Tsunami Surge Doodle Notes
Earth Science Guided Doodle Notes
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Tsunami Science Doodle Notes
Explore the geology, physics, speed, and safety of ocean wave surges!
Color as you learn!
1. What is a Tsunami?
• The term is a Japanese word, which translates to:
“ ”
• When or eruptions occur on the , they produce giant seismic waves called tsunamis.
⚡ Other triggers: Massive landslides and even hitting Earth can displace water!
津波 = Tsunami
津 = Harbor | 波 = Wave
Reaches coastal vertical heights up to:
2. Where do Tsunamis Happen?
• is the riskiest U.S. state for tsunamis because of its location in the .
• Internationally, tsunamis frequently occur in the and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Scientists estimate that almost three-quarters (75%) of the world’s tsunamis occur in the:
“ ”
Where are common because tectonic plates are !
🔥 Ring of Fire Hotspots
🇯🇵 Japan
🏔️ Aleutian Is.
🌋 Alaska
🇨🇱 Chile
🇵🇭 Philippines
Subduction zones collide & displace water!
3. Wave Height Transformation
Deep Ocean vs. Shallow Coast Shoaling Effect
Deep Ocean
Height: ~1-3 ft
➔
Coastline
Builds up!
Water Depth Decreases ➜ Wave Height Grows!
• Out in open ocean, tsunami waves are dramatically in height!
• As waves travel , they build up higher and higher as the depth of water .
• When striking land, most tsunamis are less than , but can exceed 100 feet when near their !
Turn over for wave speeds, tidal comparison & evacuation safety! ➔ Page 1 of 2
Earth Science Part 2: Physics & Safety
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4. Speed of the Wave
• Tsunamis travel as fast as a Commercial Jetliner at:
⚡ mph / km/h!
• In deep water, tsunamis can cross an entire ocean in a !
• Wave speed depends on rather than distance from the source. Waves travel fast over deep water, and only down when reaching shallow water.
JET ENGINE SPEED!
Deep Ocean: ~500 mph
Coastline: ~30-40 mph
5. Tidal Wave vs. Tsunami
While tsunamis are often to as tidal waves, this is NOT !
Tidal Waves
Caused by regular gravitational pull of the and on ocean tides and currents.
True Tsunamis
Caused by geologic upheavals: underwater or volcanic eruptions on the ocean floor!
6. Tsunami Early Warning Network
• Earthquakes that may generate tsunamis are tracked worldwide by a network of: (seismic monitors).
• Waves are verified in real time by coastal sea-level stations and deep-ocean detection buoys (DART system).
📡
DART Buoy System Seafloor pressure recorder transmits data to satellites!
7. Emergency Evacuation Protocol
• If you feel the , evacuate or immediately move to high ground!
⚠️ A 20-ft wave could hit coasts within !
• The first wave is usually NOT the largest. Subsequent waves can arrive minutes apart and continue to strike for !
✅ Golden Rule: Return ONLY when emergency officials declare that it is !
Tsunami Science Guided Doodle Notes • Be Prepared, Stay Safe! Page 2 of 2
