The maximum height of a wave is determined by which of the following factors? 1. The strength of the wind has no role in determining wave height. 2. The duration for which the wind blows. 3. The area over which the wind blows in a single direction. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation Waves are oscillatory movements on the ocean surface where water particles move in a circular motion while energy propagates forward. The primary source of energy for ocean waves is the wind. The size, energy, and height of a wave are determined by the efficiency of energy transfer from the wind to the water. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The strength (speed) of the wind is a critical factor in determining wave height. Higher wind speeds exert greater force on the water surface, transferring more energy and resulting in higher waves. The statement incorrectly claims it has no role. - Statement 2 is Correct. The duration for which the wind blows is a determining factor. Even a strong wind must blow for a sustained period to transfer sufficient energy to the water to build up significant wave height. - Statement 3 is Correct. This factor is technically known as Fetch. It refers to the uninterrupted distance (or area) over which the wind blows in a single direction. A longer fetch allows the wave to accumulate more energy, leading to greater wave height. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: The maximum height of an ocean wave depends on three primary factors: Wind Speed, Wind Duration, and Fetch (the distance over which the wind blows).

The maximum height of a wave is… - NCERT Class 11 Geography MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Movements of Ocean Water

mcqeasy

The maximum height of a wave is determined by which of the following factors?

The strength of the wind has no role in determining wave height.
The duration for which the wind blows.
The area over which the wind blows in a single direction.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Page 1

Options

A1 and 2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C2 only
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Waves are oscillatory movements on the ocean surface where water particles move in a circular motion while energy propagates forward. The primary source of energy for ocean waves is the wind. The size, energy, and height of a wave are determined by the efficiency of energy transfer from the wind to the water.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The strength (speed) of the wind is a critical factor in determining wave height. Higher wind speeds exert greater force on the water surface, transferring more energy and resulting in higher waves. The statement incorrectly claims it has no role.
Statement 2 is Correct. The duration for which the wind blows is a determining factor. Even a strong wind must blow for a sustained period to transfer sufficient energy to the water to build up significant wave height.
Statement 3 is Correct. This factor is technically known as Fetch. It refers to the uninterrupted distance (or area) over which the wind blows in a single direction. A longer fetch allows the wave to accumulate more energy, leading to greater wave height.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: The maximum height of an ocean wave depends on three primary factors: Wind Speed, Wind Duration, and Fetch (the distance over which the wind blows).

Your note

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