What gravitational sea wave is produced by large-scale, short-duration events on the ocean floor?

Prepare for the California Specific Exam for Professional Geologists with diverse question types. Utilize flashcards and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and boost your exam readiness!

A tsunami is generated by large-scale, short-duration events on the ocean floor, such as underwater earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, or even meteorite impacts. These events cause a sudden displacement of water, leading to the formation of waves that can travel across entire ocean basins at high speeds.

What distinguishes tsunamis from other types of sea waves is their long wavelengths and the ability to carry enormous amounts of energy across vast distances. Unlike standard ocean waves, which are generated by wind and primarily affect the surface level, tsunamis can have devastating effects when they reach coastal areas, often leading to significant destruction and loss of life.

In contrast, a storm surge is a rise in water level caused by the wind from storms, while a tidal wave is more commonly referred to as a tidal phenomenon rather than a seismic one. A seiche is an oscillation of water in an enclosed or semi-enclosed body and is generally caused by atmospheric conditions or seismic activity but does not have the same widespread impact as a tsunami. This makes a tsunami the correct answer for the question regarding large-scale, short-duration events on the ocean floor.

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