Waves

Waves, Tides, & Currents

6SC.A.3.e: analyze and interpret data to create graphic representations of the causes and effects of waves, currents, and tides in Earth's systems

Multiple Choice

Refer to the diagram. Which of the following questions can best be answered by the data presented in the graph?

• Is there a direct relationship between the density and salinity of ocean water?

• Is there an indirect relationship between the density and salinity of ocean water?

• Does the density of ocean water increase over time?

• Does the salinity of ocean water increase over time?

Quick review of Temperature, Salinity & Density

Do you have your notes?

Multiple Select

As temperature decreases,

density ______________.

This is a (an) ___________ relationship.

• increases

• decreases

• direct

• indirect

Multiple Select

As depth increases,

temperature ______________.

This is a (an) ___________ relationship.

• increases

• decreases

• direct

• indirect

Multiple Select

As salinity increases,

density ______________.

This is a (an) ___________ relationship.

• increases

• decreases

• direct

• indirect

Multiple Select

As depth increases,

pressure ______________.

This is a (an) ___________ relationship.

• increases

• decreases

• direct

• indirect

Multiple Select

5.As depth decreases,

temperature ______________.

This is a (an) ___________ relationship.

• increases

• decreases

• direct

• indirect

How do waves form?

Most waves form when winds blowing across the water's surface transmit their energy to the water.

What determines the size of the wave?

The size of the wave depends on the strength of the wind, the length of time it blows, and the distance over which the wind blows.

How do water particles move as the wave passes?

• Water particles move in a circular path.

Crest

The highest point of a wave.

Trough

The lowest point of a wave.

Wave Height

The vertical distance from the crest of a wave to the trough.

Wavelength

The horizontal distance between two wave crests.

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a specific point in a given amount of time.

As a wave approaches the shore, what happens to the wave height and wavelength?

• Near shore, the wave height INCREASES

• and the wavelength DECREASES

Open Ended

What are the five terms used to describe waves?