In the context of waves, a crest is the highest point on a wave, while a trough is the lowest point on a wave. These two points are often used to describe the shape and behavior of a wave.
For example, a wave with a high crest and a low trough is said to be steep, while a wave with a low crest and a high trough is said to be gentle. The distance between the crest and trough of a wave is called the wave height, and the time it takes for a wave to complete one full cycle from crest to trough and back to crest again is called the wave period.
Crests and troughs can be observed in various types of waves, including water waves, sound waves, and electromagnetic waves. They are important in many scientific and practical applications, such as ocean navigation, tsunami prediction, and telecommunications.