Abstract
Surface wave motions in a container with a square base, which is subject to a vertical oscillation, are considered when the amplitude of the oscillation is small and the frequency of the oscillation is close to twice the natural frequency of the system. Subcritical wave motions are found for single modes as well as mixed modes. Here, single modes are described by either one of the two horizontal coordinates whereas mixed modes depend on both coordinates. It is found that in some subcritical region a stable single mode and a stable mixed mode coexist, producing complex basins of attraction.