Assertion (A): Tsunamis primarily cause more devastation near coastal ...
- Assertion (A) is true. Tsunamis, due to their wave characteristics and behavior, do indeed cause more significant damage when they reach shallow coastal waters rather than in the deep ocean.
- Reason (R) is also true. The speed of tsunami waves is affected by water depth; they travel faster in deeper water. However, this does not explain why they cause more destruction near the coast. Instead, the wave height increases as they approach shallower waters, which is the primary cause of coastal devastation.
- Therefore, while both statements are true, the reason provided does not correctly explain the assertion.
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Assertion (A): Tsunamis primarily cause more devastation near coastal ...
Understanding Tsunamis and Their Impact
Tsunamis are natural disasters that can lead to significant destruction, primarily affecting coastal regions. Let’s break down the assertion and reasoning.
Assertion (A): Tsunamis cause more devastation near coastal areas
- Tsunamis are generated by underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
- As they approach land, their wave height increases dramatically due to the ocean floor's rising topography.
- This results in catastrophic flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of life in coastal areas.
Reason (R): Speed of tsunami waves increases in deeper waters
- Tsunami waves travel at high speeds, often exceeding 500 miles per hour in the open ocean.
- In deeper waters, the wave height remains low, making them less noticeable and less impactful at sea.
- However, this increase in speed does not minimize the impact; rather, it allows the waves to travel long distances before reaching shore.
Conclusion: Why Option B is Correct
- Both the assertion and reason are true.
- The assertion correctly states that coastal areas experience greater devastation from tsunamis.
- However, the reason provided does not correctly explain why this is the case. The speed of tsunami waves in deep water is not the primary reason for their destructive potential upon reaching land.
In summary, both the assertion and reason are accurate, but the reason does not adequately explain the assertion, leading to the conclusion that option 'B' is the correct answer.