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For a given wind speed, how can wind duration and wind fetch limit the sea from reaching full development?

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Final answer:

Wind duration and wind fetch are essential for wave development in the sea; short duration and limited fetch prevent waves from reaching their maximum potential despite the wind speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a given wind speed, wind duration and wind fetch can limit the sea's ability to reach full development. Wind duration refers to how long the wind blows over the water surface; a short duration may not allow waves to grow to their maximum potential. Similarly, wind fetch is the distance over water that the wind blows without interruption.

A limited fetch prevents waves from gaining more energy and becoming larger. Thus, for the wind to fully influence the development of the sea, it may require a longer duration and a larger fetch to accumulate enough energy to affect the water significantly.

User Jacques Snyman
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