Final answer:
To determine the depth of the Tonga Trench using the tsunami speed formula, we solve for 'd' by dividing the tsunami speed of 322 meters per second by 3.1 and then squaring the result. The calculated depth is approximately 1,079 meters, which is closest to option D) 1,036 meters.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the depth of the Tonga Trench given that a tsunami's speed was recorded at 322 meters per second, we can use the formula s = 3.1√d, where "s" is the speed of the tsunami in meters per second, and "d" is the depth of the ocean in meters. Solving for "d" we get:
d = (s / 3.1)²
Plugging in the given tsunami speed, we find:
d = (322 / 3.1)²
d = (103.87096774)²
d ≈ 1,079.01 meters
However, since 1,079.01 meters is not one of the options, we must round it to nearest option which is D) 1,036 meters.
Therefore, the depth of the Tonga Trench, assuming the given tsunami speed, is approximately 1,036 meters.