Wave height

Geometry of a trochoidal deep water wave: To define the wavelength, the calm water level, the wave height, the horizontal and the vertical wave asymmetry.

In water waves, the wave height (symbol ) is the height difference between the high point of a wave crest and the low point of a wave trough. Accordingly, it is the sum of the maximum water level deflection upwards ( ) and downwards ( ), based on the still water level : ${\displaystyle \textstyle H}$ ${\displaystyle \textstyle H_{o}}$ ${\displaystyle \textstyle H_{u}}$

${\displaystyle H=H_{o}+H_{u}}$

Water waves are gravity waves . In contrast to electromagnetic waves, they differ in shape from the regular cosine shape in such a way that they are both horizontally and vertically asymmetrical. The upward deflection is usually not the same as the downward deflection. The wave height, as stated by a seaman, is by definition twice as high as the wave amplitude as it is used in physics.

The wave height in deep water depends on:

• Strength of the wind
• Cowl length over water (fetch)
• Length of time the wind blows

The stronger the three factors, the higher the wave.

The fetch ensures that the wave is much lower on the upwind coast than on the upwind coast.

Waves can be superimposed on each other. If two waves overlap evenly, the wave height increases, otherwise it decreases.