Question

are the ripples a transverse or a lonitudinal wave by nature?

Answer 1

In transverse waves, the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction to propagation of wave. However, in longitudinal wave, the displacement is parallel to the propagation of wave. In case of ripples, the movement of particles of water is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave. Hence we can say that ripples on water are transverse waves.