freak waves
Unpredictable ocean monsters
Freak waves are unusually large ocean waves that appear suddenly and unexpectedly, often in otherwise moderate seas.
Also called rogue waves or monster waves, they can reach heights of 25 meters or more—roughly double the surrounding waves—and have been blamed for sinking ships that would survive ordinary storm conditions.
Once dismissed as sailor's legend, their existence was confirmed by scientific instruments in the late twentieth century.
- wall of waterVertical advancing flood
- swellsEnlarges or billows
- tsunamiSeismic sea surge
- oceanographyScientific study of seas
- crestsHighest points reached
troughs · unpredictable · caught off guard · maxima · ship safety · extreme · rarities · storm surge · perfect storm · deep water · open ocean · maritime safety · bathymetry · superposition · surf zone · ocean currents · tidal currents · ephemeral