Sea

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-008713",
  "term": "Sea",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "The interconnected body of saltwater covering most of the Earth's surface, a primary driver of global weather and climate systems. It absorbs and stores vast amounts of solar energy, transporting heat from the equator towards the poles through ocean currents, which moderates coastal climates and influences atmospheric circulation patterns. The average salinity of seawater is approximately 35 parts per thousand, or 3.5%.",
    "The combination of both wind waves and swell. Used to describe the combination or interaction of wind waves and swell in which the separate components are not distinguished. This includes the case when swell is negligible or is not considered in describing sea state. Specifically, Seas^2 = S^2+W^2 where S is the height of the swell and W is the height of the wind wave. When used, Seas should be considered as being the same as the Significant Wave Height"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "fully developed sea"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/sea/"
}