Meteorology · Waves — Cross Seas
A confused or cross sea — dangerous to small vessels — occurs when:
- AOnly one swell is present
- BThere is no wind at all
- CThe water is perfectly calm
- DWave trains from different directions (e.g., local wind sea and a swell) overlap✓ Correct
Explanation
When a wind sea and one or more swells from different directions combine, the result is a confused, pyramidal cross sea with irregular, sometimes very steep peaks. Such seas are hard to steer in and can be hazardous, since the crests reinforce unpredictably.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), Waves
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