Chapter 15 Pt.2 Assignment (Ocean Waves) PDF

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NAME: EARTH SCIENCE – ASSIGNMENT #10 (CHAPTER 15): OCEAN WAVES DIRECTIONS: Read the information below and use the formulas to answer the questions. Each correct answer is worth 2.5 points. Due by 1:00 PM Thursday, April 1st. In deep water, the speed (v) of a wave depends upon the wavelength (L) and the wave period (T). The wave period is the time interval between successive wave crests. The mathematical equation that expresses the relationship between wave speed, wavelength, and wave period: v = L/T As a wave approaches shallow water, interference between the ocean floor and the orbital motion of the water particles causes changes to occur in the wave. At a depth of water equal to about one-twentieth of the wave’s deep-water wavelength (depth = 0.05 L), the wave breaks. 1. What would be the speed of deep-water waves with a wavelength of 30 meters and a wave period of 6.0 seconds? Hint: Use formula in first paragraph above. v=30/6.0 v=5m/s

2. What is the wave base for waves that have a wavelength of 16 meters? ___8____ meters Hint: Refer to the first slide that is titled “Waves of Oscillation” for the formula.

3. Determine the water depth at which the waves in Question 2 will break. _0.8_____ meters Hint: Use this formula: water depth = 0.05 L 0.05(16)=0.8m 4. Imagine that someone, about 6 feet tall, is standing on the shore considering walking out into the surf zone where the waves are breaking, but that person cannot swim. The person estimates the wavelength of the incoming deepwater waves to be 60 meters. Would it be safe for that person to walk out to where the waves are breaking/collapsing? Hint: After you calculate the depth at which the waves will break, convert meters into feet (1 meter = 3.28 ft), and then compare this depth with the height of the person. The calculated depth at which the waves break is ___3___ meters = __9.84____feet. Conclusion: (Choose One based on the calculated depth and Highlight Your Choice.) (a) The person will be safe from drowning. (b) The person will not be safe from drowning....