Final answer:
Regular patterns of smooth, rounded waves are called c. swells. They are different from wave ripples, which are smaller and found in shallower water, and from breakers, which are waves that collapse near the shoreline.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regular patterns of smooth, rounded waves are called swells. These are long-wavelength, uniform wave patterns typically formed far out at sea due to distant wind systems. They maintain their energy over long distances as they travel across the ocean, and unlike breakers, they do not curl and crash. Wave ripples, on the other hand, are smaller features often found in shallower water. Breakers are waves that collapse and create a frothy, turbulent surface as they approach the shoreline and encounter shallower depths. Lastly, the term 'wave trains' refers to a group of waves traveling in the same direction.
As for why water waves sometimes appear as a complex criss-cross pattern, it is because the crests and troughs from waves moving in different directions intersect with one another and combine. This happens when multiple waves are generated from various sources or wind directions, merging into an intricate pattern where their respective crests and troughs overlap and form the pattern described.
- Regular patterns of smooth, rounded waves are called swells.
- Wave ripples are smaller features in shallower water.
- Breakers are waves that collapse as they approach the shoreline.
- 'Wave trains' refers to a group of waves moving in the same direction.
- Complex criss-cross patterns in water waves occur due to crests and troughs of waves traveling in different directions combining.