🔍 Key Concepts

• Swell vs. local wind waves – how distant storms create long, regular swells that can travel hundreds of miles • Storm warning signs far away – what you might notice before local wind and weather change • Wave direction – why an unusual approach angle of waves can be important

💭 Think About

• Think about which sea condition could be caused by a storm that is not yet affecting your local wind. • Which option describes waves that can travel far from their source, even when your local winds are still normal? • Look at the direction of the seas: which choice suggests energy arriving from far away, not generated by nearby winds?

✅ Before You Answer

• Compare local wind-driven chop vs. long-period swells that travel great distances. • Ask: Which option can occur while local weather still seems fine (no strong wind yet)? • Check which sea state change could reasonably be noticed first, long before the storm center gets close.