Question

Which conditions produce the smallest and largest ocean waves?

Choose the two correct answers.

Responses

strong winds that blow for short periods of time over great distances

weak winds that blow for long periods of time with a long fetch

strong winds that blow for short periods of time with a short fetch

strong winds that blow for long periods of time over small distances

weak winds that blow for short periods of time with a short fetch

strong winds that blow for a long time over a great distance

strong winds that blow for short periods of time over small distances

Answer 1

The condition that generates the smallest and largest ocean waves should be:

a. Strong winds that blow for a longer time

b. The weak wind blows for a shorter time.

The faster the wind, the longer it blows, or the farther it can blow uninterrupted, the bigger the waves. Therefore, a wave's size depends on wind speed, wind duration, and the area over which the wind is blowing (the fetch).