What is a bow wave?

A bow wave is a wave created by an object moving through a fluid, typically water, at a speed greater than that of the wave propagation speed in the fluid. This phenomenon occurs when the object, such as a boat, displaces water as it moves forward, generating waves that form a V-shaped pattern at the bow. The angle and height of the bow wave depend on the speed of the object and the characteristics of the fluid. Bow waves are most commonly observed in marine vessels but can also occur with other fast-moving objects in liquids.