What Makes a Wave Move? - Student Activities

Student Activities

What Makes a Wave Move?

Materials
Student Worksheet

Procedure
There is a big difference between normal ocean waves and tsunamis. To be able to understand some of the differences, you will need to know the parts of a normal or standard wave:

1. On the Student Worksheet, label the parts of the wave on the diagram.

2. Use the Volvo Ocean Race wave simulation to experiment and actually be able to see what happens when the wave height, wavelength or period of a surface wave changes.

3. Answer the questions on the Student Worksheet about the simulation.

4. A typical surface wave is caused by wind and has a period of about 10 seconds and a wavelength of 150 m and reaches down in the water to a depth of about 10 meters.

Can you model a typical surface wave on the simulation? Explain how or why not.

5. Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes, volcanoes or landslides, have extremely long periods, from minutes to hours, and long wavelengths of up to several hundred kilometers. The actual height of a tsunami wave in open water is often less than one meter. This is often practically unnoticeable to people on ships. The energy of a tsunami passes through the entire water column to the sea bed.

Can you model a tsunami on the simulation? Explain how or why not.

6. Click on the links to view the following animations of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Due to the distances involved, the tsunami took anywhere from fifteen minutes to seven hours to reach the various coastlines. The December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami traveled all over the world.

7. Answer the questions on the Student Worksheet about the animations.

Assessment
Based on the information in the lesson and the animations, in your own words, explain the difference between a surface wave and a tsunami.
Do you think a surface wave could be as powerful as a tsunami? Explain your reasoning.