Capillary waves

The short wavelength ripples expanding from the impact center are capillary waves, for which the speed of propagation is affected by the surface tension of the liquid (water).

Capillary waves, (surface waves with l less than 1 cm), have higher speeds at shorter wavelengths and show what is called anomalous dispersion. (Gravity waves (l >5cm) expanding in deep water have longer wavelengths on the outside).

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