Capillary Waves
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- Waves caused by the initial wind stress on the water surface causes what are known as capillary waves. These have a wavelength of less than 1.73 cm, and the force that tries to restore them to equilibrium is the cohesion of the individual molecules. Capillary waves are important in starting the process of energy transfer from the air to the water.
NOAA National Weather Service - Cite This Source - This Definition - Beach Erosion, Gravity wave, Heat Wave, Kelvin-Helmholtz Waves, Kelvin Waves, LGWV, Pressure Induced Wave, Seiche, Tidal Piling, Tidal Wave, Wave Crest, Wave Period, Wave Spectrum, Whitecap, WV