Here is why this scoundrel wave is described as “phenomenon of the century”

Sailors have been dreading them for centuries, but science has only been interested in it for a few decades. Meanwhile, The scoundrel waves. Furthermore, these mountains of water suddenly emerging in the middle of the ocean, intrigue as much as they worry. However, The event captured in 2020 near the island of Vancouver represents a major advance in understanding these extreme phenomena. Consequently, the detailed study of which was published in Scientific Reports in 2022. This discovery here why this scoundrel wave raises crucial questions about maritime security and the impact of climate changeclimate change On our oceans.

A marine monster with unpublished proportions – Here why this scoundrel wave

The maritime world knows these anomaliesanomalies oceanic that are the scoundrel waves. These impressive formations are distinguished by their disproportionate size compared to the surrounding waves. Traditionally, we consider that a wave becomes “scoundrel” when it reaches at least double the height of neighboring waves.

The wave detected off Canada has remarkable characteristics:

• a height of 17.6 meters. equivalent to a four -story building;
• An unprecedented height report, three times higher than the surrounding waves;
• Sudden training, characteristic of the scoundrel waves;
• precise instrumental detection thanks to a specialized buoy.

If the Draupner wave, recorded in 1995 near the Norwegian here why this scoundrel wave coast, remains the highest ever measured with its 25.6 meters, that of the North Pacific stands out for its extreme disproportion. This exceptional character makes it a particularly precious case of study for the oceanographers of the University of Victoria. which analyze these phenomena.

Technological sentries in front of the seas giants

The capture of data on this exceptional phenomenon is not the result. of chance. It results from a surveillance system deployed in the North Pacific. This discovery has also motivated the Marinelabs Institute to intensify its surveillance efforts by installing a dozen additional buoys. in the region.

These measuring instruments play a crucial role for several reasons:

First. they make it possible to collect precious data on the formation and the characteristics of the scoundrel waves, phenomena long considered as legendary before their scientific confirmation. Second, this information contributes to improving the predictive models used to alert ships, oil platforms and here why this scoundrel wave potentially threatened wind farms.

The implementation of this surveillance network represents a turning point in our ability to document these extraordinary natural events which. although generally occurring far from the coasts, constitute a real danger for human activities at sea.

The impact of global warming on ocean giants

This discovery takes on a particular dimension in the current context of. climate change. According to a study published in Science Advances In 2020. researchers from the University of Melbourne planned a significant increase in the size of the waves in the North Pacific by 2100.

The mechanism is relatively simple to understand: waves are formed under the action of ventvent on the surface of the water. However. the rise in atmospheric temperatures causes more powerful and more frequent winds, leading to the formation of more imposing waves.

This perspective underlines the crucial importance of maintaining and extending the surveillance networks of extreme maritime phenomena. The data collected will not only improve our scientific understanding of these events. but also to adapt maritime infrastructure to more demanding future conditions.

Faced with these aquatic giants whose power defies the imagination. only in -depth knowledge will allow you to sail in safety in the oceans of tomorrow.