Meteorology · Waves — Wave Period
The wave period is:
- AThe time between successive crests passing a fixed point✓ Correct
- BThe height from trough to crest
- CThe horizontal distance between crests
- DThe speed of the wind
Explanation
Period is the time interval between two successive crests (or troughs) passing a point. Together with wavelength and height it characterizes a sea; longer-period waves travel faster and carry energy farther, which is why long-period swell can arrive ahead of a distant storm.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), Waves
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