How long would a steady wind need to blow in...

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519b18

How long would a steady wind need to blow in order to create a wind driven current?

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Question 1 of 27070

Q

How long would a steady wind need to blow in order to create a wind driven current?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Difference between tide-driven currents and wind-driven currents • Typical time it takes for a steady wind to set surface water in motion in a consistent direction • Order of magnitude: is it usually just a few hours or closer to half a day or more?

💭 Think About

• Think about how long it takes for the ocean’s surface layer to respond and form a noticeable, steady current rather than just temporary surface ripples. • Compare the choices: which sounds more realistic for building up a consistent wind-driven current over an area, not just a momentary push? • Eliminate options that seem too short for a steady current and too long to be a commonly tested standard value.

✅ Before You Answer

• Focus on the word steady in the question — not just any small movement of water. • Consider what is often used as the standard minimum duration of continuous wind in basic seamanship and oceanography texts. • Verify in your study materials whether wind-driven current formation is typically measured in single-digit hours or around half a day of steady wind.