GEOLOGY

EARTH SCIENCE

OCEANS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What is the most common cause of waves?
A
underwater earthquakes
B
variations in ocean-water density
C
the gravitational effect of the Moon
D
winds at the ocean surface
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Waves are most commonly caused by wind. Wind-driven waves, or surface waves, are created by the friction between wind and surface water. As wind blows across the surface of the ocean or a lake, the continual disturbance creates a wave crest.

Detailed explanation-2: -The largest wind waves are built when a strong wind blows for a long time over a large area. It is not the water that travels in a wave; it is the energy that is transferred from where the wave formed. A wave breaks when it is too tall to be supported by its base. This is common as a wave moves up the shore.

Detailed explanation-3: -Surface currents in the ocean are driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the Sun. Patterns of surface currents are determined by wind direction, Coriolis forces from the Earth’s rotation, and the position of landforms that interact with the currents.

Detailed explanation-4: -In fluid dynamics, a wind wave, water wave, or wind-generated water wave, is a surface wave that occurs on the free surface of bodies of water as a result of the wind blowing over the water’s surface. The contact distance in the direction of the wind is known as the fetch.

Detailed explanation-5: -Waves form as a result of the water’s motion, gravitational forces, and winds. The most common waves we see are created by wind. However other waves include those created by gravitational forces (e.g. tidal waves) and those created by underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes (e.g. tsunamis).

There is 1 question to complete.