Which oceanic phenomenon is often triggered by underwater earthquakes?

The phenomenon that is often triggered by underwater earthquakes is tsunamis. Tsunamis are large ocean waves that are generated primarily by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. When an earthquake occurs on the ocean floor, it displaces a significant volume of water, creating waves that can travel across vast distances at high speeds.

Unlike regular ocean waves, which are typically caused by wind, tsunamis can reach heights of several meters when they approach coastlines, leading to devastating impacts in coastal areas. The energy from these waves can carry far into the ocean and they can travel across entire ocean basins with little loss of energy.

Riptides, which are strong currents that flow away from the shore, are unrelated to seismic activity and instead result from the interaction of waves and the ocean floor. Regular ocean waves are generated by wind, while El Niño is a climate pattern that involves changes in ocean temperatures and currents in the Pacific Ocean, influenced by factors separate from seismic activity.

Understanding the distinction between these phenomena is essential in oceanography, particularly in recognizing the potential dangers of tsunamis following underwater earthquakes.