Why Are Waves Smaller in the Gulf of Mexico Than the Atlantic? Size, Shelter, and Depth

Three main reasons:

1. Smaller Fetch: Limited open water for wind to build waves.
2. Sheltered Geography: Enclosed by land on three sides; blocks swell from Atlantic.
3. Shallow Continental Shelf: Waves lose energy breaking over shallow bottom.

Result: Generally calmer seas, though hurricanes can generate large waves locally.