Question

select the correct answer.

tsunami waves are caused by earthquakes in the ocean floor. as the waves approach the shore, they usually grow in height. when this occurs, which aspect of the wave is changing?

a. amplitude

b. direction

c. frequency

d. speed

e. wavelength

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A (amplitude): Amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement from the rest position, related to height. As tsunami waves grow in height, their amplitude increases.
• Option B (direction): The question focuses on height change, not direction shift.
• Option C (frequency): Frequency is waves per unit time; height growth doesn’t relate to frequency.
• Option D (speed): Wave speed in water depends on depth, but the question is about height (not speed).
• Option E (wavelength): Wavelength is distance between crests; height growth isn’t wavelength change.

Answer:

A. amplitude