Tsunami Velocity or Shallow Water Velocity
Tsunami Velocity or Shallow Water Velocity :
The velocity of an ocean wave whose length is sufficiently large compared to the water depth (i.e., 25 or more times the depth) can be approximated by the following expression: c = (gh). Where: c: is the wave velocity. g: the acceleration due to gravity. h: the water depth. Thus, the velocity of shallow-water waves is independent of wavelength L. In water depths between ½ L and 1/25 L it is necessary to use a more precise expression: c = ((gL/2p)[tanh(2 p h/L)]). Wave height and water depth. In the open ocean, a tsunami is often only a tens of centimetres high, but its wave height grows rapidly in shallow water. Tsunami wave energy extends from the surface to the bottom in the deepest waters. As the tsunami attacks the coastline, the wave energy is compressed into a much shorter distance creating destructive, life-threatening waves
