Cross sea

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Cross swell at Île de Ré

In surface navigation, a cross sea is a sea state with two wave systems traveling at oblique angles.[1] This may occur when water waves from one weather system continue despite a shift in wind. Waves generated by the new wind run at an angle to the old, creating a shifting, dangerous pattern. Until the older waves have dissipated, they create a sea hazard among the most perilous.

A cross swell is generated when the wave systems are longer period swell, rather than short period wind generated waves.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Cross Sea". Glossary of Meteorology. American Meteorological Society. Retrieved 2007-11-28. 
  2. ^ Bowditch, Nathaniel (1995). "Glossary C" (PDF). The American Practical Navigator. Bethesda, MD: National Imagery and Mapping Agency. p. 758. ISBN 0-403-09895-5.