Which one of the following best characterizes tsunamis?
A) They are easily seen at sea but are lost in the swell and breaking waves along a coast.
B) They are faster than seismic surface waves.
C) They cause the land to ripple and oscillate.
D) They have relatively small amplitudes compared to their very long wavelengths.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tsunamis are characterized by having relatively small amplitudes in the open ocean compared to their very long wavelengths, which can make them difficult to detect at sea but allows them to build into large, destructive waves as they approach shallow water and the coast.

Which One of the Following Best Characterizes Tsunamis