Long-period ocean waves generated by distant weather systems that travel far from their origin, distinct from wind waves generated by local conditions. Swell waves are characterised by their regular shape, long wavelength, and ability to travel thousands of kilometres across open ocean.
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.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.Storm SurgeAn abnormal rise in sea level generated by a storm's winds and low atmospheric pressure, over and above the predicted astronomical tide.Tidal RangeThe vertical difference between the highest high tide and the lowest low tide at a particular location.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