Similarities and differences: tsunamis and surf waves
In this activity, students use an interactive or paper-based Venn diagram to illustrate the key similarities and differences between tsunami waves and surf waves.
A surf wave versus a tsunami
Tsunamis have much more energy than a surf wave, so they last for longer and are much faster. The shape of the two waves is also completely different.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
describe the key similarities and differences between tsunami waves and surf waves
understand how to use a Venn diagram to graphically organise information.
Download the Word file for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
discussion questions
extension ideas
student worksheets.
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
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.
Useful link
This website provides some clear advice for surfers on why they should NEVER attempt to surf a tsunami.
