Oceanography

Waves-Definiton

Waves

Definition

An ocean wave is an alternating rise and fall of a portion of the water surface or of a density boundary within the water column. Waves can be produced by the wind, movement of objects into or within the water and vibrations(earthquake) of the basin containing the water body. Production of a wave represents the transfer of energy into the water from the wave inducing source. Two basic types of waves are progressive waves and standing waves or seiches. A progressive wave: moves forward across the water from the area in which it was formed. Seiches remain where they are produced and appear as a rocking back-and-forth of the water surface or boundary layer.