Development Page--Not for Official Use http://surfing.about.com/library/blpages/blwaveterms.htm http://polar.wwb.noaa.gov/waves/pres/primer/ Describe WaveStatistics here.

Significant wave: A statistical term relating to the one-third highest waves of a given wave group and defined by the average of their heights and periods.

Significant wave height: Average height of the highest one-third of the waves for a stated interval of time.

Significant wave period: Average period of the highest one-third of the waves for a stated interval of time.