Tsunami amplitude change question

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of tsunamis and water waves in shallow regions. The equation for modeling tsunamis is mentioned, and the concept of solitons is explained. The effect of conservation on wave behavior is also discussed, with a focus on the decrease in velocity and increase in amplitude as a wave approaches shallow water.
  • #1
primarygun
233
0
When a tsunami comes from a deeper region into a shallower region, its amplitude changes?Would you figure out a equation related to the content of energy of a wave in terms of frequency and amplitude?
How can I get a brighter pattern of diffraction of a water wave besides adjusting the hole between two slits, besides decreasing the frequency to a appropiate size?
 
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  • #2
I can't answer your question exactly, but I'll tell you what I have heard about modeling of tsunamis.

Tsunamis can be modeled as solitons, which are solutions to the wave equation

[tex]u_{t}=6uu_x-u_{xxxx}[/tex]

A soliton is a wave which keeps its shape as it propagates, much like a solution to a linear wave equation. However, this equation is nonlinear and contains a growth or sharpening of the wave term, [tex]uu_x[/tex], and a dispersion term, [tex]u_{xxxx}[/tex]. When these two terms balance out exactly, the wave holds it shape and you have a soliton.

Perhaps a tsunami travels across the ocean as a soliton, and then when it gets near land and hits something on the bottom the dispersion term becomes small compared to the growth term and the wave begins to grow very fast. I don't know for sure though.

Anyway, I don't know if conservation has anything to do with it, but you can search for stuff on solitons and tsunamis and find out whether or not I was lying.
 
  • #3
How about a common transverse water wave?
 
  • #4
I'm sure that this isthe answer
Velocity of a wave decreases as the water gets shallow. As described in-

v*v=gh
(v=velocity
g=gravity
h=depth)

as v=fλ

(λ=wave length
f=frequency)

Either f or λ has to decrease.
But as f is a constant where the same emitter is concerned the wavelength decreases.
Velocity is lower in the front of the wave than the back of it because sea gets shallow near the shore. So the wavelength decreases as it gets to the shore. But the amount of water is the same. So the amplitude has to rise. Water is pushed upwards.
 

1. What causes changes in the amplitude of a tsunami?

Changes in the amplitude of a tsunami can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the strength and location of the earthquake that triggered the tsunami, the shape and depth of the seafloor, and the distance the tsunami travels from its source to the shore.

2. How does the amplitude of a tsunami affect its destructive power?

The amplitude of a tsunami is directly related to its destructive power. A larger amplitude means a higher wave height, which can result in more extensive flooding and damage to coastal areas.

3. Can the amplitude of a tsunami be accurately predicted?

While scientists can make estimates about the potential amplitude of a tsunami based on factors such as the magnitude of the earthquake, it is difficult to accurately predict the exact amplitude of a tsunami before it reaches the shore.

4. Are there ways to mitigate the effects of a high amplitude tsunami?

One way to mitigate the effects of a high amplitude tsunami is through the use of early warning systems, which can give people in coastal areas time to evacuate before the tsunami arrives. Building coastal structures such as seawalls can also help reduce the impact of a high amplitude tsunami.

5. How does the amplitude of a tsunami change as it travels across the ocean?

The amplitude of a tsunami can decrease as it travels across the ocean due to energy loss and dispersion. However, in certain cases, such as when a tsunami encounters a narrow channel or bay, the amplitude can increase again, resulting in a larger and more destructive wave upon reaching the shore.

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