ocean wave Disturbance of the ocean's surface, seen as an alternate rise and fall of the surface. Ocean waves are of several types: (a) wind-generated waves, e.g. sea waves (chaotic wave pattern) and swell (long-period waves); (b) catastrophic waves, e.g. tsunamis, landslide surges, and storm surges; and (c) internal waves (subsurface waves at the boundary between two water layers).

ocean wave A disturbance of the ocean's surface, seen as an alternate rise and fall of the surface. Ocean waves are of several types: (a)wind-generated waves (e.g. sea waves with a chaotic wave pattern) and swell (long-period waves);(b)catastrophic waves (e.g. tsunamis, landslide surges, and storm surges; and(c)internal waves (subsurface waves at the boundary between two water layers).