wave
From Glossary of Meteorology
- Generally, any pattern with some roughly identifiable periodicity in time and/or space.
This applies, in meteorology, to atmospheric waves in the horizontal flow pattern (e.g., Rossby wave, long wave, short wave, cyclone wave, barotropic disturbance).
See also inertia wave.
- At the surface of the ocean, a disturbance generated by wind action with dynamics governed by the influence of gravity and/or surface tension.
See ocean waves. - Popularly used as a synonym for "surge" or "influx," as in tidal wave (storm surge), heat wave, cold wave.
