Blog

'Swell' is the term used to describe a series of mechanical waves found in the sea or lakes set up by distant weather systems. While chop is generated by local winds, the size of swell is coming from far away. Swimmers most often encounter swell in the sea.

The new assessment concludes that the highest waves may be as much as 46 feet, up from estimates of only 33 feet that were made as recently as 1996, and a 40 percent increase. December and January are the months such waves are most likely to occur, although summer waves are also significantly higher.Jan 25, 2010

WEST AND NORTHWEST SWELLS:

These storms reach their peak in the winter months and because of their closer proximity to the California coast, produce intense, and powerful waves up to fifteen feet at west and northwest facing beaches.

A groundswell, or ground swell, is a long-period group of waves created by a distant storm system over long distances, at least 2,000 miles away from the coast. The majority of groundswells are produced by mid-latitude depressions between 30 and 60 degrees and travel from west to east, swinging towards the Equator.

With a height of up to 29.1 meters (95 feet) from trough to crest, the single waves are the highest ever measured. In terms of so-called significant wave height, they established a new record, according to the scientists: 18.5 meters (61 feet). Significant wave height is the median height of a wave's upper third.Mar 31, 2006

Swell direction is the direction from which the swell is coming. It is measured in degrees (as on a compass), and often referred to in general directions, such as a north-northwest or southwest swell. Swell direction is an important factor to consider because it can determine the quality of waves.Oct 30, 2019

Sea waves are generated by the local prevailing wind. ... Swell waves are the regular, longer period waves generated by distant weather systems. They may travel over thousands of kilometres. There may be several sets of swell waves travelling in different directions, causing crossing swells and a confused sea state.

Swell is energy that has been transferred into the sea by wind. The longer and stronger the wind blows (like a hurricane) the more energy that is transferred and so larger the swell. This energy then propagates from where it is created out into the ocean, much like ripples in a pond.

There is no mention anywhere of even the highest recorded wave, touching the clouds. Also, the lowest level of clouds starts below only 6,500 feet. Judging by the height of the highest recorded wave, if the waves rose to the clouds, it could cause mass destruction in the nearby areas which was not the case here.Jul 5, 2021