wind wave

Wind waves are disturbances on the surface of a body of water, typically generated by wind. Initially, these may appear as small, regular capillary waves. As wind continues to blow, these can develop into larger, more persistent gravity waves. The energy for these waves comes from the wind's frictional drag and direct force on the water's surface. Wave height is influenced by wind speed, duration, and the distance over which the wind blows (fetch).12

Waves travel in the direction of the wind. Their speed depends on factors like water depth and wavelength. In deep water, longer waves travel faster. As waves approach shallower water or grow too large for the conditions, they can become unstable and break, forming whitecaps or surf.12