If the current and wind are in opposite...

If the current and wind are in opposite...

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c5194cd

If the current and wind are in opposite directions, what does the sea surface indicate?

Question 1 of 27070

Q

If the current and wind are in opposite directions, what does the sea surface indicate?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Effect of wind opposing current on wave height and steepness • How mariners visually estimate wind speed from sea state (wave appearance, whitecaps, spray) • Difference between actual wind speed and what the sea surface makes it look like

💭 Think About

• Picture a strong wind blowing against a strong current. What happens to the waves’ height and steepness? Do they look rougher or smoother than normal? • If waves become steeper and more confused, would an observer tend to overestimate or underestimate the wind speed just by looking at the sea? • Which option best matches what a rougher, steeper sea would make you think about the wind strength, compared to the true wind?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear that the question asks what the sea surface indicates, not what the wind actually is • Focus on how an opposing current affects wave steepness and apparent roughness • Eliminate any option that suggests the surface looks calmer or unchanged when wind and current are opposing each other