On mid-ocean waters, the height of a...

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519c02

On mid-ocean waters, the height of a wind-generated wave is not affected by the __________.

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Question 1 of 27070

Q

On mid-ocean waters, the height of a wind-generated wave is not affected by the __________.

🔍 Key Concepts

• Wind-generated wave growth factors: wind speed, duration, and fetch • Difference between deep-water and shallow-water waves • Effect of water depth on wave height in the open ocean

💭 Think About

• Which of these factors (velocity, fetch, duration, depth) are used in standard ocean wave prediction methods and nomograms? • In mid-ocean, are most wind waves considered deep-water or shallow-water, and how does that change what controls their height? • At what point does increasing water depth stop making a practical difference to the wave’s ability to grow?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which three factors are classically listed together in discussions of sea state and wind-wave growth • Consider what the term mid-ocean waters implies about the relative water depth compared to the wave’s length • Ask yourself: if the bottom is very far below the surface, does changing the depth a bit more significantly change surface wave height?