Swell Flashcards
1
Q
What is a swell?
A
Waves which are NOT produced by the prevailing wind at a locality; but relate to historical and usually distant winds and storms that have since travelled across the seas to arrive in the locality of the observer.
2
Q
What is the definition of crest?
A
Wavelength.
3
Q
What is the difference between waves produced by local winds and swell waves?
A
Swell waves may have a much longer distance between crests (wavelengths) and rarely break.
4
Q
How dangerous are swells to shipping? Doe they present a risk to shipping?
A
No. But significant swells can reduce a vessel’s speed and they can combine with local wind driven waves to produce a dangerous confused sea which might increase the risk of heavy rolling.
