Wind Wave Height

Wind Wave Height measures the sea state component generated directly by local wind forcing, representing the immediate response of the ocean surface to current atmospheric conditions rather than the legacy of distant storms. Also called sea height or wind sea, this parameter quantifies the chaotic, short-period waves actively growing under local wind stress, contrasting with the organized, long-period swell propagating from remote generation zones. Wind waves form through a cascade process: light winds create capillary waves and ripples, stronger winds generate gravity waves with increasing height and period, and sustained strong winds build fully developed seas with maximum wave heights determined by wind speed, duration, and fetch (the distance over water the wind has traveled). For photographers, wind wave height provides critical context for interpreting total wave conditions: when wind wave height is low relative to total significant wave height, swell dominates and conditions are likely clean, glassy, and organized—ideal for capturing majestic wave forms and patterns. Conversely, when wind wave height approaches or exceeds swell height, conditions are wind-driven, choppy, and irregular with spray-prone, turbulent characteristics that create energetic but potentially messy seascape conditions.

Wind wave height interpretation for photography: 0-0.3m indicates light wind waves with nearly smooth surface conditions allowing clear reflections and delicate water textures; 0.3-0.8m represents light to moderate chop with surface texture and small breaking waves suitable for adding interest without overwhelming compositions; 0.8-1.5m creates noticeable choppy conditions with abundant small whitewater and spray, producing dynamic surface activity ideal for capturing water energy and motion; 1.5-3.0m indicates rough seas with steep, breaking waves and heavy spray, challenging for photography but offering intense action opportunities; values exceeding 3.0m represent storm-force wind waves creating hazardous conditions with extreme spray and chaotic seas. The period of wind waves (typically 3-8 seconds depending on wind strength) contrasts sharply with swell periods (8-25+ seconds), allowing photographers to distinguish timing characteristics: wind wave-dominated conditions produce near-continuous breaking action without distinct sets, while swell-dominated conditions show rhythmic sets separated by lulls.

PhotoWeather's Marine GFS forecasts separate wind wave height from swell height, enabling photographers to target optimal conditions by identifying periods when swell exceeds wind waves (clean, organized conditions) versus wind wave-dominated periods (active, spray-filled conditions). This distinction is particularly valuable when planning specific shot types: sunrise/sunset seascapes often benefit from low wind waves allowing glassy water and vivid reflections, while dynamic action photography targeting dramatic spray and explosive wave impacts performs best during moderate-to-high wind wave conditions. The interplay between wind waves and swell also affects coastal safety: swell-dominated conditions are generally more predictable with wave sets allowing safe positioning between large waves, while wind wave-dominated conditions produce relentless, irregular wave action with less predictable timing requiring constant vigilance.