How do wind patterns affect wave energy along a coast?

Wind patterns are the primary drivers of wave energy along a coast, as they directly determine the characteristics of the waves that reach the shore. The relationship between wind and wave energy is governed by three main factors:12

• Wind Speed: Higher wind speeds generate larger waves, which carry more energy.31
• Duration: The length of time the wind blows allows waves to grow in size and energy until they reach a state of saturation.3
• Fetch: This is the distance over which the wind blows across the water. A longer fetch allows for the development of larger, more energetic waves.3

Seasonal patterns in wind intensity and direction translate directly into wave conditions at the coast. Because waves typically approach the shore at an angle determined by wind direction, they generate longshore currents. These currents, combined with the waves themselves, distribute energy along the coast and facilitate the transport of sediment. Consequently, coasts experiencing prolonged, intense winds are characterized by high wave-energy conditions, which significantly influence the development of coastal landforms.142