What term describes a wave oscillation of the surface water in an enclosed basin?

The term that describes a wave oscillation of the surface water in an enclosed basin is a seiche. A seiche occurs when external forces, such as wind or pressure changes (like those caused by a rapid weather change), lead to fluctuations in water levels within a confined body of water, such as a lake or a reservoir. These oscillations can create standing waves and may recur over time, often taking on a particular period based on the dimensions and characteristics of the basin.

Seiches are distinct from other types of waves like seismic waves, which propagate through the Earth and are associated with earthquakes, and tsunamis, which are large ocean waves typically caused by underwater seismic activity. The ripple effect usually signifies smaller, often localized disturbances created by dropping an object into water rather than the larger oscillatory behavior characteristic of a seiche.