Waves are amazing and dynamic—they transfer energy, provide recreation, cause destruction, and change with the seasons.
Ocean Literacy Principles:
OLP 1: The earth has one big ocean with many features
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This introduction to waves gives an overview of the concepts and activities explored in this unit and describes how these investigations build an understanding of ocean literacy. -
There are many different types of waves, each with unique properties. Water waves are generally caused by winds, and they can transfer energy over long distances across ocean basins. -
Most waves are generated by wind. Many factors influence the formation of waves. Wave conditions in offshore open water are called sea states.Activities: -
Wave energy sets water particles into orbital motion. When waves move into shallow water, contact with the bottom disturbs the orbital motion, causing waves to rise up and break.Activities: