Tsunamis Flashcards
1
Q
What do tsunamis affect?
A
Not just the surface of water, but the whole column of water from the surface down to the seabed
2
Q
What are tsunamis like in very deep water? 3
A
Waves travel at high speeds of 500-950 km/h
Long wavelength of 200 km
Small amplitude (wave height) of 1m
3
Q
What happens to tsunamis as they get closer to land? 5
A
Get shallower Waves get compressed and their energy becomes more concentrated Waves slow down to less than 80 km/h Wavelength decreases to less than 20 km Amplitude increases to many meters
4
Q
What is drawback?
A
Just before the tsunami reaches the coast, the water withdraws down the shore
5
Q
What happens to the wave when it hits land?
A
Hits with great force, but only travels a short distance inland
