In theory, if there are no external influences such as wind, weather disturbances, or ship activity, the water in the middle of the ocean could become relatively calm, resulting in very small waves or a nearly smooth surface. However, it is important to note that achieving a perfectly smooth surface is highly unlikely due to various factors that can generate waves even in the absence of external influences.
In reality, even in the absence of immediate disturbances, waves can still be generated by other factors such as:
Swell: Swell refers to the long-period waves generated by distant weather systems or storms. These waves can travel across the ocean and maintain their energy and form even in the absence of local wind activity. Therefore, even in calm weather conditions, there might still be small waves caused by distant swells.
Seismic Activity: Earthquakes or underwater volcanic eruptions can create tsunamis or other large waves that can travel across the ocean and eventually reach the middle of the ocean.
Internal Waves: Internal waves occur within the water column and are not visible at the surface. These waves are generated by the interaction of water layers with different densities, often caused by variations in temperature or salinity. Internal waves can propagate over long distances and may reach the surface, causing small disturbances.
Tides: Tidal forces caused by the gravitational interaction between the Earth, Moon, and Sun can create tidal waves that cause regular oscillations in the water level. These tidal waves, although not the same as wind-generated waves, can still cause some level of surface disturbance.
While these factors may not create the same type of waves as those generated by wind or storms, they can still contribute to the presence of small-scale waves or disturbances on the ocean surface, making it challenging to achieve a perfectly smooth or waveless condition.