Waves travel through water by a process called water wave propagation. Water waves are mechanical waves that involve the transfer of energy through the motion of water particles.
Here's a simplified explanation of how waves propagate through water:
Disturbance: Waves are created by a disturbance or an external force acting on the water surface. This disturbance can be caused by wind, seismic activity, or the motion of an object in the water.
Particle Interaction: The disturbance causes the water particles at or near the surface to move in a circular or elliptical motion, known as orbital motion. These particles interact with their neighboring particles, transferring energy and motion.
Wave Formation: As the disturbance propagates, it creates a pattern of oscillations in the water surface, forming a wave. The energy of the wave is carried forward, but the water particles themselves generally move in a circular motion and return to their original position.
Wave Propagation: The wave energy continues to be transmitted through the water by the repeated interaction of adjacent particles. Each particle passes on its energy to the next, creating a domino effect that allows the wave to propagate.
Transmission Medium: The water itself serves as the transmission medium for the wave. The water particles do not significantly move along with the wave, but instead, the wave's energy is transmitted through the successive displacements of the particles.
It's important to note that water waves can have different characteristics depending on factors such as wind speed, water depth, and the wavelength of the wave. Waves can exhibit variations in amplitude (height), wavelength (distance between wave crests), and frequency (number of waves passing a point per second).
In addition to surface waves, water waves can also propagate internally within the water column. These are known as internal waves and can occur due to density differences or stratification within the water. Internal waves typically have longer wavelengths and slower propagation speeds compared to surface waves.