Question

question 19 of 25
which of the following is the most likely way in which a volcanic event off the coast of japan could significantly affect the coast of california?
a. an undersea volcano could cause a mass of warm water that triggers a storm that crosses the ocean.
b. seafloor spreading could cause crustal subduction across the ocean.
c. an undersea earthquake could cause a tsunami that crosses the ocean.
d. a lava flow could cause a raft of pumice that travels across the ocean and clogs harbors.

Explanation:

• Option A: Warm water from an undersea volcano is unlikely to directly trigger a storm that crosses the ocean to affect California.
• Option B: Seafloor spreading and crustal subduction are long - term geological processes, not immediate ways a volcanic event off Japan would affect California.
• Option C: Undersea earthquakes (which can be associated with volcanic activity in the Ring of Fire) can cause tsunamis. Tsunamis can travel across oceans and significantly affect coastal areas like California.
• Option D: A raft of pumice from a lava flow traveling across the ocean and clogging harbors is a less likely and less significant impact compared to a tsunami.

Answer:

C. An undersea earthquake could cause a tsunami that crosses the ocean.