What term describes the distance that wind blows over the ocean?

The term that describes the distance that wind blows over the ocean is referred to as "fetch." Fetch is crucial in the study of ocean waves and wind-generated waves because it directly affects their size and energy. The longer the fetch, the more sustained the wind can act on the water surface, leading to larger and more powerful waves.

Understanding fetch helps in predicting wave conditions, as areas with longer fetch can produce more significant wave action, which is essential for navigation, coastal management, and understanding the energy dynamics of the ocean. In contrast, wave height measures the vertical distance between the crest and trough of a wave, while draft refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of a boat's hull. Swash describes the movement of water up the beach after a wave breaks, none of which pertain to the distance the wind blows over the ocean.