🔍 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?