Fjord Wake

Wakes represent a richly structured example of hydrodynamics at the air/sea interface. These regions of turbulence, caused by the flow of air or water, occur behind a solid body such as a boat.

Though a common sight in most decent-sized bodies of water, they can reveal a subtle beauty when left to evolve undisturbed. With relative scarcity of marine traffic and long summertime days, the fjords of northern Norway can afford an excellent opportunity for observing wakes in a well-developed and relatively pure state.

In the picture here one may discern an apex angle for the wake envelope of approximately 19.5 degrees, a value first deduced analytically by Lord Kelvin in the late 19th century. This angle is general to all wakes generated by a body traversing deep water, and hence can also be observed behind waterfowl.

--LiveScience Staff

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Credit: Michael J. Burin /Princeton U. 2006 Art of Science Competition