Which of the following is most prone to tsunami strikes?

Correct option is D

The Circum-Pacific Shoreline, also known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, is the most tsunami-prone region in the world. This region is highly active tectonically, with numerous subduction zones, where oceanic plates slide beneath continental plates, often triggering underwater earthquakes. These earthquakes displace large volumes of water, generating tsunamis that impact coastal areas. Countries such as Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Chile, and the west coasts of North and South America are highly vulnerable to tsunami events.

Information Booster:

1. The Pacific Ring of Fire has over 80% of the world's seismic and volcanic activity, making it the primary tsunami zone.
2. Major tsunamis, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Japan tsunami, originated from subduction zones in this region.
3. Underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides contribute to tsunami formation.
4. Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines have advanced tsunami warning systems due to high vulnerability.
5. Tsunami waves can travel at speeds of 500-800 km/h, devastating coastal areas within hours.
6. The Pacific Tsunami Warning System (PTWS) monitors seismic activity to provide early warnings.

Additional Knowledge:

(a) East Coast of Africa: Incorrect; while parts of the East African coast have experienced tsunamis (e.g., the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami), it is not the most prone region compared to the Pacific Ring of Fire.

(b) Atlantic Shoreline: Incorrect; the Atlantic Ocean has fewer subduction zones, making tsunamis rare. However, the Azores-Gibraltar Fault and potential volcanic landslides (e.g., from the Canary Islands) could generate tsunamis.

(c) European Shoreline: Incorrect; Europe is less prone to tsunamis, though past events (e.g., the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and tsunami) show they can still occur, mainly from Mediterranean tectonic activity.