Meteorology · Waves — Significant Height
The term 'significant wave height' reported in forecasts is approximately the:
- AHeight of the single largest wave
- BAverage of all wave heights
- CAverage height of the highest one-third of the waves✓ Correct
- DHeight of the smallest waves
Explanation
Significant wave height is the average of the highest one-third of waves, corresponding roughly to what an experienced observer estimates. Individual waves can be considerably higher (a maximum of perhaps 1.6–2 times).
Authority: WMO/NOAA wave definitions; Bowditch (Pub. No. 9)
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