The University of Southampton along with the National Oceanography Centre launched a study according to which rogue waves are occurring less often, but becoming more extreme. In the largest study of its kind, scientists analysed 20 years of observations from buoys situated along America’s western seaboard.
The results were conducted after the examination of 20 years information from 15 buoys which provide surface data along the U.S. western seaboard – stretching from Seattle in the north to San Diego in the south.
According to the data, although rogue waves fell slightly, the size was increased. Generally, rogue waves are more prevalent during winter and are now occurring with a higher frequency within calmer background seas.
There are more rogue waves in the winter and they tend to be ‘more rogue’
… Prof Meric Srokosz, National Oceanography Centre, stated.
Rogue waves along the western shoreline of the U.S. have fatally swept people out to sea at Point Reyes, Maverick’s beach, and Arcata, in California, and Depoe Bay, Oregon.
The research team highlighted that the data found in the study could be specific to the area of ocean that was studied, and more data would be needed from around the world.
For more information on the study, click here.
