Subject: Transverse Waves vs ocean waves

In transverse waves we are taught 
and teach that the particles in the 
medium move perpendicular to the 
axis of propagation of the wave.  
Also the speed of the wave depends 
on the nature of the medium (ie 
independent of amplitude, 
wavelength etc).

However we use water waves as 
examples of transverse waves.  In 
ocean waves the particles move in 
vertical circular patterns with the 
radii of the circles decreasing below 
the surface until lambda/2 distance 
is reached.  Also there is a forward 
drift of the particles in the 
direction of the waves.

Secondly the speed of ocean waves 
depends on fetch, amplitude, 
wavelength of the wave.

Why the difference?  I know ocean 
waves are complex entities, but I 
have been unable to find a 
satisfactory explanation from 
physics/geology texts I've 
consulted.

Is it possible to email me an 
answer?

Thanks

Jim Stamell

Re: Transverse Waves vs ocean waves