Student Worksheet, Tsunami Experiments
1. In the first experiment, you will create a tsunami by levering up on the plastic divider. This should
create a large wave. Record what you notice about the wave. If you have time, repeat the
experiment a few times and record your results. Do you notice any changes over time?
2. In the second experiment, you will create a tsunami by recreating a landslide. This will create a wave
as well. Record what you notice about the wave. If you have time, repeat the experiment and record
your results. What do you notice about this experiment and the previous experiment? Why might
this type of tsunami be difficult to predict?
3. In the third part of the experiment you will create a tsunami by creating and underwater landslide.
Record what you notice about this wave. If you have time, repeat the experiment and record your
results. What do you notice about this experiment compared with the previous two? Why might this
kind of tsunami be difficult to predict?
Prepared by Monika Pelz, Ocean Networks Canada, 2013