Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Waves

In Physics a wave is a disturbance that travels through space and time, usually accompanied by the transfer of energy. Many waves in the water are actually classified as Wind Waves. Wind Waves are surface waves that are generated by the wind blowing over a fluid surface. There are three different types of wind waves: ripples, seas and swells. Ripples are waves that die as soon as the wind stops blowing they are propagated by surface tension. Seas come from sustained wind and continue after the wind dies. Seas are propagated by gravity. As seas move away from their origin they separate by direction and wavelength. The wave motion created by this process are called swells.


6 comments:

Gemma Wiseman said...

The magic of waves rippling in to shore! Always fascinating!

Andrea said...

...and very big swells are scary! So the swells include the tsunami? May i ask why i heard during our last island hopping trip that when the tide changes the seas become rough? Is that correct? thanks.

Sukhmandir Kaur said...

The monarch is beautiful, but the waves really intrigue me as I live nearby the sea and for a couple of years lived right on the shore. Thanks for sharing these facts!

genie said...

Beautiful, beautiful waves and their swells and whitecaps. Last week while we were at the beach AFTER Irene stole 3 nights and days from us, the waters were really choppy. It was not a very inviting Atlantic for swimming. Love the colors in this capture...I posted a sunrise this week from overt the water. Your shot is an awesome one.genie

Kay L. Davies said...

Beautiful to look at, interesting to read. Good stuff!!
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Arija said...

Love the shot but the description could apply to me as well 'a disturbance that travels through space and tim" LOL.