Waves

Examine the characteristics of waves and how they function

We will...

• A wave is a disturbance on the surface of water caused by energy passing through the water

• Visible rise and fall action

• Most commonly caused by wind blowing across the water surface

• Water moves in a circular motion while the wave itself travels across the ocean water

• Energy is constantly transferred this way

What is a wave?

• A wave consists of a CREST (the highest point of the wave)

• It also has a TROUGH (the lowest point of the wave)

• Wave Height is the distance between the trough and crest

• Wavelength is the distance from crest to crest

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Waves, dissected.

• ​Erosion. Waves can erode a beachline and eat it away over time. Can cause cliffs and caves in the rock.

• Transport. Waves transport tons of things along with tides (discussed a lil' later).

• Deposition (to deposit stuff). When waves lose energy, they drop particles once in transport, and usually, along the shoreline

Waves cause...

The number of wave crests passing a specific point per second

Wave Frequency

The time it takes for a wave crest to go from one point to another

Wave Period