Understanding Tsunami Warning Systems

What is the main difference between a local tsunami and an ocean-wide tsunami?

• A local tsunami affects areas far from the earthquake, while an ocean-wide tsunami affects areas close to the earthquake.

• A local tsunami only affects areas close to the earthquake, while an ocean-wide tsunami can travel across the entire ocean.

• A local tsunami is caused by volcanic eruptions, while an ocean-wide tsunami is caused by earthquakes.

• A local tsunami is smaller in size, while an ocean-wide tsunami is larger in size.

Why are tsunami warning systems important for ocean-wide tsunamis?

• Because they help predict earthquakes.

• Because they alert people on the other side of the ocean who may not feel the earthquake.

• Because they prevent tsunamis from occurring.

• Because they measure the speed of ocean currents.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What do tsunami warning centers use to decide when to issue warnings?

• Weather forecasts

• Data from sensors that measure earthquakes and changes in the ocean

• Reports from local fishermen

• Satellite images of the ocean

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What is the main function of deep sensors in tsunami warning systems?

• To detect changes in water pressure when a tsunami wave passes overhead

• To measure the temperature of the ocean

• To detect the speed of ocean currents

• To measure the salinity of the ocean

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which type of sensor is described as having medium reliability but being cheap?

• Deep sensors

• Shallow sensors

• Satellite sensors

• Weather sensors

What can cause false alarms in tsunami warning systems?

• Accurate sensor data

• A tsunami reaching a location

• An earthquake that doesn’t trigger a tsunami

• Reliable sensors

What is one of the costs associated with tsunami warning systems?

• Buying and installing sensors

• Building new roads

• Training local fishermen

• Planting trees along the coast

How do earthquake sensors detect a tsunami is coming?

• By measuring changes in the level of the water in the ocean

• By detecting the Earth shaking

• By analyzing weather patterns

• By observing animal behavior

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Why might scientists wait for more information before issuing a tsunami warning?

• If the data from sensors is very reliable

• If the data from sensors is less reliable

• If the ocean is calm

• If the weather is clear

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What happens when sensors detect changes in the ocean?

• They send the information to computers and scientists

• They automatically stop the tsunami

• They alert local fishermen

• They change the direction of the tsunami