If the edge of a tectonic plate suddenly flicks upward beneath the ocean, it can displace a large amount of water, forming a tsunami at the surface of the ocean. This phenomenon typically occurs at convergent plate boundaries where one oceanic plate subducts beneath another, causing sudden vertical movement of the seafloor and displacing the overlying water
. A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves generated by this abrupt displacement of water, often triggered by strong underwater earthquakes associated with tectonic activity. The flicking upward of the plate edge rapidly pushes water upward, creating waves that can travel across ocean basins and cause significant coastal damage upon reaching shorelines
. In summary:
- Sudden upward flicking of a plate edge under the ocean displaces water.
- This displacement forms a tsunami on the ocean surface.
- Tsunamis are common at convergent oceanic plate boundaries where subduction occurs.
- Strong earthquakes accompany these movements, further contributing to tsunami generation
