Inoceanographywind fetch, also known asfetch length or simplyfetch, is the length of water over which a givenwind has blown without obstruction.[2][3] Fetch is used ingeography andmeteorology and its effects are usually associated withsea state and when it reaches shore it is the main factor that createsstorm surge which leads to coastalerosion andflooding.[citation needed] It also plays a large part inlongshore drift.[citation needed][clarification needed]
Fetch length, along with thewind speed (wind strength), and duration, determines the size (sea state) ofwaves produced. If thewind direction is constant, the longer the fetch and the greater the wind speed, the more wind energy is transferred to the water surface and the larger the resulting sea state will be.[4] Sea state will increase over time until local energy dissipation balances energy transfer to the water from the wind and a fully developed sea results.[citation needed]
