How can I use the Ocean modifier to only deform one axis of an object to create something like this:
How can I achieve this?
From Haunt's trick bag:
Since the Ocean modifier doesn't use vertex groups, one solution is to get help from a modifier that does. The Ocean modifier (gray) uses an ordinary plane. The block of water is a mesh where the upper surface is highly subdivided and the bottom contains just 4 verts. It has a Vertex Group which excludes the four bottom verts.
The trick is a Shrinkwrap Modifier which is projecting the surface on the Ocean Modifier mesh. There the Vertex Group helps to leave the bottom verts in peace.
Rendering of the Ocean Modifier is prevented in the outliner by clicking the camera symbol.