A ripple is primarily created by the wind on water.
Understanding Ripples
Ripples are the immediate outcome when wind interacts with the surface of water. Based on the provided reference, they are described as the "instant effect" of this interaction.
Formation and Lifespan
Unlike larger waves, ripples are fleeting phenomena. The surface tension of the water acts as a natural damper, quickly counteracting the small disturbances caused by the wind. This means ripples tend to form and die down very rapidly.
However, if wind persists steadily over a sufficiently large body of water for an extended period, these initial ripples can evolve into more substantial waves that are not as easily dampened by surface tension.
