A massive earthquake, known as a megasmic earthquake, can trigger a tsunami when teh immense energy released by tectonic plates causes the ocean floor to uplift, displacing a significant volume of water.
This uplifted water then spreads outwards, initiating the formation of a tsunami.
The Earth’s crust is composed of tectonic plates that are constantly in motion,sliding past,away from,or under each other.When one plate slides beneath another, a process called subduction, it typically melts and effectively disappears into the Earth’s mantle.
However,this subduction process is not always smooth. Plates can become snagged or stuck as they slide. when this happens,the upper plate is pulled downwards. The accumulated friction from this resistance can be suddenly released, causing the plates to rebound.
This sudden release of energy results in a megasmic earthquake.
Historically, the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, including those that struck Chile, Alaska, and Sumatra, were all classified as megasmic earthquakes.
