[deflix]

what is the best way of doing this?

thanks

[AndreD]

simple bump-map (on an cube) :

[Maximus3D]

If you're using 3dsmax, here's a nice free plugin.

http://charles.hollemeersch.net/Projects/24/oceanwaves

/ Max

[deflix]

thanks for these tips: I'm really looking for an explanation of the material attributes and how these relate to geometry. Without a 'fog' function for example I'm assuming that playing with the attenuation is the key...and can geometry be a plane or does it need to be a volume?

[Bubbaloo]

Attenuation settings with a solid geometry. A plane will not show correct attenuation.