======Simulating a Tsunami======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
\\
**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
\\


**Alternative titles:** Wave Simulation Project 
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  -Assemble a Lucite tank (about 92 cm long) using aquarium glue, ensuring watertight seals.  
  -Construct a hinged flap with Lucite, washers, and a hinge to act as an impeller for creating waves. Attach a string to lift the flap.  
  -Build a sloping beach of sand or gravel at the opposite end of the tank, about 30 cm long. Optional: add toy houses for effect.  
  -Fill the tank with water to a shallow depth (about 2.5 cm) and add blue food coloring for visibility.  
  -Gently lift and lower the flap with the string to generate waves. Observe how the waves travel, hit the beach, and reflect.  
  -Repeat with different water depths, beach slopes, or flap movements to see how tsunami size and impact vary.



====Links==== 
Do-it-yourself experiments-Tsunami - STS Global: 
{{youtube>DZZFPCY6RlE?}}\\

📄 How To Simulate A Tsunami For A Science Project - Sciencing: [[https://www.sciencing.com/how-to-simulate-a-tsunami-for-a-science-project-12762939/]]\\

====Variations====
  *Change the water depth to see how it affects wave speed and strength.  
  *Use different beach slopes or materials (sand vs. gravel).  
  *Add structures (toy houses, Lego buildings) to see how they withstand the waves.  
  *Compare gentle vs. vigorous flap movements to model smaller vs. larger earthquakes.



====Safety Precautions====
  *Allow aquarium glue to dry fully before adding water.  
  *Avoid vigorous wave-making that causes splashing; keep towels nearby.  
  *Handle Lucite pieces with care to avoid sharp edges.  
  *Ensure the tank is on a stable, flat surface.




====Questions to Consider====
  *How does wave size change with water depth?  
  *What happens when the beach slope is steeper or shallower?  
  *Which types of “buildings” withstand the waves best? Why?  
  *How do real-world tsunamis compare to this small-scale model?  
  *Why is it important for coastal communities to understand tsunami science?