Ocean waves are generated by wind: energy is transferred from the air to the water surface, creating wind waves. When the wind eases or waves travel away from the storm, they become swell—longer, more regular waves that can cross entire ocean basins. The "significant wave height" (Hs) is the average height of the highest one-third of waves and is the standard used by mariners and forecasters (WMO; NOAA).

Wave period is the time between successive crests; longer periods mean longer wavelengths and more powerful, often smoother waves. Direction is the compass bearing from which the waves are coming. Sea state is often described using the Beaufort scale, which links wind speed to typical wave heights and conditions. Wind waves are choppier and shorter-period; swell is more regular and can travel thousands of kilometres.

The values shown here come from a global wave model (Open-Meteo Marine), which combines wind fields with ocean physics to estimate wave height, period, and direction. Model output is widely used for marine forecasting; at specific locations, buoy measurements can provide additional verification. Data is updated regularly and is suitable for planning and general awareness.

Did you know? The highest wave ever recorded by a buoy was 19 metres (62 feet) in the North Atlantic in 2013, verified by the World Meteorological Organization. Tsunamis are not wind-generated waves—they are caused by undersea earthquakes or landslides and have much longer wavelengths.