Question

Which one of the following best characterizes tsunamis? They cause the land to ripple and oscillate. They are faster than seismic surface waves. They have relatively small amplitudes compared to their very long wavelengths. They are easily seen at sea but are lost in the swell and breaking waves along a coast.

Answer 1

They have relatively small amplitudes compared to their very long wavelengths

Explanation:

Tsunamis describe large wave oscillations that are seen in coastal areas when there occurs an earthquake underwater. Tsunamis have extremely long wavelengths with large periods. They have high rising and falling time but have high velocity.

Their long wavelengths and high velocity enable them to hit the coastal land at an alarming rate in seconds. As the tsunami first propagates in the vast open ocean, the amplitude of tsunami decreases as the wave energy is spread into a much larger base area.