Capillary wave

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-010420",
  "term": "Capillary wave",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A small, free-surface wave on a liquid where the primary restoring force is surface tension rather than gravity. These waves, also known as ripples, are generated by light winds blowing over a water surface and have very short wavelengths. Capillary waves are characterized by rounded crests and V-shaped troughs, and they have wavelengths of less than 1.7 centimeters.",
    "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."
  ],
  "synonyms": [
    "ripple",
    "capillary ripple"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "gravity wave"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/capillary-wave/"
}