Wind Velocity Given Height Of Waves For Fetch More Than 20 Miles Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Wind\ Velocity = \frac{\left(\frac{Height\ of\ Wave - (2.5 - Fetch\ length^{0.25})}{0.17}\right)^2}{Fetch\ length} \]

Wind Velocity:

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1. What is Wind Velocity Given Height Of Waves For Fetch More Than 20 Miles?

This calculation estimates wind velocity based on wave height and fetch length for conditions where the fetch length exceeds 20 miles. It's particularly useful in oceanography and coastal engineering for predicting wind patterns from wave characteristics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Wind\ Velocity = \frac{\left(\frac{Height\ of\ Wave - (2.5 - Fetch\ length^{0.25})}{0.17}\right)^2}{Fetch\ length} \]

Where:

Height of Wave — Wave height in meters (m)
Fetch Length — Horizontal distance over which wave-generating winds blow in meters (m)

Explanation: This formula establishes a relationship between wave characteristics and the wind velocity that generated them, specifically for longer fetch conditions.

3. Importance of Wind Velocity Calculation

Details: Accurate wind velocity estimation from wave measurements is crucial for marine navigation, coastal structure design, weather forecasting, and understanding ocean-atmosphere interactions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wave height and fetch length in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator is specifically designed for fetch lengths greater than 20 miles (approximately 32,187 meters).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is fetch length in oceanography?
A: Fetch length is the uninterrupted distance over which wind blows across water surface, directly affecting wave development and size.

Q2: Why is this formula specific to fetch more than 20 miles?
A: Wave development reaches different equilibrium states based on fetch length. This formula is calibrated for fully developed sea conditions typically found with longer fetch distances.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The formula provides a good estimation for typical ocean conditions but may vary based on specific local factors, water depth, and wind duration.

Q4: Can this be used for inland waters?
A: This formula is primarily designed for open ocean conditions. For lakes and smaller bodies of water, different formulas may be more appropriate.

Q5: What are typical wind velocities that generate ocean waves?
A: Ocean waves are typically generated by winds ranging from 5-25 m/s, though extreme storms can produce higher wind velocities.