Which mechanism causes tsunami formation when a megathrust earthquake occurs at a subduction zone with shallow dip angle?

💡 Explanation

When a megathrust earthquake occurs at a subduction zone, sudden vertical displacement of the seafloor occurs because of the release of built-up elastic strain, creating a large-scale water displacement. Therefore a tsunami results, rather than resonant amplification, turbidity currents, or gas release which require different triggers and operate through distinct mechanisms.

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