The tsunami that struck northern Japan in March 2011 began when a rupture along a submarine fault uplifted the sea surface by as much as 6 meters.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the earth's crust was displaced (upward) gravity pulled the water crest downward and an oscillating ocean surface generated progressive waves that radiated from the epicenter of the earthquake in all directions. The Japan event was the fourth largest earthquake ever recorded and is associated with subduction. Water Displacement Causes Tsunami and Seismic Sea Waves.

The Tsunami That Struck Northern Japan in March 2011 Began