What does NOT influence the rate at which swell decays?

Prepare for the ATSC Weather for Sailing, Flying and Snow Sports exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each detailed with hints and explanations. Set sail with confidence and knowledge!

The correct answer identifies that surface water does not influence the rate at which swell decays. Swell decay is primarily influenced by factors such as wind and currents.

Winds can generate swells and also play a role in altering their energy and height as they travel over distances. As swells propagate, they can be affected by ocean currents that either enhance or diminish their energy. These dynamics contribute to how quickly a swell might lose its energy and height.

On the other hand, while surface water conditions (like temperature or salinity) certainly affect wave formation and their initial energy, they do not directly determine the decay rate of swell once it has been generated. Once swell is moving, the decay is primarily a function of distance traveled and the interaction with wind and currents rather than the properties of the water's surface itself.

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