Similarities and differences: tsunamis and surf waves
Here students use an interactive Venn diagram to illustrate the key similarities and differences between tsunami waves and surf waves. Place each label where you think it belongs. This activity can be done individually, in pairs or as a whole class.
Similarities and differences: tsunamis and surf waves
Tsunami waves only
Surf waves only
Both tsunamis and surf waves
Unused items
- A form of energy transfer
- Become higher in shallow water
- Occupy the water surface only
- Breaking waves
- Occupy the whole ocean depth
- Can interfere with other waves
- Period of 10–60 minutes
- Can reflect and refract
- Period of a few seconds
- Can resonate (‘slosh’)
- Can travel at hundreds of km/h
- Suitable for surfing
- Can undergo diffraction
- Travel at less than 50km/h
- Caused by an in-water disturbance
- Usually non-breaking waves
- Caused by wind
- Wavelength of hundreds of km
- Have a frequency and wavelength
- Wavelength of tens of metres
- May form a turbulent bore
- Slow down in shallow water
Use this interactive Venn diagram to illustrate the key similarities and differences between tsunami waves and surf waves.
Place the labels where you think they belong. You can move the labels from one place to another, if you change your mind. Note: if the label has not changed to blue, check it is fully within the Venn diagram part. When you are ready, click the Check answers button to check your ideas, then click the Reset incorrect button to try again.
See the Similarities and differences: tsunamis and surf waves activity for additional support in using this interactive.
Use the Download exercise button for a PDF of the diagram and labels.
