Waves are most commonly caused by wind. Wind-driven waves, or surface waves, are created by the friction between wind and surface water. As wind blows across the surface of the ocean or a lake, the continual disturbance creates a wave crest.

Where do waves start in the ocean?

Waves start out in the deep, open ocean as relatively vertical in shape, Presnell said. As a wave travels toward the shore, though, the bottom part of the wave drags along the ocean floor. The upper part of the wave above the water line starts to move faster than the rest of the wave.

Where do waves in the ocean get their energy from?

Ocean waves get their energy mainly from the winds that blow across their surface. As the winds blow, friction builds up and causes the water to be...