Underwater ambient noise is known to be wind dependent. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the nature of the transfer of energy from the wind to the acoustic noise field. Examples include wind and wave turbulence and nonlinear interactions between surface waves. This study examines these wind‐related mechanisms at the low end of the acoustic spectrum. Data from a long‐term investigation of ocean waves and the associated microseism response recorded ashore have provided evidence helpful in identifying the active processes. It is concluded that the noise field below 5 Hz is controlled by nonlinear wave–wave interactions and that existing theories account adequately for the effects observed.