Compare and contrast the location of the following regions. Which statement best identifies a region where tsunamis are possible.
a. interior Asia
b. Himalayas
c. Japan
d. interior South America
a. interior Asia: This region is located in the middle of the Asian continent, far from any coastlines. It is characterized by diverse landscapes such as deserts, steppes, and mountains. Tsunamis are highly unlikely to occur in this region due to its inland location.
b. Himalayas: The Himalayas are a mountain range located in South Asia, spanning multiple countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Although the Himalayas are not directly on the coastline, they are geographically close to the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, which are susceptible to tsunamis. However, the likelihood of tsunamis in the Himalayas is relatively low due to the mountainous terrain.
c. Japan: Japan is an island nation located in East Asia, bordered by the Pacific Ocean. It lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. Due to its location in this tectonically active zone, Japan is highly susceptible to tsunamis. Major tsunamis have occurred in Japan's history, including the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
d. interior South America: This region refers to the central and southern parts of the South American continent away from the coastlines. It is characterized by vast rainforests, the Amazon River basin, and the Andes Mountains. Tsunamis are very unlikely to occur in the interior of South America due to its distance from the oceans and lack of tectonic plate boundaries.
Based on the information provided, the region where tsunamis are most possible is c. Japan.