A wave in water shallower than 1/20 its wavelength is called which type?

Study for the IB Marine Science Standard Level Exam. Prepare with interactive quizzes and in-depth explanations. Use our resources to excel in your marine science knowledge!

Multiple Choice

A wave in water shallower than 1/20 its wavelength is called which type?

Explanation:
When we describe surface waves, we compare how deep the water is to the wavelength. If the depth is very small relative to the wavelength (d < λ/20), the wave behaves as a shallow-water wave, with the speed mainly determined by depth (c ≈ sqrt(g d)) and the entire water column participating in the motion. Capillary waves are dominated by surface tension at very short wavelengths, not by a shallow depth. Internal waves occur at density interfaces within the ocean, not on the surface. Deep-water waves require the depth to exceed about half the wavelength. So, a wave in water shallower than 1/20 of its wavelength fits the shallow-water regime.

When we describe surface waves, we compare how deep the water is to the wavelength. If the depth is very small relative to the wavelength (d < λ/20), the wave behaves as a shallow-water wave, with the speed mainly determined by depth (c ≈ sqrt(g d)) and the entire water column participating in the motion. Capillary waves are dominated by surface tension at very short wavelengths, not by a shallow depth. Internal waves occur at density interfaces within the ocean, not on the surface. Deep-water waves require the depth to exceed about half the wavelength. So, a wave in water shallower than 1/20 of its wavelength fits the shallow-water regime.

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