ripples

Ripples are small waves or undulating movements that occur on the surface of a liquid, typically caused by a disturbance such as a stone being thrown into water. In a broader context, the term can also refer to the gradual spreading of effects or consequences from an initial event or action, much like how ripples spread outwards from a point of disturbance. In various fields, including physics, social sciences, and ecology, the concept of ripples can illustrate how seemingly minor actions can have far-reaching implications, influencing their surroundings over time.