Tsunamis are fast-moving waves often generated by underwater earthquakes. In the

Question

Tsunamis are fast-moving waves often generated by underwater earthquakes. In the deep ocean their amplitude is barely noticable, but upon reaching shore, they can rise up to the astonishing height of a six-story building. One tsunami, generated off the Aleutian islands in Alaska, had a wavelength of 838 km and traveled a distance of 3610 km in 6.95 h. (a) What was the speed (in m/s) of the wave? For reference, the speed of a 747 jetliner is about 250 m/s. Find the wave's (b) frequency and (c) period.

Explanation / Answer

Part A

Speed of wave

Vw = distance/time = 3610 km/6.95 hr = 519.42 km/hr

Vw = 519.42*(5/18) = 144.28 m/sec

Part B

frequency is given by:

frequency = Speed of wave/wavelength

f = 144.28/(8.38*10^5)

f = 1.72*10^-4 Hz

Part C

Period is given by:

T = 1/f = 1/(1.72*10^-4)

T = 5813.95 sec = 1.615 hr

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