What is the main characteristic of Sea/Storm Waves?

The main characteristic of sea or storm waves is that they are acted upon by wind. Wind energy transfers to the water surface, causing waves to form and propagate across the ocean or sea. When wind blows over the surface of the water, it creates friction, which generates waves that can vary in height and energy depending on the wind speed, duration, and the distance over which it travels (known as the fetch). This interplay between wind and water is fundamental to the nature of sea and storm waves.

In contrast, tides, which are caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun, do not characterize sea or storm waves. Underwater earthquakes create tsunamis, not the typical sea waves we associate with wind-generated conditions. Furthermore, waves are dynamic, not static or non-moving; they exhibit energy and motion as they travel through the water. Understanding these characteristics is essential for civil engineers, especially when designing coastal structures and considering the effects of wave action on shores and marine environments.