An abnormal rise in sea level generated by a storm's winds and low atmospheric pressure, over and above the predicted astronomical tide. Storm surges can cause severe coastal flooding and pose significant risks to vessels in port and to port infrastructure.
Category: Weather & Sea Conditions
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Neap TideThe tide with the smallest range between high and low water, occurring approximately every two weeks when the sun and moon are at right angles relative to the earth during first and third quarter moon phases.Sea StateA description of the condition of the sea surface with respect to wave and swell characteristics, categorised using the Douglas Sea Scale from 0 (calm, glassy) to 9 (phenomenal, waves over 14 metres).Spring TideThe tide with the greatest range between high and low water, occurring approximately every two weeks when the sun, moon, and earth are aligned during new and full moon phases.SwellLong-period ocean waves generated by distant weather systems that travel far from their origin, distinct from wind waves generated by local conditions.Trade WindsPersistent easterly winds that blow from the subtropical high-pressure belts toward the equatorial low-pressure belt, from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere.TsunamiA series of ocean waves with extremely long wavelengths caused by large-scale disturbances of the ocean floor, typically from undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or submarine landslides.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026