Waves

Dictionary Words (use the papers at

your table)
Trough
Crest
Wavelength
Wave Height
Tsunami

Topic: Ocean Water Movement Waves

Pg. 22
Standard:
S6E3d. Explain the causes of waves,
currents, and tides.
BIG ideas
- Waves are made of 2 parts crests &
troughs
- Waves are caused by wind & tsunamis

Anatomy of a Wave

Anatomy
Waves have 2
parts
1.Crest
2.Trough

Anatomy

A crest is the
highest point of
a wave

Anatomy
A trough is the
lowest part of a
wave

Label the Crest & Trough

E
F

C
B

Anatomy
A wavelength is
the distance
between 2 crests
OR 2 troughs

Anatomy
The wave height
is the vertical
(up and down)
distance
between the
crest & trough.

Label the wavelength & wave height

Causes of Waves

Causes
Waves are caused in 2 ways
Wind
Tsunamis

Causes - Wind
Most waves form as wind blows
across waters surface
Wind transfers energy to the water

Causes - Tsunamis
Tsunamis are
waves that form
when a large
volume of ocean
water is suddenly
moved up or
down.

There are 5 reasons for

tsunamis
1.Earthquakes
2.Volcanic eruptions
3.Landslides
4.Underwater explosions
5.Meteorites or comets

Tsunami wave

Tsunami wave

Tsunami wave

Movement of Waves

Movement

Water rises and

falls in circular
movements

Movement
As depth
increases, the
circular motion
gets smaller.
Because of this, in
deep water,
waves are small

Movement
As depth
decreases, the
circular motion
gets BIGGER.
Because of this, in
shallow water,
waves are BIG

Movement
The speed can be found using the
following formula:
Wavelength
Wave period

= wave speed

Page 24
Draw a wave. Label the features:
- Crest
- Trough
- Wavelength
- Wave height
- Circular Movement