Understanding Waves

[GLF]

Ever wonder why the fishing is so messed up after a good blow? Once you understand the affects of waves, you will have a better understanding.

Waves

The motion of water waves results from the transfer of energy from the atmosphere to water. Most water waves are generated by wind moving over the water’s surface. The size of the resulting waves is dependent upon the wind velocity, wind duration, and the fetch (i.e., the area and distance over which the wind travels). Deep water waves have a sinuous pattern as illustrated in Figure 1. The highest point on the wave is called the wave crest, and the low point on the water surface between crests is called the wave trough The distance from crest to trough is the wave height, and the distance from one crest to another is called the wavelength. Although not obvious to an observer, a wave extends below the wave trough to a depth that is one-half the wavelength. This depth is called wave base, below which no water motion attributable to surface waves occurs.

http://faculty.gvsu.edu/videticp/waves.htm

[Midway97]

Mike,

Very nice, informative article. I guess it isn't the horizontal movement that gets you out deep, its the verticle. Have to keep that in mind, next time i'm trying to get my crew seasick

[GLF]

There is a mathematical equation for figuring out the depth the wave-induced turbulence is felt at, but its easier to get a ball park figure this way. For every 1' in wave height, the wave-induced turbulence is felt approximately 7 X's in depth....ie...if you have a 2' wave, the wave induced turbulence will be felt 14' deep. A 3' wave will be felt down to 21'. This is where Figure 2 comes into play.

Now lets say there are 10' waves. The wave-induced turbulence would be felt at 70'

Notice how the red circles go around in Figure 2. They do this all the way down to the end of the wave-induced turbulence.

Talk about a giant blender

[DangerDan]

What about the doughnut factor? I didn't see any info in regards to this. I know it changes the effects felt, but at what rate?

[Treblemaker]

Mike, be careful of copywright infringement when copying anything in full and post a link to the original just to be safe.

http://faculty.gvsu.edu/videticp/waves.htm

[GLF]

Mike, be careful of copyright infringement when copying anything in full and post a link to the original just to be safe.

http://faculty.gvsu.edu/videticp/waves.htm

Thanks for pointing this out Tim. I had spoke with a secretary at Grand Valley State before I made the post. Since you made your post, I decided I had better speak with someone besides a secretary about me posting it. I spoke with the person in charge of the web page this time. She preferred that I not post the images. So I edited my post and paraphrased the article.