LEARNING TARGET:

I will work with my group to research *evidence* for past tsunamis during today's class.

I will then use that evidence to determine our four main wave characteristics for that megatsunamis wave.

WORDS O' THE DAY:

WORK O' THE DAY:

Research into megatsunamis is a relatively new field in oceanography. Take a few moments to research a particular instance of that tsunami with your team.

Then sign up/reserve that megatsunamis in our class spreadsheet HERE

Now please work with your team to design a brief slide presentation on that topic -- bullet points only

By the by, here is what happens when I typed that into the oracle/chatgpt?

Why would I consider that grossly inaccurate/inappropriate response for this assignment?

My prompt:

Write a 4 bullet point summary showing the wave characteristics of the megatsunami created by the santorini volcanic eruption.

Response:

1. Extreme Wave Height: The initial wave heights were extraordinarily high due to the massive volume of material displaced by the eruption, possibly reaching heights of several hundred meters near the eruption site.

2. Rapid Propagation Speed: The waves traveled at great speeds across the Aegean Sea, propelled by the explosive force of the eruption, affecting coastlines far from the initial eruption site within a short time frame.

3. Far-reaching Impact: The reach of the tsunami was extensive, impacting coastlines across the Mediterranean. Historical records and geological evidence suggest that the waves affected distant shores, causing significant damage and changes in the coastal landscape.

4. Decay of Wave Energy: As the tsunami waves moved away from their source, there was a gradual decay in energy, resulting in lower wave heights at distant locations, but still capable of causing considerable destruction on those farther shores.

Prompt2:

1. Extreme Wave Height: The initial wave heights were exceptionally high, potentially reaching several hundred meters near the volcano, as a result of the substantial displacement of water caused by the volcanic explosion.

2. Rapid Propagation Speed: The tsunami waves spread swiftly across the surrounding seas, driven by the immense energy of the volcanic explosion, impacting nearby islands and coastlines shortly after the eruption.

3. Wide-reaching Impact: The influence of the tsunami extended across a significant part of the Indonesian archipelago and possibly affected distant coastal areas, causing widespread damage and altering coastal landscapes.

4. Energy Decay with Distance: As the tsunami waves moved farther from their source, their energy gradually decreased, leading to lower wave heights at more remote locations. However, they remained powerful enough to cause considerable destruction on distant shores.