Which event has the potential to lead to a tsunami?

Earthquakes are a well-known cause of tsunamis because they can generate powerful underwater shockwaves, particularly when they occur along tectonic plate boundaries or under the ocean floor. When an earthquake displaces a significant volume of water, it creates waves that can travel across oceans at high speeds. The potential for a tsunami is especially high when the earthquake has a strong magnitude and occurs at a shallow depth, as this typically results in a larger displacement of water.

In contrast, while volcanic eruptions can also generate tsunamis, especially if an explosion occurs under the sea or if a volcanic island collapses, they do not occur with the same frequency or predictability as earthquakes. Landslides (either underwater or into large bodies of water) can also create tsunamis, but they generally result from specific geological conditions rather than being a common event. Storm surges, while they can lead to flooding along coastlines during severe weather, are not classified as tsunamis, which are specifically caused by the sudden displacement of water due to seismic or volcanic activity. Therefore, earthquakes are recognized as the primary event that leads to the formation of tsunamis.