Sound generation due to the interaction of surface waves

Abstract

Two opposite gravity-capillary waves of equal frequency give rise to the formation of a standing wave on the ocean surface and, thus, in the nonlinear approximation, generate a sound wave of twofold frequency with an amplitude proportional to the squared height of the surface wave [1]. This effect, being caused by the nonlinear interaction of opposite surface waves, can give rise to the radiation of sound waves in both ocean and atmosphere [2]. Opposite waves can appear in the ocean as a result of different ocean-atmosphere interactions and, in particular, as a result of the blocking of capillary waves on the slope of a gravity wave.