In general, oceans tend to have larger waves compared to lakes and seas. The main factors that contribute to larger waves in oceans are:
Fetch: Fetch refers to the uninterrupted distance over which wind blows in a particular direction across the water surface. Oceans typically have vast expanses of open water, allowing winds to generate waves over long fetch distances. As a result, waves in oceans have more time and space to build and gain energy, leading to larger wave heights.
Wind Strength: Oceans are often exposed to stronger and more consistent winds compared to lakes and seas. Stronger winds exert more force on the water surface, generating larger waves. The absence of landmasses or geographic features that can obstruct wind flow allows oceans to experience more powerful and sustained winds, contributing to the formation of larger waves.
Water Depth: The depth of the water body influences wave behavior. In oceans, the water is generally deeper than in lakes and shallow seas. Deep water allows waves to propagate with less interference, resulting in larger, more uniform waves. In contrast, shallow water found in lakes and shallow seas tends to cause waves to interact with the seabed or lake floor, leading to wave shoaling and breaking, which reduces wave size.
Distance from Land: Oceans are often located farther from land masses compared to lakes and seas. When waves travel across open oceanic expanses without encountering land, they have the opportunity to accumulate energy and develop into larger swells. Lakes and seas, on the other hand, are often more influenced by nearby land, which can provide shelter from winds and reduce wave size.
It's important to note that there can be exceptions to these general observations, and wave characteristics can vary depending on local conditions, such as specific geography, prevailing winds, and local topography.