A water wave is a disturbance that travels through water, transferring energy from one place to another. It is typically caused by wind, earthquakes, or other forces acting on the surface of the water. Waves can vary in size and shape, with common types including ocean waves, tsunamis, and ripples. Water waves are characterized by their wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The wavelength is the distance between two consecutive wave crests, while frequency refers to how often waves pass a point in a given time. Amplitude measures the height of the wave from its rest position, indicating the energy carried by the wave.