Weather Dictionary / Glossary of Terms

Capillary Waves


   Weather TermDescription / Definition
   Capillary Waves 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.


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Data courtesy of NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration