A "cross-off wave" is not a standard technical term for a specific type of wave formation itself, but rather refers to the condition of waves influenced by a cross off-shore wind.
Based on the provided reference, cross off-shore describes a wind direction that blows across the waves in an angle towards the sea. This specific wind condition has a notable effect on the water's surface and the waves.
Understanding Cross Off-Shore Wind and Its Effect on Waves
When the wind blows cross off-shore, it means the wind is coming from the land (shore) and blowing out towards the open ocean, but at an angle to the direction the waves are traveling.
Here's how it impacts the waves, according to the reference:
- It creates small ripples on the surface.
Unlike a direct off-shore wind which might smooth the wave face and make it "hollower," or an on-shore wind which tends to make waves "crumble" and less defined, a cross off-shore wind introduces surface texture (the small ripples) while still having a component that pushes against the incoming swell.
Contrasting Wind Directions
The reference also mentions cross on-shore wind for comparison:
- Cross on-shore: across the waves in an angle towards the shore, creating “crumbling” sections on a breaking wave.
- Cross off-shore: across the waves in an angle towards the sea, creating small ripples on the surface.
Let's summarize the key differences mentioned:
| Wind Direction | Angle Relative to Waves | Direction Relative to Shore | Effect on Waves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross Off-shore | Across | Towards the sea | Creates small ripples |
| Cross On-shore | Across | Towards the shore | Creates “crumbling” sections |
| Glass | N/A | N/A | No wind |
Practical Implications
For activities like surfing, paddleboarding, or boating, understanding wind direction relative to the swell is crucial.
- Cross off-shore conditions, while creating surface ripples, can sometimes help hold up the lip of a breaking wave slightly, but the angled wind might make it choppy or difficult on one side depending on the angle.
- Cross on-shore conditions generally make waves less desirable for surfing as they cause the wave face to break unevenly or "crumble."
- Glass conditions (no wind) are often considered ideal as they result in smooth, clean wave faces.
In summary, a "cross-off wave" refers to a wave environment where the wind is blowing from the land towards the sea at an angle to the swell, resulting in specific surface characteristics like small ripples. The term is derived from the wind condition called "cross off-shore."
