Concentric waves are circular ripple patterns that spread outward from a central point after a disturbance, most commonly when raindrops strike a water surface. You’ve probably seen them on puddles, lakes or even calm streams during a rain shower. Each drop transfers energy to the water, producing expanding rings that are a simple but beautiful example of how weather interacts with the environment.

These waves can vary depending on the size and intensity of the raindrops. Light rain often produces small, delicate ripples, while heavier drops create larger, more pronounced rings. Observing concentric waves can even give clues about precipitation intensity in a very visual, hands-on way, something meteorologists and weather lovers often notice during storms.

In addition to raindrops, concentric waves can also form from sudden surface disturbances like hail hitting water or small objects falling during windy conditions. They illustrate how energy from the atmosphere transfers to the Earth’s surface, making them an accessible and visual way to understand weather processes in action.

Next time it rains, take a moment to watch puddles ripple, and notice each expanding circle. It's simple, yet mesmerizing.

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.