Can Transverse Waves Exist in the Ocean Due to Hydrogen Bonding?

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SUMMARY

Transverse waves can exist in the ocean primarily as surface waves due to gravity, while their amplitude decreases with depth according to the equation A(z) = A(0)e-z/L. In contrast, volume transverse waves, influenced by viscosity, are highly dissipative and do not propagate effectively, as their wave vector possesses a significant imaginary component. This indicates that while water can exhibit transverse wave characteristics at the surface, it does not support the propagation of transverse waves in its bulk due to the nature of hydrogen bonding and viscosity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics, specifically transverse and longitudinal waves.
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, particularly the behavior of waves in liquids.
  • Familiarity with the concept of viscosity and its effects on wave propagation.
  • Basic grasp of mathematical modeling of wave amplitude decay.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical modeling of surface waves in fluids, focusing on A(z) = A(0)e-z/L.
  • Explore the effects of viscosity on wave propagation in liquids.
  • Study the principles of hydrogen bonding and its impact on water's physical properties.
  • Investigate the differences between surface and volume waves in various fluid mediums.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, oceanography, and fluid dynamics, as well as anyone interested in the behavior of waves in liquid environments.

pinguthepengu
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Hi, a search on google will reveal that an ocean wave is both transverse, and longitudinal. Another search will also reveal that a transverse wave cannot propagate through a liquid.
One of these statements is not quite right, is it that water is a special case liquid that can propagate tranverse waves because of hydrogen bonding?

thanks
 
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There are surface transverse waves (due to gravity). Their amplitude A(z) fades out with depth: A(z)=A(0)e-z/L.

In a volume the transverse (due to viscosity) waves are highly dissipative - formally their wave vector has a huge imaginary part so they do not propagate too far. One even does not speak of transverse waves in volume.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for explaining bob.
 

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