How Are Waves Energy?
The best way to understand waves as energy is to think of a long rope laid on the ground. If you pick up one end and give it a good snap — there’s a ripple effect all the way to the other end — just like the waves on the ocean! That means that energy is applied at one end and it moves to the other end. The energy is released at the other end of the rope, just as the energy of waves is releases on shores. What Provides the Wave’s Energy? In the case of ocean waves, wind provides the energy. Wind causes waves that travel in the ocean. The energy is released on shorelines. What Determines the Size of a Wave? The size of a wave depends on: 1) the distance the wind blows (over open water) which is known as the “fetch”, 2) the length of time the wind blows, and 3) the speed of the wind. The greater these three, the larger the wave. Where Are the Largest Waves Found? The largest waves are found in the open ocean. Waves continue to get larger as they move and absorb energy from the wind. Whe
