Ocean waves Introduction Everything from earthquakes to ship wakes creates waves; however, the most common cause

is wind. Waves can vary in size and strength based on wind speed and friction on the water's surface or outside factors such as boats. The small wave trains created by a boats movement on the water are called wake. By contrast, high winds and storms can generate large groups of wave trains with enormous energy. Note: Undersea earthquakes or other sharp motions in the seafloor can sometimes generate enormous waves, called tsunamis (inappropriately known as tidal waves) that can devastate entire coastlines. Ocean wave energy In many areas of the world, the wind blows with enough consistency and force to provide continuous waves. There is tremendous energy in the ocean waves. Wave power devices extract energy directly from the surface motion of ocean waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface. Wave power varies considerably in different parts of the world, and wave energy can't be harnessed effectively everywhere. Wave-power rich areas of the world include western coasts of Scotland northern Canada southern Africa Australia and the northwestern coasts of the United States.

Ocean wave technologies A variety of technologies have been proposed to capture the energy from waves. While all wave energy technologies are intended to be installed at or near the water's surface, they differ 1. in their orientation to the waves with which they are interacting.

2. in the manner in which they convert the energy of the waves into other energy forms, usually electricity. Examples Terminator devices Terminator devices extend perpendicular to the direction of wave travel and capture or reflect the power of the wave. These devices are typically onshore or nearshore; however, floating versions have been designed for offshore applications. The oscillating water column is a form of terminator in which water enters through a subsurface opening into a chamber with air trapped above it. The wave action causes the captured water column to move up and down like a piston to force the air though an opening connected to a turbine. Point absorber A point absorber is a floating structure with components that move relative to each other due to wave action (e.g., a floating buoy inside a fixed cylinder). The relative motion is used to drive electromechanical or hydraulic energy converters. Attenuators Attenuattors are long multisegment floating structures oriented parallel to the direction of the waves. The differing heights of waves along the length of the device causes flexing where the segments connect, and this flexing is connected to hydraulic pumps or other converters. Overtopping devices Overtopping devices have reservoirs that are filled by incoming waves to levels above the average surrounding ocean. The water is then released, and gravity causes it to fall back toward the ocean surface. The energy of the falling water is used to turn hydro turbines. Specially built seagoing vessels can also capture the energy of offshore waves. These floating platforms create electricity by funneling waves through internal turbines and then back into the sea.

Environmental considerations Potential environmental considerations for the development of wave energy include the following: o Positive or negative impacts on marine habitat (depending on the nature of additional submerged surfaces, above-water platforms, and changes in the seafloor). o Toxic releases from leaks or accidental spills of liquids used in those systems with working hydraulic fluids. o Visual and noise impacts (device-specific, with considerable variability in visible freeboard height and noise generation above and below the water surface). o Conflict with other sea space users, such as commercial shipping and recreational boating.