solitary wave

A solitary wave, also known as a soliton, is a single wave that maintains its shape and speed after colliding with other waves. These waves are often observed in shallow water, where they can propagate with little loss of energy.12

The concept of a solitary wave was first described by John Scott Russell in 1834, who observed a "large solitary elevation" on a canal that traveled without changing its form. Unlike typical waves that spread out and dissipate, solitons can pass through each other and emerge unchanged. This remarkable property makes them a subject of significant interest in various fields of physics.21