Why don't boats in the open ocean notice a tsunami approaching?
A) Boats will usually mistake the large waves for tidal waves and not recognize them as tsunamis.
B) Tsunamis are too small in amplitude in the open ocean and the distance between crests is too large for boats to notice their passing.
C) Because tsunamis are produced by earthquakes, the boats are probably still recovering from the initial tremors to notice a change in the water waves.
D) Tsunami waves don't break and therefore won't be noticed by boats.
E) The statement is false. Tsunami waves are always noticed by boats in the open ocean.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tsunamis in the open ocean have a very long wavelength and low amplitude, meaning they are not noticeable to boats passing over them. It is not until they approach shorelines and the shallow water causes them to increase in height that they become dangerous.

Why Don't Boats in the Open Ocean Notice a Tsunami