A Theoretical Explanation of the Fetch- and Duration-Limited Laws

The evolution of wind-induced ocean waves is studied theoretically. The modeling assumes that wave groups evolve independently of each other in a state of local equilibrium between wind-pumping- and wave-breaking-induced dissipation. The well-known fetch and duration laws appear as natural solutions of the model in the case of a constant wind speed. The link between the fetch and duration laws is explained, and the results are successfully validated against various experimental data.