![]() ![]() The topic also regularly causes a mix of wonder and panic online. The place where they seem to be most prevalent is off the coast of La Rochelle in France, namely the Isle of Ré - the spectacle often attracting a great number of tourists each year. There are some waves that you really don't ever want to encounter when you're swimming in the ocean. This is likely due to vessels taking on water from waves coming at them from two different directions at once and the fact that the resulting swells can reach up to 10 feet high. ![]() If this occurrence happens in deeper parts of the ocean, square waves can be dangerous not only for humans but boats and ships as well. Size of a Wave Waves have crests (the peak of the wave) and troughs (the lowest point on the wave). According to HowStuffWorks, the conditions form when systems of ocean waves caused by wind collide with waves caused by a new weather system in what's known as 'cross seas. Waves are the forward movement of the ocean's water due to the oscillation of water particles by the frictional drag of wind over the water's surface. ![]() It's also a phenomenon which is far more common than you might think and has even been attributed to a number of boating accidents and shipwrecks over the years. Square waves are the result of the intersection of two swells coming from different directions, creating square-patterned riptides on the water’s surface. While the natural phenomenon of square waves may create a beautiful view or make for a stunning photograph, the checkerboard pattern is actually a sign of danger. Deadliest tsunami in history when hero elephant saved Brit girl’s life on Boxing Day.Photographer captures incredible moment wave forms 'giant croissant' during Storm Eunice.That's because, underneath the surface, they're indicative of the presence of strong riptides which can pull in two different directions, thereby proving very difficult to break free from should a swimmer get caught up in them. Once thought by some to be a sign that an earthquake or tsunami was imminent, square waves - or cross seas - are caused by two separate weather systems colliding and creating an almost chessboard-like pattern upon the water.īut, no matter how weirdly pretty or inviting they may appear, they can actually prove fatal to any unsuspecting beachgoer who might fancy a dip. With summer on its way and many of us planning to head abroad or to the coast, there's a dangerous nautical phenomenon that swimmers need to be aware of. ![]()
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