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Ocean Waves

Purpose:

Materials: Internet-connected device

What to do:

1. Navigate to http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/edu/learning/9_ocean_waves/ocean_waves.html#slide
2. Choose OCEAN WAVES
3. If you are using a device that is compatible with Flash, you may choose that option. If you are on a
tablet or other mobile device, stay on the web page.
4. As you go through the lesson, answer the following using complete sentences –

A. Explain how the water in waves moves.

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B. Diagram the anatomy of a wave. Include labels.

C. How do wind (atmosphere) and water (hydrosphere) interact to make waves?

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M. Poarch 2013
science-class.net
Permission granted to copy for non-profit, educational use only.
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D. How does a “wave train” affect the ocean?

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E. How does the depth of the water affect waves?
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F. What makes a tsunami different from most ocean waves?
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5. Now choose BREAKING WAVES.
G. Investigate the slope angle for breaking waves. Answer questions 1 – 4 under “Catch a Wave” and
check your answers. Describe how waves move and break.
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M. Poarch 2013
science-class.net
Permission granted to copy for non-profit, educational use only.
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H. Read about the measurement of waves. . Answer questions 1 – 4 under “Measure a Wave” and
check your answers. Describe how waves measured.
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6. Now choose Tsunami Warning Systems. Read the articles and then scroll down to answer the
questions that follow. Check your answers.
Tsunami prediction is complicated by a number of scientific uncertainties. For example,
the formation and behavior of a tsunami caused by an underwater earthquake depends
upon the size of the quake, the speed and direction of earth movement, the shape and
depth of the ocean basin, the orientation and slope of coastlines, and so on. Despite
the challenges of predicting tsunami, many scientists who do so think they have the
easy job – the harder task falls on the local authorities who must get their citizens to
safety. What are some of the problems of warning the public and getting them to
evacuate ahead of a tsunami? (A possible answer is given for you. Your answer should
be YOUR answer and the identical answer that is provided.)
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7. Now choose 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Go through all four sections of the lesson to see how a
tsunami may be formed.
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M. Poarch 2013
science-class.net
Permission granted to copy for non-profit, educational use only.