Meteorology · Waves — Sea vs Swell
The difference between 'sea' and 'swell' is that swell consists of waves that:
- AAre generated by the local wind
- BHave traveled out of their generating area and become more regular and rounded✓ Correct
- COnly occur in shallow water
- DAre caused by tides
Explanation
Sea is the wind-driven, irregular, steep waves under the present local wind; swell is the longer, smoother, more regular waves that have propagated away from where they were generated. Both may be present and from different directions.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), waves
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