The correct option is Small ripples form..
Explanation
Ocean waves are primarily generated by the transfer of energy from the wind to the water surface through friction. The characteristics of the resulting surface features depend heavily on wind speed, duration, and the distance over which the wind blows (fetch).
Detailed Analysis:
- Small ripples form. is Correct: When a light breeze (specifically around two knots or less) blows over calm ocean water, the friction creates small, rounded waves known as ripples or capillary waves. At this initial stage of wave formation, the restoring force that tries to flatten the water surface is surface tension.
- White caps appear. is Incorrect: White caps are formed when wind speeds increase (typically exceeding 13 knots or Beaufort Force 4), causing the waves to grow in height and steepness until they break at the crest in the open ocean.
- Breaking waves are generated. is Incorrect: Breaking waves are generated when the wave steepness exceeds a critical limit. This requires significantly more energy and higher wind speeds than a light breeze of two knots.
- Surf is created. is Incorrect: Surf is created when waves approach the shoreline and break due to the friction with the shallow sea bottom. It is a coastal phenomenon and not the immediate result of a light breeze over open water.
Key Takeaway:
The genesis of ocean waves begins with ripples (capillary waves) caused by light winds; as wind speed increases, these evolve into gravity waves and eventually white caps.