How do wind speeds create waves

Waves form as the wind's energy is transferred to the surface of water. A weak gusty wind can make ripples appear on smooth water ... The duration of the winds. The longer the wind blows over the open water, the larger the waves.

Wave height is affected by wind speed, wind duration (or how long the wind blows), and fetch, which is the distance over water that the wind blows in a single direction. If wind speed is slow, only small waves result, regardless of wind duration or fetch.