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What Are Tsunamis — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-ESS3-2

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This Grade 4 science reading passage introduces students to tsunamis, aligning with NGSS standard 4-ESS3-2. Students learn that a tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The passage explains how tsunamis behave differently in deep ocean water versus shallow coastal waters, growing from just a few feet tall to as high as buildings. Students discover that tsunamis can travel across entire oceans at hundreds of miles per hour, carrying tremendous energy. The passage uses age-appropriate language and real-world examples to help fourth graders understand this natural hazard. Audio-integrated features support diverse learners by providing multiple ways to access the content. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers that help students analyze cause-and-effect relationships and understand the sequence of tsunami formation and movement. This foundational knowledge prepares students for deeper investigations into natural hazards and their impacts on human populations.

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2021 Chignik earthquake Tsunami map" by U.S. Tsunami Warning System / Wikimedia Commons

A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by sudden movements under the ocean. These movements can be an underwater earthquake (when the ocean floor shakes and shifts), a volcanic eruption beneath the sea, or a landslide that falls into the water. When these events happen, they push huge amounts of water and create powerful waves that spread out in all directions.

Out in the deep ocean, a tsunami wave may be only a few feet tall and hard to notice. Ships can sail right over them without anyone realizing a tsunami is passing beneath. However, as the tsunami approaches shallow water near the coast, something important happens. The wave slows down because it drags along the ocean bottom. As it slows down, the water piles up and the wave grows much taller—sometimes as high as a building.

Tsunamis can travel across entire oceans at speeds of 500 miles per hour or more, similar to how fast a jet airplane flies. When a tsunami finally hits shore, the powerful wall of water rushes inland, flooding everything in its path. The force of the water can destroy buildings, sweep away cars, and cause serious damage to coastal communities. Understanding tsunamis helps scientists warn people living near oceans so they can move to higher ground and stay safe.

Interesting Fact: The word "tsunami" comes from Japanese words meaning "harbor wave" because these waves often cause the most damage in harbors and bays where the water gets squeezed into smaller spaces.

What causes a tsunami to form?

Strong winds blowing across the oceanUnderwater earthquakes, volcanoes, or landslidesShips moving too fastHeavy rainfall near the coast

How tall is a tsunami in deep ocean?

As tall as a buildingOnly a few feet tallAs tall as a mountainHundreds of feet tall

How fast can tsunamis travel across oceans?

About 50 miles per hourAbout 100 miles per hourAbout 500 miles per hourAbout 1,000 miles per hour

Why does a tsunami grow taller near shore?

Wind makes it biggerIt slows down and water piles upMore water falls from the skyFish push the water higher

What happens when tsunami hits the coast?

It disappears into the sandIt turns into regular wavesIt rushes inland and floods everythingIt goes back to the ocean

How do scientists help people stay safe?

They stop tsunamis from formingThey warn people to move higherThey build walls around all citiesThey make the waves smaller