A student researching tsunamis has taken the following notes:
• Tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides • Waves can travel at 500+ mph in open ocean • Waves may be only inches high in deep water but grow near shore • Warning systems use seismic monitors and ocean buoys • The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed over 230,000 people
The student wants to explain why tsunamis are often undetected until near shore. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes?
Tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed over 230,000 people across multiple countries.
Tsunami waves travel at 500+ mph in open ocean but may be only inches high there, growing dramatically only as they approach shore.
Warning systems use seismic monitors and ocean buoys to detect tsunamis.
Correct Answer: C
Choice C. Low height in deep water explains why undetected until growing near shore.