Unit 3- The Restless Earth: Tsunamis

Question 1

What is the average length of a wave from a tsunami?

Answer 1

Around 200km in length.

Question 2

Around what speed do tsunamis move?

Answer 2

Around 800kph

Question 3

What happens to the tsunami wave as it approaches shore?

Answer 3

They slow down, reduce in length and grow in height.

Question 4

When did the Indonesian Tsunami occur and where?

Answer 4

26th December, 2004 in the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Indonesia (Sumatra)

Question 5

Why did the Boxing Day Tsunami occur?

Answer 5

The earthquake occurred due to to the Indo-Australian plate sub-ducting under the Eurasian plate. The earthquake that was caused because of it measured more than 9 on the Richter scale. The earthquake caused the seafloor to rise and displace the water above.

Question 6

Which countries were affected by the tsunami?

Answer 6

13 countries were affected by the Tsunami, some of them being: Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Question 7

What were the main characteristics of the Indonesian Tsunami?

Answer 7

• In open ocean, the tsunami measured less than 1m.
• It travelled up to 800kph.
• When the tsunami reached the shore, the height of the wave increased up to 30m because the wave gained more energy and speed as it got nearer to the shore.

Question 8

How are Tsunamis formed?

Answer 8

Tsunamis are formed when an earthquake, volcano or landslide happens on the ocean floor causing the water to displace. This water forms the start of the tsunami.

Question 9

What were the main impacts of the Boxing Day Tsunami?

Answer 9

• A quarter of a million people died.
• Two million people were made homeless.
• 13 countries were affected: the worst being Indonesia.
• Islands that were reliant on the tourism industry had to rebuild their industry…e.g. The Maldives
• An early warning system between countries surrounding the Indian Ocean has been set up.

Question 10

What were the short term responses to the Boxing Day tsunami?

Answer 10

• Within days, millions of pounds had been pledged by foreign governments, charities and individual businesses to provide food, water and aid to survivors.
• Foreign countries sent ships, planes, specialists and soldiers to help rescue people, distribute food and water and aid and to help clear up.

Question 11

What is a tsunami?

Answer 11

A tsunami is a special type of wave where an event, after an earthquake, moves the entire depth of water above it.