Question

tsunamis
tsunamis are large waves that are usually caused as the aftermath of an earthquake or volcanic eruption. the abrupt movement in the ocean floor, causes waves to form in the middle of the ocean. these are known as “seismic waves.” as the wave travels towards shore, it begins to gain its massive height. most tsunamis occur in the pacific ocean. this is due to the fact that it is known as earth’s “ring of fire,” or the area where most tectonic shifts occur such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. once the lowest part of the wave hits, it creates a vacuum effect. when this happens, the sea water retreats back, exposing the bare sea floor. this is warning that the tsunami will hit shore.
highlight in green the part of the text that states the definition of a tsunami.
highlight in red the part of the text that describes what “seismic waves” are.
highlight the part of the text that describes what happens when the lowest part of the wave hits.
highlight in blue the part of the text that explains why most tsunamis occur in the pacific ocean.
constructed response using r.a.c.e. strategy
what are tsunamis and how are they formed?
restate the question
answer the question
cite evidence from the text
explain your answer

Explanation:

To answer the R.A.C.E. constructed response:

• Restate the Question: What are tsunamis and how are they formed?
• Answer the Question: Tsunamis are large ocean waves formed by seismic activity, and they grow in height as they approach shore.
• Cite Evidence from the Text:
• Definition: "Tsunamis are large waves that are usually caused as the aftermath of an earthquake or volcanic eruption."
• Formation of seismic waves: "The abrupt movement in the ocean floor, causes waves to form in the middle of the ocean. These are known as 'seismic waves'."
• Growth towards shore: "As the wave travels towards shore, it begins to gain its massive height."
• Pacific Ocean prevalence: "Most tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean. This is due to the fact that it is known as Earth’s 'ring of Fire,' or the area where most tectonic shifts occur such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes."
• Warning sign: "Once the lowest part of the wave hits, it creates a vacuum effect. When this happens, the sea water retreats back, exposing the bare sea floor. This is warning that the tsunami will hit shore."
• Explain Your Answer: Tsunamis are defined as large waves triggered by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The abrupt ocean floor movement creates seismic waves, which grow taller near shore. The Pacific’s “Ring of Fire” has frequent tectonic activity, making it a tsunami hotspot. A retreating sea floor signals an impending tsunami.

Answer:

• Restate the Question: What are tsunamis and how are they formed?
• Answer the Question: Tsunamis are large ocean waves formed by seismic activity, and they grow in height as they approach shore.
• Cite Evidence from the Text:
• Definition: "Tsunamis are large waves that are usually caused as the aftermath of an earthquake or volcanic eruption."
• Formation of seismic waves: "The abrupt movement in the ocean floor, causes waves to form in the middle of the ocean. These are known as 'seismic waves'."
• Growth towards shore: "As the wave travels towards shore, it begins to gain its massive height."
• Pacific Ocean prevalence: "Most tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean. This is due to the fact that it is known as Earth’s 'ring of Fire,' or the area where most tectonic shifts occur such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes."
• Warning sign: "Once the lowest part of the wave hits, it creates a vacuum effect. When this happens, the sea water retreats back, exposing the bare sea floor. This is warning that the tsunami will hit shore."
• Explain Your Answer: Tsunamis are defined as large waves triggered by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The abrupt ocean floor movement creates seismic waves, which grow taller near shore. The Pacific’s “Ring of Fire” has frequent tectonic activity, making it a tsunami hotspot. A retreating sea floor signals an impending tsunami.