What Causes the ‘Sound’ of a Breaking Wave?

Waves make a loud sound when they crash because of air and water. When waves get close to the shore, they start to fall apart, like a big splash in the ocean. This splash pushes air out really fast, and that’s what makes the roar we hear. It's like when you drop your drink and it splashes all over the table.

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Examples

A big splash in the bathtub makes a loud plunk when the water hits the floor.
When you open a soda bottle quickly, it hisses loudly, like a wave breaking.
A waterfall roars because water falls fast and pushes air out as it lands.

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Categories: Science · sound,waves,oceanography