Gravity wave

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The term gravity waves is used in oceanology , meteorology and planetology for waves whose propagation is dominated by the acceleration of gravity . They have nothing to do with gravitational waves , which are an entirely different phenomenon.

There are basically two types of gravity waves:

Examples

Satellite image of gravity waves flowing over Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean .

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

Gravity waves south of the Strait of Messina

The same effect occurs in lakes and seas, for example at river mouths or when flowing over obstacles.

Surface waves on a lake

Water waves are mostly gravity waves, but see capillary waves .