Distinguish among different types of submarine mass movements. Which of these types can trigger a major tsunami, and why?

Submarine mass movements are geological events that occur underwater due to gravitational forces acting upon sediment or rock material present on the seafloor. There are several types of submarine mass movements, each with its specific characteristics and consequences.

Different types of submarine mass movements include: 1. Submarine landslides: These are the downslope movement of sediments and rocks on the seafloor, driven by gravity. Submarine landslides can occur on various slope angles, from very gentle to vertical. 2. Submarine slumps: A type of submarine landslide, characterized by the movement of more cohesive sediment blocks in a more rotational manner as compared to the more translational movement in landslides. 3. Submarine debris flows: This occurs when a mixture of sediment and water moves down a slope on the seafloor. The mixture exhibits a much higher fluidity than that of landslides or slumps. 4. Turbidity currents: Turbidity currents are the flow of water saturated with sediment, resulting from increased water density due to the concentration of sediment particles. These currents can travel long distances across the ocean floor.

Submarine landslides and slumps are the main types of mass movements that can trigger major tsunamis. This is because they involve the sudden displacement of a large volume of sediment and/or rock material, which causes significant disturbance in the surrounding water column.

Submarine landslides and slumps can trigger tsunamis due to the following reasons: 1. The sudden displacement of a large volume of sediment or rock material generates a powerful impulse to the surrounding water, creating waves that propagate away from the source. 2. The speed of the landslide or slump can also play a role: faster-moving landslides and slumps create more disturbance in the water column and have the potential to generate larger tsunamis. 3. The location and depth of the landslide or slump are also important factors. Shallower landslides or slumps near the coast have a higher chance of generating tsunamis that can impact coastal areas. In conclusion, while all types of submarine mass movements can have significant geological consequences, it is primarily the submarine landslides and slumps that have the potential to trigger major tsunamis due to the sudden and significant displacement of material, speed of the movement, and the location of the event.