What is a rogue wave? (2024)

FAQs

What is a rogue wave short answer? ›

Rogues, called 'extreme storm waves' by scientists, are those waves which are greater than twice the size of surrounding waves, are very unpredictable, and often come unexpectedly from directions other than prevailing wind and waves.

A rogue wave is usually defined as a wave that is two times the significant wave height of the area. The significant wave height is the average of the highest one-third of waves that occur over a given period. Rogue waves can disable and sink even the largest ships and oil rigs.

By 2007, it was further proven via satellite radar studies that waves with crest-to-trough heights of 20 to 30 m (66 to 98 ft) occur far more frequently than previously thought. Rogue waves are now known to occur in all of the world's oceans many times each day. Rogue waves are now accepted as a common phenomenon.

Cruise ships are designed to be stable and to withstand rough seas, and they have multiple safety features in place to prevent capsizing. In addition, modern navigation technology and weather forecasting can help ships avoid areas where rogue waves are more likely to occur.

According to the data, the 58-feet-high rogue wave was over three times as large as the waves that came before and after it, making it the most extreme rogue wave recorded to date. The first extreme rogue wave was recorded off Norway in 1995 and measured around 84 feet.

Generally, a non-breaking wave can't capsize a ship, the wave must break to impact significant energy. In boat design some experiments show that the breaking wave height would need to be larger than half the length of the boat.

Yes! While rogue waves can sink vessels as large as an oil rig, many ships survive without extensive damage or disabling. Rogue waves are unpredictable, so those navigating the open ocean should stay vigilant and take advantage of any forewarning, even if it is only seconds.

One of the few video recordings of (what might be) a rogue wave. In June 2005 a pair of rogue waves struck two participants in a fishing competition which capsized their 34-foot (10 m) boat 38 miles (33 nmi; 61 km) off Merritt Island, Bahamas.

The fact that rogue waves actually take place relatively frequently had major safety and economic implications, since current ships and offshore platforms are built to withstand maximum wave heights of only 15 metres.

Scientists and sailors have noted that rogue waves are more likely to occur when wave trains run into fast ocean currents. For example, off the coast of South Africa, wave trains frequently encounter the strong Agulhas current, causing the waves to become even steeper.

What is the highest recorded wave in history? ›

Lituya Bay in Alaska is known for the largest recorded wave, with a towering height of 1,720 feet triggered by a massive landslide in 1958, causing extensive devastation.

Many surfers say Jaws consistently produces the biggest waves in the world, or at least in the Pacific Ocean. This submerged beach break has had multiple Wave of the Winter winners. Most notably, in 2016, Yuri Soledad from Brazil surfed an enormous 71-foot barrel wave!

Yes! While rogue waves can sink vessels as large as an oil rig, many ships survive without extensive damage or disabling. Rogue waves are unpredictable, so those navigating the open ocean should stay vigilant and take advantage of any forewarning, even if it is only seconds.

On 29 November 2022, a rogue wave hit the Viking cruise ship Viking Polaris while she was on her way to Ushuaia, Argentina.

They also differ from each other in the way that tsunamis are barely evident above deep oceans and only become significantly evident when approaching shoreline. On the other hand, rogue waves can attain their great heights regardless of whether it is deep water or closer to the shoreline.

A huge number of variables influences these factors, including the depth of the water, tidal forces, wind blowing across the water, physical objects such as islands that reflect waves, and interaction with other waves and ocean currents.