How ocean conditions drive warship size

Which bodies of water are unsuitable for certain warship classes?

Exposed oceans such as the South Atlantic and broad Pacific are hard on small ships, encouraging larger hulls with better seakeeping.

Large waves make the South Atlantic, broad Pacific, and other exposed waters punishing environments for small ships. The improbability of an unescorted Tribal-class destroyer roaming the South Atlantic shows how geography constrains deployment choices. Cruisers can retain mobility and fighting value where destroyers may be sent only from necessity or as part of a convoy screen. The battering experienced by British ships during the Falklands War reinforced the Royal Navy's move toward larger hulls with better seakeeping.