How to interpret Swell 1 and Swell 2?
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What is the difference between "Waves", "Swell 1" and "Swell 2"?
I planned to stay at ancor. Waves and Swell 1 told me "west", Swell 2 told me "east.
How do I interpret this to decide wether to spend the night at anchor here or not (bay on the east side of cape) -
Waves parameter is combination of Wind Waves and Swell.
- Wind Waves are generated from actual wind at your position.
- Swell consists of waves originated (also by wind) somewhere else.
Major wave coming from other place is called Swell 1.
Second largest wave is called Swell 2 and it probably originates at different place than Swell 1.
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As said by @TZ, Waves is the ‘combination’ and the ‘addition’ of Wind waves and Swells.
So on a boat, Waves is the main layer to consider.
In addition if Waves and Swell 1 are both west, you need to be protected on the west side.
Significant height of Swell 2 is less important and can be neglected.See additional information:
https://community.windy.com/topic/17449/swell?_=1673033522433 -
Swell is the collective term used to describe the long-period ocean waves that are generated by wind and other atmospheric forces. Swell 1 and Swell 2 refer to the two primary types of swell that are typically observed in coastal regions.
Swell 1 refers to the primary swell, which is typically the largest and most dominant of the two. It is characterized by a longer period (the time between successive wave crests) and a higher wave height (the distance from the crest of the wave to the trough) than Swell 2.
Swell 2, also called secondary swell, is typically smaller and less dominant than Swell 1. It is characterized by a shorter period and a lower wave height than Swell 1. It can be caused by a separate source of wind or weather system from the primary swell, or it can be the reflection of swell1 from a distant coast line.
When interpreting swell reports, you will generally be provided with information such as the swell height, the swell period, and the swell direction. Understanding this information, a surfer will decide which wave is the most suitable to surf, as they vary in size, direction and power.
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@Sanden
Waves are the total wave energy at a given location, which is the sum of the swell and wind waves.Swell is a series of ocean waves that have traveled a long distance from the source of the wind that generated them. Swell waves are typically longer and more organized than wind waves, and they can travel for thousands of miles.
Swell 1 and Swell 2 are the first and second largest swells, respectively. Swells can come from different directions, so it is possible to have two swells coming from opposite directions at the same time.
In your case, you are saying that the waves and Swell 1 are coming from the west, while Swell 2 is coming from the east. This means that the overall wave energy at your location is coming from the west, but there is a secondary swell coming from the east.
Whether or not it is safe to spend the night at anchor in your location depends on a number of factors, including the size of the swells, the depth of the water, and the type of anchor you are using. If the swells are large and the water is shallow, there is a risk of your boat dragging anchor or being swamped by waves.
If you are unsure whether or not it is safe to spend the night at anchor, it is always best to err on the side of caution and move to a more sheltered location.
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@bauer-mckay
How do I get back to all three
Wind
Waves
SwellThanks, Tony
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@esernia
In point forecast table select Waves & tides
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The terms "Waves," "Swell 1," and "Swell 2" typically refer to different types of sea conditions:
Waves: These are the surface waves you might see. They are usually generated by the wind and can vary in height and direction.
Swell 1 and Swell 2: These refer to different sets of swell, which are long-wavelength waves that have traveled from their point of origin, often over long distances. Swell direction and height can provide information about sea conditions far from your location.
If "Waves" and "Swell 1" are indicating "west," and "Swell 2" is indicating "east," this means:
Waves and Swell 1 (west): These might be coming from a westerly direction, creating conditions that could be rough or less favorable if you're anchored in a bay facing west.
Swell 2 (east): This swell coming from the east might indicate a secondary swell that could influence sea conditions differently.
To decide whether to anchor safely:
Assess the Bay’s Orientation: Check the orientation of the bay in relation to these wave and swell directions. If the bay is on the east side of the cape, the eastward swell (Swell 2) could potentially impact it differently than the westerly swells.
Consider the Wave Height and Period: Higher waves and swells can create more challenging conditions, especially if they are coming from multiple directions.
Consult Local Weather Reports: Local maritime weather reports can offer detailed insights into expected conditions.
In summary, if the bay is protected from the predominant wave directions and swell heights are manageable, it might be suitable for anchoring. However, if the conditions indicate potential for rough seas or poor protection from the swells, it might be wise to choose a different anchorage.
