What is a fetch?

Question

I am studying dynamic processes in Earth Science. Does anyone know what a fetch is? I think its an area where ocean waves are being generated by the wind, but I'm not sure.

Answer 1

The fetch is the distance that the wind has to generate waves, and for the waves to grow. The longer distance the larger the waves. It is the distance that the wave action has to build up across the water.

Answer 2

The fetch is the length of water over which wind has blown. The longer the fetch, the higher the wave, although the speed of the wind will affect it as well.