Large amplitude ocean waves travel faster than small amplitude waves.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 88/100
Nonlinear wave theory and hydrodynamic studies confirm that large amplitude ocean and gravity waves exhibit amplitude dispersion, causing their phase speeds to depend on their height.
Evidence for · 3
Instabilities of finite-amplitude gravity waves on water of finite depth
1982 · cited by 108
Analyzes the finite-amplitude effects and instabilities of gravity waves on water, confirming the physical relevance of amplitude dispersion where wave characteristics depend on their amplitude.
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More for · 2
High-level Green–Naghdi model for large-amplitude internal waves in deep water
2024 · cited by 3
Investigates large-amplitude internal waves and demonstrates how nonlinear models accurately capture wave speeds associated with large displacements compared to linear approximations.
Amplitude Dispersion and Stability of Nonlinear Weakly Dissipative Waves
1972 · cited by 3
Explicitly discusses dispersion relations for nonlinear waves, confirming the presence of amplitude dispersion where wave speed varies with amplitude.