In a message dated 3/16/04 12:05:02 AM, Mike Maurice writes in answer to Marin's question: << In the case of Bellingham Bay or any similar closed sort of body of water, including lakes. I would argue that it is the closed nature of the body of water and the relatively shallow depth. Results in wave (energy) reflections off the bottom and sides. If you have ever been in the ICW around Ft. Lauderdale. Essentially a concrete ditch about 12 deep and 100 yards wide. The speed boats come flying by and the wave action just reflects from side to side and until after some minutes it finally dies out. Increased water depth would help, but of course it is the concrete walls that do most of the reflecting. >> This is also true of the Hudson River in Tappan Zee/Haverstraw Bay and the Hudson Highlands. In the northern area the river cuts through the Appalachian range and the banks are hard and rocky. Waves from high speed boats or from commercial tug and freighter traffic bounce back and forth lasting for some time before they die out. Often the traffic causing the wave is long gone. These "phantom" waves are a mystery to boaters unfamiliar with the area. Larry Z