how deep do wave motions go into the water, i.e. the wave base? course hero

Mathematically, deep water waves are defined as those occurring in ocean depths greater than twice the wavelength of the wave. For example, if the wavelength of a particular wave is 10 meters, then the wave is considered a deep water wave if the depth of the ocean is greater than 5 meters where the wave is occurring.

Full Answer

How deep do wave motions go into the water ie the wave base?

The wave base, which is the depth of influence of a water wave, is about half the wavelength. At depths greater than half the wavelength, the water motion is less than 4% of its value at the water surface and may be neglected.

What causes tsunamis and breakers to break as they approach the shore select two?

As the wave encounters shallower water at the shore, there is eventually insufficient water in the trough in front of the wave to supply a complete circle, so the crest pours over creating a breaker. All waves, like tsunamis, slow down as they reach shallow water. This causes the wave to increase in hight.

At what depth do waves break?

When the water depth is less than one-twentieth the wavelength, the wave becomes a shallow-water wave (D < 1/20 L). At this point, the top of the wave travels so much faster than the bottom of the wave that top of the wave begins to spill over and fall down the front surface. This is called a breaking wave.

At what depth do waves begin to slow down and feel Bottom?

At what depth do waves begin to slow down and "feel bottom"? At depth equal to 1/2 wavelength.

What happens to tsunami waves as they move towards the shore?

Tsunami wave height increase as they reach the shore due to the shallowing of seafloor.

What is tsunami caused by?

A tsunami is a series of extremely long waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean, usually the result of an earthquake below or near the ocean floor. This force creates waves that radiate outward in all directions away from their source, sometimes crossing entire ocean basins.

Which of the following are causes of tsunami?

Tsunami are waves caused by sudden movement of the ocean surface due to earthquakes, landslides on the sea floor, land slumping into the ocean, large volcanic eruptions or meteorite impact in the ocean.

Which of the following describes what happens to tsunami waves as they move towards the shore?

As the tsunami hits shallower water, the velocity slows, wavelength decreases and the waves height (amplitude) increases. Tsunami waves can grow up to 30 meters in height as they hit the shoreline and are followed by more waves that may even be more dangerous.