Wind-generated waves can get bigger in the Pacific Ocean than they can in Lake Superior.Why?
A) because the Pacific Ocean is salt water and Lake Superior is fresh water
B) because the wind blows faster over the Pacific Ocean than over Lake Superior
C) because the fetch is greater in the Pacific Ocean than in Lake Superior
D) because the Pacific Ocean is deeper than Lake Superior
E) because the wind always blows in the same direction over the Pacific Ocean

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fetch refers to the distance over which wind can blow without interruption to generate waves. The Pacific Ocean has longer fetches because it is wider and more exposed, allowing winds to blow over greater distances and generate bigger waves. Lake Superior, on the other hand, has a smaller fetch because it is a narrower and shallower lake, limiting the distance winds can blow before encountering land or decreasing in strength.

Wind-Generated Waves Can Get Bigger in the Pacific Ocean Than