Which factors determine wave height?

Wave height is primarily influenced by the dynamics of wind over the surface of the water. The correct factors are wind speed, wind duration, and fetch. Wind speed refers to how fast the wind is blowing; higher wind speeds typically generate larger waves. Wind duration refers to how long the wind blows across the water; longer exposure allows waves to build in size. Fetch is the distance over water that the wind blows in a single direction; a longer fetch enables waves to grow larger since they have more space to gain energy before encountering land or other obstacles.

While other factors like water temperature, salinity, bottom contour, sediment type, air pressure, and humidity can affect different aspects of ocean dynamics, they do not directly determine wave height in the same way that wind-related factors do. Understanding how these specific elements interact helps to clarify why they are crucial in influencing the characteristics of ocean waves.