What Causes the ‘Waves’ in the Ocean and Why Are They Powerful?

Ocean waves are like ripples in a big bathtub. When the wind blows, it pushes on the water’s surface and makes little bumps that grow bigger as they travel. These bumps are waves, and when they get really big, they can feel strong enough to push a boat or even splash you with seawater.

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Examples

Ocean waves roll toward the shore when wind pushes water across the sea like a giant, moving ripple.
Wind blowing over the ocean makes small ripples that grow into big waves, just like how you make waves in a bathtub by moving your hand back and forth.
Ocean waves become powerful near the beach because they get taller as they move from deep to shallow water.

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Categories: Environment · ocean,waves,science