What are four wind characteristics that determine sea state?

1. Wind speed is the most important factor in determining sea state. The faster the wind, the bigger the waves.

2. Wind duration is also important. Waves take time to build, so a long-duration wind will create larger waves than a short-duration wind of the same speed.

3. Wind direction relative to the shoreline also affects sea state. Waves are largest when the wind is blowing onshore (perpendicular to the shoreline). Waves are smaller when the wind is blowing alongshore (parallel to the shoreline).

4. Fetch is the distance over which the wind blows without obstruction. The longer the fetch, the larger the waves.