Why are there waves in the ocean?
Most ocean waves are made by wind blowing across the water.
Pip’s answer
- Most ocean waves are made by wind blowing across the water.
- The wind pushes the top of the sea into little bumps.
- Stronger wind and more time make the bumps grow into big waves!
- Ooh, some waves travel across the whole ocean before splashing on a beach!
Try it together
Can you make waves with your arms, up and down?
For grown-ups
Most ocean waves are created by wind transferring energy to the water surface. Stronger winds, blowing longer and across more open water, create bigger waves. The water itself mostly moves in circles; it's the energy that travels across the ocean, sometimes thousands of kilometers.
Ask your child: How can you make waves in a bathtub?
More questions kids ask
- 🌊Why do tides go in and out?
- 🌬️Why is it windy?
- 🏖️Why is there sand on the beach?
- 🌤️Why is the sky blue?
- 🌅Why are sunsets orange?
- 🌈Why are there rainbows?
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