Trough of Wave - Lowest part of a waveform between successive crests. Also, that part of a wave below
stillwater level.
Updrift - Direction opposite the predominant movement of littoral materials in longshore transport.
Wake (boat) - Waves generated by the motion of a vessel through water.
Wale - Horizontal beam on a bulkhead used to laterally transfer loads against the structure and hold it in
a straight alignment.
Waterline - Juncture of land and sea. This line migrates, changing with the tide or other fluctuation in
water level. Where waves are present on the beach, this line is also known as the limit of backrush.
(Approximately, the intersection of land with Stillwater level.)
Wave - Ridge, deformation, or undulation of the surface of a liquid.
Wave Climate - Normal seasonal wave regimen along a shoreline.
Wave Crest - Highest part of a wave or that part above stillwater level.
Wave Diffraction - See DIFFRACTION.
Wave Direction - Direction from which a wave approaches.
Wave Height - Vertical distance between a crest and the preceding trough.
Wavelength - Horizontal distance between similar points on two successive waves measured
perpendicular to the crest.
Wave Period - Time in which a wave crest traverses a distance equal to one wavelength. Time for two
successive wave crests to pass a fixed point.
Wave Refraction - See REFRACTION (of water waves).
Wave Steepness - Ratio of wave height to wavelength.
Wave Trough - Lowest part of a wave form between successive crests. Also, that part of a wave below
that part of a wave below Stillwater level.
Weep Hole - Hole through a solid revetment, bulkhead, or seawall for relieving pore pressure.
Wind Setup - See SETUP, WIND.
Windward - Direction from which wind is blowing.
Wind Waves - (1) Waves being formed and built up by wind. (2) Loosely, any waves generated by wind.
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