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EARTH EXPEDITIONS / FIELD STATION 06

Tsunami 3D Simulator

Explore how ocean depth and seafloor displacement influence tsunami propagation.

YOUR FIELD PASSPORT0 / 12Junior explorer
WAVE TRACKERPredict. Experiment. Collect evidence.+1 FIELD BADGE
3D field modelREADY TO EXPLORE
Drag to orbit · exaggerated visual scale
Deep-water speed713 km/h
Simulated elapsed0.0 min
20 m shelf amplitude3.8 m
0%
Time and visual scale are accelerated for exploration. Read the model assumptions below.
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Free online tsunami simulator

Tsunami 3D Simulator: experiment guide

This browser-based 3d simulation helps you explore how ocean depth and seafloor displacement influence tsunami propagation. Designed for Grades 6–10, it turns an abstract idea into a model you can control, measure, reset, and test without signing up.

What you can investigate

Explore Seafloor displacement, wave speed, depth, run-up by changing the available controls and comparing the model’s visual and numerical evidence. Try one variable at a time, then combine changes to test a stronger explanation.

Seafloor displacementwave speeddepthrun-up

How to use this simulation

  1. 1Read the mission and make a prediction before moving a control.
  2. 2Change one variable so its effect is easier to identify.
  3. 3Run the model and record a value, pattern, or visible change.
  4. 4Reset, test a different setup, and explain the result from evidence.

For students, teachers, and independent study

A typical investigation takes 7–12 min. Use it as a lesson demonstration, a guided inquiry activity, a homework experiment, or a quick review. The simulation runs in a modern web browser and does not require an account.

Level
Intermediate
Time
7–12 min
Format
3D simulation

Common questions

What does the Tsunami 3D Simulator teach?

Explore how ocean depth and seafloor displacement influence tsunami propagation. The main ideas are Seafloor displacement, wave speed, depth, run-up.

Is the Tsunami 3D Simulator free to use?

Yes. You can run the simulation online for free without creating an account.

How long does the activity take?

Most learners can complete one investigation in 7–12 min. You can repeat it to compare more variables or improve your explanation.