![]() ![]() ![]() Waves can go upto 3 metres high which is enough to overturn or swamp small vessels and the overlapping currents are strong enough to pull swimmers down. Reportedly, cross seas have caused a number of shipwrecks over the years. Though considered very rare to spot in other places, these waves frequently occur at a spot near La Rochelle in France where tourists climb atop a lighthouse to witness the phenomenon. Such waves, which can be similar to rip tides in intensity can be found in the ocean as well as near the coast. Unlike normal circumstances when waves run parallel to the shore, a cross sea is when the waves of one weather system run at an oblique angle to another weather system which continues moving ahead in the same direction despite facing strong resistance from the opposite current. generated by wave refraction and diffraction. Cross seas also often occur in the coastal regions, e.g. This phenomenon is called a cross sea or a square wave which was once believed to be a tsunami warning but not anymore. Different weather systems colliding occur when a wind sea and a swell, or two swell systems coexist and is fairly common in the ocean. When water from different weather systems or from two seas collide in the oceans, something like a criss-cross or chessboard pattern gets formed on the surface. Posts resurfacing on social media platforms from time to time claim that if anyone observes square waves in the ocean, they must get away from the water immediately as it is a signal of an incoming tsunami wave. They are formed as a result of two strong currents from opposite directions colliding in the water. Square waves in the ocean can be dangerous, but they aren’t a means of predicting tsunamis. October 23, 2023.The appearance of square waves on the surface of the ocean means a tsunami is on its way and one must get away from the water “ Square Waves in Ocean Settings Are Rare But Dangerous.” How Stuff Works.“ Square Sea Waves: What They Are & Why They Occur.” House of Surf.“ Square Waves Are a Thing - and If You See Them, Get Out of the Water Immediately.” Travel and Leisure.Keep Reading: People have huge concerns after seeing how world’s first stand-up waterslide works Sources It is often used to explain how different weather systems end up interacting with each other. The formula usually describes a nonlinear wave motion. Scientists are of the opinion that square waves are an example of the Kadomstev-Petviashvili equation at work. Interestingly, one can often spot two opposing swells in shallow waters- such as those off the Isle of Rhe and off Tel Aviv, Israel. While it is odd to think that waves that intersect each other at different angles would be drawing so many people- how many of us have seen square waves being created in water? ![]() However, one has to see it from a safe distance. So it should come as no surprise that these places are major tourist attractions that bring in thousands to the island’s lighthouse- especially in the Isle Of Re. It is situated at the very Northern tip of the country, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide. Another coastal area where one can see such waves would be Cape Reinga in New Zealand. The island, located just off the coast of La Rochelle in France, is one of the most well-known locations for spotting crossed sea waves. Some examples would be the Isle of Re in France. With the swells coming up from different angles and often refracting all the way around the peninsular region, one can see the formation of a square wave. Usually, these are found at peninsulas of land where two oceans or big waterbodies meet. There are a few places where square waves are found. Read: Surfers Risked Their Lives To Save A Crying Baby Whale By Swimming Beside Him For Six Hours… Square Waves May Be Attractive, But They Are Also Dangerous Rather, one should spend this time relaxing on the sand- waiting for better conditions to venture out. So, while it is pretty rare, if one does stumble across this, they would have to avoid heading out using a boat or even swimming in the extremely tenuous seas. This makes it difficult for boaters to navigate and swimmers to make their way through the seas. The cross seas end up forming swells that can go up to 10 feet in height and also create unique patterns in the wind. As explained by the ESA or the European Space Agency back in 2010, “ The conditions are quite common in the ocean and occur when a windsea, and a swell, or two swell systems, coexist.” A study conducted in 2004 also showed, “ a large percentage of ship accidents occurred in crossing sea states.” Credit: Shutterstock For those who are curious, a square wave is also known as cross sea, and occurs when two or more swells meet to form a square- which often resembles a checkerboard. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |