Gravity wave

The term gravity waves is used in oceanography, meteorology, and Planetary Sciences for waves whose propagation is dominated by the gravitational acceleration.

There are basically two types of gravity waves:

• External gravity waves propagate along the interface between two fluids. A formation mechanism of external gravity waves is the Kelvin - Helmholtz instability.
• Internal gravity waves occur within a medium to continuous, stable stratification. If the amount of the density does not have a pronounced maximum, the energy of the shaft may be distributed over a range of depth, which is large compared to the wavelength.

Examples

Lee waves behind ridges or island mountains are stationary internal waves. See also Mountain Wave Project.

The same effect also occurs in lakes and seas, as in estuaries, or it flows over obstacles.

Water waves are usually gravity waves, but see capillary.

• Currents and waves