Question

What is the source of most ocean waves?

Answer 1

The source of most ocean waves is: the motion of the atmosphere.

Ocean waves are primarily generated by the wind as it blows across the surface of the ocean. This interaction between the air and the water creates friction, transferring energy from the wind to the water. The wind's energy causes ripples to form, and these ripples develop into waves. The larger and more sustained the wind, the larger and more powerful the waves.

While the gravitational pull of the moon influences tides and ocean currents play a role in some wave formation, the primary force driving the majority of ocean waves is the motion of the atmosphere, particularly the wind interacting with the water surface.

Answer 2

There are a few types of ocean waves and they are generally classified by the energy source that creates them. Most common are surface waves, caused by wind blowing along the air-water interface, creating a disturbance that steadily builds as windcontinues to blow and the wave crest rises.