Final answer:
The characteristic period (Tc) of a seiche is the time taken for two successive crests or troughs to pass a fixed point. It is the time it takes for the wave to complete one full oscillation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic period (Tc) of a seiche set up by the wind in a narrow enclosed basin is the time taken for two successive crests or troughs to pass a fixed point. It is the time it takes for the wave to complete one full oscillation.
For example, if you are sitting next to a pond and measure the time between one crest arriving and the next crest, that time will be the same for any two successive crests passing you. This time is known as the period of the wave.
The period (T) of a wave is measured in seconds (s). The period can be calculated using the formula T = 1/f, where f is the frequency of the wave.