Waves
By Sam Young
Wind Q & A
How does water move?
Wind causes waves on surface of ocean, wind transfers it's energy to water through friction between air molecules and water molecules.
What causes water movement?
Mostly wind, sometimes under water earthquakes, rock slides, etc.
What can alter waves?
Wind speed, distance of open water, time the wind blows, depth of water
How do waves affect us?
Boosts most peoples happiness, moves around marine life and causes and change in atmosphere. Some waves are so big (tsunamis) that they cause death.
Big Wave Surfing
Big wave surfing is just like regular surfing except it's much more dangerous and the waves are much more massive. If you were to paddle out the waves get to at least 20 feet high, and if you were to be towed out by a boat or jet ski the waves could get as high as 50 feet! It is so dangerous for many reasons, if you were to fall, or wipe out, the wave can push you down 20-50 feet beneath the water which causes many drownings. Being under water that deep can make it hard to realize which way is up, and you only have 20 seconds to reach the surface and get air before another massive wave hits. Also that amount of pressure can rupture ones eardrums. Although it's dangerous and risky, ounce you master it, it's an amazing sport.
Wave Features
Amplitude: Maximum height that a wave reaches
Wave Length: Distance between neighboring peeks of waves
Speed: How fast a wave is moving
Crest: Top part of wave
Troughs: Bottom part of wave
Wave Description
This picture shows the Wave Length, Amplitude, Through, and the Crest (ridge) of an ocean wave.
Wave
This is a picture of a cresting wave.
Double Wave
These types of waves occur when a massive earth quake occurs underwater.