When it comes to the ocean, many people think of waves crashing against the shore. But can waves occur in the middle of the sea? The answer is yes, and they are known as internal waves.
Internal waves are created when two layers of water with different densities interact. This can happen when a layer of cold, dense water meets a layer of warm, less dense water. The denser layer will sink beneath the lighter layer and create a wave that moves horizontally across the ocean. These waves can be seen from above or below the surface and can reach heights of up to 100 meters (328 feet).
Internal waves are important for many reasons. They help to mix nutrients throughout the ocean, which is essential for marine life. They also help to move heat around in the ocean, which helps regulate global temperatures. Additionally, they can cause currents that can affect shipping lanes and navigation routes.
Internal waves are not only found in oceans but also in lakes and other bodies of water with different layers of density. They are often difficult to detect because they move slowly and don’t create large swells like surface waves do. However, advances in technology have made it easier to detect them using sonar or satellite imagery.
Internal waves do occur in the middle of the sea and play an important role in regulating global temperatures and mixing nutrients throughout the ocean. They may be difficult to detect but advances in technology have made it easier to study them and understand their importance for our planet’s health.