Ocean Waves Worksheet
Explore the science behind ocean waves, including their formation, characteristics, and different types, with this comprehensive worksheet for 8th-grade science.
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Topics
Ocean Waves Exploration
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability.
1. What is the primary source of energy for most ocean waves?
Earthquakes
Wind
Volcanic eruptions
Moon's gravity
2. The highest part of a wave is called the:
Trough
Crest
Wavelength
Amplitude
3. The vertical distance between a wave's crest and trough is known as its .
4. A wave's is the horizontal distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.
5. As ocean waves approach the shore, their speed and their height .
6. Describe the difference between a wave's period and its frequency.
7. Explain how the depth of the ocean floor affects the behavior of waves.
8. Tsunamis are typically caused by strong winds.
True
False
9. The movement of water in a deep-water wave is primarily circular.
True
False
Match each term with its correct definition.
10. Swell
a. The breaking of a wave as it reaches shallow water
11. Breaker
b. A long, smooth wave that travels across the open ocean
12. Tsunami
c. A giant ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption
13. Label the crest, trough, and wavelength on the diagram of the ocean wave below.