Ocean Waves

Front

What causes most waves in the ocean?

Back

Wind

Front

What distinguishes a tsunami from other types of ocean waves?

Back

A tsunami forms when a large volume of water is suddenly displaced up or down.

Front

What is the term for the mass of ocean water divided by its volume?

Back

Density

Front

What is wave length?

Back

The distance between the crest of two waves.

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A disturbance that transfers energy through matter.

Front

What is the primary force that creates ocean waves?

Back

Wind.

Front

How does the energy of a tsunami change as it approaches the shore?

Back

The wave energy increases as the water depth decreases.

Front

What is the relationship between wave height and wave energy?

Back

Higher waves carry more energy.

Front

What is the term for the height of a wave from its trough to its crest?

Back

Wave height.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

The concentration of salt in water.