Question

The height of wind formed waves depends on what three things?

Answer 1

The height wind waves or waves generated by the wind are surface waves that occur on the surface of oceans, lakes, rivers, seas and canals etc. Waves can travel thousands of miles before reaching land. They range in size from small ripples to over 100 foot high. They are dependent on the following three things:
1. Wind speed - the height of waves is dependent on the speed of the wind. The faster the wind, the higher the waves and vice versa. 2. Wind direction - the height of waves is dependent on  whether the wind is blowing offshore or onshore. Offshore winds blow from the land onto the sea so tend to cause bigger waves3. Storm winds in a cyclone or hurricane. These winds travel in circles around the eye of the storm and are usually very high in intensity. Depending on the intensity of the wind and the speed at which the wind is travelling, the wave height will differ.