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67
Figure 5 Flowchart of «Waves» text (from Geva 1983: 387), from: «Interactive Approaches to Second
Language Reading» Cavell and Eskey
WAVES
Waves are caused, as nearly everyone knows, by the wind.Two classes of waves may be distinguished; the
long rollers at the coast, and the far more irregular forms of the open seas, where waves of all sizes and types
are present. The size and speed of waves depends not only on the wind's speed but on the length of time the
wind has been blowing, and the unbroken stretch of water over which it blows as well. Very strong winds tend
to beat down the waves' height and to reduce wave speed. On the other hand, less violent but steady winds often
produce wave speeds greater than that of the wind itself. The average maximum wave length is about 36 feet,
although occasional higher waves have been measured.
Exercise: