Wind setup

Wind setup, also known as wind effect or storm effect, refers to the rise in water level in seas or lakes caused by winds pushing the water in a specific direction. As the wind moves across the water's surface, it applies a shear stress to the water, prompting the formation of a wind-driven current. When this current encounters a shoreline, the water level along the shore increases, generating a hydrostatic counterforce in equilibrium with the shear force.

During a storm, wind setup is a component of the overall storm surge. For instance, in the Netherlands, the wind setup during a storm surge can elevate water levels by approximately 3 metres above the normal tide. In the case of cyclones, the wind setup can reach up to 5 metres. This can result in a significant rise in water levels, particularly when the water is forced into a shallow, funnel-shaped area.