Meteorology · Waves — Wavelength and Speed
For deep-water waves, longer-period (longer-wavelength) waves:
- ATravel slower than short waves
- BTravel faster than shorter waves, so swell outruns and separates from the generating storm✓ Correct
- CDo not move at all
- DAlways break immediately
Explanation
In deep water, wave speed increases with wavelength/period. The longest waves from a storm move out fastest and arrive first as a long, low swell — often the earliest sign of a distant gale, well before its wind and shorter seas reach the observer.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), Waves
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