A wind wave is a type of surface wave that forms on the surface of a body of water as a result of the wind blowing across it. These waves are generated when the wind transfers energy to the water, causing it to ripple and create oscillations. Key characteristics of wind waves include: 1. **Formation**: Wind waves typically form in open water, where the wind can blow over a distance known as the "fetch.
A wind wave model is a mathematical representation used to simulate and predict the generation, propagation, and decay of wind-generated waves on the surface of oceans and large bodies of water. These models play a crucial role in understanding wave behavior, which is important for various applications, including marine navigation, coastal engineering, and understanding sediment transport or erosion.