Multiple choice

Consider the following facts:

  1. In megathrust earthquakes, one plate is forced underneath the other.
  2. These earthquakes are the most powerful of quakes occurring on our planet.
  3. The 2004 tsunami was unleashed by seismic activity which could be termed as megathrust earthquake.

Which of the above given facts are true?

  1. 1 and 2

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 3

  4. 1, 2 and 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Megathrust earthquakes occur at subduction zones at destructive plate boundaries (convergent boundaries), where one tectonic plate is subducted (forced underneath) under another. Due to the shallow dip of the plate boundary, which causes large sections to get stuck, this type of earthquakes are the planet's most powerful. Since 1900, all six earthquakes of magnitude 9.0 or greater have been megathrust earthquakes. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake was an undersea megathrust earthquake.

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