Tsunamis: Walls of Water

Description: A tsunami is a series of water waves generated by a disturbance in the ocean. (The term 'tidal wave' is sometimes also used to describe a tsunami but is misleading because these wave are independent of tides.) Such disturbances are caused by earthquakes (90%), landslides, volcanic eruptions, explosions, and impacts including blocks of ice falling from icebergs and asteroids. Compared to other water waves, tsunamis have long wavelengths and long periods. This gives tsunamis waves greater amplitude and energy than other water waves. The objectives of these activities are for the students to:

• Understand how tsunamis are generated and the various sources that create them
• Understand the physics of tsunamis waves and their associated energy
• Use data to predict tsunami arrivals and create a tsunamis hazard map.

Number of Activities: 3

Age-appropriate for: 9th-12th grade

Supplies Needed: calculator, computer, internet access

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