In waves, which type occurs when water depth is greater than half of the wavelength?

In waves, which type occurs when water depth is greater than half of the wavelength?

• A. Intertidal Wave
• B. Shallow-Water Wave
• C. Deep-Water Wave
• D. Capillary Wave

Answer: (C)

When water depth is greater than half the wavelength, the wave is a deep-water wave. In this regime, the motion of water particles is mainly circular and dies off rapidly with depth, so the seabed has little effect on the wave itself. The wave speed depends primarily on the wavelength, with longer waves traveling faster. Capillary waves are small and governed by surface tension, not by depth; shallow-water waves occur when the depth is small compared to the wavelength, where bottom effects become important and the speed depends on depth. Intertidal is not a standard wave-type category in this context. Therefore, the scenario described fits deep-water waves.

When water depth is greater than half the wavelength, the wave is a deep-water wave. In this regime, the motion of water particles is mainly circular and dies off rapidly with depth, so the seabed has little effect on the wave itself. The wave speed depends primarily on the wavelength, with longer waves traveling faster. Capillary waves are small and governed by surface tension, not by depth; shallow-water waves occur when the depth is small compared to the wavelength, where bottom effects become important and the speed depends on depth. Intertidal is not a standard wave-type category in this context. Therefore, the scenario described fits deep-water waves.