Editing Surface wave (section)

{{Short description|Physical phenomenon}}
[[Image:Diving grebe.jpg|A diving [[grebe]] creates surface waves.|thumb]]

In [[physics]], a '''surface wave''' is a [[mechanical wave]] that propagates along the [[Interface (chemistry)|interface]] between differing media.  A common example is [[gravity wave]]s along the surface of liquids, such as ocean waves.  Gravity waves can also occur within liquids, at the interface between two [[fluid]]s with different densities.  Elastic surface waves can travel along the surface of solids, such as ''[[Rayleigh wave|Rayleigh]]'' or ''[[Love wave|Love]]'' waves.  [[Electromagnetic wave]]s can also propagate as "surface waves" in that they can be guided along with a [[refractive index]] [[gradient]] or along an interface between two media having different dielectric constants. In [[radio]] [[transmission (telecommunications)|transmission]], a ''[[ground wave]]'' is a guided wave that propagates close to the surface of the [[Earth]].<ref>{{FS1037C MS188}}</ref>