Harbour wave
    Explanation
    The word "tsunami" in Japanese refers to a "harbour wave". This term is used to describe a series of large ocean waves that are caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. These waves can travel at high speeds and cause significant destruction when they reach coastal areas. The term "harbour wave" is an accurate translation of the word "tsunami" and reflects the nature of these powerful and devastating waves.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    Witnesses have said that an approaching tsunami sounds like what?

    • Firecrackers exploding

    • A Freight train

    • Ice Cracking

    • Nothing. There is silence

    Correct Answer
    A. A Freight train
    Explanation
    An approaching tsunami sounds like a freight train because witnesses have reported that the noise generated by the powerful and rapidly approaching waves resembles the sound of a freight train. This comparison is often used to describe the loud and thunderous noise that accompanies a tsunami, indicating its force and intensity.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    Can you detect a tsunami in the open ocean?

    • Yes

    • No

    Correct Answer
    A. No
    Explanation
    Tsunamis cannot be detected in the open ocean. Unlike regular ocean waves, tsunamis have long wavelengths and low amplitudes, making them difficult to detect from ships or buoys. They only become noticeable when they reach shallow water near the coastline, causing a rapid rise in water level. Therefore, the correct answer is no, tsunamis cannot be detected in the open ocean.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    How fast can a tsunami travel?

    • Up to 100 miles an hour (160 kilometers an hour)

    • Up to 200 miles an hour (320 kilometers an hour)

    • Up to 500 miles an hour (800 kilometers an hour

    • Up to 1,000 miles an hour (1,600 kilometers an hour)

    Correct Answer
    A. Up to 500 miles an hour (800 kilometers an hour
    Explanation
    Tsunamis can travel at speeds of up to 500 miles an hour (800 kilometers an hour). Tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, and they generate powerful waves that can travel across the ocean at high speeds. The speed at which a tsunami travels depends on various factors, including the depth of the water and the distance from the source of the disturbance. As tsunamis approach shallow water near the coast, their speed decreases, but they can still cause significant damage due to their immense power.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    What is frequently a warning sign of an impending tsunami?

    • Winds suddenly change direction

    • The sky suddenly clears

    • Seawater suddenly retreats from the shore

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Seawater suddenly retreats from the shore
    Explanation
    Seawater suddenly retreating from the shore is frequently a warning sign of an impending tsunami. This occurs because the approaching tsunami wave pulls back the water from the coastline, creating a noticeable and abnormal recession of the sea. This phenomenon is often accompanied by a loud noise and the exposure of the seabed, indicating that a tsunami is approaching and the water will soon rush back towards the shore with great force.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Where was the largest tsunami in history recorded?

    • India

    • Philippines

    • Alaska

    • Japan

    Correct Answer
    A. Alaska
    Explanation
    The "Lituya Bay Mega-Tsunami," which struck on July 9, 1958, in Lituya Bay, Alaska, USA, stands as the most extensive and destructive tsunami ever documented.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Feb 19, 2024 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Feb 19, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 21, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Mantony
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.