The size of waves in the ocean or on a lake depend on:
A the speed and duration of the wind and length of the fetch.
B the speed of the wind, distance from shore, and length of the fetch.
C the direction and duration of the wind, and distance from shore.
D the direction and speed of the wind and distance from shore.
E the direction and duration of the wind and length of the fetch.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is E. the direction and duration of the wind and length of the fetch.
To explain, the formation of waves in a body of water is influenced by several factors. The primary factors affecting wave size and energy are wind direction, wind duration, and fetch length.
- Wind Direction: The direction from which the wind blows affects how it interacts with the water surface. If the wind blows in the same direction as the waves, it helps to propagate and increase the energy of the waves. If it blows against the waves, it can reduce their size and energy.
- Wind Duration: The longer the wind blows in a consistent direction, the larger and more powerful the waves become. Wind that blows for only a short time may not have enough time to transfer significant energy to the water, resulting in smaller waves.
- Fetch Length: Fetch refers to the distance over water that the wind blows without interruption. A long fetch allows the wind to build up larger waves because it has more time and space to transfer energy to the water. Conversely, a shorter fetch limits the size of the waves, as there is less area for the wind to act upon.
In summary, the combination of wind direction, wind duration, and fetch length determines the size and energy of waves in a body of water. These factors work together to shape the waves we observe, especially in coastal areas where the wind interacts with the water for extended distances.