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 611 km and traveled a distance of 3590 km in 4.25 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

peed = distance travelled / time = 3590km / 4.25h = 844.70 km/h

844.70km/h =844.70*1000m / 3600 s = 234.64 m/s

(b)

frequency = speed / wavelength = 234.64 m/s / 611000m = 2.26*10^-4 Hz = 384microHz

(c)

period = 1 / frequency = 2603 s = 43 min 38 s

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