What is the name of a long, smooth wave coming from a distant storm center?

A long, smooth wave generated by a distant storm center is referred to as a swell. Swells travel across the ocean as energy waves, often originating from storms far away. These waves become organized patterns that can move thousands of miles before breaking upon shorelines, characterizing their smooth and elongated appearance.

In contrast, the other terms describe different aspects of ocean waves. A trough refers to the lowest point between two wave crests, while a crest is the highest point of the wave. A roll is not a specific term recognized in oceanography regarding wave definitions. Understanding these terms helps in grasping how wave dynamics work in ocean environments.