external waves

[/ɪkˈstɜːrnəl weɪvz/]
nounpl: external waves
ondas externas
1. Waves that originate from or are caused by external sources outside a given system or medium
External waves from the earthquake propagated across the ocean floor.
As ondas externas do terremoto se propagaram pelo assoalho oceânico.
2. In physics and oceanography, surface waves on water bodies caused by wind or other external forces
The external waves grew stronger as the storm approached the coast.
As ondas externas ficaram mais fortes conforme a tempestade se aproximava da costa.
3. In geophysics, seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface rather than through its interior
External waves are often recorded first by seismographs due to their slower velocity.
As ondas externas são frequentemente registradas primeiro pelos sismógrafos devido à sua velocidade mais lenta.
The term 'external waves' is primarily used in scientific and technical contexts in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, it's commonly referenced in oceanographic research along the Atlantic coast and in seismic monitoring. The term is particularly relevant in coastal communities where understanding wave behavior impacts fishing, maritime activities, and tsunami preparedness.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
surface wavesRayleigh wavesLove waveswind-driven waves
Antonyms / Antônimos
internal wavesbody wavesP-wavesS-waves

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ondas externas
Standard term used in oceanography and physics textbooks
Rio de Janeiro
ondas externas
Commonly used in coastal research and meteorological contexts
São Paulo
ondas externas
Technical term used in engineering and scientific communities
Portugal
ondas exteriores
Alternative phrasing sometimes used; 'ondas externas' also acceptable

Related Words

wave propagationseismic activityocean dynamicswave mechanicssurface tension

Related Idioms & Phrases

riding the external waves
catch the external waves
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