Landforms
Unit Standards 5.E.3A.1 Construct how different landforms and surface features result from the location and movement of water on Earth’s surface through watersheds (drainage basins) and rivers. 5.E.3A.2 Develop and use models to describe and compare characteristics and locations of the landforms on continents with those on the ocean floor (including the continental self and slope, the mid ocean ridge, the rift zone, the trench, and the abyssal plain). 5.E.3B.1 Analyze and interpret data to describe and predict how natural processes (such as weathering, erosion, deposition, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, or storms) affect Earth’s surface.
What is a tsunami? Tsunami- giant ocean wave caused by earthquakes on the ocean floor
What is a tsunami? Only a few are caused by underwater landslides and volcanoes.
What is a tsunami? The force of an earthquake on the ocean floor can cause a large wave to form. In the middle of the ocean, a tsunami may pass under a ship without being noticed.
What is a tsunami? That is because the wave moves closer to the shore, it drags along the ocean floor. This slows the wave down. Soon the wave gets higher.
What is a tsunami? A tsunami can cause a great deal of damage when it reaches land. Sometimes a tsunami is one huge wall of water.
What is a tsunami? At other times, it may be a series of smaller waves. Tsunami waves can travel at great speeds—up to 600 miles per hour.
What is a tsunami? In December of 2004, a large earthquake took place in the Indian Ocean. It happened off the Western coast of Sumatra. Waves on Sumatra were up to 30 meters (100 feet) high.
What is a tsunami? Two hours after the earthquake, a tsunami struck Sri Lanka 1,200 kilometers away. Waves there were about 9 meters (30 feet) high.
What is a tsunami? Seven hours after the earthquake, large waves reached Port Elizabeth, South Africa. That is more than 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) away from where the earthquake happened.
What are some safety tips for earthquakes and tsunamis? Many people live in areas where earthquakes can happen. If they live on the coast, a tsunami could happen there, too.
What are some safety tips for earthquakes? Place large, heavy, or breakable objects on lower shelves. Bolt down heavy appliances. Locate safe spots in your house. This might be under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Hold family earthquake drills. Find a safe spot, and then drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from glass and things that could fall on you. Arrange a meeting place outside your home. If outside during a quake, move quickly to an open space. Avoid buildings, power lines, trees, or things that may fall on you. If you are in a car, the driver should stop driving. Never stop under a tree or under a bridge. Stay in the car. If you are trapped under debris, do not move or kick. Cover your mouth.
What are some safety tips for tsunamis? If you live near the coast and you hear of an earthquake, listen to local news reports for possible tsunami warnings. If there is a tsunami warning for your area, move to high ground right away. Do not stay to gather your things.