Oceans generally tend to have less turbulent waves compared to lakes, even when exposed to similar wind conditions, due to several factors:
Size: Oceans are typically much larger in size compared to lakes. The vast expanse of an ocean allows for the dissipation of wave energy over a larger area, reducing the overall turbulence. In contrast, lakes are smaller and more confined, which can lead to the reflection and interference of waves, resulting in increased turbulence.
Depth: Oceans generally have greater depth compared to lakes. The depth of the water plays a crucial role in wave behavior. In deeper waters, waves tend to propagate with less interference and energy loss. This promotes the formation of longer, smoother waves with less turbulence. Lakes, on the other hand, often have shallower depths, which can cause waves to interact with the lake bottom or shallow areas, leading to more turbulent conditions.
Fetch: Fetch refers to the distance over which wind blows over a body of water. Oceans typically have longer fetches, as they are exposed to open and unobstructed stretches of water. This allows waves to develop and organize over a longer distance, resulting in more regular and less turbulent wave patterns. In contrast, lakes may have shorter fetches due to surrounding land or other geographical features, leading to choppier and more turbulent waves.
Bottom Topography: The shape and characteristics of the seafloor can influence wave behavior. In the case of oceans, the bottom topography tends to be more varied, with underwater features such as ridges, trenches, and slopes. These features can help to dissipate and absorb wave energy, reducing turbulence. Lakes, on the other hand, often have relatively smoother and less varied bottoms, which can contribute to increased wave turbulence.
While these factors generally contribute to the differences in wave turbulence between oceans and lakes, it's important to note that wave behavior can still vary depending on specific local conditions and factors such as coastline shape, wind intensity, and local geography.