gravity wave
Quick Summary
A gravity wave in oceanography is a wave on the surface of water where gravity acts as the restoring force, tending to flatten the surface. These waves are distinct from ripples, which are driven by surface tension.12
Gravity waves in the ocean are typically longer than approximately 10 cm (4 inches). Their speed is influenced by water depth and wavelength; longer waves and deeper water generally lead to faster speeds. Wind is the primary generator of these waves, and after the wind subsides, they can continue to propagate as swell.2
Internal waves are another type of gravity wave that occur within the ocean, at boundaries between water layers of different densities. These internal waves move much slower than surface gravity waves.3
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wavePhysical characteristics of surface wavesSurface gravity waves in which gravity is the dominant force have wavelengths greater than approximately 10 cm (4 inches). In the intermediate length range, both restoring mechanisms are important.
Read MoreSurface gravity waves in which gravity is the dominant force have wavelengths greater than approximately 10 cm (4 inches). In the intermediate length range, both restoring mechanisms are important.
Read More- waveWind waves and swell
Wind waves are the wind-generated gravity waves. After the wind has abated or shifted or the waves have migrated away from the wind field, such waves continue to propagate as swell.
Read MoreWind waves are the wind-generated gravity waves. After the wind has abated or shifted or the waves have migrated away from the wind field, such waves continue to propagate as swell.
Read More - waveWind waves and swell
The wave speed of surface gravity waves depends on the depth of water and on the wavelength, or period; the speed increases with increasing depth and increasing wavelength, or period. If the water is sufficiently deep, the wave speed is independent of water depth. This relationship of wave speed to…
Read MoreThe wave speed of surface gravity waves depends on the depth of water and on the wavelength, or period; the speed increases with increasing depth and increasing wavelength, or period. If the water is sufficiently deep, the wave speed is independent of water depth. This relationship of wave speed to…
Read More - waveInternal waves
Gravity waves also occur on internal “surfaces” within oceans. These surfaces represent strata of rapidly changing water density with increasing depth, and the associated waves are called internal waves. Internal waves manifest themselves by a regular rising and sinking of the water layers around which…
Read MoreGravity waves also occur on internal “surfaces” within oceans. These surfaces represent strata of rapidly changing water density with increasing depth, and the associated waves are called internal waves. Internal waves manifest themselves by a regular rising and sinking of the water layers around which…
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capillary wave…gravity and are appropriately termed gravity waves. Unlike the velocity of gravity waves, the velocity of capillary waves increases with decreasing wavelength, the minimum velocity being 23.1 centimetres per second (9.09 inches per second), where the wavelength is the maximum 1.73 cm.
Read More…gravity and are appropriately termed gravity waves. Unlike the velocity of gravity waves, the velocity of capillary waves increases with decreasing wavelength, the minimum velocity being 23.1 centimetres per second (9.09 inches per second), where the wavelength is the maximum 1.73 cm.
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