These waves move through water that is greater than half of their wavelength. What are they called?

The phenomenon of waves moving through water that has a depth greater than half their wavelength is associated with deep water waves. In this context, deep water waves are characterized by their ability to propagate through a depth of water that is significantly deeper than half their wavelength, which allows these waves to maintain their speed and energy without being affected by the seafloor.

As deep water waves travel, they do not interact with the bottom of the ocean, which allows them to have a more uniform speed and distinct wave characteristics. The water particle motion in deep water waves is circular, and the wave energy diminishes with depth. This differs from shallow water waves, which occur in depths less than one-half of their wavelength and exhibit different dynamics, being affected by the seabed.

Capillary waves are small, surface-level waves influenced primarily by surface tension rather than the water depth, while transitional waves occur in depths between deep and shallow water, meaning they do not meet the specific criteria outlined in the question. Hence, the correct identification of these waves as deep water waves underscores their unique characteristics and the conditions under which they propagate.