Tsunamis take time to cross ocean basins, giving scientists a chance to produce model output of the expected wave behavior and heights for distant-source tsunamis. In this lesson, observe how ocean floor and coastal features affect wave propagation.
The effects of a tsunami extend beyond flooding. Learn how tsunamis result in long-term changes to infrastructure, habitats, and agriculture.
Tsunamis have claimed lives in nearly every decade in history. Explore the origins of fatal tsunamis occurring around the world since 1900. Take an audio tour to hear about particularly destructive tsunamis, including the 2011 tsunami affecting Japan.
Quantifying a tsunami’s force is not easy. In this lesson, learn about the various forces associated with a tsunami. You will also explore methods for estimating a tsunami’s momentum and compare a tsunami’s destructive strength with that of wind and other moving objects.
What should you do if you live in or are visiting a tsunami-prone area? Test your tsunami preparedness knowledge for local-source and distant-source tsunamis and follow the steps to assemble an emergency kit and develop a family tsunami plan.
Understanding the potential for a tsunami requires first knowing how to interpret seismic data. See how scientists analyze measurements of seismic energy to determine the location and size of an earthquake. Try your hand at locating the epicenter of a quake.
What causes tsunamis? View the types of water motions that cause tsunamis and explore the sources of these motions in and around the world’s oceans.
Tsunami messages include watches, advisories, and warnings, as well as information statements. Do you know what these different alerts mean and what to do if one is issued for your area? Learn what determines the type of alert issued and what actions you take to stay tsunami-safe.
Tsunamis play a prominent role in the legends of many cultures around the world. In this lesson, you can read about many of these legends, which include sea spirits, giant whales, falling stars, and ghost forests. You’ll also be able to examine the origins of some of these legends to determine in which circumstances they are based on fact.
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How do shallow water waves behave differently from deep water waves? Why do waves become higher and sometimes curl as they approach shore? Which type of wave is a tsunami, and why do tsunamis travel at different speeds than regular ocean waves? Learn about wavelength, period, speed, and their relationships, and use the Wave Speed Calculator to explore a tsunami’s unique properties.
Oceans are big places, so how do scientists determine if a tsunami is headed to shore? Technology—including sea level gauges, buoys, and satellites—is crucial for detecting a tsunami. In this lesson, you will explore how these instruments provide tsunami information, understand the role of pressure, and learn how scientists interpret sea level measurements.
This media-intensive lesson lets you view how shorelines and undersea features affect a tsunami as it moves across an ocean. You’ll learn about reflection and refraction of water waves and how these processes affect wave propagation. Test your tsunami-travel knowledge by picking the winner at the Tsunami Races.
Tsunamis don’t all look alike as they approach shore, but they often share common features. Identify the signs that a tsunami is approaching and learn about inundation, runup, and the dangers of tsunami waves. Do you know nature’s warning signs for a tsunami? See how high a score you can get on the Tsunami Signs Game.
Explore the relationships between tectonic plate boundaries, earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in this map-focused lesson. Learn why tsunamis are often created along subduction zones and understand how these waves can also impact locations far from their earthquake origin.