Freak wave 'hot spots' identified

bbc ^ | 9 August 2009 | Griet Scheldeman

[JoeProBono]

Scientists in the US have made a major advance in their understanding of so-called freak waves. These monster waves present a major risk to ships and offshore platforms. A computer simulation developed by oceanographers in the US could help locate where and when these "rogue" phenomena are most likely to occur. The theoretical study shows that coastal areas with variations in water depth and strong currents are hot spots for freak waves. The history of seafaring is littered with tales of rogue waves capable of rending ships asunder.

[JoeProBono]

In 2008, a cargo ship was grounded off Blackpool after being hit by a freak wave

[AFPhys]

This study is not as big a story or a surprise as the headline presents it to be. Certainly it is a useful study, but there is nothing that indicates they have come to any better understanding.

[webheart]

This study is not as big a story or a surprise as the headline presents it to be. Certainly it is a useful study, but there is nothing that indicates they have come to any better understanding.

Yes, but how maahy times in a journalists life will he be able to use "rend asunder" in an article?

[webheart]

maahy = many. I wish I could type.

[nathanbedford]

Peter Franken wrote an interesting book on ocean currents, the title of which escapes which contains interesting information on freak waves. The book, The Perfect Storm, has an interesting excursion into the science of waves. I think both of these authors indicate that occasionally a freak wave exceeds its "theoretical height" of about 100 feet which is about half again as high as this article posits.

One can only imagine the awesome spectacle of wave as featured in the movie, The Perfect Storm .

[JoeProBono]

[nathanbedford]

That’s it.

[SunkenCiv]

Freak wave 'hot spots' identified

Hmm... freak wave hot spots, that would be the White House, ACORN, MSNBC...

Thanks JoeProBono.

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[ForGod'sSake]

[nathanbedford]

LOL if it weren't so true.