Can a Water Wave Be Longitudinal?

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SUMMARY

Water waves can indeed exhibit longitudinal characteristics, as evidenced by phenomena such as sonar communication underwater and interactions between marine life. While transverse waves are primarily observed at the surface, longitudinal waves can occur in shallow water scenarios and during tsunamis, where significant longitudinal movement is generated. The interplay of surface tension may also induce longitudinal wave forms in water, demonstrating the complexity of wave behavior in aquatic environments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics, specifically longitudinal and transverse waves
  • Familiarity with sonar technology and its applications in underwater communication
  • Knowledge of shallow water wave dynamics and their properties
  • Basic principles of surface tension and its effects on wave formation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of longitudinal waves in fluids, focusing on water
  • Explore the principles of sonar technology and its underwater applications
  • Study shallow water wave dynamics and their implications for wave behavior
  • Investigate the effects of surface tension on wave propagation in liquids
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Students of physics, marine scientists, and anyone interested in the complex behaviors of water waves and their applications in communication and environmental studies.

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Can a water wave be a longitudinal wave?
 
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Of course. Sonars, two people "talking" to each other underwater, knocking on top of a can of soup, knocking on ice, when fish bump into each other etc.

Transverse water waves are mostly apparent on the surface and during tsunami-like events asaik. Moving a water molecule up and down should cause a transverse wave along the normal plane, a longitudinal one along its oscillating axis, and a combination of both at 0 < angle < 90 degrees.
 
Longitudinal wave forms in water other than the sound wave option, might possibly be induced by spatially varying surface tension.
 
Last edited:
primarygun said:
Can a water wave be a longitudinal wave?
Surface waves are a combination of longitudinal and transverse motion. There is significant longitudinal movement in shallow water waves (where the ratio of wavelength/depth is significant). Tsunamis cause a huge longitudinal movement of water, as we all know.

AM
 

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