As an expert in the field of physical oceanography, I can explain that ocean waves are a bit more complex than simply being classified as longitudinal or transverse. When we talk about waves in the context of the ocean, we're typically referring to surface waves. These surface waves have a unique motion where the particles of the water move in circular paths, known as orbital motion. This means that the motion of the water particles is not in the same direction as the wave's travel (which would be the case for longitudinal waves), nor is it perpendicular to the direction of travel (which would be the case for transverse waves). So, to answer your question directly: Ocean surface waves are neither longitudinal nor transverse; they have a distinct type of motion that is characteristic of surface waves on a fluid. read more >>

While waves that travel within the depths of the ocean are longitudinal waves, the waves that travel along the surface of the oceans are referred to as surface waves. A surface wave is a wave in which particles of the medium undergo a circular motion. Surface waves are neither longitudinal nor transverse.read more >>