What phenomenon can occur due to earthquakes that happen underneath the ocean?

Tsunamis are a significant phenomenon that can occur as a direct result of underwater earthquakes. When an earthquake occurs beneath the ocean floor, it can displace a large volume of water. This displacement generates waves that can travel across entire ocean basins at high speeds.

Tsunamis differ from normal waves caused by wind or tides, as they involve the movement of the entire water column from the ocean's surface to its depths. As these waves approach coastal areas, they can grow in height and transform into powerful surges that can inundate coastal regions, causing extensive damage and loss of life.

While landslides can occur in the aftermath of earthquakes on land and volcanic eruptions are related to geological activity, they are not the direct result of underwater earthquakes in the manner that tsunamis are. The term "tidal waves" is often misused to refer to tsunamis; however, "tidal waves" more accurately describes the effects of tides rather than the seismic activity that triggers tsunamis. Thus, the relationship between underwater earthquakes and the generation of tsunamis is well-documented and fundamental to understanding the impact of seismic activity on coastal regions.