Western Reader
A massive rogue wave recorded off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, has been confirmed as the most extreme ever documented. The wave, which struck on November 17, 2020, reached a staggering height of 58 feet (17.6 meters), making it nearly three times the height of the surrounding waves. This extraordinary event was recorded by a buoy deployed by MarineLabs Data Systems as part of a network monitoring the Pacific Ocean’s coastal conditions.
Rogue waves, often called “freak waves,” are rare, unpredictable phenomena that can arise suddenly in open water, posing significant dangers to marine operations and ships. They are not caused by seismic activity like tsunamis but result from the convergence of multiple smaller waves, amplifying their energy. In this case, the rogue wave was about three times higher than the typical 20-foot (6-meter) waves nearby, a ratio never seen before in history.
Gigantic Wave in Pacific Ocean Was The Most Extreme ‘Rogue Wave’ on Record
https://t.co/9NZRyMBxNz— Paul Quibell-smith 🔶 (@QuibellPaul) September 15, 2024
The record-setting wave off Ucluelet, a small town on Vancouver Island’s west coast, was measured by a high-tech buoy located about four miles offshore. Scientists expected such a rogue wave to occur once every 1,300 years, making it a rare event seen once in a millennium.
Dr. Scott Beatty, CEO of MarineLabs, highlighted the danger posed by rogue waves due to their unpredictability and immense size. He emphasized how monitoring such events can enhance marine safety significantly.
Gigantic Wave in Pacific Ocean Was The Most Extreme ‘Rogue Wave’ on Record
https://t.co/9NZRyMBxNz— Paul Quibell-smith 🔶 (@QuibellPaul) September 15, 2024
The scientific community has been intrigued by rogue waves since the confirmation of the first one in 1995 off Norway’s coast, known as the Draupner wave, which reached 84 feet (25.6 meters). However, it was only about twice the height of surrounding waves. The Ucluelet wave’s exceptional size relative to its surroundings has earned it the title of the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded.
Researchers at the University of Victoria, analyzing data from MarineLabs, have published their findings in the Scientific Reports journal. Dr. Johannes Gemmrich, a lead scientist, stressed the discovery’s significance in understanding ocean dynamics and shedding light on the conditions that may lead to rogue wave formation. They aim to use ongoing monitoring to predict such events in the future, potentially reducing their threat to maritime activities.
Increasing ocean temperatures due to climate change might contribute to the rising occurrence of extreme waves. Scientists speculate that conditions conducive to rogue waves could become more prevalent as a result. While predicting the next wave of this magnitude remains challenging, continuous research and improved sensor technology will aid in tracking and studying these colossal phenomena.
For now, the Ucluelet rogue wave remains a record-breaking natural event, serving as a potent reminder of the ocean’s formidable forces and highlighting the importance of advancing marine science for the safety of sailors and coastal communities.
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