S
The terms and definitions found in the glossary relate to the science of meteorology.
For descriptions and definitions of words used in the Bureau's forecasts and warnings, please refer to Weather Words.
Sea and Swell
| SEA (in open sea) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | Height (metres) | Effect |
| Calm (glassy) | 0 | No waves breaking on beach |
| Calm (rippled) | 0 - 0.1 | No waves breaking on beach |
| Smooth | 0.1 - 0.5 | Slight waves breaking on beach |
| Slight | 0.5 - 1.25 | Waves rock buoys and small craft |
| Moderate | 1.25 - 2.5 | Sea becoming furrowed |
| Rough | 2.5 - 4 | Sea deeply furrowed |
| Very rough | 4-6 | Sea much disturbed with rollers having steep fronts |
| High | 6-9 | Sea much disturbed with rollers having steep fronts (damage to foreshore) |
| Very high | 9-14 | Towering seas |
| Phenomenal | over 14 | Precipitous seas (experienced only in cyclones) |
| SWELL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Wave Length | Period | Wave Height |
| Low swell of short or average length | 0 - 200 m | Less than 11 sec | 0-2 m |
| Long, low swell | over 200 m | Greater than 11 sec | 0-2 m |
| Short swell of moderate height | 0-100 m | Less than 8 sec | 2-4 m |
| Average swell of moderate height | 100-200 m | Greater than 8 sec, less than 11 sec | 2-4 m |
| Long swell of moderate height | over 200 m | Greater than 11 sec | 2-4 m |
| Short heavy swell | 0-100 m | Less than 8 sec | over 4 m |
| Average length heavy swell | 100-200 m | Greater than 8 sec, less than 11 sec | over 4 m |
| Long heavy swell | over 200 m | Greater than 11 sec | over 4 m |