wave, in the earth sciences

Introduction

CE5

A. Diagram of wave: Wave travels one wavelength during one period B. Diagram of wave: Phase relationships

wave, in oceanography, an oscillating movement up and down, of a body of water caused by the frictional drag of the wind, or on a larger scale, by submarine earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides. In seismology, waves moving though the earth are caused by the propagation of a disturbance generated by an earthquake or explosion. In atmospheric science, waves are periodic disturbances in the air flow.

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