What type of waves are the first to form when the wind blows?

When the wind begins to blow across the surface of the ocean, the first type of waves that form are capillary waves. These waves are characterized by their small size and are produced primarily by the tension of the water's surface, which is affected by the wind. Capillary waves typically have wavelengths of less than 1.73 centimeters and are the result of surface tension trying to restore the water surface back to a flat state after being disturbed by the wind.

As the wind continues to blow stronger and longer, the energy imparted to the water can lead to the formation of larger wave types, such as wind waves and gravity waves. However, the initial response to the wind is the development of these small capillary waves. Understanding this process is essential in oceanography, as it illustrates how wind interacts with the water surface to create wave motion.