Which term is associated with waves breaking from strong wind?

• A. Whitecaps
• B. Capillary waves
• C. Internal wave
• D. Wind shadow definition

Answer: (A)

When the wind is strong, surface waves grow taller and steeper until their crests break and release a lot of foam. That foamy, white appearance on the wave tops is called whitecaps. They’re a clear sign of rough water and increased risk for paddlers because breaking waves can knock you off balance or capsize a kayak. Capillary waves are tiny ripples caused by surface tension and show up in light wind, not the breaking, foamy crests you see in heavy weather. Internal waves occur below the surface at density boundaries and don’t produce the visible surface foam in the same way. Wind shadow refers to reduced wind behind an obstacle, not a type of wave.