Dynamical stability is indicated by which of the following?

Dynamical stability is an important concept in naval architecture and stability assessments. It refers to a vessel's ability to return to an upright position after being heeled by external forces, such as wind or waves.

The correct answer highlights the significance of the area under the statical stability curve, also known as the righting lever curve. This area represents the total righting moment available to the vessel as it heels. A larger area indicates greater stability; it implies that the ship has a sufficient righting arm to counteract the heeling moments and return to an upright position. In essence, this measure reflects the vessel's capacity to handle dynamic conditions at sea and indicates how effective the vessel is in maintaining its upright position during heeling.

The height of the center of gravity, the weight of the cargo onboard, and the ratio of beam to length do all have associations with stability but are more relevant to static stability conditions. While these factors contribute to how a vessel behaves under various loading conditions, they do not directly quantify the dynamic response to external forces in the same manner as the area under the statical stability curve. Understanding this distinction is critical for assessing a vessel's overall stability performance in practical situations.