In oceanography, sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics , including the wave height , period , and spectrum .

Mar 30, 2023 · Sea state is a term used in oceanography to describe the general condition of the ocean’s surface, can refer to the motion of waves and surges, and it is determined by two key factors: Wind Sea and Swell.

Sea State is the characterization of wave and swell, typically in terms of height, wavelength, period, and directional wave energy flux. Waves generated by ocean surface stress evolve from wind waves to swell through nonlinear dynamical processes..

We recall that the sea state is the condition of the ocean surface considered as a stochastic field and characterised by the wave spectrum. This is the modern use of the word. Traditionally sea state is a scale for the average wave height somewhat similar to the Beaufort scale for wind.

What we call sea state is the effect that the local winds have on sea conditions – this is independent of travelling swell waves generated by winds outside of the local area. Sea state is related to the Beaufort scale which describes the state of the sea.

Nov 11, 2024 · Unlike the Beaufort Scale, which focuses on wind force, the Douglas Scale was created specifically to describe sea state conditions based on wave height from local and distant winds. Here’s how wave height is measured.

Mar 18, 2024 · What do we mean when we talk about 5-metre seas or sea state 7? What's the difference between significant height and peak-to-valley height? Theoretical explanations and practical examples.

The sea state is a statistical description of the water surface elevation at a particular point in the ocean, and is typically given as a plot of wave energy against period as shown in Figure 3. This is known as a wave spectrum and can be used to derive the majority of key wave parameters such as significant wave height ( H s ) and peak period ...

Nov 26, 2021 · Sea State – is the description of a wave characteristic and how it appears in the open ocean. Beaufort Scale – is the measure of wind velocity that triggers the ocean waves, as the wind velocity collides with the surface of the ocean.

Observe the sea surface and the wind speed, then find the corresponding Beaufort Sea State Number on this chart. Calm; smoke rises straight up. Small ripples or capillary waves on glassy surface. Smoke drifts with wind direction. Larger ripples or wavelets on glassy surface. Leaves begin to rustle; wind felt on face.