15 Interesting Facts About Ocean Waves

One of the mysterious phenomena about the ocean is the waves. Yes, it’s cool to spend time at the beach and have fun in the water, but have you ever wondered how the water can pull a person in a different direction? Or has it ever crossed your mind how waves are formed? 

Perhaps you’re interested in the ocean and the occurrence of waves. Know more about what causes waves, as we give you 15 interesting facts about ocean waves. 

Why Does the Ocean Have Waves? 

There is what we usually call energy passing through water. That’s why waves are created and cause it to move in motion. It’s the waves that transmit energy, not the water. The ocean is never silent; whether you’re looking at it from the boat or a beach, you will see waves on the horizon. 

Know that ocean water does not travel in waves, and it’s not responsible for transmitting energy across the ocean. That said, oceans have waves because the wind causes them. These winds driven by waves are created by the Friction between surface water and wind. And as the wind blows across the surface of the ocean or the lake, the repeated disturbance creates the crest. 

Interesting Facts About Waves of the Ocean 

Waves are everywhere, and it is part of our lives, whether it’s in and out of the water. Here are the interesting facts about what causes waves that will surely fascinate you. 

Waves are caused by friction 

Do you know what causes waves? Well, winds that move around the ocean’s surface whip up big waves that you see from afar. Because of Friction, when one thing rubs up against another between water molecules and air, it transfers the energy. That’s when the waves are formed. 

Comes in shapes and forms

Did you know that waves come in shapes and forms? Waves have their properties and act differently from one another. 

Has the ability of energy transition

From a scientific point of view, waves are considered depending on the track of their movements, whether it’s transverse waves, longitudinal waves, surface waves, and even based on their ability or inability to convey energy. 

The idea of turning wave energy into electricity happened in 1799 when Girard & Son patented the instrument to drive the power of waves so that pumps can activate. Saws, mills, and heavy machinery were even activated at that time. 

It does not transport or convey matter 

Waves don’t transport matter; but instead, instead, it transports energy. And because of that, waves can cause ocean ripples, where surfers can ride when surfing. 

Wave can break because of shallow waters 

Did you know that waves break whenever it enters shallow waters? The bottom could also slow down when it reaches a depth at about 1.3 times the height of a wave. That said, the top part could collapse. 

The largest wave recorded

Since you already know what causes waves, perhaps you want to know the largest and tallest wave recorded? On July 9, 1958, humans measured about 1,720 feet, or 524m wave hit Lituya Bay, Alaska. It was triggered by an earthquake and recorded as the tallest up to this date. 

All waves have the same characteristics when it comes to measurement

The peakiest part of the wave is the crest, while the deepest part is the trough. The usual distance from the point on one crest or a trough to some point going to the next trough or crest is a wavelength. Therefore, it is believed that waves have similar measures. 

Some places produce biggest waves

Did you know that there are places that produce the largest waves in the world? The Agulhas Current, which is off the shore of Durban located in South Africa, is known to experience the biggest waves. Though this place comes with busy shipping areas, waves can still reach more than 100 feet or 30 meters. 

Tsunami waves

Whenever we hear the word tsunami, we can’t help but become horrified. However, you have to be aware that the length of the tsunami waves is usually about a hundred times of depth. It appears when the tectonic plates under the ocean slip when there is an earthquake. 

Rogue Waves

Rogue Waves form during storms, and it’s big. It happens without anyone knowing. That’s why sailors look at it like water walls. And no one knows what causes a rogue wave to appear. 

Waves are great for surfing 

The good thing about ocean waves is that you see them coming. That is why many surfers want to go elsewhere; the waves are tall and friendly for the love of surfing. 

Waves can affect landscapes

Waves are so powerful as they can impact the landscape of islands and carve rocky coastlines when it crashes onshore. Storm waves can also move rocks that come with big sizes above high tide lines. It can leave massive boulders on hundreds of islands. 

Wave’s size depend on wind 

The size of the wave depends on the speed of the wind and the duration, and the area where the wind is blowing. This may lead to waves of all sizes and shapes. 

Two people survived a big wave 

Lastly, two people are riding in a small fishing boat near the surfing area who survived when the big wave happened in 1958, the largest wave recorded in history. These people survived and were able to tell the story to people. 

Conclusion 

Now that you know what causes waves and interesting facts about ocean waves, consider these as a gift from God. It may not be dangerous, but waves can be beneficial in our daily lives. So, may you always take care of the ocean in your simple ways. It may be little, but it helps a lot, especially to waves that are our energy source. 

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