Depends on buffer type. For example, waits for an index block may be caused by a primary key that is based on an ascending sequence.
Examine V$SESSION while the problem is occurring to determine the type of block in contention.
free buffer waits
Buffer cache, DBWR, I/O
Slow DBWR (possibly due to I/O?)
Cache too small
Examine write time using operating system statistics. Check buffer cache statistics for evidence of too small cache.
db file scattered read
I/O, SQL statement tuning
Poorly tuned SQL
Slow I/O system
Investigate V$SQLAREA to see whether there are SQL statements performing many disk reads. Cross-check I/O system and V$FILESTAT for poor read time.
db file sequential read
I/O, SQL statement tuning
Poorly tuned SQL
Slow I/O system
Investigate V$SQLAREA to see whether there are SQL statements performing many disk reads. Cross-check I/O system and V$FILESTAT for poor read time.
enqueue waits (waits starting with enq:)
Locks
Depends on type of enqueue
Look at V$ENQUEUE_STAT.
library cache latch waits:librarycache, librarycachepin, and librarycachelock
Latch contention
SQL parsing or sharing
Check V$SQLAREA to see whether there are SQL statements with a relatively high number of parse calls or a high number of child cursors (column VERSION_COUNT). Check parse statistics in V$SYSSTAT and their corresponding rate for each second.
log buffer space
Log buffer, I/O
Log buffer small
Slow I/O system
Check the statistic redobufferallocationretries inV$SYSSTAT. Check configuring log buffer section in configuring memory chapter. Check the disks that house the online redo logs for resource contention.
log file sync
I/O, over- committing
Slow disks that store the online logs
Un-batched commits
Check the disks that house the online redo logs for resource contention. Check the number of transactions (commits + rollbacks) each second, from V$SYSSTAT.
Wait Events and Potential CausesWait EventGeneral AreaPossible CausesLook for / Examinebuffer busy waitsBuffer cache, DBWRDepends on buffer type. For example, w