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Beaufort vs Douglas Sea Scale: Application

Before we dive into the scales, first let me point out what the difference is between waves and swell. They’re two distinct types of water movement, each shaped by different forces.

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Waves

• What They Are: Waves form due to local wind blowing across the water’s surface.
  
• Features: These waves tend to be shorter, choppy, and irregular, shifting quickly with changes in wind direction and speed.
  Their size and pattern are directly influenced by the strength of the local wind.
  
• Look and Feel: When the wind is strong, waves can become steep with breaking tops, resulting in rough, unpredictable conditions.
  
• Lifespan: Waves are temporary and subside once the local wind decreases or stops.

Swell

• What It Is: Swell is created by winds from distant storms or strong weather systems and can travel over long distances.
  
• Features: Swell consists of smooth, evenly spaced waves with longer wavelengths.
  It moves independently of local wind and maintains a steady rhythm.
  
• Look and Feel: Unlike the sharpness of waves, swell appears as gentle, rolling waves that don’t break as often and have a more relaxed shape.
  
• Lifespan: Swell can persist even when local winds are calm, often traveling for days across the ocean.

Scales Explained: One Doesn’t Exclude the Other

Beaufort Scale