Question

Part A
Based on the information in Figure 1, which statement best describes the differences in wave height and wavelength between tsunami waves in shallow water and tsunami waves in deep water?​
A
Tsunami waves in deep water have very large wave heights and long wavelengths, while tsunami waves in shallow water have very large wave heights and short wavelengths.
B
Tsunami waves in deep water have very small wave heights and short wavelengths, while tsunami waves in shallow water have very large wave heights and long wavelengths.
C
Tsunami waves in deep water have very small wave heights and long wavelengths, while tsunami waves in shallow water have very large wave heights and short wavelengths.
D
Tsunami waves in deep water have very large wave heights and short wavelengths, while tsunami waves in shallow water have very small wave heights and long wavelengths.
(b)

Part B
Which statements best explain the causes of the differences selected in Part A?
​
Select all that apply. ​
A
In deep water, there is a larger volume of water, resulting in waves with larger heights.
B
In shallow water, the rising seafloor drags on the bottom of the wave, resulting in a decreasing wavelength.
C
In deep water, there is more space for the energy of the wave to spread out under the water.
D
In shallow water, there is a smaller volume of water, resulting in waves with longer wavelengths.
E
In shallow water, there is less space for the energy of the wave under the water, so the height of the wave increases.
F
In deep water, the energy of the wave that forms decreases dramatically as the wave approaches the shoreline.

Answer 1

**Part A:**
The best statement that describes the differences in wave height and wavelength between tsunami waves in shallow water and tsunami waves in deep water is:
**C** Tsunami waves in deep water have very small wave heights and long wavelengths, while tsunami waves in shallow water have very large wave heights and short wavelengths.

**Part B:**
The statements that best explain the causes of the differences selected in Part A are:
**B** In shallow water, the rising seafloor drags on the bottom of the wave, resulting in a decreasing wavelength.
**C** In deep water, there is more space for the energy of the wave to spread out under the water.
**E** In shallow water, there is less space for the energy of the wave under the water, so the height of the wave increases.

These statements articulate the physical interactions between the waves and the ocean floor as well as the distribution of energy in the water column.