Which term refers to powerful ocean waves caused by an earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption on the seafloor?

The term that refers to powerful ocean waves caused by an earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption on the seafloor is “Tsunami.”

Tsunamis are a critical concern in emergency management, particularly within the Incident Command System (ICS). When a tsunami warning is issued, the ICS’s Operations Section coordinates the immediate response, which includes evacuating coastal areas and deploying resources to potentially affected regions. The Planning Section, meanwhile, works on forecasting the tsunami’s impact and developing strategies for post-event recovery. Coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as international bodies in case of trans-oceanic tsunamis, is essential for effective response and mitigation efforts.

From the perspective of emergency managers and urban planners, the earthquake hazard is a key factor in developing long-term safety and preparedness strategies. These professionals understand that historical patterns of seismic activity are only one part of the hazard assessment.