Last week, I published a roundup of great beach photographs. This week, I wanted to showcase a related but distinct feature of the ocean: waves. Waves are created by motion on the water, due to wind or other natural forces, while tides are due to the gravity of the moon.

Waves are very popular with surfers and beachgoers, but also with photographers because the motion adds a great contrast to the skies and sand.

Check out these photographs that bring out the best of different ocean waves:

Ocean by a-CubaGallery

Ocean by a-CubaGallery

Ocean by Wicklow

When the Ocean turns into Blue Fire by Daniel Montero

Emerald by Warren Ishii

Ocean by ouistitis

The Zen Den by Miles Morgan

Ocean splash by Dibyendu Das

Sunrise at Bungan Beach by Yury Prokopenko

Pacific turbulence by Mark Metternich

The charm of the seventh wave by hotburrito2

Just another wave by manaphoto

To catch a wave by The saboteur

Wave day by manaphoto

Ocean curve by Rav

Beach sunrise by Yury Prokopenko

Blue wave by manaphoto

Ocean by Mike Bingley

Haena Surf by Patrick Smith

Night ocean by Nannah66

Ocean by Imapix

Breath by Hengki koentjoro

Wave by Maarel

Ocean power by Nic(0)

Dramatic sunrise at Turimetta Beach

Sea wave by Maarel

Ocean dance by gt surf

Taking chances by Deborah Richardson

The heart of the ocean by Lilyas

Ocean wave 2 by Stevpas68