Calculating Tsunami Speed: Physics & German Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating tsunami speed using physics equations, specifically the relationship between speed, frequency, and period. The equation speed = frequency x period is highlighted, along with the approximation that tsunami speed can be modeled as a shallow wave with the formula velocity = sqrt(g H), where g is the acceleration due to gravity and H is the wave height. A German company has published equations related to this topic, but the original poster struggles with the language barrier. Relevant resources include a German website and an oceanography textbook.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics, specifically the relationship between speed, frequency, and period.
  • Familiarity with the physics of shallow water waves.
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g) and its role in wave dynamics.
  • Ability to interpret scientific equations and concepts in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the equation velocity = sqrt(g H) for shallow water waves.
  • Explore the implications of wave height on tsunami impact using real-world data.
  • Study the resources provided by the German company for insights into their methodology.
  • Learn about tsunami modeling techniques and simulation software used in oceanography.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, oceanography researchers, disaster management specialists, and anyone interested in tsunami dynamics and wave behavior.

yjk91
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I was wondering if you could use physics to find the force and magnitude of a wave by using some equations.
speed = frequency x period,if ferq in Hz,period in seconds
I know that this equation would work in finding the speed of a wave, but I'm talking about the speed of tsunami and how hard it will hit when hitting a shore.

There is this german company that tried it and posted bunch of eqations, but i can't read german so i have no clue how they did it. It would be helpful if you can help me one this on.

German website. http://www.noort-innovations.nl/eindverslag%20definitief.pdf
thanks
 
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As a first approximation a tsunami can be consider a shallow wave (because the wavelength is much larger than the depth of the ocean) and in this case the velocity is proportional to sqrt(g H) where g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the height of the wave.
 
But that's not terribly useful, it just says that tsunami speed doesn't depend on water depth - it doesn't help you get a value.
See http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/ocng_textbook/chapter17/chapter17_02.htm
 

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