The size of waves does not depend on which of the following?

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Prepare for the UCF GEO1200 Physical Geography Exam. Enhance your study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The size of waves in an ocean or any body of water is primarily influenced by factors such as wind speed, fetch, and wave duration. Wind speed is crucial because stronger winds transfer more energy to the water surface, creating larger waves. The fetch, which is the distance over which the wind blows, also plays a significant role; a longer fetch allows waves to gain more energy and grow larger. Furthermore, the duration of wind affects wave size, as sustained winds contribute to larger waves.

On the other hand, the pull of gravity does influence the behavior of waves, particularly in relation to the formation of tides and overall wave movement, but it does not directly determine wave size generated by wind. Instead, gravity acts on the waves once they are formed, primarily affecting their shape and stability rather than their initial size. Hence, the correct answer is that the size of waves does not depend on the pull of gravity.