Why Do Water Particles Move in Circular Paths in Waves?

AI Thread Summary
Water particles in waves move in circular paths due to the interplay of gravitational and inertial forces acting on them. This circular motion allows for the transfer of energy through the water, leading to wave propagation after a disturbance occurs. When the water level rises in one area, it necessitates the flow of water from adjacent regions to maintain equilibrium. The circular motion contrasts with vertical movement seen in other wave types, like ropes, due to the unique properties of fluid dynamics. Understanding these mechanics is essential for grasping water wave behavior and its implications in hydrodynamics.
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Why do the water particles in a water wave, move in circular paths? What's the exact mechanics behind that motion? See this page for a nice pic of the motion:

http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/Demos/waves/wavemotion.html#water

Also, why does this motion, ultimately lead to a propagation of a wave, once a disturbance has occured?
 
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In short: in order for the water level in one spot to rise, water must flow in from nearby.
 
russ_watters said:
In short: in order for the water level in one spot to rise, water must flow in from nearby.
Okey. But why circular? Why not just vertical like in a rope? And what pushes the water, leading to this flow?

tankFan86 said:
Check out Svendsen's http://books.google.com/books?id=g7...hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result". He has several excellent selections on water wave theory.
Ouh, pretty advanced stuff. Didn't make me much wiser at the topic...
 
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