The salt water has important properties for life in the seas, properties that influence the circulation of the ocean water. Read more about its temperature, seasons, density and productivity. Waves are caused by the wind blowing over the ocean's surface. They promote the exchange of gases between the ocean and the atmosphere and bring water movement to coastal habitats. They are responsible for the shape of our coasts and the formation of dunes and beaches.
Waves can also destroy.
Tsunamis and mega tsunamis are special waves. In this chapter you'll find all you need to know about waves. Often interpreted as a water 'bulge' travelling around the globe, being balanced by an equal bulge on the other side, recent discoveries have made this simplified concept much more interesting. Such currents cause upwellings of nutrients from the deep, influence the weather and bring about cyclical changes in coastal seas. The process is simple, yet often misunderstood.